Thursday, January 31, 2008

one more thursday pick...

The Shanty Shack is giving away $103 in a karaoke contest. Sign up at 7, contest starts at 9.

Drink specials: $1 Natural Light longnecks all night, $5 for a large pitcher of the draft beer of your choice.

what's going on tonight?

Thankfully, it's almost Friday. And the best part of this Friday is that it marks the unveiling of a new blog feature! Soo excited! Clue: It has to do with Valentine's Day.

Anyway, tonight's lineup is short, but still exciting. Here goes:

*Songwriter showcase, 8 p.m. Broad Street Blues, free. 334-297-3200.

*Java Monkey, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Dearest Azazel, 10 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, $5 (free for military). 706-568-3316.

can i buy u a drink?

Once, a guy told me I should write a column about the perfect come-on line -- "You know," he said, "the kind that works for just an average guy."

It sounded easy enough at first, but it didn't take me long to realize that there's no magical line that hooks girls all the time. A lot of the relationship equation is just being in the right place at the right time -- with a partner who's drunk enough/willing to take a chance on you.

Nonetheless, AskMen offers this list of what are supposedly 10 effective pickup lines. You be the judge:

10. "Excuse me, is this seat taken?"

9. "Would you like to dance?"

8. "Can I interest you in a glass of...?"

7. "Do you come here often? I could use your opinion about something..."

6. "Excuse me -- can you help me with...?"

5. "Don't you find this place...?"

4. "You look like you might be interested in some great conversation."

3. "Would you like an escort to your...?"

2. "Wow! I really like that (insert item of clothing or fragrance) you're wearing."

1. "I just thought you should know that you have a really nice..."

Note to guys: These aren't necessarily effective. Especially if you replace the ellipses with "bed" in No. 3, and replace the ellipses with "ass" in No. 1.

mardi gras!!

This week's column is about Tuesday's Mardi Gras festivities. Read the full column here, or simply check out this rundown:

*Two for Fat Tuesday Block Party -- A $2 wristband gets you into the majority of downtown Columbus hot spots. Those bars will also have $2 hurricanes all night.

*Shanty Shack -- Local party band Mindblender will play at the hot spot, in a party that begins at 3 p.m. You can also expect some DJ music. It's at 4475 Warm Springs Road. No cover charge. See the Web site here.

*Memory Lane -- The Great American Hunks will entertain. Doors open for ladies at 7, show starts at 9. Guys will be allowed inside around 11. Drink specials, no cover.

*Soho Bar & Grill -- Expect free beads, jambalaya and zydeco music. No cover. The bar's at 5751 Milgen Road, see its Web site here.

I'll be at as many of the parties as I can, snapping photos for a special edition blog recap. Sunday, I'll hit up the local Party City, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd., to get some cool Mardi Gras accessories. See the selection, which includes some pretty sweet Mardi Gras-patterned nylons, here.

Believe it or not, Mardi Gras in Columbus is pretty fun. Last year, I worked a long day and, hesitant to go out, I fell asleep around 11. But curiosity got the best of me when I woke up at 1, and I headed straight downtown -- work clothes and all. I am a party addict. Good times.

Keep me posted with any other local Fat Tuesday festivities, and stay tuned to this blog for all your nightlife essentials.

heartache leave?

Happy Thursday!

A Japanese company lets its employees take time off after a breakup, this article reports. Staffers 24 and younger get one day of "heartache leave" a year, employees 25-29 get two days and anyone older than 29 gets three days.

"Not everyone needs to take maternity leave but with heartbreak, everyone needs time off, " said Miki Hiradate, chief executive, whose company of six women markets cosmetics and other goods targeted at women.

At first, I was totally opposed to this idea. I'm against wallowing -- hence my criticism of women who choose to embark on post-breakup chick flick marathons. It seems like more and more, we're getting into the mindset that after encountering any obstacle to success, it's best to sit back and get all introspective. When really, you'd probably find just as amazing a cure by simply continuing your usual day-to-day stuff.

Plus, the suggestion that you can't be professionally productive after losing the man in your life kind of puts women back, like, 100 years.

That said, most people -- men and women -- don't get much work done on the day after someone breaks their heart. Maybe heartache leave isn't that bad after all.

Thoughts?

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

boys just wanna have fun?

Single guys in their 20's and 30's are stuck in "a hormonal limbo between adolescence and adulthood," this article concludes.

Read: They play too many video games and don't want to get married. An excerpt:

With women, you could argue that adulthood is in fact emergent. Single women in their 20s and early 30s are joining an international New Girl Order, hyper-achieving in both school and an increasingly female-friendly workplace, while packing leisure hours with shopping, traveling and dining with friends. Single young males, or SYMs, by contrast, often seem to hang out in a playground of drinking, hooking up, playing Halo 3 and, in many cases, underachieving. With them, adulthood looks as though it's receding.

I see the (possibly bitter female) author's point. However, as a girl who's been blessed(?) to date multiple video-game addicts, I've always thought there's something pretty endearing about watching a guy get all excited about robots/drawbridges/etc.

Maybe I'll have a different answer when I'm 45, though.

Thoughts? Is the author of the aforementioned article just making an epidemic of guys being guys?

can it


Happy Hump Day!

Yes, this cheeseburger did come out of a can and yes, I would totally eat it if presented with the opportunity.

Read about it here.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

how nude!

I'm terrible with maps, except for this one.

It's NUDAR, a GPS system for strip clubs and nudity. No joke. The site operates under a goal of locating "every public place and event where you can find naked hotties across the globe."

Unfortunately, Columbus doesn't have its own entry yet, but you can find plenty of listings for Atlanta and Savannah. What's more, NUDAR is always expanding, so e-mail them at tips@nudar.com to add your favorite local venue to the list!

Monday, January 28, 2008

flirting with disaster?

Last week, The Economist turned me on with its detailed analysis of the financial aspects of prostitution. Now, Time magazine has an article about the science of flirting. Check it out here.

I think the best part of the article is research that mentions a book entitled "The Layguide: How to Seduce Women More Beautiful Than You Ever Dreamed Possible No Matter What You Look Like or How Much You Make."

Which you can buy here.

happiness is...

Happy Monday!

Still not entirely psyched about this week? Check out this list of 29 things to be happy about, courtesy of SF Gate. I about to reach for some Xanax until I got to No. 10. Check it out for yourself:

10) Dolphins love sex. Frequent, kinky, aggressive, even violent. Homosexual, bisexual, incestuous, you name it. Sometimes with other species. Sometimes gang-rape style. Sometimes in frothy orgies. Sometimes (sort of) with humans. Yes, dolphins.

Dolphins + sex = Guaranteed cure for a bad case of the Mondays!

Saturday, January 26, 2008

tiki torches optional

Forget Micronesia. And Pearl Islands. The next season of "Survivor" should be filmed in Columbus. Share your thoughts in this poll:


Where should we host "Survivor: Columbus Edition"?
The vacant Bibb Mill
Columbus Park Crossing's parking lot on a Saturday
Soho Bar & Grill on military appreciation night
Sputnik Bar
The "opening in September" Bradley Theatre
The land around the new Columbus Public Library
Free polls from Pollhost.com

outwit. outplay. outlast.


Yes, I did just get back from the "Survivor" auditions and yes, you are staring at a picture of a dead hamster. Ahh...reality TV. Dead hamsters aside, the "Survivor" hopeful featured above was one of my favorite contestants of the day. Laura Cecere, 22, is from Gatlinburg, Tenn. She traveled all the way to C-town with her sister, Julia, 18, and a screech owl named Petey. (The dead hamster was his lunch.) Both sisters are wildlife program coordinators for the nonprofit American Eagle Foundation, a Tennessee-based organization that educates the public about birds of prey.


This guy, meanwhile, was undoubtedly the contestant who generated the most buzz of the day. Enrique Salis, 49, is a Columbus resident who by day is a training coordinator for Cessna. He also apparently likes to dress in armor. Believe it or not, I watched as he did the splits during his audition. FYI: He got his helmet at TJ Maxx. No joke. I think it was originally a salad bowl.


I know it's a bad pic, but check out the guy in the blazer and tie. He gets the "wow" award. It's 70-year-old Wayne Corless of Auburn, Ala. He's a former Air Force officer and civil servant who told me he once ate a potentially developed duck egg, also known as balut. Read about it here.


Chris Shelnutt, 42, attracted my attention immediately. She's wearing pearls and her Easter hat. A Southern belle's armor, if you will. The Columbus woman's reason for auditioning: "I think that they need a small-town Southern woman who is much tougher than she might appear at first." You go, girl!



Body builder and fitness trainer Bena Klier, 38, of Lagrange was definitely among the the afternoon's most in-shape hopefuls. I kind of feared she'd bend me in half as she warmed up with the fitness elastics shown in the pic above. If "American Gladiators" ever comes here, she should be the first in line.

Of these five people, who do you think would stay on the island longest?

Finally, another cool auditioner I met was Miranda Jones, 24, a manager at Little Caesars on Milgen Road. The Columbus woman left her work shift to audition, motivated in part by the call-back she received when she auditioned in the past for MTV's "The Real World." That call-back didn't lead anywhere, but with luck her "Survivor" run will turn out differently.








Friday, January 25, 2008

what's going on this weekend?

Hey party people...here's what's up:

Before I get into the music, I'll remind you that "Survivor" auditions are noon-2 p.m. Saturday at Leisure Lifestyles, 5880 Veterans Parkway. You need to have a photo ID, passport-size photo and passport (or passport application). Bring photocopies of those documents. Click here for more info.

FRIDAY

*Seven Zero Sixx at a meet-and-greet with the Columbus Cottonmouths at Daileys, 10 p.m. Cover is $5 (free with hockey game ticket).

*Psyknyne, Suburban Camouflage at Soho Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Dueling pianos at The Vault, 8 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters at Broad Street Blues, 9:30 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Last Episode at Scruffy Murphy's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5.

*The Fiddleworms at The Loft, 9:30 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Claiborne & Friends at Belloo's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5.

SATURDAY

*American Gun at Soho Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters at Broad Street Blues, 9:30 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Dueling pianos at The Vault, 8 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Last Episode at Scruffy Murphy's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Claiborne & Friends at Belloo's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Whisky Bent at The Loft, 9:30 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Seven Zero Sixx at Daileys, 10 p.m. Cover is $5.




recipes!

Earlier this week, I interviewed the folks from B. Merrell's for a bar profile and they were nice enough to send a whole bunch of cocktail recipes my way. Here's the first batch, some margaritas:

EL PRESIDENTE MARGARITA

1-1/4 oz. Margaritaville tequila
3/4 oz. Cointreau
3/4 oz. Presidente brandy
1/2 oz. Rose's lime juice
2 oz. Sweet & sour mix
Lime wedge for garnish

B. MERRELL'S 'BEST' MARGARITA

1-1/4 oz. Margaritaville tequila
3/4 oz. Triple sec
2 oz. Sweet & sour mix
3/4 oz. Cranberry juice
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier (added to top of margarita after poured into glass)
Lime wedge for garnish

Directions for both margaritas: Add ingredients to mixer cup with ice. Shake well. Pour drink into salted or unsalted glass. Add garnish to rim of glass.

Make these cocktails at home, or get the direct experience by visiting B. Merrell's at 7600 Veterans Parkway in Columbus. It's open until midnight on weekends.

Look for more recipes next week!

not doin' it

Some chick in London hasn't had sex with her husband for the past four years.

Even after reading this article, I still really can't understand why not, but I know it's something involving a sexual odyssey. Read this:

Certainly, once the first flush of love and lust gives way to familiarity, domesticity and parenthood, few would argue that making love is the wanton adventure it was. But Carrie goes one step further. She believes that marriage and motherhood are simply not conducive to having a sex life at all.

"Providing a stable home for children is totally incompatible with having an exciting sex life. The two things are violently at odds," she adds.

I wouldn't want to touch HER electric toothbrush, if you know what I mean.

we need to talk

That's one of the 10 things you should never say to a man, according to this article.

The rest:

"That looks cute."
"It's just a game."
"Nothing's wrong."
"I sound like my mom."
"I just want to be friends."
"Size doesn't matter."
"What are you wearing."
"Do you think she's pretty?"
"Which outfit do you like better?"

And the reverse...10 things you should never say to a woman:

"What did you do to your hair?"
"They both look the same to me."
"Relax."
"I've got it all under control."
"You're not one of those feminists, are you?"
"When are you due?"
"You're being emotional."
"You're acting just like your mother/my mother/my ex-girlfriend."
"You complete me."
"Do you really think you should be eating that?"

OK, time for you guys to weigh in. What's missing?

prison girls are easy

Happy Friday!

Looking for a hot date with conviction(s)? Check out this Web site, Conjugal Harmony. Motto: "The nagging stops when the bars slam shut!" Seriously.

After a relatively quick perusal, I learned the whole deal isn't legit. (Beware of accepting the "click here to register" link at work.) Still, it's a pretty good diversion that makes for at least 10 solid minutes of comic relief.

My favorite part of the site is how all the ladies list what got them in trouble with the law. A sampling:

"I beat up this bitch cop with my bare knuckles and she died so I'm done for life. Lets chat!"

"Arson but it turned out his kids were in there so they said two counts murder one."

Frisk me, baby!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

what's going on tonight?

Hey guys...sorry for the lack of posts today. Soo busy. I'll make it up Friday with some really cool cocktail recipes courtesy of B. Merrell's, I promise.

Anyway, here's your Thursday night rundown:

*Songwriter showcase at Broad Street Blues, 8 p.m. No cover.

*Gary Parmer at Belloo's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5.

*Dueling pianos at The Vault, 8 p.m. Cover is $5

And don't forget to stop by Soho Bar & Grill, where Vickie Carson, one of the bar's owners, celebrates her birthday tonight. Basic Rock Outfit will perform. The show starts at 10 p.m. and cover is $5, free for military.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

bonding is the new bachelor party

Are the days of cheap beer and strippers gone?

Maybe, according to this article. It says that instead of heading to the strip club, men are celebrating bachelor parties by going out of town for a long weekend.

During which they golf, eat fancy food and sample wine.

Really?!?!

Don't worry, guys...you can rest assurred I'll still be watching naked women on the night before I hit the aisle.

working hard for the money?

Usually I don't understand much in the way of finance, but this article actually sustained my interest.

It discusses a series of studies involving the economics of prostitution. A sample of their findings:

Although prices increase with the riskiness of an act, the premium charged for forgoing a condom is much smaller than found in other studies. And attractive prostitutes were unable to command higher fees.

Who knew The Economist could be this hot?

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

RIP Heath Ledger


Rest in Brokeback Mountain.

He died around 3:30 this afternoon. Get the full story here.

girth, wind and fire

That's among the titles on this list of the 15 most sexually unappealing porn titles. My other favorites include "Faces with Braces," "Edward Penishands" and a few more that are unfit to print here.

Monday, January 21, 2008

the tribe has spoken

In case you haven't heard, "Survivor" auditions are in Columbus this Saturday, Jan. 26.

You can audition at Leisure Lifestyles, 5880 Veterans Parkway, from noon to 2 p.m. For more info, call 706-323-3333 or visit official casting Web site here.

In conjuction with the auditions, I'll hopefully be interviewing former contestant Rupert Boneham later this week. Refresh your memory of him here, and let me know if there's any questions you'd like me to ask.

sigh...

I've never been one of those girls obsessed with weddings. I've never bought a bridal magazine. I don't brainstorm names for my future children. I have absolutely no idea who, if anyone, will be in my wedding party.

My one weakness, however, is that I've always dreamed about getting engaged in a Victoria's Secret. Lame, I know. But it's my favorite store, and I really can't think of anything that would make me happier.

Anyway...that goal just entered my mind, as I found this article that claims 54 percent of men still get down on one knee while proposing. It also offers these statistics:

*44% of men ask their partner's father for permission to marry

*57% of men cry when she said yes

*65% of women say he could have put more effort and preparation into the proposal

*25% of couples wait longer than five years before taking their relationship that step further

*23% of women have been proposed to more than once

*69% of women thought the timing of the proposal in their relationship was perfect

Sure, it's great that more and more men are being romantic, but if I ever get engaged I'd get the most happiness out of knowing that the request was sincere.

Hiding the ring in a lingerie drawer wouldn't hurt, either.

this is my party shirt

Happy Monday!

What a great weekend...my BFF Lily hosted a bday party in my honor, even though I turned 26 about 10 days ago. Yes, I am an attention whore. Anyway, we had a novelty T-shirt party, which required everyone to wear a shirt with some witty phrase.

Needless to say, it was a huge success, and a theme I'd definitely do again.

My shirt, by the way, said, "Stop staring at my chest. These aren't the breasts you're looking for. Move along." A souvenir Alan brought back from Dragon*Con, it was pretty much the best ever. I have all these visions of one day attending the sci-fi convention myself and permanently entering thousands of nerds' fantasies. Hot.

I'll post pics as soon as Lily gets rid of her hangover and creates our "Fun with novelty tees" album.

Friday, January 18, 2008

what's going on this weekend?

Here's your weekend lineup:

FRIDAY

*Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters, 9:30 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5.

*HoldCell, 10 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, $5.

*Dueling pianos, 8 p.m. The Vault, $5.

*Rockin' Jake and special guest Ruby James, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5.

*Union 5ive, 10 p.m. Daileys, $5.

*Java Monkey, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5.

*The Red Tide Saga, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5.

SATURDAY

*Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters, 9:30 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5.

*Dead on Sunday, Pains and Sins, Blood Veil, 10 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, $5.

*Union 5ive, 10 p.m. Daileys, $5.

*Dueling pianos, 8 p.m. The Vault, $5.

*Soulhound, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5.

*Java Monkey, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5.

cheese please!


Yes, Packer fans, this cheesehead bra really is for sale. Click here to buy it.

Incidentally, I have three cans of Easy Cheese on my desk right now, so if you're in the area, stop by 17 West 12th Street and squeeze some into your mouth.

Cheers to four years of college in Wisconsin!

how sneaky is this?

Happy Friday!

Just learned about Sneaky Sunday, a pretty awesome nightlife Web site that gives going-out recommendations for multiple metropolitan cities across the U.S.

You won't find Columbus on there, but it does have a whole host of recommendations for Atlanta, even things as specific as "Best Bloody Mary Bar" and "Best Late Night Food Place." Even better, the picks are customized day-by-day, so you can go to the site on a Monday and still be confident you're getting the best of the best.

Click here to go directly to the Atlanta categories.

Btw...Sneaky Sunday is not to be confused with "The Official Guide to Sneaky." Looong story. Click here.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

what's going on tonight?

Hey party people...

Here's your Thursday night rundown:

*Java Monkey at Belloo's, 10 p.m., $5.

*Songwriter showcase at Broad Street Blues, 8 p.m., free.

*Dueling pianos at The Vault, 8 p.m., free.

*Sons of Roswell, Hanks Vega at Soho Bar & Grill, 10 p.m., $5 (free for military).

why guys suck

Sure, half of the times guys tell us we're overreacting, reading too much into things and making a big deal out of nothing...they're right.

Eventually we realize we're being psycho. And then, just when we're about to change our ways, we see something like this article from AskMen.com.

It's called "Score two women in one day." An excerpt:

"Relationships are serious business, so be professional and do what it takes to keep yourself organized and well-planned in order to avoid disastrous consequences. You’ll find that once you master the art of time balancing, scoring twice in a day is as easy as breathing."

So yeah, guys, that's why we don't trust you.

what would mr. belding think?

Here's a pretty funny mash-up of the kids from "Saved by the Bell" dancing to Soulja Boy's "Crank That."

Bonus points for inclusion of the infamous "I'm So Excited" sequence, which strangely foreshadows Elizabeth Berkley's appearance in "Showgirls."

infected


Looks like Christopher Columbus liked multiple varieties of exploration.

He may be responsible for bringing syphilis to Europe, researchers say. Get the full story here.

Gross.

I bet he got it from the Nina, the Pinta AND the Santa Maria.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

something different

Thursday's column is about recent changes to the nightlife scene, and how people have voiced a desire to see "something different" among our local bars.

So I'm asking you for input on what kind of hot spot we need most. Vote often, and tell your friends, please!



What would you add to the Columbus area's nightlife?
Goth club
Indie rock club
Hip-hop club
Upscale club
Club for older partiers
Club with an international flavor
Dive bar
Dance club
Wine bar
Pool/billiards venue
Free polls from Pollhost.com

ma ma se, ma ma sa

I pretty much consider myself the biggest Michael Jackson fan in the entire world. While I was on my college speech team, I even did a speech using Michael Jackson as vehicle for rhetorical criticism. (Don't ask the judges how that went.)

I was already a super fan...now I REALLY wanna be startin' somethin."

Pop music fans already know that Rihanna's newest single, "Please Don't Stop the Music," samples choruses of "ma ma se, ma ma sa" etc. Now, there's an upcoming album featuring newly recorded renditions of MJ hits featuring R&B artists.

Fergie on "Beat It." Kanye West on "Billie Jean." Will.I.Am on "The Girl Is Mine" and "P.Y.T."

And, most importantly, Akon on "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008."

You can listen to that song here.

I just played it a few times in the office and it got mixed reviews. But I'm a fan.

Get Akon on a remastered version of "In The Closet" and I'm sold!

got herpes?

Then don't waste your time with MySpace, especially given the new safety measures.

Instead, go to STDFriends, the social networking site for cool people with herpes, HPV and more!

Or, just join the site to see if blackmail-worthy material is available for any of your friends. You didn't get that idea from me, though.

Want safer sex? Click here to check out Brad's most recent post about orgasms.

Monday, January 14, 2008

horriblescopes and more

You've probably already heard me rave about the Houlihan's Web site. The best part is this portion of the site, where you can access distractions like the virtual "I Never" game I wrote about in a recent column.

Today, right underneath "I Never," I found Horriblescopes, which are basically witty worst-case scenario horoscopes. Like the one for Aries: "The jukebox of your life is unfortunately stuck on the 1970s novelty hit 'Disco Duck.'"

Have fun!

weekend on a high note

Spent Saturday night at Opera, a pretty swank nightclub in Atlanta. Check it out here.

That, paired with my Friday night at Big City Club, made for a weekend's worth of memorable pickup lines/conversation starters, including:

"Hi. I play for a soccer team in England."

"Your purse looks like it can talk."

"Where are you sleeping tonight?"

And, of course, the guy who while talking to me at Big City, asked if I wanted kids. When I said yes, he responded, "Good. I'm glad we're on the same page."

Never underestimate the level of commitment you'll find in a five-minute bar conversation!

ho depot

Here's an interesting article about how more women have become well-versed in home improvement.

The piece says multiple companies now sell pink hammers and saws, and one retailer even offers pink work boots.

After seeing a pink tool belt on this Web site, I succumbed to an urge to visit the Home Depot site and found myself strangely turned on.

Mmmallets.

What do you think is the sexiest power tool?

Advice: If your first instinct is the screw, you're not being creative enough.

one-dollar holler

Happy Monday!

I'll try to post as much as usual, but most of my day will likely be consumed by "American Idol" stuff. It premieres tomorrow, in case you haven't heard. For more AI stuff, see my Ledger Idol blog here.

Anyway, I'll start the day with an insightful observation I heard from my friend last night. She told me all about the crazy world of club cheerleading, and how tons of little girls and their parents are devoting thousands of dollars to cheerleading gyms.

"You know what that means," she said.

I didn't.

"In the future, you're going to be able to get a lap dance for 12 cents," she said.

I can't wait!

Friday, January 11, 2008

what's going on this weekend?

Hey party people...

Don't forget about Friday's Black and White Bash at Big City Club. Wear black and white. 'Nuff said.

Also on FRIDAY...

*The Jen Woodhouse Band at The Loft, $5.

*Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters at Broad Street Blues, $5.

*Martians See Red at Soho, $5.

*Whisky Bent at Scruffy Murphys, $5.

*Dueling pianos at The Vault, $5.

*Spent at Daileys, $5.

*Claiborne & Friends at Belloo's, $5.

On SATURDAY...

*Geoff Achison and The Soul Diggers at The Loft, $5.

*The Breeze Kings at Broad Street Blues, $5.

*Last November, Spy for Hire at Soho, $5.

*Driven at Scruffy Murphy's, $5.

*Spent at Daileys, $5.

*Dueling pianos at The Vault, $5.

*Claiborne & Friends at Belloo's, $5.

bf or bff?

A decades-old dilemma.

Here, WebMD tackles the tough dilemma of what to do when you "hate your friend's mate."

While you're at the site, succumb to an urge to click on the "Is your sex life normal?" tease on the right. A deep depression will ensue.

Just kidding. Kind of.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

what's going on tonight?

A pretty typical Thursday. Here are your options:

*Bluegrass acts Dailey & Vincent, The Primitive Quartet and Gary Waldrep at Hoofer's (3472 Hogansville Road, LaGrange). Show starts at 8 p.m., tickets are $18 and $20. Call 706-885-9300.

*Songwriter showcase at Broad Street Blues, 8 p.m. Free. Call 334-297-3200.

*Uncrowned at Soho Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-568-3316.

*Gary Parmer at Belloo's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-494-1584.

*Dueling pianos at The Vault, 8 p.m. Cover is $5.

donna martin graduates!



Here's a piece that asks "where are they now?" for actors and actresses who appeared on 90210.

I had low expectations initially, but surprisingly it includes a TON of characters, including David Silver's friend who shot himself during the show's early stages. (Hint: His future isn't looking too bright right now, either.)

You'll recognize the two photos above as Ray Pruit, as well as Nat from The Peach Pit.

Where are they now?

Ray, aka: Jamie Walters, is a firefighter in LA. Nat, aka: Joe E. Tata, hasn't appeared on screen since a 2001 cameo on "Charmed."

let's screw

No, you won't find that expression on mainstream candy hearts this Valentine's Day.

But NECCO, everyone's favorite conversation heart manufacturer, did just unveil 10 new phrases that will appear on this year's batch. Here goes, courtesy of this article:

"Melt My Heart"

"In A Fog"

"Chill Out"

"Cloud Nine"

"Heat Wave"

"Sun Shine"

"Get My Drift"

"Wild Life"

"Nature Lover"

"Do Good"

Notice the weather theme. From an AP article: The sayings "highlight the excitement and unpredictability of the day-to-day change of weather and people's love lives," NECCO marketing manager Lory Zimbalatti said in a statement.

So, um, nothing about hurricane tongues? Or moving your body like a cyclone?

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

birthday post

Today is my birthday. Your comments on this blog post are the best presents I could ever receive. Thanks!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

strictly platonic

Check out khraigslist, a parody of -- you guessed it -- Craig's List. It's mildly funny and strangely addicting. You can thank me later.

what's in a name?

I used to think the answer to that question would involve normally arranged patterns of vowels and consonants, but apparently not.

Check out this list of the top 100 baby names of 2007, courtesy of BabyCenter. I still can't get over the fact that names like Nevaeh (No. 76, girls) and Mason (No. 29, boys) are more popular than mine.

Monday, January 7, 2008

cheers to concealer


I've never understood the Jekyll-and-Hyde fascination of seeing stars without makeup, but if you get off on seeing Jessica Alba without bronzer, click here.

It's a collection of pages from a recent issue of In Touch Weekly, where you'll see bare faces on everyone from Hilary Duff to Angelina Jolie.

Here's a slideshow with the same kind of thing.




part a

Just came across House Party, a site where you can register to host a party in conjunction with certain events -- and, in turn, win prizes.

A lot of the parties include sneak peeks of TV shows, so it's a good place to turn if you're a couch potato. Or if you want free lipstick, in the case of the "Lipstick Jungle" house party.

100% whoa-man


If you're looking for a distraction, check out this blog devoted entirely to men who look like old lesbians.

Yeah, nothing else to say about that one.

it started with a dream...








It ended with a burrito.

And chips. And salsa. And some Nantucket Nectar.

Sunday, my BFF Lily and I took a road trip to Atlanta in hopes of becoming the Mexican-restaurant equivalent of Harold and Kumar.

The exodus was motivated entirely by our love of the chain-restaurant Chipotle, which insiders refer to as Potle. And by insiders, I mean us.

If it sounds crazy to drive 90 minutes just for a burrito, you clearly haven't been to Potle. It's not just a restaurant -- it's the happiest place in the universe. Maybe there wouldn't be so many child molesters in C-bus if we had one.

Anyway, our day was a giant burrito filled with rice, beans and stories about how Zales is the absolute worst jewelry shop ever. Good times.

We also went to Trader Joe's and bought lots of organic food. But no alcohol. It was the Lord's Day.

See Potle's Web site here. Yesterday I was under the impression that the chain in owned by McDonald's. That's not true anymore, according to Potle's Wikipedia entry. McDonald's Corp. fully divested its investment in Potle in 2006. My bad.

Friday, January 4, 2008

what's going on this weekend?

It's slow, but I'm sure you'll find something to do. Here's this weekend's lineup:

FRIDAY

*Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters at Broad Street Blues, 9:30 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 334-297-3200.

*The Hot Rods at Soho Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-568-3316.

*Pistoltown at Daileys, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-320-3353.

*The Relics at Belloo's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-494-1584.

*Rocking Pontoons at Scruffy Murphy's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-322-3460.

SATURDAY

*Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters at Broad Street Blues, 9:30 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 334-297-3200.

*The Relics at Belloo's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-494-1584.

*Pistoltown at Daileys, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-320-3353.

*End Way at Soho Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-568-3316.

*Jon Maddox Band at Scruffy Murphy's, 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Call 706-322-3460.

crisis averted

Happy Friday!

Partying this weekend? You might want to check out this site, which claims to be an online breathalyzer test and blood alcohol content calculator.

The BAC calculator is actually pretty cool, but I'll put little faith in its scientific value. Especially since its effectiveness depends on a drunk person's typing abilities.

Anyway, the site also has hangover cures, not all of which are rooted in fact. (Example: chocolate milk...yuck.)

I think my favorite hangover cure listed here is a hot bath, coupled with an explanation that reads, "You'll feel a bit woozy at first but go with it and you'll feel better afterwards."

Hmmm. If I had a dollar for every time somebody said THAT to me.

oops...she did it again

Britney Spears. In hospital. Mental evaluation.

That's pretty much all you need to know about Britney's newest debacle, as she was taken off in an ambulance after refusing to surrender custody of her kids to K-Fed. Get the full story here.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

what's going on tonight?

OK, it's pretty much an average Thursday in Columbus, but you still have options:

*Rock out with the guys from 9th Corner and Diablo at Soho Bar & Grill. It's $5, and the show starts at 10 p.m. 706-568-3316.

*There's a free songwriter showcase at Broad Street Blues. Start time is 8 p.m. 334-297-3200.

*Gary Parmer takes the stage at Belloo's. Cover is $5 and the show starts at 10 p.m. 706-494-1584.

Drink special: From 6-9 p.m., pitchers of beer are $5 at Sports Rock Cafe in Phenix City.

one more thing...

If you're feeling left out of all this underwear talk, check out this article about how to persuade your girlfriend to switch to thongs. My favorite part:

"If it's the permanent wedgie that she protests, suggest she keep a lace thong around for bedtime -- you promise to peel it off within minutes."

Smooth.

since you asked...

In response to the free thong item I posted earlier today, one anonymous reader wondered if it's "still cool to have your thong showing way above your jeans."

Funny you ask.

Even though this has long been a personal pet peeve of mine, I'd always heard that it's a turn-on for guys, in a white-trash kind of way, I guess. But not all guys, apparently. I was once with a group of people when a guy informed me my pants revealed my thong every time I bent down. Before I knew it, what I had traditionally regarded as an innocent turn-on had transformed into a source of tremendous humiliation. Awkward.

So back to the matter in question...

I just Googled "thong etiquette" -- yes, I do have the best job in the world -- and came across what this random person dubs "The Rules Of Thong." Here they are, verbatim:

1. Get thongs that fit properly. Do not buy the cheap ones at Wal-Mart. I am not endorsing any particular brand, but you get what you pay for. They don't call VS models "angels" by accident.

2. Do not, under any circumstances, purposely let the top of the thong stick out from whatever it is you are wearing. This is cheap and slutty. You do not need to advertise that you are wearing a thong. The natural view of your nice, shapely behind is evidence enough. Additional tip - you can buy "low-rise" thongs if you are wearing low-cut or low-rise pants. This way the tags are not hanging out for everyone to see. If your pants are lower cut than that, FORGO the underwear all together.

3. Finally, in closing... It doesn't matter if you are model-thin, average, or chubby, thongs come in all sizes and can benefit every woman out there.

But I'm still curious. To all my male readers...do any of you still think catching a glimpse of a girl's thong (outside the bedroom) is hot?

trim down, get down, whatever

About one in four women would spend a week in jail to get their ideal weight, according to this article.

I read the statistic, contemplated the question and at first said I'd totally do it, too. But then I got to thinking...does four days in jail get you your ideal weight for life? Or is it only until you put the pounds back on? Just curious.

Anyway, the findings also indicate that 85% of women would take on an extra toe to be thin, 23% would shave their head and 50% would rather lose 20 pounds than live to be 100.

It's the first week of a new year, so naturally everybody's talking and/or blogging about it, including my co-workers Sandra and Allison.

I won't preach, especially since I plan on eating a Ranger Burger tomorrow, but if you need some advice, check out these fact sheets courtesy of "How to Look Good Naked."

free thong!


Feeling sexy? Tired of panty lines? Want a perpetual wedgie?

Click here to get a free thong from Isolde Lingerie. Minimal effort is required. You just have to register with the site and send an e-mail. A small price to pay for a piece of dental floss up your butt.

Thanks for the link, Brog...I'm going to convince myself it really did come from a regular e-mail, and not one of your Internet searches involving Scarlett Johansson or, better yet, Militia.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

work it...or not

The coolest thing I've accomplished so far in 2008 was getting my ass to the gym Jan. 1.

Jealous? Don't be. Sure, I gloat now, but this study concludes most people are wasting money on gym memberships. An excerpt:

A three-year study of 8,000 gym membership records from the Boston area discovered 80 per cent of members with a monthly contract were better off if they had gone on a pay-per-use basis.

So get on the treadmill. Now.

great in oh-eight?

Happy New Year, everyone. Hope your Dec. 31 was as fabulous as mine.

Yesterday, I drove past The Jewelry Salon -- you know, the place where a going-out-of-business sale made everything 70 percent for, like, a month -- and lamented that not checking that store out was probably my biggest mistake of 2007.

Naturally, that led me to consider all the year's highs and lows. Without a doubt, my No. 1 favorite thing about 2007 was my week-long Vegas vacation in October. Even if it did make me swear off Bacardi 151 for life. The worst part of 2007? Suffering a kidney infection. Drink your cranberry juice, ladies and gentlemen.

OK...out with the old, in with the new.

But in case you still basking in some alcohol-induced New Year's Eve glory, check out this list of seven things that only make sense when you're drunk. Drunk-dialing your ex is No. 1, in case you were wondering.