The Michael Jackson defense team is expected to rest their case as of press time, and Michael is not expected to take the stand. Too bad, I would really love to hear what he has to say. I also think that he is going to get away with it again, and that is sad. You’re right, I have no absolute proof, nor am I one of the jurors, but it’s a gut feeling I have that Michael is guilty of something not nice. By the time you read this, the new American Idol will be known. My bold prediction is Bo Bice. Funny how we have such short attention span. The Paula Abdul/Corey Clark shocker is old news. I’m wondering how many copies of records he sold? Every TV show is ending their season this month. I really don’t care much about the Nielson rating; I’m just worried what to do with myself for the next few months with my boring life. It’s a good thing that the “Desperate Housewives” first season DVD is scheduled for release shortly. I love the new Pamela Anderson show, “Stacked,” on FOX, the Paris Hilton carwash commercial for Carl’s Jr., the new progressive radio station 1360 AM, and I’m dying for the chicken fried steak at House of Blues. Even with an anti-spam program, I still get tons of cheap Viagra e-mails, Christian mortgage, some guy from South Africa, 10 tips on dating women, and banks I do not do business with wanting my information. And most of them can’t spell. So I’m JetBlueing myself to N.Y.C. next week, then down to Lexington, Ky., for the week. See you all when I get back.

Laura Bush is in the Middle East on a public relations trip on behalf of the president. If they’re trotting Mrs. Bush around, they must be really worried. And rightfully so! But I’m sicker with the Democrats. What the hell is going on with this so-called “nuclear option” BS? I’ve got to hand it to the Republicans: They always have their guns ready to shoot. The Democrats are always in defensive mode. The Republicans have a better, more organized, aggressive political machine working in the background. There is even an ad for Judge Pricilla Owen. It’s high time we try to be more proactive, on the offense, and get the message out. If they scream and shout, let’s shout louder. If they throw stones, let’s not give them the other cheek. If Judge Owen gets in when the Supreme Court seat becomes available, there is no turning back.

Mr. San Diego Leather 2004 Adam Latham left for Chicago to compete in the Mr. International Leather Contest this weekend. I attended this contest a few years back and this is the daddy of them all. It must have taken a few herds of cows to clothe all the beautiful men, from all over the world, in their best leather outfits. OK, so there a few that probably should not be wearing chaps and nothing else. But what’s unique about the leather community and the contest is the brotherhood of men, bonded together by the same passion, camaraderie, respect, discipline and love of leather and all that it symbolizes. As for me, I just love to snuggle up to a man in leather and smell that wonderful scent.

So why is Adam representing San Diego and not the current Mr. San Diego Leather, Dutch? Well, I asked and the reason is that the reigning titleholder has to complete his year fulfilling his duties, and next year he will be going to IML in Chicago as well.

Last week, a large group of men and women got together at the Mission Hills Bistro for a dinner fundraiser to send Adam to Chicago and to wish him well. My friend Cristina Monet and I dressed for the occasion and joined this fun group and shared a meal – homemade chicken soup, a zesty green salad with a vinaigrette dressing that kicks, spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread. The bistro is brand new and nicely decorated, and primarily serves Italian food, including homemade lasagna and raviolis. Larry, who’s one of the owners, informs me that he is making the party room available to any community group for private functions at no cost, except for the price of food. The Mission Hill Bistro will formally open in a couple of weeks.

San Diego Pride is coming and you don’t have any spare room for friends and out-of-town guests? 500 West, a new 260-room European-style hotel located at 500 W. Broadway in downtown San Diego, is offering an exclusive three-night package during Pride weekend, July 29-31.

This year, San Diego Pride coincides with San Diego’s Street Scene, so the city will be crazy. The hotel’s Pride Package, designed for the savvy traveler on a budget, includes three nights’ accommodation (Friday through Sunday) in one of the newly-redesigned guestrooms, a Friday night happy hour meet ’n’ greet, daily continental breakfasts and hourly shuttle service to and from the hotel and festival central in Balboa Park. Best of all, rates for the three-night weekend package – $195 for a single and $215 for a double – won’t break the bank. New general manager Terry Buchholz, formerly with W Hotels, will be developing new entertainment, social and charitable events and programs at 500 West for the GLBT community.

Formerly home to the Armed Services YMCA, the landmark building underwent an extensive, one-year, $9 million renovation and redesign of its guestrooms and public spaces, and features Michael Graves-inspired custom furnishings, flat-screen televisions and telephones with data port connections. Other property highlights include free wireless Internet access throughout all public spaces, an onsite fitness center and the Grand Central Café. To make a reservation, call (866) 500-SLEEP and ask for the Pride Package.

The Flame will be transformed into a tropical paradise for Beach Ball ’05 with internationally renowned DJ Wayne G. of London, and local favorite DJ Niknotiq. It’s a great kickoff to Memorial Day weekend on Friday, May 27 – beachwear is strongly encouraged. And be sure to catch their new night, Diversity Thursday!

Bacchus House has a three-day beach party! Friday it’s Body Idol with Nicole, Saturday is guest DJ Gavin Hardkiss and Sunday is Club Domingo. What, nothing to wear? Rush over to Martin and Wall and pick up something snazzy.

Rich’s Fusion 2005 – a Glow party; a special event at Rich’s on Sunday, May 29.

Numbers is San Diego’s biggest Saturday night out, with two live DJs and two dance floors, so arrive early to avoid the lines.

Krash (L.A.) presents two dance parties at Heaven in Palms Springs: Saturday night is From Heaven to Hell, afterhours from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., with DJ Barry Harris, and Sunday night is Studs and Suds Foam Fantasy with DJ Josh Peace. Heaven is located at 611 So. Palm Canyon Dr.

Coming to Palm Springs on June 6 is Drag Queen Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s (Palm Springs) at 8:00 p.m. with L.A. drag diva Belle Aire and special guest Irene Soderberg. The $20 suggested donation benefits New Light Media High School’s No School Left Behind program. Enjoy some food, fun, an auction and prizes like flight lessons, accommodations at the Palace Station Hotel in Las Vegas and a facial or massage at Aqua Caliente Spa.

The popular Newlywed Game is back on Tuesday nights, and Flicks is looking for contestants. Three couples compete each Tuesday for dinner and a movie for two. The winners come back in September and then compete for a $2,500 Mexican Riviera cruise leaving from San Diego. So call Nigel to be one of the lucky contestants, at (619) 297-2056.