Alot has happened in the last two weeks. President Reagan passed away. If he does get to that better place, hopefully he gets to meet the over 16.3 million people who died of AIDS and explain to them how he was able to live until 93, while they were not given that chance…. J. Lo is in a race with Liz and ZsaZsa on who marries the most times. Rumor has it that there is a baby coming. I wonder if the baby is going to be “moreno” or white? … Ray Charles also passed away, and he truly deserves 30 days of mourning… Smarty Jones was not meant to be a triple crown this year. Smarty is now destined for the breeding farm, at $50,000 a pop… Various legal challenges on the same-sex marriage issue were consolidated and will be tried in San Francisco Superior Court. We must attack this issue from all fronts, in court, the media, our own community, our elected officials, and by being proud of our lives…Criminal charges against New Paltz Mayor Jason West, accused of illegally marrying same-sex couples, were dismissed. In case you didn’t get to meet Mayor West when he was in San Diego, he’s a hottie! … Some gay activists across the country are calling for a new boycott of Coors beer. Seems Coors Chairman Peter Coors, who is running for U.S. Senate, said he supports amending the U.S. Constitution to prevent gays and lesbians from marrying. Here we go again. Let’s not forget there are some good Coors people, like openly gay Scott Coors, who has been a generous donor to various gay organizations.

While in New York, I caught the Andrew Lloyd Webber production of Bombay Dreams and though it only won a Tony for Best Lighting, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Andrew did not write the songs but merely produced the musical, which is about a slum boy, Akaash, who dreams of becoming a big movie superstar and saving his village from demolition. Of course this is not possible because of the Indian caste system, and no “untouchable” could ever break into the movies. But this is the movies, or musicals, so Akaash did eventually become the superstar, but at great personal cost. If you are familiar with the genre of Indian movies, and they are the largest movie producers in the world, you will enjoy the nuances of the musical. Indian movies tend to be love stories wherein the main stars will suddenly brake into song and dance, because they do not kiss on film. This premise makes the musical so endearing. But what is truly enchanting is the energy of the music and choreography, and the exuberance of the performers, especially Manu Narayan who plays Akaash. What is also noteworthy is the use of vivid colors to punctuate the ultimate dream of cinema, in the costumes and the sets. But the piece de resistance has to be the multi-jet fountain that springs from the middle of the stage and soars over 20 feet high, soaking the dancers. This is more fun than any wet T-shirt contest. Bombay Dreams may not win a Pulitzer Prize, but it will do for musical theatre what Miss Saigon did – bring a whole new set of audience to live theatre. I heard that the original London productions is closing down and will be retooled like the New York version and then reopen. If you get the chance to see Bombay Dreams, do it!

If you know me, you know I enjoy good food. But the ambiance is just as important to me, specially the lighting. At my age, I cannot afford to be seen in public with very harsh light. After all, I do have a, ahem, reputation to uphold.

So what a delight when a friend told me about Coronado Boathouse 1887, located at 1701 Strand Way. Sure, it’s a trek if you live in Hillcrest, but I promise you it’s well worth going over the bridge and feasting on award-winning cuisine in an elegant setting by the waterfront, with the lights dancing and bouncing off the water making your face glow. I’m telling you your date is likely to propose before you finish your Macademia Halibut. Somehow the cocktails with candlelight by the water are magical. The boathouse is open daily from 5:00 p.m., with patio dining available. Call (619) 435-0155 for reservations. By the way, I was quite intrigued with another dish called Teriyaki Baseball Top Sirloin; I was half expecting them to serve Ryan Klesko on a plate. Now wouldn’t that be fun!

My friends, Mike and Chris, took me down to Indigo Grill in Little Italy. I was bowled over by the creative cuisine of Chef Deborah Scott and the surreal décor – a mixture of primitive and eclectic moderne is the best way I can describe it. We were ushered to the “cave” table and feasted on sesame and nut encrusted baked Brie, which was served with whole roasted garlic and grilled prickly pear wedges. Next was the Grilled Romaine with fried capers and a chipotle-anchovy crème on fig jam flatbread. By now I was full because the size of the dishes were not dainty at all. In fact, the portions are large and the presentation is a work of art. But my eyes were larger than my appetite, so I tried the special Flat Iron Steak with a tasteful dry rub, which was served with white cheddar quesadilla, grilled green onions, salsa fresca, mixed greens with cilantro vinaigrette and black beans. As in all dishes, they warn you about the deadly tiny pepper, which I stayed away from. There are so many other dishes I wanted to try, like the Scarlet Snapper roasted with avocado leaf and epazote, or Russ’ Hickory and Apple Smoked Pork Ribs with the Kahlua and morita pepper glaze. But that would have to be another time. Call (619) 234-6802 for reservations. Indigo Grill is operated by the same good folks that give us The Prado, Island Prime and Corvette Diner.

There is a place in Palm Springs where many in our community go to unwind and relax in the sun. It’s a great hideout for those who want space and luxury, and an experience that’s a world apart from the other resorts in the desert. It’s Villa Mykonos, a gay resort for BOTH men and women.

Each condominium suite is over 1,500 square feet, and has everything you could want and expect in an intimate, upscale enclave, including fully equipped kitchens and spacious living rooms with wet bars, fireplaces, TV, VCR and stereo. Large dual master bedroom suites with HUGE showers and tubs. Private balconies and patios, some overlooking the pool and Jacuzzi.

Villa Mykonos is the perfect romantic getaway for a gay or lesbian couple who just need to escape from it all and rediscover themselves. Something special. Something different. Shhh – it’s a secret. Don’t tell anyone!

Dust off your ball gowns and tuxedos and get ready for the “Ever After” Youth Prom sponsored by the Hillcrest Youth Center, MCC, API2Eye, and In the Mix. Admission is free to high school students and recent graduates. The prom will be held at The Center auditorium this Saturday, June 19, and it promises to be just like the prom you may have missed. I will be making a special appearance as an old “homecoming queen”. For more info or to make a donation, contact Dana at The Center at (619) 497-2920.

APICAP and Operation Samahan host the Community Health Forum on Friday, June 18, at the War Memorial Building Auditorium (3325 Zoo Dr., Balboa Park) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be many resources available for information on making healthier choices, plus raffle giveaways and refreshments. Take care of your body, because it’s the only one you have!

Bourbon Street hosts the MasterBeat 2004 White Party CD release party on Saturday, June 19, immediately after Fabulous Bingo with Nicole … DJ Klaus spins the hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today on Sundays at the Brass Rail. Free hot dogs and 25-cent drafts from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.… Rich’s new Tuesday “POP Planet” and Wednesday “DJ Idol” are going strong. Also on Saturday, June 19, Levi Leather Bear is back with DJ Jimmy Spaulding of Indianapolis spinning. The evening’s theme is “Nightstick”, a uniform party… Also on the 19th, the San Diego Eagle and Mr. San Diego Leather Daddy ’04 host the “Leather Daddy Party”. The Eagle’s famous “Underwear Party” and contest is on Saturday, June 26, with $50 cash to the winner and a $25 bar tab for second place… Emperor Robi’s birthday party at Bacchus House is on Saturday, June 26, with a full buffet, champagne toast, shooter boys and a live show at 8:30 p.m. A $7 donation is requested for the Imperial Court Student Scholarship Fund and Reign XXXII.