How can I read the output from a local php file [fopen()]?

I have a script that needs to read the output, not the file itself, from a local php file using its absolute address. Normally I'd simply use $handle= fopen(http://www.whatever.com, 'rb') However, the webhost [Powweb] just changed their system to use "load balancing" servers. Now, my script must use the fopen() with a hack as such: $handle= fopen(http://local.whatever.com, "rb") But, but, it doesn't work when my script is started from a cronjob, only from a remote browser. Any suggestions? Thanks.....