Surgery anyone?

The financial crisis isn't the only big news in Argentina. Here's a little gem from yesterday's "La Razon:" Three provincial governments are cracking down on local discoteques for giving out plastic surgeries -- more specifically "implantes de siliconas" -- as door prizes to teenagers who frequent their establishments.

Apparently at least one boliche -- the local name for a disco -- in La Rioja has been cited for hooking young partiers by promising surgeries as door prizes. The recent winner of one such prize ceded his surgery coupon to his girlfriend so she could get the aforementioned "implantes." How sweet.

Yes, as I am learning, Argentina is as well known for it surgery obsession as it is for its juicy steaks.  Susanna -- who has a job at an economic consulting firm and therefore a health plan -- recently informed me that her health insurance comes with one free plastic surgery a year. You know, for maintenance. 

So far I've abstained from the famous Argentine beef, and I'm think I'll be staying away from this part of the local culture as well .  .  .

Chau!