Gay Marriage is in, at least for now; Martha Stewart is out, and probably into the slammer. John Kerry is in, and we hope there are no skeletons in his closet; Michael Jackson is definitely out, and probably sweating bullets right now. Toni Atkins is in and we are lucky to have her; Camille is out of the running to be America’s next Supermodel. SF Mayor Gavin Newsom is in and I’d marry him in a heartbeat; and Richard Hatch is voted out of Survivor All Star. Adam from Ringold Alley is the new Mr. San Diego Leather; and Donald Trump fired the hateful Amarosa in The Apprentice. Mel Gibson is raking in millions from his movie The Passion of the Christ, but the jury is still out on whether this is a good movie or not. I’m not touching it with a 10-foot pole.

Dr. Greg Scott celebrated his … ahem, birthday this past Friday and there was a great turnout at Bacchus House for the birthday tribute show to benefit the Nicole Murray Ramirez Scholarship Fund of the Imperial Court. And just a week ago, I was with Greg and Robi Cox in San Francisco where we met CA State Assemblyman Mark Leno and SF Supervisor Bevan Duffy. While in San Francisco, Greg and Robi got married and now have a license to show for it. I cannot tell you the chills I got just walking into the majestic City Hall of San Francisco, where you see a huge line of gay folks from all over waiting patiently for the chance to get married and commit their lives to one another. The joy and the cheers that greet each married couple is very touching and humbling. The rest of America should see the love in the hall – they might learn something from it.

Irene Soderberg has been described as “Indiana Jones in a sequin gown” (4-Front Magazine), “Smolders Mae West Style” (Honolulu Advertiser) and “A one Woman hurricane” (Odyssey). San Francisco’s legendary “riotous and bawdy blues singer” (New York Daily News) with a “fireball personality and a voice that won’t quit” (Boston Mirror), Irene is back at the Front Bar of Bourbon Street for three more performances (March 13, 20 and 27). This sassy woman is electrifying when she performs… I mean, she shimmies, shakes, purrs and belts Broadways tunes, blues, ballads, jazz… you name it; she will leave you begging for more. Catch Irene, the blond bombshell and everyone’s Auntie Mame while you can. She truly is a total entertainer!

And speaking of cabaret, Scott Drier will be performing at the San Diego Hilton in Del Mar on Jimmy Durante Road tomorrow, March 12, as part of their Cabaret series. Scott just released his debut CD, and will be joined by the wonderful Bettina Warren.

If you have never been to any of the Cabaret series before, they are truly entertaining.

No, it’s not a law firm, CPA or an advertising agency. Martin & Wall are the new fashion kids on the block. To be more specific, the Martin & Wall Collection is at 142 University Avenue, right next to the Blair House. It’s a cool new store with a very trendy layout, and fun fashion for men. I spoke with Brandan Wall, who together with long time friend Andrew Martin decided to open the store when the storefront in Hillcrest became available. Brandan had many years experience in the fashion and retail industry having been with International Male for seven years, and also had a stint with Gay Mart. He is combining his love for fashion and photography into this venture, which is very evident in the look of the store. Although their target market is the younger 18-25 segments of fashion conscious men, their look would definitely carry to the 30-something group as well. The emphasis will be cool casual and a relaxed sporty look.

Martin & Wall is the only store in San Diego to carry Ruskin jeans, which were featured in “Queer as Folk”.

Martin & Wall will have a grand opening on Saturday, March 27, but they are already getting a lot of buzz. Drop in and check out their collection or visit this column online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to their website.

Have you stopped into The Big Yellow House on the corner of Sixth and Pennsylvania? More commonly known as Tap Lighting, you can find some wonderful Tiffany style chandeliers as well as lamps in all shapes and sizes, all designed to make your house a home. Owner Tammy Packard and her knowledgeable staff also do free home consultations. Stop into 3690 Sixth Ave., or call (619) 692-0065.

Montage will be celebrating “The Green Party” on Saturday the 13th with DJ Alexander. There will be casino style games all night with more than $2,000 in cash and prizes, including a grand prize two-night stay at the Ramada Express in Laughlin, NV. Frankly, I don’t know where Laughlin is, but what the heck, you can take a trick there. Remember, it’s GAY night every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Montage. Go for the cute gay boys and leave the straight ones to me.

On Wednesday, the 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, Pecs Saloon Night will feature hot cowboys, western music and Irish Stew at 7:00 p.m. What a combination!

Over at Bacchus House, weekly Wednesday Latin Night with Franceska is going “green” on St. Patrick’s night, with special $2 Verde (read Green) Tequila shots and music by DJ Ruben Casas. I don’t know what is scarier, Franceska cooking corn beef and cabbage con salsa verde, or wearing an all-green outfit. You might want to eat at home before the show. I love you Francee. Truly I do!

A very Happy Birthday to Richard Britton of Numbers. It must be fun to always have so many “happy people” around on your birthday. There will be a benefit show that night, so please stop by.

You can tell there are always hot guys at Brass Rail every weekend, because that’s where most of the drag queens hang out. Of course, Big Mike is holding court there as well. Friday nights are “Brown Sugar” with DJ Myxzlplyx (I would hate being a child with that name) and Saturdays are “Noche Latino Americano” with DJ Rudy & Fariba. And hey, their security staff is quite friendly and hot!

This Saturday, Rich’s is celebrating Kristine W. “Fly Again Tour LIVE”. Chad Michaels is hosting “Paparazzi” and Rich’s, in association with SDPix.com are giving away personal autographed photos of Kristine W. I’ll probably be at the other end of the room if anyone wants a picture with me, I’ll even buy you a drink.