DECEMBER 09
Q. MODERN DAY TRIVIA: rr&gd continiously brag about their mean fat chihuahua... His name is Benny... What THREE Bennys is he named after?
A. Benny is named after: (1) Benny More, the Cuban singer; (2) Benny and the Jets, the famous Elton John song; and, (3) Benny Rodriguez, the Latino star in the greatest movie of all times, the Sandlot.
NOVEMBER 09
Q. What brand was the gas station in Real Campina?
A. If I remember correctly, it was Texaco... (Most other stuff, I'd rather forget :-) )
OCTUBRE 09
No trivia... Put out call for trivia.
SEPTEMBER 09
Q: A quien le decian Tita y quien se le dijo primero?
A. A la vieja Geraldina le decian Tita desde su juventud. Este apodo se lo puso Cuqui, su sobrina (que vive en Miami todavia.)
AUGUST 09
Q: With all the young people going off to college in the familia, who in the familia was the first to study abroad? (And, yes, it is a somewhat of a trick question!)
A: Celestino Sotolongo went to study in Philadelphia in the early part of the 20th Century. (See more info on this as an answer to another trivia question on this page.)
JULY 09
Q: What three professional schools did Mario Sr., attend?
A: Escuela de Derecho; Esculea Profesional de Peridismo Manuel Marquez Sterling; and, Escuela de Ciencias Sociales y Derechos Publico - all in La Habana.
MAY 09
Q: At $5.0-6.0 for a pack cigarettes, would you be willing to buy it for someone you just met? [This Trivia question gets to the story of how a certain old couple in our familia met.]
A. Mario & Geraldina were introduced to each other as a result of the fact that Geraldina was a friend of America (Jose Miguel's mom) and Mario was a friend of Miguel (Jose Miguel's dad). Mario & Geraldina posed a being married in order to help America and Miguel, who were going to meet relatives but had no chaperon and so Mario and Geraldina acted as the chaperons (back then it was totally an expected scenario that if you were not married you had to have a chaperon). Geraldina, as addicted as she was to nicotine, ran out of cigarettes and because they were supposed to be married Mario had to go buy her the cigarettes. Geraldina used to say that she thought it would have looked bad if she had gone herself since they were supposed to be married. Of course Mario went and got the cigarettes (and continued her addiction). The rest is history.
ABRIL 09
Q: ¿Quien es este tipo? ¿Donde està? ¿Como le decian? ¿Quien de los que reciben
este e-mail es el unico que estubo en este lugar?
A. Este es el tipo que recojia las pelotas en el terreno de pelota en el Cerro. (El stadium despues le cambiaron el nombre a Latino Americano.) De la familia que lee este e-mailer, Mario Sr., es el unico que ha estado en este estadium.
MARCH 09
Q: What is the name of the hotel that (Rembe's aunt and uncle) Tia Carmin and Tio Paco used to stay at when they visited Miami in the 60's? Where is it?
A: Tia Carmin and Tio Paco used to stay at the CACTUS Hotel on SW's 8th St and 9th Ave... Rembe and Toti (his brother) used to go over in the afternoons and enjoy their over-sized tub - or was it a pool?... The hotel unfortunately no longer exisit, but the memories will linger on forever... Toti in a leg cast; Rembe getting in the pool; Tio teaching him how to swim; Carmencita being a brat (but a beautiful brat!)... And Tia screaming (ok, some things NEVER change!)
FEBRUARY 09
Q: What does the name "GERALDINA" mean? What is its origin?
A: Its orgin is GAIROWALD, formed from GAIRA ("lance", "javelin") and WALDA ("to be strong, to command"). It's 'day' is MARCH 10th, in memory of Bishop St. Gerald (the 'male' version of the name.)
JANUARY 09
Q: What month has the most combined celebratory and commemorative dates in both branches of our familia?
A: July! There are a combined 13 such dates in the Rodriguez Branch and 7 in the Dominguez Branch, which makes for a total of 20 gifts and/or card - almost like Christmas!
DECEMBER 08
Q: Where did Mario Sr. work at during his 'high school' (colegio segundario) in Cuba?
A: Mario worked in the "Obras Publica Department", the place where his father had worked in previous years.
NOVEMBER 08
Q: Which two of our elderly have recently decided that its time to 'hang up the wheels' and stop driving (both for the same reason)?
A: Both, Mario and Tio Jorge - both in their 80's - have had recent car accidents and decided it is time to let others do the driving for them. Most recently, Mario had an accident in Moultrie. He is in some pain, but mostly ok. Tio Jorge had his accident a couple of months ago in the Country of Miami... Both made a wise decision!
OCTOBER 08
Q: Where did Geraldina (la vieja!) go to post-secondary education? For how long? And, where did she stay?
A: Geraldina went to the University of Habana for a couple of years. Se lived at a boarding house with Rosalina, her mother, who insisted on accompanying her during her studies!
Q: How did Lino [Reemberto' father] burn himself? - And what does Alicia Ortega have to do with it?
A: When Lini was 4 months old (1951) El Viejo Lino burn himself while working at Tio Carlos' bar. He was trying to light a propane gas grill when it exploded in his face and arms. He was rushed to La Habana were he spent about 5 months recuperating. There he was helped tremendously by the Ortega family, specially Alicia. He - and Beba - later finished their 'vacation' in Guanabo, at the beach house owned by his brothers.
SEPTMEBER 08
Q: We now know the dangers of smoking... And thus we insist to all our young people: DON'T SMOKE!... However, once upon a time, many of us would boast about the many ways we could smoke - in the bathroom; in bed; while running; etc... But, very few of us could smoke by holding the cigarette with our toes... WHO in the familia would do this feat and show it off to (hint) her children and friends?
A: Nancy!
AGOSTO 08
Q: Who in the family has sung in Carnegie Hall?
A: Angela Howard. I sang Schubert's Mass in G with my high school choir and an orchestra in Carnegie Hall. I was on the front row and had a great view of the audience and the hall. The choir that sang before us sang my favorite classical piece of music: Mozart's Requiem. It was awe inspiring to sing in place with so much history.
JUNIO / JULIO 08
No trivia... Used the opportunity to request.
MAYO 08
Q: What are the three apartment complex that are most important in the lives of Reemberto & Geraldina, where are they, and what are their names? [HINT: All three start with "P".]
A: La Pachanga, Pastorita, and Peachtree Gardens...
Pearchtree Gardens is on Peachtree Road in Atlanta, just north of Oglethorpe University. It was here that Geraldina lived with her famiily for years - and where Reemberto first visited her. It was (is, actually - it still exists) a 'sprawling' complex so large that it had its own 7-Eleven!... It was here where Geraldina (the elder) would take Reemberto to the kitchen - a tiny little thing (both the kitchen AND Geraldina!) - and drill him on the Sotolongo/Aguero Klan to ensure that her daughter would be well taken care of... An update from Marion, Jr: For better or worse, Peachtree Garden Apartments no longer exists. The entire sprawling complex was demolished and is now being redeveloped by Sembler properties as a mixed-use project named Brookhaven Place. Even the interior streets have been removed and/or renamed. For those of us who spent so many of our formative years there, it's another important place from our past that has disappeared.
Patorita, though we never lived there, was where many of our friends - and family (some of which get this e-mailer!) lived. It was at the intersection of Piedmont Road and Sidney Marcus Blvd - what is now a shopping center. These apartments were where many recent Cuban arrivals lived in the 60's and 70's. The name comes from Havana's most notorious housing project, Pastorita.
La Pachanga (942 SW 6th St, Miami Florida!) is where Reemberto, Toti, Celestino, and Carmita landed in 1966... This 20 or so U shaped complex remains in the heart of most of the Ortega family in particular... Most of them lived there at one time or another... And, oh yes, they were different times: I distinctively remember getting on the Ice Cream van and going around with the Ice Cream man for hours! --- and, nothing happened (other than gaining a few non-negotiable pounds that are still with me!)... This place was named "La Pachanga" because it was just a constant "familia party" 24/7!.... We do have a picture of La Pachanga in our webiste HERE
ABRIL 08
Q: What is the relationship of the world's largest chocolate maker to Cuba? AND what does this have to do with our familia?
A: I found myself in the halls of a hotel in the REAL 'chocolate city', Hershey Pennsylvania recently when oh to my surprise, I look at the pictures in the walls and they were all of Hershey, Cuba!
Well, little did I know that through WWII, the famous chocolate candy maker got its sugar from our homeland!... Fascinating pictures and very kool stories...
Now, however, it has all become 'nostalgia for sale', including the Hershey Spa's "Cuban experience" and its famous message, the "mojito sugar scrub" - FOR REAL! - If you don't believe me, visit HERE
And what does this have do to with our familia? Well, I wonder - and here I go creating a myth - if when Abuelo Celestino came to study pharmacy in Philadelphia, there was some sort of relation with Hershey... After all, he returned to the US years later and lived in the 'sugar trail' of the Mississippi (New Orleans.)... Also, in Philly, he stayed with a family who had the last name of Gerkins, which is the same last name as Caya's husband... (Caya was his neice, the sister of Nena, and Fifa.)
See HERE for a couple of fascinating pictures.from Hershey, including an original sugar bag.
MARZO 2008
Q: Who is the only couple in the family that got married in a winery? And, how were their vows unique?
A:Well, Lola and Charles were married in a California winery. The wedding was to be outside, but the rain brought it inside... But, no matter; it was a GREAT, memorable wedding - especially the vows, which they wrote themselves:
I promise to be your lover, companion and friend.
Your partner in parenthood.
Your ally in conflict.
Your greatest fan and your toughest adversary.
Your comrade in adventure.
Your student and your teacher.
Your consolation in disappointment.
Your accomplice in mischief.
Your strength in times of need.
But most of all…
I’ll be the jam in your jelly roll.
FEBRERO 2008
Q: DOMINGUEZ KLAN: As we reported last month, our dear Computer went caputs... WHO in the familia is the true computer geek, who actually BUILT my computer? (Which, by the way, is the ONLY computer I know with a external fan - actually, it has THREE external fans - and requires antifreeze to stay cool!)
A: It was, of course, Glen Gardiner!... AND, if you think THAT is something, you should see the one he has built for himself!!! - It truly hummssss....
ENERO 2008
No trivia this month because the computer went caputs.
DICIEMBRE 2007
Q: We know that the Rodriguez klan has strong Mexican connections (with Sussette, Lino’s wife.) BUT: What is the Dominguez’ Mexican connection (dating back to early 20th century!)?
A: In 1910 Geraldina’s grandfather (Mario’s father – Julio Dominguez) provided shelter (in Cuba) to his Mexican cousins (last name Mongeoto) from Veracruz during the Mexican Revolution of that time! The Mexican cousins eventually returned to Veracruz… So, if you see a Mexican by the name of “Mongeoto”, do say ‘hola primo’!)
NOVIEMBRE 2007
Q: Who in the Familia has a current strong connection to China?
A: Amy is in the process of presenting a major scientific paper in China!!! - Congrats Amy --- You go girl!!!
OCTUBRE 2007
Q: Who has recently been published in a scientific journal?
A: Geraldina can be found as a contirubuting member of a rather heavy scientific article... Check out HERE
SEPTEMBER 2007
Q: ¿Cuando se abrio la heladera King Cream?
A: Se ha encontrado un 'coupon offiicial' que indica que la heladera se abrio Septembrie 24 del 1966, hace ya mas de 40 años!... Y, es interesante ver en el coupon que hubo OTRA heladera King Cream en el Northwest!!! (Gracias a Carmencita por la foto... veala AQUI.)
AUGUST 2007
Q: ¿Cual es el mes en que han nacido mas familiares - y por que?
A: Pues parece que el mes en que mas familiares han nacido es JULIO... ¿Por que?... Bueno, es sentido comun: 9 meses antes de Julio es NOVIEMBRE, que es cuando empieza el friito! :-)
JULY 2007
Q: ¿Cuales son los TRES centrales azucareros mas cerca de Real Campiña y de Camagüey?
A: Muchos sabemos que PERSEVERANCIA y COVADONGA estan cerquitica de Campiña... Pero, creo que el TERCER central mas cerca es o bien MANUELITA (al oeste) o PORFORTUNA al este... Segun el mapa que Iggy me regalo por el dia de los Padres, los dos estan mas o meno a la misma distancia del "Centro del Universo", Campiña.
Cerca de Camagüey se encuentran VERTIENTES (al sur); SIBONEY (al oeste); y AGRAMONTE (al este.)
Ahora bien, el H.D.L.G.P. que controla Cuba hoy ha cerrado varios de estos y le ha cambiado los nombres.... Para mas detalles, visita AQUI
JUNE 2007
Q: What is Geraldina & Reemberto's connection to the Benny More band?
A: Our beloved tio Samuel knows EUGENIO LAOSA, Benny's trumpet player very very well... Indeed, he still sees him often in Miami... When Tio Samuel was visiting us recently and saw the video of Benny on YouTube, he immediately recognized him and promised to get his authograph when he gets back to Miami.
MAY 2007
Q: Who invented baseball?
A: HAH! So you probably thought that it was "Doubleday" in the USA in the mid 1800... NO NO NO!!! "Beisbol" was invented by the Cubans!!! ... YES SIR! ... According to the Spaniards the Cuban Taino indians used to play a game with a 'bate' (thus the word 'batey'!)... See pics and more info at: HERE
APRIL 2007
P: We know Iggy is going to a LaSalle Catholic School... Who else in the family also went to a LaSalle Catholic school?
R: Mario Sr. actually went to LaSalle for 6 month during his 3rd grade in La Habana. He did not like it much, and so moved on!
MARCH 2007
P: Who is the oldest person in both sides of the family with a MySpace?
R: We hear Maria del Carmen Rodriguez actually has a MySpace! - Check it out and be her "friend"!
FEBRUARY 2007
P: Who was the first one in the family to buy a ture "21st Century" car?
R: Geraldina & Reemberto bought their Toyota Prius Hybrid at the end of 2006. The car is truly more like a computer with wheels than a mechanical machine with a computer!... Plus, after a month of driving it, it truly does get 50+ miles per gallon!... And, it is interesting to note that we live in the area with the highest number of Prius per households in the county!
JANURAY 2007
...No trivia this moth: Put out a call for new ones...
DECEMBER 2006
P: Most folks know Heribertica has done just fine with the jewelry store in Newark... But, what is the name of the store and what is it named after?
C: Coimbra, a city in Portugal. (According to the travel guide) this city holds a special place in the hearts of all the Portuguese. Rich in its history and is the oldest seat of learning in Portugal with a University founded on the 13th of August in 1290 by King Dinis. This makes it one of the oldest in the world. Coimbra was liberated from Moor occupation in 1064 and was then developed as a town by the capable Conde de Sesmundo who was the master here for 27 years. Six of Portugal’s Kings were born here and between 1139 and 1256 it was the chosen capital of the country. The name of this city during the Roman period was Aeminium, and but it later developed under the influence of the greater nearby town of Conimbriga. This latter place is now an important archaeological site of great interest with a museum to display the findings from the diggings.
Indeed, going to visit Newark's Ferry Street is like going to Little Portugal! - I am not sure anywhere else in the US has such a strong portugeese influence!
NOVEMBER 2006
P: Cual es la unica provincia (de las 6 originales) en la cual nunca ha vivido ningun pariente nuestro?
C: Pinar del Rio! - En las otras cinco (La Habana, Matanzas, Las Villas, Camaguey, y Oriente) han vivido parientes o bien Dominguez/Varela o Rodriguez/Sotolongo... Y si estamos equivocado, por favor dejanos saberlo enviandonos un correo electronico.
OCTOBER 2006
P: What couple in the family is an avid 'nature lover' and go on vacations to our National Parks most every year?
C: Angela and Lance! - Here is an excerpt from an e-mail they sent me a couple of months ago:
Lance and I got back to a very rainy Atlanta late last night. We had a fabulous trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. We stayed in Estes Park, Colorado. The views were spectacular. We went hiking early everyday because it rained every afternoon!
There was so much wildlife. There were ducks in almost every lake. We saw more chipmunks than squirrels. There were also a lot of bunnies, some were lean and fit and others were chubby. The elk were plentiful. Lance wanted to see moose, but we didn't see any. I wanted to see the big horn sheep, but they didn't make an appearance either. There were quite a few songbirds. It was very soothing to rest at the end of a trail, listen to the birds and the flowing water, and take in the views.
We went to the Art for the Parks exhibit for the 3rd year in a row. The traveling exhibit features paintings of a subject in a National Park and the proceeds go towards the park system. The exhibit is pretty big with a large number of paintings done in different styles. Lance has some videos and books by some of the artists.
We went to a gallery in town and the work of a particular artist caught both of our attention. We decided to sleep on the decision to buy a painting and I'm glad we did. When we went back 2 days later, the artist was painting in the gallery. Karol Mack was very friendly and talkative. She gave Lance lots of advice on getting started in painting.
I managed to remain unscathed while hiking, but slipped on the stairs of the hotel yesterday. I have a huge bruise! At least it was the last day and not the
SEPTEMBER 2006
P: Who were the ring boy and ring girl at our wedding?
C: They were Linito & Amy!... Both were 'cute as a button' and have grown to be outstanding young adults. Amy is in Pittsburgh doing her PhD in biology and Lino has recently finished his studies at Georgia State University and is now an immigration lawyer for Catholic Charities.
AUGUST 2006
P: Donde nacio Nancy?
C: Nancy nacio en "La Quinta Simoni - La casona de la hacienda de la familia Simoni, en las afueras de Camaguey... luego 608 de la calle General Gomez..." [Este y otros detalles muy bonitos estan en el libro recientemente editado por Alma Flor: Cartas de Medardo Lafuente Rubio a Dolores Salvador Mendez.
JULY 2006
P: What is the link between Arllington Cemetery, Cuba, and Atlanta?
C: The Arlington Cemetery has various links to Cuba. At its main entrance, one of the key statues is of a General that led the American army in the Spanish-American War. Additionally, and more surprising, is the reference to "Santiago de Cuba" on the relief of the Arlington Cemetery Ampitheatre (behind the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.) Interestingly enough, two columns down is the word "Atlanta"! Off to one side is the mast of the Maine!!!
JUNE 2006
P: What was the name of La Habana's baseball stadium pre 1959 AND what was the name of the stadium before that one?... and for extra credit: When was the first baseball game played in Cuba?
C: The stadium's name was "El Estdio de la Habana"; and before that it was "La Tropical", in Marianao.... The first baseball game in Cuba was played in 1878 - you can actually do a google search and see a picture of that stadium, el Palmar del Juneo.
MAY 2006
P: Who in the extended family is an accomplished author?
APRIL 2006:
P: We know that some of the progressive women in our family have chosen to keep their last name to honor their paternal heritage rather than 'be owned' by their spouse's last name... BUT: Who has pushed the envelope and BLENDED the parents' last names to create a new last name for her children?
C: Rembe & Iggy's last name is a 'blended' last name... The first part of their last name (RODRI) comes from their father while the last part of their last name (GUEZ) comes from their mother... Therefore, their last name is RODRIGUEZ!
MARCH 2006
P: Who is the only one in the family (as far as we know) that owns a patent?
C: Dr. Geraldina Dominguez owns a patent as the co-inventor of the DNA ENCODING INFECTIOUS RUBELLA VIRUS. The co-inventors are Terryl Frye & Chin-Yen Wang. They invented it in 1992 at Georgia State University. Since it was an academic pursuit, the Univesity has the right to all the royalties... So, no personal financial reward will ever be reaped from it. Check it out here
FEBRUARY 2006
P: What is the original name of Camaguey?
A: Camaguey was originally founded in 1514 under the name Puerto Principe. It was not until the second half of the 1800's that it was renamed Camaguey. (I am not sure why, how, or exactly when... If you do, let the rest of us know!)
JANUARY 2006
P: What was Camaguey's original name?
C: Puerto Principe! - &, if you want to see more info on Camaguey, visit HERE
DECEMBER 2005
P: Whose middle name is also the name of one of the original Charlie's Angels? (For the young people: Yes, Charlie's Angels was a t.v. show before it was a movie!)
C: Amy's middle name is Sabrina! --- ok, so how many of us even knew that Sabrina was one of the original Charlie's Angels? (I do remember Kate Smith, though :-) )
NOVEMBER 2005
P: Who saw the Statue of Liberty, Starlight Express, and ate at a Hard Rock Cafe for the first time on her 11th birthday?
C: Angela!... She also got to go to Hawaii later that summer with just her dad --- quite a summer to remember!... & the year was?!?!!?
OCTOBER 2005
P: What trio of sisters attended college in New Orleans?
C: The Gardner Klan (Lola, Amy, and Angela) all went to New Orlean's Loyola during their pursuit of higher education.
SEPTEMBER 2005
P: Who participated in the national YMCA gymnastics championships at least two years in a row?
C: Amy Gardiner, which allowed the family to follow her to Boston and to San Diego
AUGUST 2005
P: What is Reemberto Jr.'s middle name?
C: Trick question! - He has NONE... - Neither does his dad... With a name like Reemberto, who needs one?
JULY 2005
P: What relic from the American Revolution time-period is in the hands of our extended family?
C: Hugh Gardiner has one of only a handful bottle of wines that were brought to Independence Hall in Philadelphia for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He has this bottle along with many others in his wondeful wine-cellar.
JUNE 2005
No trivia in memory of Bev.
MAY 2005
P: Miguel Fernandez (Jose Miguel's dad) returned to Cuba from Spain... When, how, why, and what other country did he have to stop by on his route to Cuba?
C: Miguel was only 17 years old when he left Spain for Cuba at the tender age of 17. He spoke little Spanish - he spoke mostly Catalan. He was fleeing Franco's government for a variety of personal reasons. On his way to Cuba, he had to spend the night in Lisboa, Portugal waiting for the ship that was to take him to that heavenly island, Cuba.
APRIL 2005
P: As you may know Mario Sr. has two professional degrees, what are they and from where?
C: Doctorate in Law from La Universidad de la Habana & a Journalism degree from Escuela de Periodismo Manuel Marquez Esterling (also in Habana.)
MARZO 2005
P: Who in the family has lived the furthest North?
C: Nancy lived in Kalamazoo Michigan when she came from Cuba (details to follow...)
FEBRERO 2005
P: Given Mario Sr's misfortune in Moultrie (i.e.: getting broken into) who else in the family has been the victim of such petty crime in the recent past?
C: Well, Reemberto & Geraldina were broken into at their Lawrenceville Highway house back in the late 80's. They came home to find the door busted in. Fortunately the only things taken were a t.v. and Reemberto's high school ring - which is sorely missed, to say the least. Also, at the supposely 'safe' Winbrooke Lane (Tucker) location, the car was broken into a couple of times and most neighbors rushed to get their carport enclosed because of a rash of robberies. In Miami, the 'de Varonas' were totally wiped out recently... even in the 'country of Miami' it simply ain't safe...
And from Tia Bev: I remember a time when we never even locked our doors. In KY & TN your neighbors would run anyone off they did not know that was around your house with a little thing they called a shot gum and some rock salt.... We got hit in Conyers not long after we moved in they must have got spooked during their activities because they only made it to the door with th microwave which was really annoying because I was hoping they would take it because I wanted a new one. They did take our stereo and video camera. Pa & Toti secured the house before the police arrived and as you can imagine the Conyer's police were not overly concerned and told us Barney told us to buy new stuff because we would never see our old stuff again. Jackie was the first to open the door and in true fashion took off screaming and running all over the yard, I had the wonderful pleasure of spending the evening killing all the bugs that were flying around inside the house that came in through the broken glass. We were also broken into in Lithonia but the alarm scared them off. It was a group of kids. If memory serves me correctly Tia Carmen house in Lawrenceville was hit also. All I can say is I know what a terrible feeling that is and thank the Good Lord none of us were hurt.
ENERO 2005
P: We all know Geraldina spoke Spanish and a bit of English... But, what other language did she speak a little also?
C: According to Mario Sr., she spoke a little of Lebanese. It happens a childhood neighbor of hers was Lebanese. She taught Geraldina quite a bit of that language, to the point that the girl's mother used to say that Geraldina spoke more Lebanese than her own daughter... She even knew the National anthem!
DICIEMBRE 2004
no trivia this month... Feliz Navidad!
NOVIEMBRE 2004
P: Where did Lance & Angela meet?
C: They met at a Halloween party! [More juicy details to follow when Angela & Lance provide it :-) ]
OCTUBRE 2004
El Huracan del '44
[Gracias a Mario Dominguez]
Luego de 60 anos de aquella manana del 18 de octubre de 1944, cuando un tremendo huracan paso por el mismo corazon de la capital cubana, mis recuerdos me permiten hablar algo de semejante experiencia.Yo tenia 17 anos y no he vuelto a vivir algo que se le parezca en materia de fenomenos naturales, porque de otra indole si he experimentado sufrimientos mayores.Yo
permaneci oyendo el radio hasta cerca de las once de la noche para estar al tanto del paso de la tormenta que ya se sabia que iba a tener proporciones mayores.Nada como esa tormenta habia azotado a La Habana desde octubre del ano 1926.Ya cerca de la media noche la mayoria de las antenas trasmisoras de las estaciones capitalinas estaban en el suelo y la informacion ceso por
completo.Recuerdo que me fui a dormir y a las cinco de la manana me levante y fui a ver por la puerta de la calle como estaba la situacion.Recuerdo que mi padre estaba sentado juntos a la puerta ligeramente abierta y lo que caia del cielo le hubiera dado susto hasta Noe. Pero lo mejor no habia llegado todavia.Fue alrededor de las nueve de la manana que le ciclon atraveso la ciudad.En esa epoca los ciclones no se bautizaban, no tenian nombres como ahora.Ya hacia rato que la corriente electrica habia pasado a la historia.Todas las lamparas de kerosene de que disponiamos estaban en funcion.El aullaba como un monstruo apocaliptico que quisiera acabar con todo lo que se le pusiera al paso.
Al lado de mi casa habia un terreno donde existian unos locales de madera y techo de zinc.Estos ultimos volaban por los cielos como aves mortiferas.Delante de ese terreno habia un muro de
concreto que el viento derribo por completo como si hubiese estado hecho de carton.Los cables del tendido que daba la energia para mover los tranvias de la ciudad, se viniero al suelo y de todas partes venia volando grandes ramas de arboles que no habioan podido resistir la fuerza del viento.La calzada del 10 de octubre, donde estaba mi casa quedo llena de escombros de todo
tipo.Era una hazana, despues del ciclon, de tratar de pasar de un lado a otro de ella.Varias semanas transcurrieron para que poco a poco se fuera normalizando todo y quedara solo el espantoso recuerdo de los momentos vividos que luego de sesenta anos estan en mi memoria como si hubieran ocurrido hace menos tiempo.
Recuerdo que pasado el ciclon, Abelardo, mi cunado, el padre de Julito, logro llegar hasta una panaderia que quedaba en la acera de enfrente y consiguio un poco de pan que acababan de cocer.En esa epoca ellos vivian con nosotros.Luego,quince anos despues, vino algo mucho
mas danino y que todavia estamos sufriendo.Algo que acabo con lo material que teniamos y mucho peor con lo espiritual que nos sostenia, haciendo que tuvieramos que volar mucho mas lejos que las planchas de zinc del ciclon de 1944.
Se me olvido decirte que los muros de la azotea de nuestra casa fueron danados seriamente.
SEPTIEMBRE 2004
AGOSTO 2004
JULIO 2004
Due to our move to DC, these Trivia Months do not exist
JUNIO 2004
When Geraldina arrived in Atlanta at whose house did she learn about the Halloween tradition of carving a pumpkin to make a Jack-O-Lantern?
The Halloween of 1969 we were living at the house of Alma Lafuente and it was at her house in Doraville that we first experienced pumpkin carving.
MAYO 2004
P: Before Geraldina and Reemberto met, two individuals from their respective families had met a long long time ago... Who were these folks?
A: Heriberto Varela, the brother of Geraldina's mom (also named Geraldina, of course!) knew very well non other than Elpidio Aguero, a brother of Reemberto's grandmother, Carmita. They both lived in Camaguey were (I belieive) they were both into drugs (legal that is.) Heriberto owned a pharmacy and Elpidio was a dentist. [If I am wrong on this one, someone please correct me!]
ABRIL 2004
P: Todos sabemos que todos los Cubanos somos por lo menos bilingue - hablamos Español y mierda... Pero, hubo un pariente cercano que hablaba otro idioma que no fuera ni Ingles (ni Frances!)?
A: El padre de Jose Miguel hablaba Gallego de niño. Se fue a vivir en Galicia varios años en su niñez.
MARZO 2004
P: En honor a nuestro querido Feluco [Memo], cual es su nombre completo y fecha de nacimiento?
A: Rafael Fernando Marrero... Octubre 24, 1907... por poco lluega a los cien! - Que Dios lo tenga en la Gloria!
FEBRUARY 2004
P: En que ciudad empezo Mario Dominguez a ejercer como juez?
A: Puerto Padre, Oriente
JANUARY 2004
P: Who caught Geraldina & Reemberto's wedding bouquet at their weeding?
A: It was Alina Alvarez - whose daughter [Lissette] caught it at Kaki & Michael's wedding last week! [Alina is Paco's neice. Paco is Reemberto's uncle that raised him while his parents were in Cuba.]
DECEMBER 2003
P: What is the connection between our family and Igancio Agramonte, the great Cuban patriot?
A: Igancio Agramonte's house in Camaguey was purchased by the LaFuente family and subsequently lived in by Medardo (Nancy's dad).
NOVIEMBRE 2003
P: Who was the first link between the Varela [Geraldina] and Rodriguez [Reemberto] families?
C: Elpidio Aguero... Elpidio was well know in Camaguey, where the Varela family knew him as a young man. He was Reemberto's grandmother's (Carmen Aguero) brother... He was also on the Cuban Basketball Olympic Team!
OCTUBRE 2003
P: Who is Iggy named after?
C: Iggy's full name is Ignacio Javier. He is named after San Ignacio de Loyola. His middle name is also "Igantian": San Francisco de Javier, San Ignacio's 2nd in comand who spent most of his life in China... and no, there is no indication that Iggy will be a priest :-)
SEPTEMBER 2003
P: What was the name of Geraldinita's favorite Teacher, why, and where did she live?
C: Mrs Alvarez, who lived in the same infamous apartments as the family (Peachtree Garden.) Unlike in today's world, Geraldinita became friends with her teacher and would actually go over to her apartment :-)
AUGUST 2003
P: Quien por poco nace en un carro?
C: According to Geraldinita, Geraldina almost gave birth to Mario Jr. in the car prior to getting to the hospital. She (Geraldina) says that it was actually the Doctor's car (but she is not sure.)
JULY 2003
P: Quien le decia a la vieja Geraldina "Catuca"?
C: La querida Rosalia [Peralta] le decia "Catuca" a Geraldina... el porque no se sabe... Por cierto, Rosalia es tambien la madrina de Rembe!
JUNE 2003
P: Which two sisters in the family have recently displayed a hidden talent with their voices?
C: Susy & Cristina have both been choir singers - actually, Cristina still is - at a nearby Methodist Church. Their talents have taken them to far-away places as they sing in the choir and represent their church throughout the USA.
MAY 2003
P: Segun Alma Flor Ada, a que estrella de cine se parecia Geraldina?
C: En el libro "Under the Royal Palms", Alma Flor escribe: "... Geraldina, a beautiful bruneete whom everyone said resembled DEANNA DURBIN, a Hollywood star at that time..."
ABRIL 2003
P: Cual es el origen del Tinajon Camagueyano?
C: Se dice que el origen del tinajón es andaluz, y que allá se utilizaba para conservar los aceites, especialmente el de olivo, de ahí que los conquistadores trajeran el modelo para nuestro Camagüey. La fabricación de tinajones camagüeyanos comienza a principios del siglo XVII (barro cocido); numerosos artesanos convirtieron su manufactura en un esmerado trabajo de artesanía, con detalles decorativos y siempre con cifrados personales y la fecha de fabricación.
MARZO 2003
P: Todos sabemos que Beba (la madre de Reemberto) se llama 'Genoveva" ... Pero: Que personaje famoso en la historia de Cuba se llamo Genoveva tambien?
C: La esposa de Tomas Estrada Palma, el primer presidente de Cuba, se llamaba Genoveva
FEBRUARY 2003
Q: Who was the last person on Mario's side to be born in Spain?
A: According to Mario Sr, his great-grandfather on his father's side was it!
JANUARY 2003
Q: Mario J. Dominguez, Sr. had Mexican relatives. Who were they?
A: Mario's mother (Concha), had some cousins who were half Mexican.
DECEMBER 2002
Q: How did Reemberto get his name?
A: The legend goes that when he was born his parents insisted on a unique name, so when someone suggested "Remberto", they went for it. However, when he was only a few days old and his parents took him to the market-place, they ran across a friend who asked: "What is your son's name?" When they said Remberto, she responded: "Wow!, that is my Cuqui - my son's - name too!" Well, since Cuqui was the "town 'social butterfly'", Remberto's parents HAD to change his name, so they simply added an extra "e" to make it 'ReEmberto"... and thus another legend was born!
NOVEMBER 2002
P: What was Mario Sr.'s favorite baseball team in Cuba?
A: The Brooklyn Dodgers... in the times that Lasorda would actually PLAY in Cuba during the 'Winter League'.
OCTOBER 2002
P: What did Mario Sr. have to go buy for his future wife (Geraldina) when they were faking that they were married?
A: A pack of cigarettes.
SEPTEMBER 2002
P:. On the night that Susana and Jose Miguel got married who - one from each side of the family! - tried to walk out of the Hyatt Regency with one of the hotel's hanging plants?
R: Reemberto Rodriguez and Mayra Fernandez!
AUGUST 2002
P: What uncle-nephew have the connection of one having a birthday on the day the other celebrates his "saint-day"?
R: Mario Dominguez Jr celebrates his birthday July 31, which is the "saint-day" for St. Ignacio, whom Iggy was named after.
JULY 2002
P: Who was (is?) Nancy's "adult" idol?
R: None other than Julio Iglesias... She actually used to have his poster on the ceiling of one of her patient rooms in her office!
JUNE 2002
P: Who was Susana's childhood teenage idol?
R: None other than Donny Osmond!.. She actually had a bunch of posters of Donny by her bed and would kiss the posters every nite before she went to bed and she would go 'crazy' whenver he come on tv... It is rumored that Cristina has taken up this habit with the posters of InSync :-)
MAY 2002
P: In chronological order - from oldest to youngest - name Abuela Geraldina's grandchildren?
R: All 11 of them: Glen; Lolita; Amy; Angela; Susanita; Rembe; Cristina; Iggy; Joseph Michael; Julian; Jake
APRIL 2002
P: What kid in the family gave Jose Miguel a special nickname and what was the nickname?
R: When Glen was a child, he nicknamed Jose Miguel "Fuzzy" - and calls him that to this day!
MARCH 2002
P. Who had to get her hair cut very short (for the first time in her young life!) because she fell sleep with chewing gum?
R. According to Angela herself: "The first time I had my hair cut short was when I was very young and fell asleep with gum in my mouth. By the morning it was all in my hair. We tried everything to get it out: ice, peanut butter, etc. Finally, I just had to go get it all chopped off. I've never slept with gum again!"
FEBRUARY 2002
P. Who's face did Susana spit on when she was a child (6 years old)?
R. "Love at fist spit", we guess :-) ... According to Geraldina, Susana spit on Jose Miguel's face one of those many times that Mario and Miguel go together in Havana...
JANUARY 2002
P. De donde viene el apellido Dominguez?
R. La traduccion es : "hijo de Domingo"... y del latin "dominicus", que quiere decir "consagrado a Dios"... Lo popularizo el Santo Domingo, fundador de la order Dominicana. Fue tan popular, que se establecieron por todo Espana; aunque el numero mayor fue en las Islas Canarias.
DECEMBER 2001
P. Cual es el unico Dominguez que se ha graduado de la universidad MAGNA com laude? [La pregunta en el e-mail estaba equivocada.]
R. Mario Dominguez, Jr. se graduo de la Universidad de Georgia en el 1992 (solo 6 anos tarde, 10 anos despues de high-shcool) MAGNA com laude.
NOVEMBER 2001
P. A quien Geraldina [la vieja] le decia "mi pinguin"?
R. A Cristinita Fernandez!.... Ay, ay... las cosas de esa vieja :-)
OCTOBER 2001
No trivia this month in memory of 911.
SEPTEMBER 2001
P. Cual es la coneccion de nuestra familia con Chef Pepin?
C. Segun Julito, el conoce - y hasta nada! - con el Chef Pepin regularmente en Miami Beach... Hasta tiene un libro de recetas dedicado por el! :-)
AUGUST 2001
P: Quien es Rafael Fernandez Marrero?
A: El famoso y unico Memo. Tambien conocido como Feluco, el esposo de Yayita, hermana de Geraldina... Nunca se me olvida cuando Feluco estaba por los EEUU cuando la boda de Mario Dominguez, Jr., y se quedo en mi casa... Se tomaba como cinco tazas de cafe cubano al dia!! :-)
JULY 2001
P: Which Dominguez used to sleep with a donkey called "Sipula Balaya"?
A: Mario Jr used to sleep with such a stuffed donkey until he was 11 years old!
JUNE 2001
P: When did Abuela Geraldina get hooked on her 'novelas'?
A: Back in the early 80s, in the infamous Buford Highway Apartments, the Dominguez Family finally came into the world of Cable TV, MTV, and eventually, the great Novelas that kept Abuela Geraldina entertained for countless hours through her last 20 years of life. [Extra Trivia: We now have a Spanglish novela worth checking out: Ressurection Boulevard, on Showtime.]
MAY 2001
P: Who in the family went through a serious 'hippy' stage during his youth and young adult life (and, some would say, has yet to grow out of it!)
A: According to certain sources, JULITO was quite a hippy in his earlier day back in Cuba... Then again, some would say that he still is :-) .
APRIL 2001
P: Que nina se escondia abajo de la cama cuando el hombre empezaba hacer mucho ruido entrando el balon de gas a la casa de tu tio Heriberto?
C: GERALDINITA Dominguez (Cosi as she was better known in her youth)
..
MARCH 2001
Q: Who has owned the most snakes in the family?
A: Technically speaking, it is MARIO Jr.... At one point, he owned literally hundreds! He was raising a 'couple' of snakes in a fish-tank, when he went on a fishing trip and ask Geraldina Jr. and Rembe to 'take care of them''. Well, lo and behold, the 'couple of snakes' happened to use the weekend to give birth to hundreds of little tiny winny snakes. Needless to say, Geraldina Jr and Rembe had the pleasure of having to clean up a room full of tiny snakes (or were they worms?) :-)Reemberto Rodriguez and Mayra Fernandez
