I guess we’re struck with Mr. Bush for four more years, and already he’s talking about the abortion issue again. There is cause to be very afraid. I hate “Queer Eye for the Straight Girl”. They hug and kiss too much. I’m still trying to figure out what Honey does in the show. She does look good, though. The Oscar nominations are out. I’m going out on a limb and predicting The Aviator for best picture, Jamie Foxx and Hilary Swank for best performances, although I’m secretly rooting for Sideways. Let’s compare notes next time. Melani Trump looked fabulous in a Christian Dior wedding gown. Eat your heart out, Star Jones! Good night and thank you, Mr. Johnny Carson!

I’ve been eating my way around town a lot this past week. Usually I go to some of my old favorites. And Ono Sushi is definitely one of them. These days, I usually order several appetizers for my meal, plus the best miso soup in town. I especially love the Fire Shrimp, Lobster Taco and the Soft Shell Crab roll. The dining experience is made even nicer with manager Fernando taking charge, and cute waiters like Michael. If you’ve not been to LIPS lately for Sunday brunch, go back for a visit. Their Gospel Brunch will have you flailing your arms in the air and saying “hallelujah” for the unlimited champagne and mimosas. Sister Nun Of the Above (Tootie) leads the choir of crazy church trannies who serve up your eggs any way you want. Seen recently was Felicia “Aloha” Taylor of Channel 8 News.

California Cuisine just brought back their Tuesday Nite Out promotion. Ever-gracious Stella welcomes you with such warmth, and the food is always outstanding. The Tuesday Nite Out special costs around $20 for a three-course meal, with a different menu each time. Last Tuesday, I had Caesar salad with very nice, warm baguettes, really succulent grilled pork chops (select from three entrée choices) and tiramisu. My waiter, Dominic, was super!

Chinese New Year this year falls on Feb. 9, and it will be the Year of the Cock. The more PC Chinese may say Rooster. A person born under this sign is hardworking, decisive and frank. They make good restaurant owners and travelers. Yoko Ono is born under this sign – not that you care. It is traditional to eat noodles for long life (do not cut the noodle) and nian kao (New Year rice cake), and young children pay respect to their elders and are rewarded with hung pao, a red packet with cash. Hong Kong and China practically close down for two weeks in celebration, with lots of firecrackers and the traditional lion dance on the street. Here in Hillcrest, I always make it a point to pay my respects to my older sister, Patrick, at Taste of Szechuan on University and Sixth avenues, on Chinese New Year. Every time I dine there, Patrick will cook something special that is not on the menu, or I will request some home-style cooking, especially his Hong Kong style noodle soup. It is also traditional to bring oranges as gifts, but they must be in even numbers, except four. If you are in Palm Springs, go visit the trendiest gay restaurant in town – Wang’s In The Desert. Located on Indian Canyon Drive near Ramon Street, they serve the best Pan-Asian cuisine with a great-looking clientele. They used to have a koi pond, but the guests kept feeding the poor fish until they bellied up. (No, they were not cooked after.) Owners Alfred and Joel, who also own Woody’s By The Beach in Laguna, told me that they are doing a special Chinese New Year event with Linda Blair. Call (760) 325-9260 for information and reservations. So here’s wishing you all “Quong Shi Fa Chai.”

Well, they did at the Old Globe Theatre. The boys of the Empires baseball team of the 2003 Tony Award-winning play TAKE ME OUT bared it all at the showers, and boy, were they an impressive bunch. They are soaping and scrubbing, and swinging their glories. And in between, they delivered a truly fantastic performance about the coming out of star player, Darren. The night I was there, up in the nosebleed section, I noticed my esteemed editor of this paper sitting front and center on the first row, no doubt concentrating on the fine dialogue written by Richard Greenberg. I had seen the original production on Broadway, and this production is just as great, down to the amazing shower-on-stage set. Especially outstanding are T. Scott Cunningham as the gay business manager, and Doug West (the one with the best bod) as Darren’s best friend on the team. So rush and get your “first-three-rows seat, please” tickets at (619) 234-5623. Just don’t get too close to the stage, or you might get wet or be hit by flying toenails, like the one that hit a certain development director of The Center. (Oops, there’s only one.) Serves you right for not giving up your front row seat!

Hillcrest Mardi Gras is gearing up for Fat Tuesday with another big celebration. Martinis Above Fourth’s “A Taste of New Orleans” Hillcrest Mardi Gras kickoff evening is this Saturday, Jan. 29. On Tuesday, Feb. 8, University Avenue will be closed from First to Fourth avenues for Hillcrest Mardi Gras, with two entertainment stages and Babette Schwartz, Chad Michaels, Candye Kane and the fabulous LIPS girls performing. There will also be outdoor dancing, with guest DJs, food and lots of beads to give away.

This annual event benefits the GSDBA Charitable Foundation and Hillcrest Business Association. Get your $15 advance tickets at Hamburger Mary’s, Martinis Above Fourth, The Obelisk Bookstore, Rainbow Road, Ono Sushi or Express Tax. Or spring $50 for the VIP tickets.

Of course, Bourbon Street will have their annual Mardi celebration as well. The seven-day celebration begins on Wednesday, Feb. 2, with Fabulous Bingo hosted by Nicole. On Thursday, Feb. 3, there will be a special “Blue Velvet Show” at 8:30 p.m. There will be many other special events, CD giveaways and bead tosses every night through Fat Tuesday.

Bacchus House offers six days of Mardi Gras: Wednesday, Feb. 2, it’s - Musica Pasion y Latin with Franceska and DJ Ruben Casas; Thursday, Feb. 3, I host the It’s Raining Men wet underwear contest, with a $125 cash prize; Saturday, Feb. 5 is the Masquerade Ball with DJ Jon Williams and a best mask contest for a $100 prize, as well as a Kylie Minogue I Believe In You CD giveaway. There will be a bead toss every night.

There will be many more Mardi Gras celebrations all over town, so look out for info in this paper.

Rich’s one-year anniversary party for REACH is on Saturday, Jan. 29. DJ David Harness of San Francisco and DJ Markalan will be spinning. Also, don’t forget Rich’s is open every Thursday night for Urge with no cover, drink specials and great music.

Come on down to the Hustler Hollywood store at 929 Sixth Ave. on Saturday, Jan. 29, for the launch of the ChiChi LaRue Collexxxion. Meet ChiChi, plus hot porn stars Johnny Hazzard and Eddie Stone from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., with an after party at Club Montage.

Big Mike’s birthday party to benefit Ordinary Miracles and Grocery Hearts takes place at Martinis Above Fourth on Monday, Jan. 31. Tom Brown is organizing this soiree, which features entertainment, an auction and food from Martinis, Ono Sushi, Green Tomato, Taste of Italy, Taco Panzon, Park Manor and a chocolate fountain from Centifonti. A $25 donation is suggested.

Don’t miss the Super Bowl Party at Bacchus House on Sunday, Feb. 6. Watch the game on 32 TVs, with hot dogs and all the fixings. There will be a special appearance by actors Jason Heil and Tim Curns from the Old Globe Theatre, and 10 tickets to TAKE ME OUT will be given away. Join us for Club Domingo Caliente after the game – showtime is at 9:30 p.m.

The Brass Rail serves up Latino night on Thursday and Noche Latino Americano on Saturdays, with DJs Rudy and Klaus.