Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
Lennox Lewis, this year's recipient of the Americans Friends of Jamaica's Humanitarian Award, to be held at the organisation's 27th annual gala and auction in New York. - File Photos
Pumpkins, the Games have begun, and luvs, from the Wall Street Journal to the Beijing Star, it's all about Asafa Powell and his compatriot, Usain Bolt. Dears, easily the world's two most photographed athletes, the two fastest men in the world are getting set for the battle royale, that will be the 100-metre final. It will be a case of raw talent battling it out with application and dedication. The raw talent being the uncharacteristically fast Usain Bolt against the dedication, application and the majesty of Asafa Powell.
My daahlings, the pundits everywhere are predicting a Bolt victory in one sense, and a Powell victory, in another. Barring no surprises from any or all of the other competitors, whether it is Asafa or Usain who runs through the tape first, it will be a great day for Jamaica and Jamaicans.
Mr Prime Minister, please, no declaration of another public holiday in the event either grab the 100-metre gold or even the sprint double, but a welcome-home ticker parade and reception would be very much in order!
Radha Mehta
And my dears, speaking of those deserving of applause, kudos to the absolutely lovely and oh so talented Radha Mehta, the stunning daughter of the venerable Jag Mehta on her Emmy nomination, for her role as set decorator on the must-see Everyman and HBO film Recount.
My daahlings, if y'all have not yet seen this masterpiece, this here scribe will not spoil it for y'all by giving the plot away. Suffice it to say, however, that Recount, the movie starring Kevin Spacey, places the story of the 2000 United States (US) presidential elections under the spotlight, and dramatises the then battle for the White House.
Y'all remember 'hanging chads'; Katherine Harris and the US Supreme Court's role in 'electing' George Bush to the White House? Well, my dears, Recount provides viewers with one perspective in a most fascinating mode!
Well, my dears, Radha Mehta, a former student of Columbus Prep in St Ann's Bay, was the mucho-talented set decorator on the controversial movie. And for her efforts, she has been nominated for an Emmy in this category, and the buzz is, she is one of the hot favourites to cop one of an award.
My daahlings, the Emmys will be televised live on September 21 in a gala do on ABC. Tune in to follow the progress of the stunning Radha Mehta.
Marguerite Orane
Then my daahlings, she is known for her unimpeachable honour and unvarnished candour, and fresh from her sojourn to South Africa, the charming Marguerite Orane will be providing her fans, admirers and literature lovers with more than a generous insight into the inner machinations of her much-talked-about book, Free and Laughing: Spiritual Insights Into Everyday Moments, come next Saturday, the 23rd, as she will be reading between 4 and 7 p.m. at Bookophilia, 92 Hope Road. Dears, the event is a must attend.
AFJ Gala
And the date is Thursday, November 6; the occasion - the 27th annual Americans Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) gala and auction, at Gotham Hall, New York, where this year's honoree at the black-tie affair is the celebrated World Heavyweight Boxing Champ (retired) Lennox Lewis, who will be the 2008 recipient of the organisation's Humanitarian Award for his contribution and support of charitable causes and organisations.
My dears, this annual shindig is one of the more fab events on the international social register, and promises to be a humdinger and then some, so more anon!
Then my dears, it's still the age of the Leo, and sweet things, Leo reigns supreme.
Luvs, Harold Brady's August 1 birthday bash is still the talk of the town, eclipsing all else, in the social swirl, but there are still some mighty fine parties happening all around as Leos celebrate.
Sweet things, it's all about the fab life and nothing but, as this is the time to celebrate and make merry, and marvellously so!
Now, among the notable Leos celebrating are businessman André Hylton, who celebrated with friends on Monday. The Guardsman Group's finance director, Vinay Walia, celebrated on Tuesday, and it being his 40th, threw a simply fab do, to mark the occasion at his Golden Triangle condo, but more anon.
Also celebrating on Tuesday was marketing dynamo, Josephine McGann.
Sharing the 13th are the rather affable DCP Mark Shields, and the absolutely charming June South-Robinson, who took the honours on Wednesday.
Yesterday, the fashionable Shirley Golding, fashion designer Norma Soas, and the charming Winsome Levy, all celebrated their birthdays.
Collette Garrick takes the honours on the 17th.
On the 20th, world-class beauty, the celebrated former Miss World, and People's National Party Member of Parliament, the absolutely stunning Lisa Hanna, marks her birthday; noted lawyer and political power-player Howard Mitchell will be blowing out the candles on his birthday cake; as will the absolutely fab social maven, Marilyn Bennett; Major Hugh Blake and his fab wife, Judith, make it a double celebration as they both celebrate next Wednesday as well. As will Kingsley Smith, of Lascelles Wines and Spirits; Rion Hall, formerly of Scotiabank; and architect Ard Jarrett.
Champagne toasts all around, with beluga treats!
Lisa Hanna will celebrate her birthday on August 20.
