Monday

The Miss Universe pageant was last night. This is an increasingly big deal here in Latin America. Or at least in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimée de la Cruz (photo above left), was the first runner up to the winner, Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez (photo above right). For a minute there I thought there was going to be a celebration on the Malecon. But it was not meant to be. There were many places around the country that were having parties to watch the pageant. Even Cha had a large screen put in place for Sunday party. Miss Dominican Republic gave it her best shot and can proudly hold her head high.

Yesterday was also the final day of the World Track & Field Championships. The Dominican Republic made it to the final of the 4x400 meter relays. They placed sixth, which is great. Click here to see the race.

Jose Luis Guerrero, also known as Maripoli, was killed by police on Monday. Details are sketchy as to exactly what happened. The facts I know for sure is that he was shot in the head and stomach and he is dead. Maripoli was a troubled young man who abused drugs and had a problem taking things that were not his. I wish I could say that I am shocked, but I am not. But it is still a shame.

Update (9/1/09): Maripoli was NOT killed by the police. He was killed by the owner of the house he was trying to rob. According to news accounts he was beaten to death and then shot. His funeral is today.