On the go and need to check e-mail? Perhaps you just want to get online and cruise for sex or check out westhollywood.com. Now, thanks to T-Mobile, you can do just that at many Starbucks locations around the West Hollywood area, including the 8595 Santa Monica Blvd. cafe right across the street from 24-Hour Fitness.

T-Mobile allows you to access the Internet with high-speed wireless connectivity that can be up to 50 times faster than traditional dial-up connections. All you need is a notebook or Pocket PC with a Wi-Fi (802.1b) wireless card (ask a friend who knows about these things to see if you have it on yours - cost is about $79 for a card), and a T-Mobile HotSpot account and you are off and surfing in the comfort of your favorite neighborhood Starbucks while sipping on your Venti mocha latte. If you don’t have the Wi-Fi, you can check www.starbucks.com/hotspot for special offers on the device.

Recently, I went to the Starbucks across from 24-Hour Fitness to investigate this service and was pleased with the results. I took the Mac I-book and in seconds was checking out Sidewalk Talk and those fabulous restaurant reviews all before my mocha latte was done. I took advantage of the free day pass I obtained from Elie at Al & Ed’s Autosound on La Cienega and Santa Monica. Elie was very nice and explained the service to me very well and in a way I could understand.

I found the convenience of being able to access the Internet at Starbucks a welcome relief from the monotony of surfing the Net at my small home office (as a side-note, I hear it is also a great way to meet people online and hook up, but I wouldn't know about these things).

If you are interested in the T-Mobile service you can find more information by logging on to www.t-mobile.com/hotspot or by calling 1-800-981-8563. Plans range from $29.95/mo. for unlimited local service, to $49.99/mo. for unlimited National Access. If you won't be using the service a lot, you can also pay as you go at a rate of 25¢ a minute. For the personal touch, talk talk to Elie in person by stopping by 8500 Santa Monica Blvd or calling 310-854-5454.

With the free one-day pass you have nothing to lose by at least testing the service. It is fast, reliable and fun!

- Harley Davidson Collins

Cirkitjoe: Bill, having done the Official Pride Parties in San Diego for some years now must take a lot of planning. When does Planning usually begin?

Bill: Planning begins for the following year during the current year's pride events. I walk the parties and speak with my guests, checking for feedback. All the patrons are very forthcoming when engaged for their opinion and they are the ones who have actually developed my success throughout the years. You see, the party is for them, my guests, so I feel they should have a say in how the parties are produced. DJs and venues are pretty much secured by the first week after the current year's pride for the following year.

Cirkitjoe: One example of your planning is the Zoo Party. Because you have had the event there probably as long I can remember, is it ever difficult to hold Sunday's event there?

Bill: No, it is not difficult to hold the Pride Zoo Party there on a Sunday. The San Diego Zoological Society is very supportive of our community as well as all other communities. They allow anyone to produce an event at the Zoo as long as it benefits the patrons experience of the Zoo. Please keep in mind that a large portion of the ticket price goes to the San Diego Zoological Society which in turn helps support many programs at the zoo for their animals. We as a community are not only celebrating our culture in a mainstream environment, but we are helping the Zoological Society with their mission to educate people about the animals of our world and to save those that are in danger of extinction. In my opinion this is truly a win-win situation, and most importantly, to answer your question, effortless when you weigh the benefits for all concerned.

Cirkitjoe: And unlike any other Producer/Promoter/Owner I know, youre a great financial contributor to the Gay & Lesbian Community. Last I checked on your website, PowerHouse and its parent Corporation, Quantum Productions has made contributions totaling $ 371,051.95. Congratulations!

Bill: On behalf of my staff, who work tirelessly to execute these events for our community, I Thank you. It is rare that anyone actually notices when good is done in this world. Again, thank you. It is truly an honor to be of service to the gay community, and a responsibility I do not take lightly. As long as the community allows me to, I will continue to be of support in anyway I can.

Cirkitjoe: I have asked you in the past if the partygoer could expect any surprises and you've replied why change a good thing - and yes the events have never disappointed. Does this statement still hold true for this year?

Bill: To answer this question I will refer back to #2, where I explained engaging feedback from my guests during the current year's pride. My guests seem to like the format of the events. They have, unconditionally, year after year asked me NOT to add a segment that will stop the flow of the parties. The DJ's seem to dislike it and the partygoers are very vocal about not interrupting the "journey" of the music. As of yet, no surprises have been planned, but then again, if I told you ... it would not be a surprise ... ;)

Cirkitjoe: With good parties come great DJs. WOW - Phil B, Tony Moran, Manny Lehman and ending the festivities, DJ ABEL. Great lineup - how hard is it to book such talented and reputable entertainment?

Bill: This is how I see it. The DJs are the Royalty of circuit event entertainers. Royalty should be treated with respect, integrity and honor. They deserve no less for their years of hard work mastering their craft. I believe theDJs work for me because I subscribe to those principles which venerate their stature as brilliant artists. Over the years, my reputation has been built within their community, by their experience of me. I think the caliber of talent I attract to my events speaks for the passion in which I believe in them. To book them is effortless for me and I hope they have the same experience of me and my staff.

Cirkitjoe: I noticed on your website (www.powerhouse-productions.com) that you mention for the Fete Accompli event 4th and B is under new owners & management. Was there a reason why you added that information?

Bill: In years past, the partygoers had suggested that the security staff was less than pleasant to deal with. New owners, new staff. I thought my patrons would like to know I have investigated and addressed their previous concerns.

Cirkitjoe: There will definitely be crowds in attendance. With the closure of Montage - both locals and out-of-towners will know these are the parties to be seen at. Do you ever worry that you pack a full house at these events and have to say no to someone who wants to be admitted because they didn't buy presale tickets or who got to the venue late?

Bill: I have had this experience for many years. While it is very difficult to have to do, the city has very stringent rules on numbers of attendees in a given space, and I definitely operate my company within the guidelines of the law. I have had to turn away hundreds and hundreds of people who did not buy a presale Zoo Party ticket. Last Year the closing party with Abel sold out by about 11:45 pm, again having to turn people away. The good news is the Sports Arena can hold 8000 people. We have never sold out that venue, but I am excited at the possibilities of it!

I would suggest to your readers to get their tickets early; the online sales are going very very fast. Please let your readers know, that when I hit capacity at any given event, I do stop selling tickets, no exceptions.

This is definitely one weekend not to forget!

San Diego Pride July 29-31, 2005 (http://www.sdpride.org/)
Official Pride Parties (http://www.powerhouse-productions.com/)

WEST HOLLYWOODS THE ABBEY FOOD AND BAR PARTNERS WITH SBE RESTAURANT GROUP

Announcement signals first move in restaurant's effort to go National

The Los Angeles-based SBE Restaurant Group, a division of SBE Entertainment Group, announced today that it has partnered with the West Hollywood icon, The Abbey Food and Bar. The announcement was made jointly by SBE Entertainment CEO Sam Nazarian and Abbey President and Founder, David Cooley.

The Abbey, which just last month celebrated 15 years in business, has grown from a small coffeehouse to a veritable West Hollywood mecca and one of the most popular hotspots in the country. Its open-air ambiance, signature martinis and truly relaxed elegance have made The Abbey a familiar favorite for locals, tourists and celebrities alike. The alliance with SBE Restaurant Group heralds an exciting new era for The Abbey, given the expertise, infrastructure and corporate reach of SBERG, which has fast become one of the pivotal players in the Los Angeles nightlife and restaurant scene. The new venture will seek to fuel The Abbeys biggest expansion to date reproducing the signature Abbey experience in selected cities nationwide.

Commented Cooley, I am incredibly excited to join forces with SBE Restaurant Group. Sam and SBE really value the special nature and appeal of the Abbey brand, and share my vision for its future. This partnership will help to realize the dream Ive had to bring the Abbey brand to other cities and I cannot wait for this next chapter.

Added Nazarian, The incredible popularity and longtime success of The Abbey are testament to Davids drive and entrepreneurial spirit, and our goal is to preserve its unique character and help successfully translate The Abbey experience into other U.S. markets. Our SBE Restaurant Group will provide the resources and industry know-how to foster this growth and we look forward to working very closely with David.

Cooley will remain as President of The Abbey brand and will assist SBERG with the management and geographic expansion of The Abbey. Cooley will work with SBE Restaurant Group COO Arich Berghammer and The Abbey staff to hone service standards and oversee operations and menu development. While no specific locations have been finalized for national expansion, Cooley and SBE are exploring warm-weather locations where The Abbeys open-air concept would work best, including Miamis South Beach, Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Las Vegas and Phoenix. The expansion of the Abbey brand nationwide will be guided by SBE Chief Creative Officer Theresa Fatino.

ABOUT THE ABBEY

Having grown from a 1,100-square-foot start-up coffeehouse in 1991, The Abbey has grown organically through five expansions over the years into its current 16,000-square-foot space the largest food and bar in the world which includes indoor and outdoor space and a variety of seating and dining areas for drinks and meals throughout the day and socializing. The Abbey was voted Best Bar of Los Angeles and Best Gay Bar in both Zagat Guide and AOL CityGuide for 2005 and 2006.

ABOUT SBE RESTAURANT GROUP

SBE Restaurant Group (SBERG) integrates world-class chefs, revolutionary design and outstanding service into flawless destination restaurants that draw a sophisticated and loyal clientele. Based in Los Angeles, the organization is a key operating unit within SBE Entertainment Group. With entrepreneurial insight and a keen eye for taste making style, CEO Sam Nazarian and SBERG not only stay ahead of the curve, but hone its intensity and focus by constantly reinventing popular destinations as inner sanctums for the media elite. In addition to actors with box office bankability, record-breaking pro athletes, top-dollar supermodels, and rock royalty, SBERG counts headline-making executives, socialites and artists among its dedicated guests. Currently, SBERG operates four destinations favored among entertainment insiders and Los Angeles culturati: the high-wattage nightspots Privilege, The Lobby, and the just-opened Hyde Lounge, and Yu Restaurant & Lounge. The companys popular Prey nightclub is currently under renovation and will reopen in Summer 2006 with an entirely new look.

ABOUT SBE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Founded in 2002, the Los Angeles-based SBE Entertainment Group (SBE) brings exquisite balance to the interrelated worlds of modern hospitality, real estate development and independent film production. As a privately-held parent organization founded and helmed by CEO Sam Nazarian, SBE acquires, develops and manages exceptional projects through its specialized subsidiaries SBE Hotel Group, SBE Restaurant Group, Bolthouse Productions.SBE, SBE Real Estate Group and Element Films. With a mission to redefine standards of excellence and innovation, Nazarian and his team draw on a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise to create valuable synergies and unique alliances between these divisions, providing a complete lifestyle experience for SBE clients, whether they are staying in SBE properties, dining at SBE restaurants or enjoying Element films. The result: quality products rich in detail and originality, each created for a discriminating and diverse clientele.

It was my life dream to move to West Hollywood (WeHo) - The shining city of Oz! How wonderful it was going to be. I mean how great is an all gay city! I had already travelled the globe. WeHo was a choice not a geographic fix. I was sure to make many friends there and build a fulfilling life with the man of my dreams. Happiness surely awaited me. Afterall, if I couldn't find it in West Hollywood as a gay man, then where on earth was left?

After 10 years of California dreaming, I finally got to Emerald City. But I quickly realized that I was not in Kansas anymore. I was tormented by the Wicked Witch of the West. The three years I spent there were the most painfully lonely in my life. I was stunned. So many gay men and yet I was so lonely. Treated with such indifference. After 2 years there, when my small town husband of nearly 4 years deserted me coldly to embrace the hotness of the WeHo scene, I went through a depression that almost killed me in the promised land.

I thank my higher power for leading me to the International Spiritual Community of Agape in Culver City. It was a magical place. As a stranger walking in the door people hugged me and told me they loved me. Glinda was everywhere. Wouldn't it be great if gay bars were like that?

What I know is that being alone and being lonely are not the same. Being able to be comfortably alone with oneself is healthy. Loneliness hurts. I also know that it is true that we create our own happiness from within. That no one outside of us can truly make us happy or fulfill us. So it is important to learn to be alone. But it is also true that it is a natural desire to share our lives with a partner and friends so we are not lonely. With few exceptions, I could not meet such friends and partners in West Hollywood. And I tried like hell.

Now I'm sure West Hollywood can be a great place and has many great people. I had some good times and met some good people myself. But I mostly came up with surface in my time in Thee Gay Mecca. This troubles me. Now certainly this is just my experience and I had my own part to play in it. But does this also reflect something about our sense of community as gay people in Anytown?

It astonishes me how we as a community of gay men often treat each other. Often we are not welcoming to each other. Everyone's flying around on their brooms. This disconnect is our own doing. It is up to each one of us to change it. This happens by each of us changing our own personal behavior and attitudes. One person can make a difference - Ghandi, Jesus, The Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Harvey Milk, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc - to name but a few.

I begin by being the person I would like to meet. I smile, be nice, be open, be inviting, get to know people, love one another. We are all gay brothers and sisters who need to embrace each other. We need each other now more than ever. We're the target of hatred which is being sponsored by many lawnmakers in the guise of religious morality. The message from these lawmakers is that we are so reviling that we are outcasts undeserving of the same human compassion and rites they cherish. That we are less than them and scapegoats for whatever threatens them. Government has no business legislating religion. But I digress.

Ultimately, we turn their hatred on ourselves and against each other. That is killing us in the form of suicide, drugs, alcoholism, and bare-backing often at parties that substitute our need for tribal unity and love. Our inability to meaningfully connect with each other leaves us alienated and lonely. It is essential that we as gay men start doing the work we need to do to find one another's heartspace for friendship and love. Meanwhile we're killing ourselves from the pain. I ultimately returned back East. Like Dorothy, I returned only to discover - there's no place like home.

www.doctorangelo.com

Angelo Pezzote, MA, LMFT (MFC41291) - The Gay Man's Therapist For Today's Gay Man.

"Would you appreciate a safe supportive environment to talk about personal concerns? Get useful tools from a specialist who understands." Manhattan, NY Office Tel: (917) 673-5003. LA Tel: (310) 475-8880. Telephone Coaching Also Available Worldwide.

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