what's going on this weekend?

Hey party people...I'm posting this weekend's offerings a little early, as I'll be taking a three-day weekend.

My No. 1 pick this weekend? The official grand opening of The Roadhouse, the downtown rock bar that's been open for about a month now. Entertainment comes courtesy of Splendid Chaos, a Southeast-based rock and metal band that sounds like acts such as Fuel and Nickelback. The show starts at 10 p.m. and cover is $5.

Here's the rest of your lineup:

THURSDAY

*Whisky Bent, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, free. 706-322-3460.

*Dearestazazel, Bear and his Daughter, Soho Bar & Grill, $5 (free for military). 706-568-3316.

FRIDAY

*Elisa Victoria, Peggy Jenkins, 7-10 p.m. Broadway's 1100 block, free.

*The New Familiars, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Whisky Bent, 10 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Big Saxy, 6 p.m. Mediterranean Cafe, free. 706-320-9111.

*Mojo:Saint, 9:45 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Jaded Soul, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Friends featuring Dehra, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Last Episode, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

SATURDAY

*Naked Eskimos, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11 p.m.).

*Elisa Victoria with special guest Classic Addict, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Dear Enemy, 10 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Mojo:Saint, 9:45 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Jaded Soul, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Friends featuring Dehra, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Pipers Down, 9:30 p.m. Mediterranean Cafe, free. 706-320-9111.

more sex!

Counting down the hours until Friday's SATC premiere? Here's some links to keep you busy:

*Entertainment Weekly has this photo gallery of the series' most memorable props. Did you know Carrie's laptop is now in the Smithsonian?

*Also on EW, check out these pics of Carrie's best and worst looks.

*Finally, here's a helpful guy's guide to SATC. Below, I'm pasting its list of slang inspired by the show -- which word is your favorite?

Frenemies: Two friends who bicker constantly.

Good on Paper: The nice guy who inevitably gets dumped for a handsome bad boy.

Modelizer: A man who is obsessed with dating models.

Real Estate Bride: A woman who gets married to get an apartment.

Secret Single Behavior: Things people do when they're totally alone, and only then.

Single Woman's Sports Pages: The wedding section of The New York Times.

Skid-Marks Guy: Someone who doesn't keep his underpants clean. Let's leave it at that.

Try-sexual: Someone who will try anything once.

Upsex: To trump a friend's big sex news with even bigger sex news.

Used-Date Party: A party where you bring someone you're no longer interested in.

Yogasm: An orgasm brought on by post-yoga sex.

sex!

Pasted below is my result of one those infamous "find your inner 'Sex and the City' quizzes that are circulating around the Internet right now.

Try it yourself. I won't tell if you rig the results.

This week's nightlife column is about how SATC's affect on dating. It cites this study, in which 80 percent of single adults surveyed said the series "made it more acceptable for women to have fun dating and worry less about finding a committed relationship."

Do you think Carrie and company have changed the romance landscape? If so, how?

Which Sex and the City Character Are You?
	You are Carrie. You know what you want out of a relationship and you're not afraid to keep moving until you get it. Wit and charm are your biggest turn-ons, and you like guys who appreciate you for your mind as much as your body. You have fun playing the dating game, but secretly you just can't wait to find the guy who sweeps you off your feet and carries you into the sunset.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

'object' of desire

Here's an article about a woman who claims she's been married to the Berlin Wall for 29 years.

It's a result of a condition called Objectum-Sexuality, "feelings of love, attraction, arousal, and commitment for a particular object."

That actually sounds pretty cool.

If you could marry one object -- without being institutionalized -- what would it be?

I'll start: I'd marry the swimming pool at the Excalibur hotel in Las Vegas.

(For more about objects, check out CJ's post about a guy who likes to have sex with cars. Beep beep.)

under where?

I'm back from my holiday weekend, which included a trip to LA for some quality time with the fam. Incidentally, I was also treated to an impromptu run-in with former "Project Runway" contestant Andrae Gonzalo. Yes, there are pictures.

More on that later.

Anyway, I'm a little swamped with work, so until I have time for a more comprehensive post I'll leave you with this look at modern underwear.

Anyone else turned on by the prospect of backless panties?

what's going on this weekend?

Here's your lineup. Don't forget about Teachers Gone Wild on Friday at the Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road.

THURSDAY

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

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

*Connor Christian and the MorningStar Revival, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, free. 706-322-3460.

FRIDAY

*Goldilocks, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11 p.m.).

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

*Seven Zero Sixx, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

*Baumer, After the Crash, 10 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*The Fiddleworms, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Mojo:Saint, 9:45 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Down Pour, 10 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Big Saxy, 6 p.m. Mediterranean Cafe, free. 706-320-9111.

SATURDAY

*Hell On Air band, 8 p.m. Del Ranch Restaurant & Lounge, free. 334-297-9177.

*The Neal Lucas Trio, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Another Hero, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11 p.m.).

*Psychostick, Power Glove, Look What I Did, 10 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

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

*Down Pour, 10 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Mojo:Saint, 9:45 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Whisky Bent, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

*Pipers Down, 9:30 p.m. Mediterranean Cafe, free. 706-320-9111.

can i dust your eraser?

It's one of the top male fantasies fulfilled.

Friday, the Shanty Shack hosts Teachers Gone Wild -- an end-of-year party for local teachers that begins at 4 p.m. Everyone's invited, and there will be prizes for teachers. Local party band Mindblender will perform.

The bar's at 4475 Warm Springs Road. See their MySpace here.

P.S. -- As much as I wish I could take credit for the pickup line in the title, it's actually a result of some genius thinking from this guy.

to not have and hold

This list -- "18 things a grown man should never have" -- has created some Internet buzz.

Among its entries? Beer that costs less than $20 a case, as well as a secret handshake.

While I accept most of the list, I think it's a bit harsh at times. (Especially that beer one. Clearly, "grown" and "journalist's salary" aren't a good match.)

But I'd like to know what you think. Ladies...what single item found in a guy's apartment would unequivocally send you packing?

free shows!

Two free shows for Tuesday night partiers:

*Local rock band Driven takes the stage at the Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road. Show starts at 8 p.m.

*The metal rockers from Charlotte, N.C.-based Blanco Diablo perform at Soho Bar and Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Show starts after the bar's open mike, probably around 10:30 p.m.

peach pit addicts rejoice!

Here's the trailer for the new "90210" spinoff. As if a (slightly modernized) version of the trademark theme wasn't enough, the clip also reveals the new show will feature Aunt Becky from "Full House."

Have mercy!

Interestingly enough, the clip comes shortly I spent the entire weekend reading Tori Spelling's autobiography, "sTori Telling." I won't give away any secrets -- it's the topic of this week's book column. I'm sure you can hardly wait.

Anyway, I sense a major "90210" resurgence coming on.

My first instinct is to say my favorite episode is the one when David Silver's friend accidentally shot himself, but that makes me sound like a pretty morbid person. So I'll go with my 2nd fave -- when Brenda adopted her alter ego, Laverne, while subbing for Brandon at the Peach Pit.

I'll open the question up to you guys. Favorite episodes?

not my 'type'

The first Internet-spawned couple recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, this article notes.

The pair "met" in 1982 via a CompuServe CB Simulator program. They married a year after their first face-to-face encounter.

Obviously, the Internet dating world has impacted relationships. In addition to the ins and outs of courting someone online, the Web makes it increasingly difficult to completely sever ties once a relationship is over.

Even when geographical boundaries exist, there's those unspoken thoughts/suspicions/hopes that an ex is Googling you.

On that note, the Chicago Tribune has this article about a belief that social networking sites are taking the mystery out of dating. That is, users are so specific in listing interests that "we've gotten used to knowing someone's vital stats before we even meet face-to-face."

When it comes to relationships, do you think the Internet does more harm than good?

what's going on this weekend?

Here's your lineup...I'll be at The Tap Friday, so be sure to say hi if you see me dancing.

FRIDAY

*The Winter Sounds, Slow Motion Crash, 10 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Webb Wilder, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $10. 706-596-8141.

*Jury, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11 p.m.).

*Pipers Down, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

*Mojo:Saint, 9:45 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Big Saxy, 6 p.m. Mediterranean Cafe, free. 706-320-9111.

*Union 5ive with special guest, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Claiborne & Friends, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Racket Club Band, 10 p.m. Del Ranch Restaurant & Lounge, $5. 334-297-9177.

SATURDAY

*Shakedown Monkey, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11 p.m.).

*Crop Circle, Sons of Roswell, 10 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Peggy Jenkins, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Pipers Down, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

*Mojo:Saint, 9:45 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Union 5ive with special guest, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Claiborne & Friends, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Racket Club Band, 10 p.m. Del Ranch Restaurant & Lounge, $5. 334-297-9177.

*Michael Twitty and Emily Portman, 7 p.m. Hoofers Gospel & Bluegrass Barn, $18 general admission and $20 reserved. 706-885-9300.

SUNDAY

*The Mitchell Celebration Jam featuring Ed Cox, Kevin Vannoy,Robert Orr, Suzanne Swan, Bill Perry and more, 6-9 p.m., Liberty Theatre,donations requested to benefit the family of late bassist Edred Mitchell.706-653-7566 or 706-660-9295.

tracks of my tears

Much has been made of this clip from a CNN interview featuring Hillary Clinton crying while talking about daughter Chelsea.

Of course, it's raised the inevitable discussion about the double standard involving crying and politicians. When a female politician cries, it's a sign she belongs to the weaker sex. When a male cries, meanwhile, it's a sign of heroism.

On a more practical level, the crying game gets equally sticky once you enter the workforce. At every job I've had since college, there's been the obligatory cubicle crier who comes into the office with perpetually puffy eyes.

This Marie Claire piece says crying at work can in some cases actually further a career, but I don't know if I'm sold.

I've cried at work ONCE, and it made me feel sappy, weak and unprofessional.

What do you think? Is it OK for women to cry at work? Does it make a difference if you're crying about something work-related versus something pertaining to your personal life?

(For more about Hilary Clinton, check out the Ledger's political blog here.)

milwaukee's best?

You're not the only one resigned to a life of PBRs instead of Coronas.

Our rotten economy has made many people trade down their taste in beer, this article reports.

At the risk of revealing how poor I am, I'll admit that I've learned to actually enjoy a can of Natural Light. What about you?

not cool

Here's a list of 10 items you think make you cool -- but don't -- courtesy of Holy Taco.

The list touches on some valid pet peeves -- iPhones, Borat imitations -- but I'd like to add another valuable submission.

Something that doesn't make you look cool? A scarf.

OK, I understand that in certain colder climates, a scarf might keep your neck warm. Why this goal can't be accomplished with a turtleneck sweater, I don't understand. But I'll let that one slide.

What bothers me more is when people wear scarves inside...with a short-sleeved shirt. Or a tank top. I don't understand the point. Obviously, the accessory's warming quality is negated here. I don't even buy the quality that a scarf is a neck decoration. Um, that's what necklaces are for.

What? Guys don't wear necklaces? Then think about how you look in a scarf.

what's going on tonight?

It's a little late, but here are your Thursday night party offerings:

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

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

*Pipers Down, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, free. 706-322-3460.

when life doesn't deliver...

Today was one of my most memorable days in Columbus. I got to work at 9 a.m. in order to write two articles and film a TV commentary by 11. While I was in the elevator, I learned there had been a fire in our paper's pressroom and today's papers hadn't been delivered.

At first I kind of just shrugged and went back to thinking about "The Hills." Yes, I'm an evil, evil person.

Then I learned I'd be helping deliver the remaining papers. And I had an hour to finish my remaining articles.

I was one of the last ones out of the newsroom, and I knew this would be a good day when I got lost on my way to the distribution warehouse. Which is, like, two miles from my office. Stop laughing.

Anyway, I made it to the warehouse in time and then spent the next three hours delivering papers with our business editor, Elizabeth Conner. My invisible sense of direction really added nothing to the equation.

To outsiders, probably, the whole thing sounds kind of ghetto and unnecessary. But there was something really nice about returning to the newsroom and listening to everybody's war stories. Not to mention learning that people care so much about our product that they'll sit out on the porch in the rain waiting to receive it.

Just don't ask me to find that warehouse again.

wine snobs rejoice!

Happy Hump Day!

Just learned that Gov. Sonny Perdue on Tuesday signed legislation allowing Georgians to buy wine over the Internet. Which means a whole bunch of locals are currently wasting valuable company time searching for online wine clubs to join.

Thought I'd contribute to the debauchery by passing on a few links:

*Wine Spectator

*Wine Library

*Wine Enthusiast

*Wine Insiders

*El Dorado Winery Association (A shout-out to my California roots. I worked near these wineries for two years. Good times.)

Feel free to pass on any additional recommendations for a follow-up post. I won't be offended, I promise. I drink Arbor Mist.

free shows!

Two free shows for Tuesday night partiers:

*Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, hosts the NY-based alternative rockers from Fixer. The show starts after the bar's open mike, probably around 10:30 p.m.

*Local party band Mindblender performs at the Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Have fun!

too much of a good thing?

Forget political oppression. Financial inequality. Health issues.

The biggest problem plaguing today's women?

Boobs that are too big.

Cue choruses of male protests.

But wait, guys. This ABC News article says too-large breasts can lead to serious neck, back and shoulder pain. It conveniently juxtaposes that info with the tale of a Brazilian woman set on having the biggest chest in the world.

Bra size 34 FFF, if you're interested.

Has anyone out there had a breast reduction?

beer & typing

Happy Monday! Had a great weekend, the highlight of which was chilling by the pool all day Friday. I like to consider myself a well-rested, svelte bronze goddess right now. And if that doesn't turn you on, here's three things that might:

*Strawberry beer! Yes, that is probably one of the most girly phrases in the world and yes, I did buy it Saturday at Columbus Beverage Superstore. See what I'm talking about here.

*I already wasted 10 valuable minutes of work time on this site, TypeRacer, where you can see how your typing abilities match up against other players. You get to drive a cute little race car and everything. (via Pop Candy.)

*Finally, why are naked guys so funny? Hmm. I'll let the Chicago Tribune answer that.

what's going on this weekend?

Hey guys...I'm taking a much-needed day off today, but just wanted to pass on a few nightlife suggestions:

*Don't forget Whisky Bent takes the stage for Friday's concert series on the 1100 block of Broadway. The free show is 7-10 p.m.

*If you haven't checked out The Roadhouse (formerly Knockin' Boots), this is a good weekend to do so. I recently learned the rock bar lets ladies in free until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Otherwise, cover is $5. Aclarion takes the stage Friday, The Letters perform Saturday. Both shows start at 10 p.m.

*And finally, just because I'm feeling sexist, I'll remind you of another no-cover ladies special. Saturday is still Little Black Dress night at cigar and martini bar Belloo's. Ladies in black dresses get free admission, plus a $10 gift certificate for the bar.

Have fun!

what's going on tonight?

Your Thursday threesome:

1. Participate in the poker league at Aqua Nightclub. Winner gets a trip to Las Vegas and the action starts at 7 p.m.

2. Hit up Scruffy Murphy's and watch a performance by local Southern rock act Whisky Bent. Show starts at 9 p.m., no cover.

3. Dance to live music from Big Woody and the Splinters at Belloo's. Show stars around 10 p.m., cover is $5.

sex shops!

I found a new Columbus sex shop. You can now buy your favorite novelty items at Fantasy's, which is across from Soho Bar & Grill. Let me know if you need additional directions. I'll stop by this weekend for a full review.

It's funny...because I had planned an erotic boutique post for today anyway. In one of my previous lives, I twice visited this sex shop with a guy I had a HUGE crush on. He rejected me, but I earned a permanent spot on the Pleasures of the Heart mailing list.

You tell me who came out on the better end of the deal.

Anyway, the store's monthly e-mails tell me all about cool bondage classes, as well as discussion groups. I found the quote for the upcoming discussion particularly intriguing. Here it is:

"Women grow more attracted to the one they love and men grow to love more the one they are attracted to."

Agree or disagree? Send me your thoughts.

what's going on tonight?

Two unique Hump Day promotions tonight.

First, don't forget about "Sex and the City" cocktails at Houlihan's. For the next couple Wednesdays, the restaurant is offering five SATC-themed martinis, for $5 each. I tried this party last week and had a blast.

(Just be aware that the drink called Mr. Big Shot is a SHOT, not a cocktail. Ahem, Dawn.)

Also, there's another "Rock Band"/"Guitar Hero" contest at Aqua Nightclub. Winner gets a trip to Mexico, and the action starts at 9 p.m. There's a $5 cover, but no entering the competition is free.

Have fun!

'bound' for disaster?

Happy Hump Day!

Thursday's nightlife column is about new rules for breakup etiquette. OK, no more details. I'll leave you in suspense for the next 24 hours.

Something I thought about including in the column -- but didn't -- is the idea of a rebound relationship. A friend recently told me that there's no such thing as a rebound mate, since every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

(Yes, I did just quote "Closing Time." Have a problem with that?)

I think the "rebound" category classifies mainly-physical relationships that are used to mask emotions from a former heartbreak.

That said, do you think it's possible, and not at all sketchy, to genuinely fall for someone one week after a breakup? One day after a breakup?

At what point is it just a new relationship and not a rebound?

the "end" in friend

When it comes to friendships, are breakups necessary?

AskMen has this article about how to end a friendship. Recently, I heard a story from someone who received a phone call from a (former) buddy formally ending their friendship.

Assuming you've made the decision to sever ties with a friend, does a lapse in contact suffice? Or do you need to explain your motives?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

the monday moan

Last week, I wrote a review of this book, "The Panic Years." It's advice for girls freaking out during the "oh my gosh I'm not married yet" phase of their life.

But the book's author is unique in that in addition to emphasizing female empowerment themes, she also gives readers advice on how to secure a fiance. Among that advice? Make a time line. If your man doesn't cross certain milestones by the designated time, ditch him and move on to someone more worthy of marriage, the author contends.

That's where today's question comes in. Here's what the book says about the two-year mark:

If you've been dating your boyfriend for more than twenty months, it's no one's fault but your own. "No emotionally mature guy will date his girlfriend for more than two years without proposing," says Felix, 26. "It wouldn't be fair to drag it out and lead her on. If a guy can't commit by then, he's wasting her time. You should really know by a year, or else it's not right."

Now I'm all for being realistic, but this sounds a bit extreme. Especially considering that the first year of a relationship is largely spent getting used to each other.

I'd like to hear your thoughts -- guys in particular.

(P.S. = You can read my review of "The Panic Years" here.)

what's going on tonight?

Here's your Cinco de Mayo rundown. I'll be partying at Mickey's Pub. Because I'm random like that.

*Downtown bars will host a block party with drink specials available at many Broadway hot spots.

*A party at Locos Amigos Cantina, 1030 Broadway, starts at 5 p.m. A DJ takes the stage at 8 p.m. No cover and $2 tequila shots.

*Smoke-free Phenix City nightclub Broad Street Blues, 913 Broad St., opens at 5 p.m. and will have drink specials.

*Local band Foreplay performs at the Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road. No cover.

*Local band Mindblender performs at Mickey's Pub, 4105 Buena Vista Road. No cover.

best women?

Here's an article from the Guardian about altered gender boundaries when couples hit the altar.

That is, a growing trend among men to opt for "best women." An excerpt:

Jeremy Skidmore, a 45-year-old journalist, chose a female friend, Emma Wilkinson - who is also an ex-girlfriend - as his chief lieutenant to organise the stag do, carry the rings and make the speech. Emma arranged a stag night which included food at Kettners, a restaurant in Soho, London, tenpin bowling and a visit to lapdancing club Stringfellows.

'I chose Emma because she is my best friend, but for all kinds of reasons it was a good thing,' says Skidmore. 'I knew that everyone would love her. I knew she would do a brilliant job and it was something different. I also think women are more reliable.'

Skidmore said he had 'groups' of male friends he had gathered while growing up, at university and through work, making it harder to single out a male friend. On the day itself, Wilkinson dressed in a fitted tuxedo.

Hmm. I can't imagine this catching on too much, especially since the "best woman" seems in most cases to also be an ex-girlfriend.

What do you think, ladies? Would you be mad if your significant other wanted an ex to be part of the wedding party?

what's going on this weekend?

A few things to remember:

*Friday, there's a free outdoor concert downtown featuring the Old School Band, 7-10 p.m. on Broadway.

*Also on Friday, be one of the first 500 people at the Columbus Catfish game at 7 p.m. and get a free sombrero and maracas.

*Get your funnel cake fix at Fiesta Columbus, the mini-fair that runs through Sunday at the Columbus Civic Center.

*The local Cinco de Mayo festivities kick off with back-to-back parties Friday and Saturday at Aqua Nightclub. No cover Friday, $5 Saturday.

*Just looking to grab a beer? Hit up Scruffy Murphy's for Friday and Saturday performances by Whisky Bent.

Have fun!

mommy dearest?

Here's a hard-hitting question courtesy of CNN:

Do you mommy your husband?

The article describes women who style, feed and even bathe their husbands. (And no, that last one isn't as hot as it sounds. It involves back-washing.)

An excerpt:

Women find themselves mothering their husbands because of societal pressures to be the ultimate woman, says Pepper Schwartz, a sociology professor at the University of Washington in Seattle.

"We've been taught that the way to show love is to do for others," she says. And, according to Schwartz, some women believe that the more they nurture, the better a woman they are.

Granted, no one wants to take care of their significant other to the point of a parent-child relationship. But where do you draw the line between compassion and babying?

And ladies...is there any kind of maternal role that should extend to romantic relationships?

chairing, not sharing

Someone (kind of) smart has devised these "seat savers" to keep your bar chair free while you're on a bathroom break.

Seeing as they look kind of, um, paper, I don't know how well they serve their purpose.

It addresses a valid pet peeve, though.

Equally frustrating are partiers on the other side of the coin -- those who hold a big chunk of seats for friends who take 20 minutes to show up.

Thoughts?

picture this

Today's paper features my article about the way military spouses share family photos with spouses deployed overseas.

One aspect unrelated to my interviewees that I left out of the article was my e-mail exchange with this local photographer, who does erotic art and body painting in addition to traditional portraits. Some 45 percent of his client base is "women wanting to send their better half overseas something special," he said.

Give it a try if you're looking to spice up your care packages, ladies.

On another note...do you think people have become less leery about sending photos, provocative ones in particular, via computer or cell phone?

pants-off dance-off

Happy Friday!

OK, now that we got that out of the way...take your pants off. Now.

(No, I am not hitting on you. But yes, I am usually that aggressive. Thanks for asking.)

Anyway, today is officially No Pants Day. An excerpt from the worldwide holiday's Web site:

When large groups of people parade around in public without their pants, amazing things are bound to happen. At the very least, you’ll take your drab, wretched life a little less seriously, at least for one day.

Read more here.

what's going on tonight?

Don't forget...the Columbus Catfish play at 7 p.m. in Golden Park, 100 Fourth St. It's Thirsty Thursday, so beer is $1.

Here are your music offerings:

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

*Whisky Bent, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, free. 706-322-3460.

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

Have fun!

combat dating zones

Today's nightlife column talks about the way women react to military guys downtown -- especially given the 1,400 single soldiers who are returning to town.

When I first heard about the skewed male/female ratio here, I had all these visions of occupying a giant harem of males and never paying for a drink for the rest of my life.

Turns out it's not that cool after all.

I've had some genuinely interesting conversations with military guys at nightclubs. Just as prevalent, however, are the pushy solidiers who won't let you decline their advances nicely. Often, even after you've politely refused, they hit on you so aggressively that your entire night gets ruined.

It can be really overwhelming, especially for girls who have moved here after being exposed only to the college dating scene.

In the nearly two years I've been here, I've watched female friends initially opposed to the military find long-term, trusting relationships with soldiers.

I've also seen friends obsess over soldiers without having a full grasp on what they were getting themselves into.

Your best bet, ladies? Be direct, and know how to fight your own battles.

mmm...jelly

Living in perfect harmony, apparently, is as simple as applying the right kind of lube.

K-Y Brand has a new product, YOURS+MINE, which consists of two tubes of lubricant. His excites. Hers delights. Together they ignite. Or so the product's motto declares.

(The LA Times got the same press release we did. Read their comments here.)