So yes, a few developments here at Gawker. Let's chat.

Feel you don't know quite enough about Dubai, the United Arab Emirate that could not possibly be trusted to own the company that runs our ports? Of course not. And this, friends, is why God — or, at least, Nick Denton — created Gridskipper, and wanderlusting little brother. This week, lil 'Skipper has broken the chains of Manhattan and set off, Lawrence-like, to explore this little corner of Arabia. Won't you follow him as he spends a fancy-free week in Dubai? He started things off by locating several Starbucksim, and we assure you things get even better from there. Bon voyage!

Our airsick bag-collecting brother at Gridskipper points us to a NY Observer story on the big acquisition of a 2000-acre plot of land in the Dominican Republic, financed by what could be the least masculine troupe of investors in history. The thin-wristed crew includes Newsweek International editor Fareed Zakaria, DJ-ing white vegan stain Moby, mimbo socialite Alex Von Furstenberg and bird-chested money manager Boykin Curry.

• Tyra would not be pleased with Top Model winner Eva Pigford's cheesy photo selection for her birthday party invites. (Soiree is tomorrow at Lotus, if you're feeling trashy!) [Cityrag]
• Our passport-abusing brother Gridskipper is looking for your nominations for the best urban blogs out there; stop on by and nominate your favorite Rio bathhouse blog. We know you've got one. [Gridskipper
• Loews hotels, finally having learned of this newfangled Seth Cohen phenomenon, offers Christmukah menus. Life imitates soapy teen dramas. [PDN]
• A New York attitude isn't necessarily what they want in New Hampshire. [Boston Phoenix]
• It seems that American Media's Starry offices have been finally cleared of anthrax. Pity. [Jossip]