Lee Studios NYC

LeeStudiosNYC has just recently re-designed their website. A couple of interesting sections have been added. One is their Men of the D.R. section, and now they are selling merchandise, including posters and t-shirts. Be sure to check them out.

Thank God It's Friday!

Killer Found?

According to this morning's newspaper, Francisco Martinez, has been picked up. He has admitted to the police that he killed Jack Phillips. I had heard yesterday that someone was picked up, but I was told it was the guy who lived in the house. I am trying to get more information. It will come out in the wash and as soon as it does I will post it here.

Buen Día

Tonight is the Premios Casandra (Casandra Awards). Named after legendary Dominican singer, Casandra Damirón. The awards have been presented since 1985. This is the biggest night of the year for all Dominican performing artists, locally and abroad. This also makes it one of the biggest nights for Gays. Hair has to be tended to; gowns made; faces painted; and don't forget all those dance numbers. The show is beautifully produced and executed and I can't wait.
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Nothing more about the investigation into Jack Phillips' death. Of course, there is tons of conjecture, but nothing concrete. Nothing but rumor, but it seems the police are taking this case very seriously. I have gotten many emails asking me if I was now afraid of living here. Here is the short answer. NO! Yes, I would like to know what happened and I would like to know that whomever perpetrated this crime will be brought to justice. But no, I don't feel any added fear. I understand only very well that this could have happened to me. As a foreigner living here I am very careful about who I allow to inhabit my space. I also understand that this could have happened in NYC, or any other place on earth.
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The New York Times had a very interesting feature last week about author Jesse Hoffnung-Garskof. He has written “A Tale of Two Cities: Santo Domingo and New York after 1950” (Princeton University Press, 2008). The Times allowed readers to post their questions about how Dominicans have transformed New York city, and how their lives in the U.S. has changed the Dominican Republic. Very interesting questions and thought-provoking answers.
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I have confirmed that a new gay club will be opening on the weekend of April 17, 2009. It will be in the old club that housed Rouge, in Gazcue. This is going to be very interesting. Can Santo Domingo support two large clubs? We shall soon see. I have been told that 2 Dominican strippers from NYC will be flown in. Other surprises are also in store. I have the name, but I want to confirm the spelling. A flyer should be forthcoming shortly. Let the games begin.
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Is Andy Peña a gay Bachata singer? It would seem so, and if you see the comments you can see that some people are not happy about it. Well, fuck 'em! He has also made a video that is very interesting.

La Casa Rosada

Went to La Casa Rosada last week. The head sister-in-charge gave me a list of some medications that they need. If anyone has access to medicines, or knows anyone else who does here is the list:

• Dicloxacillin 500 mg.
• Azithromycin 500 mg.
  
• Clarithromycin 500 mg.
• Amoxicillin 500 mg.
• Cephalexin 500 mg.
• Ceftriaxone 500 mg.
• Protein Powder
• Ketoconazole Cream
• Ketoconazole Shampoo
• Acetaminophen
• Clotrimazole Cream
• Fluconazile

La Casa Rosada
Hogar-Escuela-Hospital
Av. Prol. Venezuela, C/Isabel Aguiar “Loly”
Los Tres brazos
Santo Domingo Este, Rep. Dom.

Me Gusta

I have been checking out the Ricardo Muniz' blog and found more photos of my new favorite, Corona. I think I am in love.

Ricardo Muniz @ Coquichulo Images

Puerto Rican photographer, Ricardo Muniz of Coquichulo Images, continues to titillate with his latest feature--a tribute to winter in New York City he calls, "Pimp Papis." What better way to celebrate the beauty of the Latino male, say goodbye to winter and welcome spring than by throwing three near-naked men, two Dominicans and an Argentine, into the snow and saying, "Work it, papis!" This series was published in the famed Paris magazine, Ohlala. The models featured are Corona (Dominican), Santiago, (Argentine), and, of course, the 2008 winner of the Mr. Escandalo Contest, Deilin (Dominican). Feel free to check out more of Ricardo's art and photography at his blog www.coquichuloimages.blogspot.com.Above is my FAVORITE!

Alex Rodriguez

I know not many people are showing Alex Rodriguez much love right now. But these new photos in Details magazine should change all that. I just love the photo at the top!

TRANSSADOMINICANA.COM

A young transsexual was killed last week. The community got together to protest and to say enough is enough with the hate. Bravo to them!

Arlenis!

Arlenis Sosa is on the cover of the latest issue of Time magazine. This Dominican supermodel-in-training keeps kicking ass. This month marks her first full year as a professional model. Wow!

Latest

The gossip mill is running rampant about Jack Phillips' murder. Who could do this? Why? Does every foreigner have someting to fear? I did not know Jack well. I think I laid eyes on him maybe 10 times in my life. And most of those times was seeing him sitting at Paco's when I walked by. I feel confident that the police will find out who did this. Someone out there knows something. I have the contact information for lead investigator. If you have information that could help please contact:

Doctora Francia A. Hernandez P.
Franciametal@hotmail.com
809.682.2151 x2435 or 2437

I am not sure if she speaks English, but they have someone who can translate. I think the family, if they are able, should post some type of reward to get people talking. I will keep you posted.

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The rumor mill is running overtime with the talk of a new nightclub opening. I am not sure of the name, but it is supposed to open in the spot of the old Rouge club in Gazcue. I have heard that they will be opening in April, and will have something like 18 go-go boys for the premiere. Can Santo Domingo support another large club? Only time will tell.

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The With the economy in the tank the way it is people in the U.S. who are struggling are now asking family members in the D.R. for help. Interesting article in the New York Daily News.

Jack Phillips is Dead

It has been confirmed that Jack Phillips' body was found in his apartment. I know there are many questions. One being, wasn't the apartment searched already? Honestly, I don't know the answer. What I do know is that no one deserves to die like that. My thoughts and sympathies go out to his friends and family. Now let's hope that they catch the motherfuckers who did this.

Update: The police are now rounding up suspects for questioning. I just got a call from an American who lives here who was just picked up by the police for questioning. I will keep you posted.

http://listindiario.com/app/article.aspx?id=94270

Haiti

Former United States president, Bill Clinton, along with United Nations general secretary, Ban Ki Moon, visited Haiti yesterday to call attention to the grinding poverty in the country. Music star, Wyclef Jean, was also there. Haiti desperately needs the help, so any attention is welcome.

Hola Monday's

Him

Mario Session's Birthday

Carnaval Photos (2)