Monday, November 12, 2012
Friday, November 09, 2012
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Obama's New State?
On the heels of President Obama's re-election comes this interesting news out of Puerto Rico. Will there soon be a 51st state?
A slim majority of Puerto Ricans sought to change their ties with the United States and become the 51st U.S. state in a non-binding referendum that would require final approval from Congress.
The two-part referendum asked whether the island wanted to change its 114-year relationship with the United States. Nearly 54 percent, or 922,374 people, sought to change it, while 46 percent, or 786,749 people, favored the status quo. Ninety-six percent of 1,643 precincts were reporting as of early Wednesday.
The second question asked voters to choose from three options, with statehood by far the favorite, garnering 61 percent. Sovereign free association, which would have allowed for more autonomy, received 33 percent, while independence got 5 percent.
President Barack Obama earlier expressed support for the referendum and pledged to respect the will of the people in the event of a clear majority.
It is unclear whether U.S. Congress will debate the referendum results or if Obama will consider the results to be a clear enough majority.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
No Reservations in D.R.
Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations Season 9, Episode 9 was filmed in the Dominican Republic. In his show prepared for The Travel Channel, Bourdain tells it as he sees it. The show aired on Monday, 29 October and included visits to traditional 50-year old 24/7 sandwich place Barra Payan in Santo Domingo, at Daniel's in Playa Rincon, Samana, to Boca Chica, and to El Cabito in Las Galeras. Bourdain also ate salami street breakfast and roasted pork. His conclusion was that you visit "for the beach, the food, the people and the food!"
www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/anthony-bourdain/episodes/dominican-republic
Friday, November 02, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
The Bahamas Celebrate 40
The Bahamas will celebrate 40 years of independence from Great Britain next month. The countrywide theme is Forward, Upward, Onward, Together!
In recognition of the milestone they will honor Sir Sidney Poitier, who was born and raised in the Bahamas until age 15, by re-christening the Paradise Island Bridge to bear his name. Poitier is an iconic figure noted for his theatrical awards, but has also served as Bahamian ambasssdor to UNESCO and Japan.
There is an unfortunate perspective of the events from island insiders HERE.
In any case, Happy 40th Bahamas!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
JetBlue To Samana
JetBlue Airways begins its twice-weekly flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Samana's El Catey International Airport (AZS) on Wednesdays and Saturdays this coming 14 November. This is the only direct air connection between the Dominican Republic's northeastern beach and ecotourism destination and the US mainland.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Monday, October 08, 2012
Friday, October 05, 2012
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Big For Boxing!
This is big news for the world of boxing and for sports in general. Thanks to Rod 2.0 for the heads-up!
Puerto Rican featherweight champion boxer Orlando Cruz has come out and become the first openly gay, active fighter in the sport's history. The 31-year-old Cruz represented Puerto Rico in the Sydney 2000 Olympics and boasts a strong professional record of 18-2-1.
Cruz said that he hopes to become a "role model" for youth, reports USA Today.
"I’ve been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself. I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career. I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican. I have always been and always will be a proud gay man."
Monday, October 01, 2012
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