The Kato Watch

It hasn’t been easy waiting for the O.J. Channel to start up again. What is it now, six weeks until the trial?

Meanwhile, we’re suffering painful withdrawal symptoms, relieved only by the occasional news bitlet, weary commentary or rehashing of things we already know.

But we’ve found something else to help us get through these long, torturous days: Kato sightings.

Yes, Brian (Kato) Kaelin, O.J.’s befuddled-looking, non-rent-paying McDonald’s companion has not been keeping that low a profile. So far he’s been spotted at the Beverly Hills Health and Fitness Gym in Los Angeles (evenings mostly) and at the Hotel Nikko in Beverly Hills.

Was Kato perhaps in deal-making mode at the hotel? After all, what producer wouldn’t want to sign up this guy? And if art truly imitates life, then we should see Kato playing himself in one of the many O.J. movies coming soon to a television set near you. We also think he’d be perfect as everyone’s favorite little buddy in a revival of “Gilligan’s Island.”

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What a drag: We’ve had a spate of Westerns (“Tombstone,” “Wyatt Earp,” “Bad Girls”) and now it’s time for something completely different.

How about a spate of movies featuring performers in drag? “Just Like a Woman” is now in release, and currently filming is “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.” Premiering next week is “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” about three Australian drag-queen showgirls who hit the road in a bus named Priscilla.

The invitation for the event on Tuesday reads, “If the shoe fits . . . wear it to our party,” so we wondered if that meant drag was de rigueur for the soiree.

“It’s not required,” said a spokesman, “but I have a feeling some people will be in drag.”

Cast members will definitely be en drag , and they’ll arrive on Priscilla for all the world--and paparazzi-- to see. The event is a benefit for L.A. Shanti, which provides free education and emotional support services to those with HIV/AIDS (some tickets may still be available, call (213) 386-8014). Following a screening at the Cinerama Dome is a party at The Palace, with Thelma Houston performing live.

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Move over, Rover: Taking your dog to the dog park is no longer the cool way to show off your pooch. We encountered a young man the other day strolling down the street with his canine while strumming an electric guitar that was, needless to say, not plugged in. Who knows, maybe they’ll both get discovered.