PERHAPS...

People have asked me many times why the guys you meet in the D.R. seem to always have their hand out.

First, let me say emphatically that not all of them have their hand out and not all of them steal.

Similar to anywhere else in the world, socio-economics play an instumental role in behavior. And while poverty doesn't necessarily lead to crime or poor behavior, it is definitely a factor when you consider ones level of desperation and education.

What does this have to do with the guys you meet in the D.R.? Well, while most of us enjoy the comforts of the Colonial Zone, the Malecon and the beach areas, there is much poverty in the city and throughout the country. A study just released by dr1.com reports that 45% of rural citizens and 31% of urban citizens live below the poverty level. Therefore, the guys are just businessmen trying to get the highest dollar for their product.

FRIDAY FANTASY 6

I'm sure I'm not alone in having this fantasy. Have you ever seen sexy brothers, twins, triplets and thought "hmm, I wonder..."

Well, being the conservative I am, I would never persue making this a reality. But it sure is nice when those occasions come up, you make that wicked grin and think "hmm..."

Alas, this is fantasy.

CUBA

Just in case we Americans are about to embark upon a new era and be able to travel freely to Cuba, I thought I'd post some pics to help dispel the myth that the entire island is impoverished and frozen in time.

Much of the capitol of Havana resembles scenes you might find in Santo Domingo. There are nice hotels, old architecture and a nice Malecon.

FRIDAY FANTASY 5

I thought I'd revisit my Brazilian fantasy. I'm usually a rather conservative person. I find Brazil interesting because of their hedonistic attitudes. I would love to spend about 2 weeks in Brazil visiting the various cities and "learning" about the different cultures and traditions. Why, I might even set aside my inhibitions and visit a few


of the bath houses they're noted for, or venture into one of the favelas (in daylight, of course!).


The Bahian Heat event is coming soon, so if you have a similar fantasy and have the time, you should check it out!

























































photos by Chris Geary

SAD NEWS, INDEED

I just got home from work and read my e-mail. As I opened a message from David Lee of the Sports Bar I could do nothing but stare at the words on my screen, my mouth agape. Surely this was a prank, a bad joke. But no, the news is confirmed on his blog and it is sad news, indeed.

The Sports Bar is officially closed. There is no need for speculation because he gives all the information he needs/chooses to give on his blog.

I, for one, know that it will be sorely missed. Not only was the Bar a great place to mingle, chill and relax, but David himself made sure you were having a good time. He is not only full of Southern charm, but he's from the old-school of thought that "everybody is somebody". Whenever you entered the bar it was like going home to grammas' house. All the children were treated equally.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to sit and have lunch with David at Villars on my last trip. If I learned anything from that experience it's that he is down-to-earth and loves people. He also strikes me as someone who is quite resilient. Having said that, I'm sure we've not seen the last of Mr. Lee.

David, here's to you, kid!

FRIDAY FAVORITE 4

What can I say about Ramon? He's always there with a smile (and a beautiful smile it is). Even though he's been around the block a few times, he continues to maintain his charm. He's one of my favorites because he always treats me like I'm special. He's trekked with me throughout the Zone to find just the right souvenirs I've wanted, we've celebrated birthdays together and just genuinely enjoy one anothers company. He's not bashful anymore and you can see his work on several internet sites. However, these are from my collection.

MISS UNIVERSE 2006

The Miss Universe pageant is this Sunday in Los Angeles, CA. If you are a pageant fanatic or fan, you may remember that Miss DR won the title a few years ago. This years representative, Mia Taveras, is wowing the aficionados and is currently ranked in the top 12 by curcuit magazines and other entities.

UPDATE: After all the speculation and guesstimation, Mia Taveras didn't even make the top 20. Though her national outfit was FIERCE, she was beaten out by some tough competition. Miss Japan and Miss Puerto Rico were neck and neck all the way, but Miss Puerto Rico pulled it out in the end. There was another interesting development: latin and central American countries were really on their game this year. Miss Paraguay was also in the top 5, with Miss Mexico, Miss Trinidad and Miss Columbia having made the top 10. Miss Bolivia was in the top 10 as well.

FRIDAY FANTASY 4

This awesome beauty was captured during the Mr. Caribbean contest by photographer Ian Shirley.

BACK TO THE BEACH

Here are more pics from the beach at Boca Chica.






































































1. entrada
2. mature papi
3. just a weeee bit more
4. para la chicas

1. strolling
2. showing off
3. entertaining

PORQUE PAPI?

dr1.com reports that a recent study reveals that 20 percent of the population becomes sexually active at age 13. Not surprising, really, and comparable to the population in the States.

However, what amazed me is that the study also revealed that half of the muchachos 17-25 are taking some form of sexual stimulant. WOW!!! What a bubble burst! And here we thought papi was just really turned-on by our incredible beauty. Seriously, there is concern because the youth don't realize the potential side effects of the drugs and possible damage due to long-term usage.

FRIDAY FAVORITE 3

Does anyone else miss seeing Daniel behind the bar at JayDees? How about seeing him in the Big Banana contests they used to have? He was always one of my favorites. He sure could serve some good cocktails.






































1. Daniel @ JayDees
2. Paul Culver photo

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Even though we don't all support our current leadership, may not agree with the war in Iraq and certainly dislike the corporate gouging at the gas pump, we still live in a country that's considered to be the best democratic society in the world.




Today, we all should celebrate our collective and individual independence, as well as the freedoms we enjoy. Happy 4th!!