Politics

I have to start with politics. I woke up a couple days ago and repeated my same routine, turn on the computer then the TV. Tune to the news, head to the kitchen to fill the tea pot, pausing to decide between tea and coffee (coffee), then back to the computer. What the hell do I read on Yahoo? Russia invades Georgia??? It was like reading something from the Cold War Era.

I squinted, frowned and thought maybe the heading had something to do with the Olympics. How is it possible that after seeing the grievous errors in approach, mentality and miscalculation of world opinion that the Bush administration made in the lead up and prosecution of the “Iraq War”, could the Russian government attack and invade Georgia?

This cold war mentality of hegemony within spheres of influence and colonialism is what is ultimately the downfall of all great nations - China is not exempt with its religious persecution. Is this about nationalism or men needing to show might? It seems that the last two great nations feel as if they need to promote war to maintain relevance. It’s pathetic… Russia’s Cold War Metality.

Cipriani Upstairs

First, in case no one told you, Cipriani Upstairs is re-opening Thursday, August 28th. If we weren’t closed for August we would have had the after party for Rodrigo Santoro’s new film Che with Benicio del Toro. Rodrigo is friends with Gerry Butler. I met up with them at Bijou on Friday night after dinner at Cipriani Downtown with friends and headed to make the rounds since we are closed upstairs.

At Bijou we run into a few NY Models outside on the sidewalk - I stop to say hello to one of them, Janaina Reis (brazilian), and head inside. It's a pretty night, the place is really cute. We sit with one of the owners, Unik, and settle in. He’s sitting next to Next model Carime Lobo, also Brazilian and gorgeous.

Gerry introduces me to Rodrigo who is out with the speech coach for Che and describes him as amazing. Rodrigo is big on karaoke and we both are just a little eager to show off the vocals. We chill at Bijou for a little longer then head to 1 Oak. It seems like the crowd has followed and the place is already pretty good.

Well, apparently somewhere along the line I caught a buzz and was happy to be at Ronnie Madra’s table because it gave us a place to chill and have friends, existing and new, to come and play. Being there reminded me that DJ Jus Ske had informed me that he was no longer with Mark Ronson’s label and was now with DJ AM’s management. Just as talented. He worked the Cipriani Halloween party for me last year and he was incredible. I never knew he had a Euro House set.

The Olympics

NBC has actually made the Olympics interesting. The competition is great… Can you say Michael Phelps! Women’s beach Volley Ball, all of the swimming events, men’s and women’s gymnastics… I swear I’ve been riveted! Men’s Basketball again Tuesday??? I’ve got chills just thinking about it.

The coverage is balanced and shows the competitive nature of the games, and they discuss the weaknesses of the American teams. The honesty of the commentators shows the commitment and drive of each athlete. I found myself cheering with Michael Phelps and his teammates as he won the 4×100 Freestyle and the incredible finish by Jason Lezak in the last leg. I jumped up and flexed and screamed with the boys. Teammate’s fingertip touch gives Phelps’s bid a big hand.

Gymnastics was beyond phenomenal. Impressive team effort with nothing to lose and everything to gain on arguably the great stage. Yes we just missed the silver with a few faults on the pummel horse but we weren’t even expected to place. I forget how young and proud the Olympics makes you feel. And proud, yes proud, to be an American.

To the credit of the Chinese they have put on a fantastic opening ceremony and have been fantastic hosts and competitors. Their men’s gymnastic team owned the competition. They were in a class above all and made it look easy.

The commercials haven’t been to bad either.