Hello from New York City, where the temperature Monday night was 24 degrees. I witnessed the “anti-war protest” last Saturday, which the NYPD estimated drew approximately 30,000 protestors. It was a hodgepodge of various ideologies, races, religions and age groups, reminiscent of the Vietnam War protest. Not that I was old enough to remember, mind you. I’ve made my pilgrimage to Chinatown on Canal Street for my fix of great Cantonese food and faux Louis Vuitton. On Wednesday, I’m off to see Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in their return to The Producers on Broadway. Before the week is over, I intend to haul my tired ass to the famous Gaiety Theatre to ogle at hot strippers. Sweet! So I may be freezing my buns off, but life is good. Besides, the cold weather makes my skin feel really tight. And that’s a good thing.

On another note, nightlife in NYC has seen some changes. Stella’s, the strip bar in Hell’s Kitchen famous for extra large Black/Latino boys, where your dollar goes a very long way, was closed down a couple of weeks ago allegedly for drugs and prostitution. The Sound Factory, a really great dance club, was also closed down, allegedly for drugs. While I do not condone drugs or prostitution, I hope the administration is not merely trying to “clean up” New York City in time for the Republican convention. Now, that’s not a good thing!

If you haven’t heard, The Center’s Bingo night is going weekly due to popular demands. So many avid players have been flocking to The Center for Bingo night that the organizers have had to add tables every time. The first time I went a couple of months ago, they barely had 50 players, now they are hitting close to a hundred. They play a total of 14 games with each winner taking home $50 per game, with the last game prize at $100. There is also a progressive game, and as of press time, the prize is now $300. Center board member John Laird, who helps organize Bingo night, is also excited to announce that two anonymous donors have stepped up and paid for a brand new Bingo machine. Aside from the game, volunteers from the youth group staff the refreshment parlor, so you can enjoy popcorn, hotdogs or nachos while playing. If Bingo is your game or you just want to spend a fun evening among other gay folks, stop by The Center every Tuesday night, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

If you happen to be a Bingo maniac, there is more Bingo to have. The outrageous Nicole presides over the long-running Fabulous Bingo at Bourbon Street every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. This is a little less serious, as Nicole has a way of getting people excited over O-69. You win cash, bar tabs, and other fun gifts including a TV. But the much-coveted prize has got to be the toilet seat or the George Bush bobbing doll. Nicole is even more fun after a few shots. On Wednesday, March 31, Fabulous Bingo celebrates its third anniversary. Imagine how many balls Nicole has handled in the last three years!

The mother of all circuit parties – Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party in Palm Springs – is set for Easter weekend, April 8-12. If you haven’t booked a room yet, you’ll probably end up in Hemet. The parties begin on Friday with DJs Manny Lehman and Roland Belamares, and DJs Tony Moran and Abel take control at the main event on Saturday. A three-day weekend pass is a mere $240, while the Titanium VIP Pass is $450, which gets you through the VIP entrance to all eight events, so you don’t have to wait in line like the common people. You also get access to the private bathrooms (a big plus), bars and free water. It is especially important to keep hydrated at events like this. For more info, visit this column online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the White Party Website. Here in San Diego, Club Montage is hosting the official Pre-White Party “Dance With The Gods – A Roman Theme” on Saturday, March 27, with DJ Bryan Pruett and Phil B. There will be a contest at 11:00 p.m., so come dressed in theme, as in Roman (togas), slaves, gladiators, gods or goddesses. I guess I’ll come as myself. Prizes include two (2) Titanium VIP Passes ($900), plus two nights’ accommodations. Imagine winning an all-expense trip to the White Party just by being God-like!

Bacchus House’s weekly “It’s Raining Men” wet underwear contest, which is hosted by yours truly, will hold its finals on Thursday, April 1, at 10:30 p.m. This is the culmination of six months of hot guys getting wet under the shower on stage – the only one of its kind in gay San Diego. The winner will take home $300 and second place gets $100. All Worlds Video exclusive Bill Ray will make a special porn appearance and give away videos. Martin & Wall, the new men’s boutique in Hillcrest, will be sponsoring the contest with hot fashion undies. There will also be $2 shot specials and $1 well drinks all night. Please come and enjoy, as hot guys show off their stuff in their wet boxers.

San Diego-based All Worlds Video took home seven awards at the 2004 Gay Video News Awards held last week at the Rage nightclub in Los Angeles. Rick Ford was honored with Best Director for Bisexual Videos, while Rafael Holguin’s “Sins of the Father” received Best Ethnic Themed Video. The big winner for All Worlds is their recent release called “There Goes The Neighborhood” which walked away with five awards, including “Best Sex Comedy”. “There Goes The Neighborhood”, directed by Rick Tugger, was shot in Palms Springs and is set in the 1960s. It tells the story of a beefcake video company who moves into a middle class neighborhood and the fun starts when their nosy neighbors, thinking that they are shooting a major Hollywood movie, decide that they want to be part of the movie.

All Worlds Video got the most nominations of any video company with a total of 17 nominations in various categories. I was at the awards ceremonies and hobnobbed with some really hot hunks in the industry. Not that you care!

I know, that sounds like a come-on “subject line” spam on AOL. But if you are free and looking for great house music, then head off to Rich’s for “REACH” with DJ David Harness and Markalan. I especially love their dance floor and fab light effects. And mark your calendar; Club Papi is coming back on April 3. Of course, Numbers is also jumping every Saturday night with HiNRG sounds by DJ Aaron, while hip-hop and R&B rules at the main bar. The abundance of hot young guys is definitely a plus… If you enjoy hombres who habla Espanol, Noche Latino at the Brass Rail is the sure thing. Great sounds, fun crowd right in Hillcrest. If you find yourself in the North Park area, then Bacchus House has to be your destination. DJ Ruben Casas spins fierce club sounds while you enjoy cheap drinks. And if you are feeling Notorious, Bacchus House reopens at 6:00 a.m. Sunday for Club Notorious, featuring Foxy Productions’ DJs Sunny D, Big Mike, CB and Scotty Leo.

Wherever you end up, play safely. And if you have to drink, ask the bartender or doorman to call you a cab.