II an era when the Internet has become a social destination and many traditional businesses are working hard to find ways to one-up the Web, Urban Mo’s is embracing the trend. San Diego’s newest gay online destination, www.mosuniverse.com, has arrived!

Jonathan Hale of Hale Media, Inc. has teamed up with Baja Betty’s and Urban Mo’s to the Web site, packed with information, entertainment, photos, music and fun. Mo’s Universe is modeled after a “gay solar system” with a number of out-of-this-world links, such as Mo’s 101, which includes information on GLBT history and pop-culture.

I decided to give the Web site a look and became addicted to it for more than an hour. It is apparent a lot of work and detail went into the project. I could listen to music, chat, hook up, watch the Web cams from Mo’s and Betty’s, check out pictures, and browse the food and drink menu (which made my mouth water).

My first “destination” was the Mo’s 101 “planet.” It included a ton of information on the community, historical figures, organizations and symbols. I think it is very important the average “mo” knows his community’s history. With a venue like Mo’s Universe, information about Harvey Milk and the Stonewall Riots may be more accessible. Mo’s 101 includes a section that provides information and history about traditionally gay neighborhoods such as Hillcrest, The Castro, Philadelphia’s “Gayborhood,” West Hollywood, and Chicago’s Boystown. It also has information about GLBT community organizations such as GLAAD, PFLAG, and The Center; notable GLBT people in history (including a section about “Questionable” GLBT people such as Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Joan of Arc, and James Dean); slang, flags, icons, movies, a message board and even the famous hanky code. The Mo’s 101 link is an incredible source of information, and should be mandatory reading for every mo!

Continuing my journey through Mo’s Universe, I happened upon the Pics & Video planet. There I was able to peruse galleries of Pix’s photos and videos from Mo’s and Betty’s. If you’re a voyeur at heart, then the Pics & Video section of Mo’s Universe is a good place to see the goings-on at the local bars.

Further into Mo’s Universe is a Music & DJ’s section. Web surfers are able to browse music videos, listen to hot tracks and read about some of their favorite artists and pop-culture icons. Music & DJ’s included a section with information about gay artists and bands, pop chart listings, a DJ chat forum, a regular blog by DJ Taj and a “Gay Anthems” section, which gave synopsis’ of some of the community’s favorite tunes, including “Dancing Queen” by Abba, “Believe” by Cher, and “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge.

Mo’s Universe also includes a well executed “Coming Out” resource guide. There are stories about “famous outings,” including Chastity Bono, and a message board for people to share their stories or seek advice.

Of course, no stop at Mo’s or Mo’s Universe would be complete without a good old-fashioned “Hook Up.” The website includes an online dating/hook-up forum “where the dirty boys and girls go to play.”

And there is more to come! Mo’s Universe, which was unveiled at a special kick-off party at Urban Mo’s on April 30, is only in phase one. With 231 registered users as of April 29, the Web site will grow as word spreads. Dozens of new features are planned for future phases of the Universe. Check out www.mosuniverse.com!