It’s being dubbed the “lavender sweep” at the Golden Globes, with the triumphs of Brokeback Mountain, Felicity Huffman in TransAmerica and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in Capote. I hope this will spur more positive portrayals of gay characters and foster better understanding of our lives. What was Drew Barrymore thinking when she put on that dreadful green vegetable of a dress? And Mariah Carey needs to understand that less is sometimes more. Poor Reese Witherspoon didn’t know she was wearing a Chanel outfit that was worn by someone else the year before – also at the Golden Globes. I say fire her stylist. My favorite outfit of the night was Keira Knightley’s ethereal white gown. Next up will be the SAG Awards on Sunday, Jan. 29, on TNT/TBS. Let’s bring the gay momentum all the way to the Oscars!

Being Chinese, I get to celebrate New Year’s twice, and this year the Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, Jan. 29. The Chinese lunar calendar is a 12-year cycle named after an animal, and those born under the year of the dog, such as Bill Clinton, tend to be loyal, kind and generous. In Asia, most people celebrate for 15 days by having lavish feasts, visiting family, praying at the temple and cleaning house. It is traditional to wear red clothing and eat noodles for long life (but do not cut the noodles). It is also traditional to give oranges as gifts or offerings to the gods, and “lucky money” to young children, but they must be in even numbers – except four, which phonetically sounds like “death.” San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade, which began in 1860, is the largest celebration outside of Asia, with gorgeous floats, elaborate costumes, ferocious lions, imperial dragons and exploding firecrackers to drive away bad luck. And, of course, the presentation of Miss Chinatown and her court, just like the Rose Parade. For information on getting bleacher seats, call (415) 391-9680. Happy New Year to all my Asian friends, especially Patrick. Kung shi fa chai!

Goodbye 2005; another year older. I’m not really vain (well, maybe just a little bit), but I take pride in my appearance. Lately, when I shave or put on my make-up, I notice that I have to pull the skin a bit to smooth out the foundation, and contort my face to look for that cheekbone I once had. I decided it’s time to take action and not let Mother Nature drag me down. I do not do anything special for my skin, but I also do not abuse it with excessive sun, products and oily foods. Still, I’m not opposed to fighting the signs of aging any way I can. I have always considered cosmetic surgery, but the expense and recuperation period holds me back. Instead, I decided to go for the quick fix and instant gratification.

But how does one find a good doctor? Terrified by the silicone party nightmare, and afraid of going to a salon without a trained physician, I decided to take the recommendation of a friend and consulted Dr. Parvin Mani. The first time I met Dr. Mani for my consultation, I was very impressed by her professional demeanor and her calm, soothing voice, and I did not feel pressured to have a procedure I may not need. We talked about what I would like to accomplish, and she explained to me what I can reasonably expect – and not. In the end, we agreed on Botox treatment to smooth away some fine forehead creases, crow’s feet and frown furrows. Botox is relatively inexpensive compared to surgery, and can last anywhere from three to six months. Some clinics charge by the area of treatment (an “area” may vary from one clinic to another), but Dr. Mani charges by units, so you are paying only for the actual amount of Botox applied, which I think is fairer. It is a safe method and it is almost painless. Just a few very fine needle pricks in strategic places, and my entire treatment took less than 15 minutes.

During my visit, I also had microdermabrasion, which is the process of removing the top layer of old, damaged skin and revealing the suppler layer underneath. Now, you could use over-the-counter products, but the result will not be the same. The procedure is mildly uncomfortable – imagine your face being rubbed by fine sandpaper and then having a suction vacuum up all the dead skin – but the result is amazing.

I was most impressed by the fact that I walked out of the clinic without any bruises or marks. But the best part is the instant results I saw after just two days. My forehead is smooth and flat, my eyelids are not dropping anymore, and the bags under my eyes seem to have been smoothed away as well. I can assure you my face is not frozen, and I can blink, raise my eyebrows and still frown naturally. Dr. Mani’s clinic is located at 5555 Reservoir Dr. next to Alvarado Medical Center. She also offers VellaSmooth cellulite treatment, Restylane collagen fillers and other cosmetic services. Next time I visit her, I’m going for the laser hair removal. I’m ready for my close-up now, Mr. Demille! Call Dr. Mani at (619) 583-7555.

The Imperial Court de San Diego’s Royale Ball is schedule for Saturday, Feb. 4, at The Center. The reigning prince and princess royale, Adrian Rodriguez and Regina Styles, will be stepping down and welcoming the new set of royalty. Candidates for princess royale are Greta Ashley Davis, Justice Page Counce and Ruby Lipps, and Jack Marquez is a candidate for prince royale. The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. and feature a buffet, performances and awards. Voting is open to all Imperial Court permanent titleholders and attendees who are San Diego county residents with IDs. This is a formal event, so long ball gowns and tuxedos are de rigueur. Tickets are $15 or $25 VIP, and may be purchased at the door.

This coming Thursday, Jan. 26, I’m celebrating my second anniversary of hosting the It’s Raining Men wet underwear contest at Bacchus House. To spice up the celebration, All Worlds Video porn star Parker Williams will make a guest appearance. Some of you may remember Parker in the play My Boyfriend, the Stripper last season at the old Adams Avenue Studio of the Arts. You may also recall that he was the only one in the entire cast that did not get naked. Well, he’s still not getting naked, because we can’t do that at the bar, but he’s going to get soaking wet in his underwear under the shower on stage. Parker has appeared in many adult videos, and has recently directed a video for Raging Stallion called Lube Job. So come join us for the anniversary party, which will feature $1 well drinks, $2.75 Bud Light Select, video giveaways and hot guys getting wet in their Rufskin underwear (available at Martin and Wall). There will be $250 in cash and prizes, including a cut and color by Peter at Richard Joseph Salon and tanning sessions at Tan Line. This is the best deal in town.

The Live and Let Live Alano Club’s 22nd annual celebration takes place on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7:00 p.m. at The Center. The young and talented Chuck Rite performs, and fine dining will be prepared by Chef Axel. Tickets are $85, or $150 VIP with a private reception at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available by calling (619) 997-4383. Business formal attire is requested.

Tiki Tuesdays, presented by Big Tom at The Brass Rail at 8:00 p.m., features the Island Boyz dancers and DJ Klaus spinning tribal sounds. Part of the proceeds from the $5 cover goes to APICAP (Asian Pacific Islander Community AIDS Project). OK, you can wear your Aloha shirts and sarongs this time.

Valentine’s dinner at Martinis Above Fourth on Tuesday, Feb. 14, is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, or a dinner with friends. You can take me if you don’t have a date. Reservations are a must! Call (619) 400-4500.

Pump Saturdays at Bacchus House features guest DJ Eddie X (L.A./Miami) on Jan. 28. Remember, you can now party ’til 4:00 a.m. with Pump afterhours.

Speaking of afterhours, Lumberjack Grill, located at 3949 Ohio St. (off University Avenue in North Park), is open until 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

And don’t forget that the sangria/champagne Mexican brunch at Baja Betty’s takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Stay on for their Margarita Madness specials.