This and That

Well, let's see, what is going on now... First, I thought I would address some rumors going around. I'm reminded of Oprah Winfrey and the rumor that Stedman was having an affair with her hairdresser. I remember she came on her show and just went off about how it was untrue, and blah, blah, blah. Of course now I understand completely how she feels. Several people, some good friends, have come to me to tell me that the word on the street is that I have a cocaine and "buggaron" problem. When I first heard it I thought I would just smile and hold my head up, you know, how I thought Oprah should've acted back then. But, as always there is a time when you have to address certain things and just call it for what it is, bullshit. I am not naive to think that just because I have written here that those rumors are not true that tomorrow those who wish me ill will somehow go "oh, I'm so glad it is not true." I am just responding to it so that it is on the record. There is another rumor going around. I have gotten several emails and been pulled to the side and asked whether a certain American here has purchased the Venezia Hotel. I have told everyone that I have no knowledge of any such thing, though I would find it highly unlikely. My sources tell me it is the usual nonsense. I then remarked that I heard that said American had also purchased the building next to Jay Dee-s, which we now know was not true. But, then again, stranger things have happened. One of the greatest things about living here and doing what I do is that from time-to-time I get to meet some really nice people. One such person was Paul Lawson. Paul was fortunate while he was here to hang out with Tyson, Sean and I and he just integrated himself in the group very nicely. Paul really got a nice vacation. We did a lot of traveling around and we told Paul he could hang with us and we took him to everywhere. It was great meeting you Paul! This past weekend was very nice. On Friday, I went to an invitation-only birthday soiree at Jerry Gibb's restaurant, Cafe'cletico. Jerry was turning 39 (again!), and decided to have a little shindig to celebrate. Well, no one was disappointed, as the food, drink and conversation (not to mention the scrumptious cake!) were great. Sitting next to me was Mike, and I'm afraid we are not going to be allowed to sit together again, as we were cracking each other up all through dinner. It didn't help that we were downing quite of bit of wine. Great time, great people and thanks to Jerry for the invitation. And one last time, Happy Birthday, Jerry! Then on Saturday, I was hanging out with Ernest Montgomery and his posse of photographers, stylists and make-up folk. They were doing a magazine shoot which started out in Ernest's new apartment (with Monaga handling the real estate!) in the Colonial Zone. Then it moved on to the Parque de Independenica. From there I took them out to the beach house in Guayacanes, where everyone was duly impressed. From there it was on to this beautiful restaurant on the beach in Juan Dolio called Aqua (I hope I have the name right). This place is magnificent. It is right on the beach and has beds done up in white and the cars in the parking lot said that this wasn't a place for the short-of-cash. During this day I got to meet a true Dominica Princess, Monica. For those that don't understand that there is some serious money in the DR, hanging with Monica will set you straight, in a hurry. She knows EVERYBODY! When we went to the restaurant, she knows the owner. If a high-end car is needed, then maybe one from her family (Maserati, Mercedes, etc.) can be used. Need a shot on a boat, then she would call her friend in Casa de Campo and it was done. As befitting a Dominican Princess, she is well-traveled and speaks several languages fluently. She has just moved to NYC a few months ago, BUT, she does not live in Washington Heights, thank you. She has a little pied-a-terre on 74th off Park. She was a lot of fun. The model for the day was Renata Sone, Miss Dominican Republic 2005 (also 1st runner-up for Miss Universe!). Talk about gracious, kind and NO attitude whatsoever. Just a joy being around. Another favorite was the stylist, Pam. Beautiful Black woman with style just easing out of every pore. Funny, charming and just nice. Now, what was I doing there? Uh, basically nothing but being a raconteur. Telling them of my many exploits in the Country, and introducing them to the owners of the beach house in Guayacanes, oh yeah, and I was there to help pick out restaurants and drink and eat. And boy am I exhausted. I wanted to go with them today to Casa de Campo, Altos de Chavon, Isla Saona and all. But, then I was told it was a 6:30am call for everyone to meet and just told them to bring me a doggie bag when they go to the fab restaurants. Okay, I´m downloading all the photos now and they should be up by this evening.