what's going on tonight?

A few standouts for Thursday night partiers:

*The Ocala, Fla.-based rockers from Stereoside perform at SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5, free for military. 706-568-3316.

*Belloo's, 900 Front Ave., hosts musician Greg Barrett. Show starts at 10 p.m. and cover is $5. 706-494-1584.

*Local singer/songwriter Heath Jackson and his band take the stage at The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway. Doors open at 8 p.m. No cover.

*There's an open mike night at Fountain City Coffee, 1007 Broadway. Music starts at 8 p.m. No cover. 706-494-6659.

*After 5, 3709 Gentian Blvd., also has an open mike night. It starts at 9:15 p.m. No cover. 706-507-0024.

Fountain City's open mike is for partiers of all ages. All other events are 21 and older.

think this over

Once, while fighting with a significant other, I listened to a friend's advice and took a weekend off to "do some thinking."

It sounded great -- I'd get to know myself, decide what I wanted out of life and love and maybe even find the meaning of life in the process. Hot.

Except when I sat down on the couch to take on the task at hand, I didn't really know what to do. Yes, I had the freedom to devote hours to thinking about my feelings, but I really wanted was to forget that I had ever fought with my bf in the first place and just make out instead.

Which is why I'm a little leery of articles like this one, devoted to different experts' strategies for finding time to think.

Recently, I wrote about this book that tells the story of a guy who travels around the world discovering which factors make people in different countries happy. He learns that in Thailand, a prevalent phrase is "mai pen lai," which means "never mind - just drop it and get on with life."

The author concludes that at least in part, that phrase contributes to the country's happiness.

Meditation. Spiritual health. Personal wellness.

Are these buzzwords, or genuine indicators of happiness?

what's going on tonight?

A few standouts for Wednesday night partiers:

*Feeling adventurous? The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway, hosts a pole dancing contest that will award $100 to the winner. DJ Kenny Wayne provides dance music. No cover, doors open at 9 p.m.

*Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive, has Latin Night featuring DJ Raul Esteras. Cover is $5, free before 9 p.m. Call 706-358-7128.

*Looking to expand your nightlife horizons? Try Phenix City's L&M Sports Bar, 501 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, South. A Wednesday night happy hour promotion lets you score free hot wings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. There are also discounts on beer. Call 706-573-9618.
All events are open to partiers 21 and older.

shackin' up

Congratulations, cohabitants. You're no longer living in sin.

At least these research findings, some of which suggest that couples who cohabitate are less likely to divorce. An excerpt:

"The nature of cohabitation has changed," says Jay Teachman, a sociology professor at Western Washington University in Bellingham. "Cohabitators 20 years ago were the rule breakers, the rebels, the risk takers — the folks who were perhaps not as interested in marriage, and using cohabitation as an alternative to marriage."

"Twenty or 25 years ago, if you were cohabiting and then married them, the marriage was more likely to dissolve and end in divorce," he says. "Today, that's not the case. You can cohabit with your spouse and not experience increased risk of divorce. We're making these finer distinctions that we didn't make before."

I've never been married, or lived with a significant other. I understand the arguments in favor of cohabitation prior to marriage, but part of me is leery about the setup as well.

At times, I think people move in together too early in the relationship, so they're taking each other for granted before they've even left the getting-to-know-you phase. Also, it sometimes bothers me when people say they need to live with a partner to see if he/she is a messy person or has quirks like leaving hair in the shower drain.

Doesn't that kind of trivialize romance a bit? I mean, despite its possible benefits, I think a surge in cohabitation reinforces the idea that your best mate is absolutely perfect and has no flaws. Sometimes, I think cohabitation serves as an unnecessary screening process that divides partners based on trivial things (like cleanliness) when they're really compatible on a deeper, more important value-based level.

Thoughts?

don't be 'that guy'

Happy Hump Day!

Check out this list of 8 people who will ruin your party. Among the entries:

*Person who insists on cleaning up your party while it's still going on

*Guy who gets wasted in the first hour

*Person who only knows you

*Girl who starts crying

*Person who just got dumped by their girlfriend/boyfriend

*Creepy dude who tries to bang chicks at the very end of the party

*Couple who brings their baby

*The politics guy

An excellent collection overall, and I was a little bummed that any additions I brainstormed (ie: the music snob) were already named in the readers' comments. One overlooked party annoyance I would like to point out, however, is the post-party complainer.

You know, the guy who looks like he's having a great time and then bitches about something like the party's temperature, music or food selection for months after the fact.

Which kind of party guest annoys you most?

what's going on tonight?

SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, hosts a Tuesday night show worth checking out:

New York City-based Fixer and Miami Beach, Fla.-based Jacobs Ladder perform. Music starts around 10 p.m. It's open to partiers 21 and older.

Call 706-568-3316.

food analogies!

As a sophomore at an all-girls Catholic high school, I walked into my morality class one morning to find the following phrase written on the blackboard:

"Sex is like frosting."

It wasn't the first time I'd heard it -- the analogy, brainstormed by morality teacher Patty O'Brien, was virtually a legend at our school. You heard sly references to it from the first day you stepped foot on campus until the day you graduated.

What did it mean? That just as you use spoonfuls of frosting to cover up a cake's flaws, sex is used to cover up the underlying problems in a relationship.

Naturally, the lesson was supposed to contribute to our pro-abstinence education. But it really just resulted in people making a whole bunch of obscene sounds whenever there was birthday cake involved.

Oh well. At least I'm blogging about the experience 10 years later, so I guess Mrs. O'Brien wasn't that crazy after all.

he's not worthy

Happy Monday!

In romance, women love men who embrace self-deprecating humor, this article notes. Thankfully, the piece ends with the following disclaimer:

The report, 'Dissing Oneself: The Sexual Attractiveness of Self-Dep-Humour', which will be published next month in the Journal of Evolutionary Psychology, also warns that the technique should not be attempted by those who are already unpopular.

It could make 'low-status individuals' appear 'more pathetic' than they did before.

Word.

Any guy willing to make fun of himself automatically gets high points in my book, but it's a hard thing to do without looking like you're begging for social validation.

And being a position where you have to always validate your significant other's worth can be just plain draining.

Have you ever dated anyone with exceptionally low self-esteem? While building him/her up, did you feel like Mother Teresa, or an underpaid therapist?

what's going on this weekend?

Something cool: Single Sundays start this weekend at Spices Caribbean Restaurant & Bar. It's an ongoing weekend event geared toward local singles. Networking, games and speed dating are 6-9 p.m. No cover. The restaurant's at 4022 University Ave.

Here's the rest of your weekend lineup:

FRIDAY

*Spy for Hire, Military Junior, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

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

*Zero 2 60, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Bud Light Cruise Party with Q107 and DJ Kenny Wayne, 8 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free).

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

*Wicked Dixie, 8:30 p.m. Saloon & Oyster Bar, free. 706-568-8400.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

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

*DJ Booty, 9 p.m. Aqua Nightclub, free. 706-358-7128.

SATURDAY

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

*The Drownout, Misfortune 500, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Zero 2 60, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*DJ Kenny Wayne, 8 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free).

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

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Wicked Dixie, 8:30 p.m. Saloon & Oyster Bar, free. 706-568-8400.

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

*Dance party with DJ Booty, Aqua Nightclub, $5 (free before 9 p.m.). 706-358-7128.

music of your heart?

Can't woo women with cooking? Join a rock band.

This article explains the science behind why women are so hung up on musicians. An excerpt:

There could be another explanation for this weird affliction, according to John Manning of University of Central Lancashire. He thinks musical ability is an advertisement of male health and fertility, and that's why great musicians are so sexy.

It has been suggested, says Manning, that high testosterone exposure during gestation promotes the development of parts of the right side of the brain where musical ability resides. Manning has also produced evidence to suggest that exposure to high foetal testosterone levels leads to men who are, on average, healthier and more athletic than others, and have a higher sperm count.

In short, he says, men who make lots of good music make lots of sperm.

So there you go. Struggling artists, not so struggling sperm count.

something for cowards

Cheers to taking passive aggressiveness to new highs!

Here's an article about Slydial, a new service that lets you go directly to a person's voice mail and bypass the traditional ringing process.

Obviously, it's a victory for anyone who likes to dump a fling passively.

A similar option was part of our college phone system. I loved it, and used the service many times to tell professors when I'd be out of class. Or to tell the editors of our school paper that my articles would be late.

All of which were acceptable uses. An unacceptable use? Before one of our vacation periods, I had the brilliant idea to use the service to go directly to a crush's voice mail and tell him how much I liked him. You know, in case my plane crashed and we never saw each other or something.

I remember I just sat there by the phone -- soberly, as embarrassing as it sounds -- drafting the message and thinking how happy he'd be to hear it. Fortunately, the gods intervened and I didn't follow through with the plan.

Basically I hate anything related to relationships and phone calls. I've never been dumped in person, it's always been on the phone -- color me psychologically damaged -- and those memories of holding the phone and just bawling are some of the worst ever.

Would I have felt better or worse had it just been a voice message? I don't know.

Thoughts?

cooking up romance

The new ladies' men? Gastrosexuals.

They're guys who woo women by cooking, this article notes.

Yes, the word mades me a little uncomfortable, too. It reminds me of something we affectionately call "the sound" -- definitely NOT a way to woo women.

Verbage aside, I guess I agree with the concept. An exerpt:

The report 'Emergence of the Gastrosexual' cites the popularity of superstar chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver as a factor in making cooking a macho pursuit.

According to the study by food company PurAsia 48 percent of people say being able to cook makes a person more attractive to them and 23 percent of 18-34 year old men say they cook to potentially seduce a partner.

Cooking to impress the opposite sex: foreplay or scare tactic?

awww...

This list of the 25 most romantic gestures in film made me gag, then embrace my hormonal comforts by crawling under my desk and bawling with a box of chocolate.

Jealous?

Anyway, my favorite item on the list is the end scene from "When Harry Met Sally." But despite my frequent despise for certain chick flicks, I like other romantic movie moments, too. Plenty of parts from the "Sex and the City" flick. Oh, and some parts from "Forrest Gump." Random, I know.

Girls sometimes say that those scenes are overrated, that they don't need grand romantic gestures to be happy in a relationship. They're lying. And sadly, in real life, the kind of gestures you see in movies generally come from the creepy stalker guys. Like the one who years ago made me a heart-shaped pizza.

Totally romance movie-worthy if he wasn't 15 years my senior. Not to mention the fact that we'd never really talked before.

Sometimes the gestures guys think are movie-caliber just come off as really cliche. Once, I was completely flattered by the way a date gave me flowers -- until he followed it up with, "It's something that always worked with my ex-girlfriend."

I think the romantic movie scenes that appeal most to women are the ones that involve a guy giving some extended monologue expressing his feelings -- a scene most unlikely to take place in real life.

And even when it does, you're not guaranteed a happy ending.

Thoughts?

what's going on tonight?

Hey everyone! Here's your Thursday night lineup:

*Local singer/songwriter Heath Jackson and his band perform a free show at The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway. Jackson cites influences like John Mayer and Howie Day. Bar opens at 8 p.m. No cover.

*The Atlanta-based rockers from Blacksmithz take the stage at SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5, free for military. 706-568-3316.

*Scruffy Murphy's, 1037 Broadway, hosts local rock act Pipers Down. Show starts at 10 p.m. No cover. 706-322-3460.

*There's a free open mike night at Fountain City Coffee, 1007 Broadway. Music starts at 8 p.m. 706-494-6659.

*Musician Greg Barrett performs at Belloo's, 900 Front Ave. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5. 706-494-1584.

Fountain City's open mike is open to partiers of all ages. All other events are 21 and older.

pole dancing tonight!

Put on those stripper shoes, ladies.

The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway, enters the Wednesday nightlife lineup by hosting a sexy pole dancing contest with a $100 prize. There's also dance music from DJ Kenny Wayne. No cover. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Partiers can also opt for Latin Night at Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive. It features music from DJ Raul Esteras. There's no cover before 9 p.m., after that it's $5. Call 706-358-7128.

Both events are open to guests 21 and older.

working hard, hardly working

Just when you've finally embraced the merits of your cubicle life, the Houston Press publishes this article about the life of door-to-door sales kids.

An excerpt:

Without knowing they're talking to reporters, the agents walk over and ask for rolling papers. When asked what they're doing in town, the agents explain their job and how much they love it. It's a blast, they say. You lie all day to sell subscriptions, and you unwind afterward with some smoke. You tell the customers that you live a few streets over, that you go to the local school and play on the soccer team, that you just sold subscriptions to their neighbor, and the idiots buy it because by now you've got it down to a science.

This does wonders to explain the kids who knocked on my door trying to sell me used baseball cards at 9 a.m. last Friday.

What's the most sketchy door-to-door pitch you've received?

my favorite superficial things

Is it bad that my favorite part of the day so far has been finding this trailer for Season 4 of "The Hills?"

The day's second-place contender:

My impressive performance on this relatively difficult "90210" trivia quiz.

You know you're in for a good day when you're having flashbacks of Kelly Taylor's turbulent battle with a cocaine addiction.

Happy Hump Day!

mmm...creamy

The newest substance to hit your favorite shot glass? Frosting.

This article describes bakeries' willingness to offer frosting shots in part to attract late-night guests. There's no alcohol involved, but some owners think the mere connotation that comes with taking shots might be enough to attract 20- and 30-somethings.

An excerpt:

At Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, Ga., owner Cheryl Day has piped 75-cent frosting sides for her Friday night “cupcake happy hour” for the past three years. At a happy hour in February, she sold about 100 shots. She thought using a bar conceit would draw locals as well as college students.

“We tried to think of what we could do, why would people come in the evening? They tend to come during the day and could go somewhere else and have a cocktail,” Day says. “I think it's the connotation of 'It's a shot' and 'What in the world is it?' People are just curious.”

Sound silly? Months ago, I put a can of E-Z Cheese on my desk and co-workers came by and squirted it into their mouths daily. The same results happened after a brief appearance by some Cool Whip.

Last week, a waitress brought a tiny cup of mayonnaise to accompany one of our lunch entrees. I was plagued by a sick desire to watch someone drink it. That didn't happen.

I'm really one for sweets, but I'd be more than willing to drink one of these shot glass-friendly liquids:

*Blue cheese dressing

*A-1 sauce

*Spinach dip

*Salsa

*Tartar sauce

Which non-alcoholic substance would you most want to drink as a shot?

what's going on tonight?

Hey everyone! Here's your Tuesday night lineup. I'm pretty swamped today, but I'll try to post something else a little later on.

*The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, hosts the local rockers from Forced Entry. Show starts at 8 p.m. No cover. Call 706-507-3418.

*Local band Boneheadz takes the stage at new nightlife venue H20, 6499 Veterans Parkway. The free show is 7-11 p.m. Call 706-327-9700.

*For country music fans, Aqua Nightclub hosts Two-Steppin’ Tuesday. Dance lessons at 7:30 p.m., country dancing starts at 8 p.m. Happy hour prices until 9 p.m. No cover. The bar's at 1812 Midtown Drive. Call 706-358-7128.

All events are open to partiers 21 and older.

shake it

Happy Monday!

Here's an article about a triumphant return of the hula hoop. Apparently, there are now hula hoop dance classes. And adult hula hoopers on YouTube. (Note: Girl on aforementioned link is pretty hot. And clothed.)

Anyway, the hula hoop kids in elementary school always kind of annoyed me. Especially the ones who would walk around with the hula hoops circling around their necks. Or the ones who would do arm hula hooping. Posers.

Which childhood activity were you worst at? Which one do you wish was socially appropriate for adults?

what's going on this weekend?

Don't forget that the "America's Next Top Model" casting call begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Zoo City USA, 2301 Airport Thruway. Get the full details here.

And your music lineup:

FRIDAY

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

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

*Goldy Locks, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11 p.m., baropens at 8 p.m.).

*Boneheadz, 9 p.m. Saloon & Oyster Bar, free. 706-568-8400.

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

*Crowfield, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

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

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*DJ Booty, 9 p.m. Aqua Nightclub, free. 706-358-7128.

SATURDAY

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

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

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

*Front Porch Pickers, 9 p.m. Saloon & Oyster Bar, free. 706-568-8400.

*Rise Phoenix Rise, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (bar opens at 8 p.m.).

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

*The Lasting, Traces David, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Local music spotlight with Jason Connally (7 p.m.), dance party with DJ Booty (9 p.m.), Aqua Nightclub, $5 (free before 9 p.m.). 706-358-7128.

it's just ink?

Like the pic? It comes from this compilation of misspelled tattoos.

I don't have any body art, but I went through a phase during one college summer when I desperately wanted one. I went through a vast array of Northern California tattoo shops looking for not only the lowest price, but also the lowest fear quotient.

Amid my travels, I entered one San Francisco tattoo shop with a wall covered in popular Asian symbol tattoos. You know, things that mean "love," "beauty," "energy." Except this place had a disclaimer next to the symbols, noting: "Not responsible for symbol translations."

Hahaha.

Something else that makes me skeptical of the whole tattoo thing is the summer I spent working at the snack shack at a California lake. All day I'd see swimmers with massive body regions covered in things like Looney Tunes tattoos. Things that must have seemed like good ideas before the natural progression of time made them interrupted by body hair. And cellulite.

However, I'm still fully prepared to get a tramp stamp if the newspaper industry folds and I have to resort to stripping.

Read my co-worker Sandra's account of getting a tattoo in Japan here.

divine intervention

The key to solving the Catholic church's problems? Therapy via films like "Buttwoman."

At least that's the belief of porn star Belladonna -- that's a Wikipedia link there, I swear -- who has volunteered to give 300 of her films to the Catholic church in Australia. She hopes they'll be distributed to priests.

Here's an excerpt from this article:

The Pope has indicated he might apologise to victims of sexual abuse and that is a positive thing to do," the heavily tattooed Belladonna said today.

"But unless he follows up with some practical advice that addresses the sexual needs and desires of clergy, the problem will simply continue.

"Church clergy are at a crisis because they get no real street-level sex education but are expected to ply the streets to deliver their spiritual message."

And one more thing:

She also has offered to donate some of her own time to help set up a "meaningful set of exercises for priests to help them deal with sexual tension and stress".

Catholicism, anyone?

what's going on tonight?

Here are some standout options for Thursday night partiers:

*Atlanta-based party band Java Monkey performs at Belloo's, 900 Front Ave. Cover is $5 and show starts at 10 p.m. 706-494-1584.

*There's an open mike night at Fountain City Coffee, 1007 Broadway. The music starts at 8 p.m. No cover. 706-494-6659.

*The local rockers from Thousand Watt Halo take the stage at Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5, free for military. 706-568-3316.

*The local rockers from Spent perform at the Saloon & Oyster Bar, 6005 Macon Road. Show starts at 9 p.m. No cover. 706-568-8400.

*Hydrovibe, a female-fronted rock act from Los Angeles, takes the stage at The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway. Opening act is From Ruin. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5.

*The local Southern rockers from Whisky Bent perform at Scruffy Murphy's, 1037 Broadway. Show starts at 10 p.m. No cover. 706-322-3460.

*Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive, hosts its weekly poker game beginning at 7 p.m. Players are accepted until around 8 p.m. No buy-in. 706-358-7128.

Fountain City's open mike is open to all ages. All other events are 21 and older.

holler for a dollar?

Hey everybody!

This week's column is about dating during a recession -- namely, whether faltering finances make it any more tempting for women to accept a series of free meals. From guys they might not even care about.

Recently, I found a column in the newest issue of Elle Magazine defending the practice commonly known as "gold digging." The author's premise? Women have become so obsessed with appearing independent and skirting the gold-digger stigma that they've overcompensated by dating guys who pay for absolutely nothing. You know, the struggling artist types.

And me? I've definitely dated guys who refused to pay for things even once our relationship got serious. In many of those relationships, I justified things by saying it's just money. Or it's just dinner. But a refusal to even offer to pay generally reflects a carelessness that in most cases will ultimately extend to far more serious aspects of the relationship.

Then again, I've also dated guys who paid for EVERYTHING in order to compensate for qualities they lacked emotionally.

I guess it all goes back to finding some kind of relationship balance that's a worthwhile investment financially and beyond.

Hahaha. Good luck, right?

what's going on tonight?

Happy Hump Day!

Don't forget about Latin Night at Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive. It features DJ Raul Esteras and there's no cover before 9 p.m. After that, it's $5. Call 706-358-7128.

Also, just learned about a pretty cool Wednesday night promotion at L&M Sports Bar, the hot spot I mentioned would be featured as this week's bar profile. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, you can score free hot wings, plus discounts on beer. You'll be able to snag a beer for about $1.50-$2.

L&M Sports Bar is at 501 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, South, in Phenix City. It's a little hard to find -- OK, maybe just for me -- so here's a map. Call 706-573-9618.

Both hot spots are open to partiers 21 and older.

how many licks?

This article about ice pops made of beer -- aka: hopsicles -- made me brainstorm some summer-specific alcohol concoctions.

The other day, I was just talking about the possibility of alcoholic snow cones. Turns out there's a whole set of Web sites with recipes on that very topic. I found some of my favorite ideas here, although the one that includes Tabasco sounds a little disgusting. And here's a recipe for an alcoholic drink that's actually called the Snow-Cone.

Still looking for summer-friendly alcohol ideas? Try soaking fruit, specifically watermelon, in vodka. Mmm. I got that idea about a year ago from this excellent food blog.

And if you're obsessed with hopsicles, try making some with raspberry-flavored Framboise Lambic Ale, available locally at Boo's package store, 5524 Whitesville Road in Columbus. You won't be disappointed.

what's going on tonight?

What a Tuesday night lineup! Check out these offerings tonight:

The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, hosts the LaGrange-based rockers from party band The Grayhill Conspiracy. Show starts at 8 p.m. Call 706-507-3418.

Two Massachusetts-based rock acts take the stage at Soho Bar and Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Partiers can catch Hollywood Lies and Easton Legacy beginning around 10:30 p.m. Call 706-568-3316.

New to the Tuesday night lineup, Aqua Nightclub hosts country music night. Learn the latest couple and line dances beginning at 7:30 p.m. The country tunes begin at 8 p.m. and last all night. Happy hour prices until 9 p.m. The club's at 1812 Midtown Drive. Call 706-358-7128.

All events are open to partiers 21 and older.

good noodle

Fast women, not so fast food.

Playboy.com now features "The Girls of Olive Garden." So don't worry, minimum-wage earning teenagers. Put up with the crappy hours, crying babies and creepy co-workers long enough and one day you, too, will be given the opportunity to pose nude online.

Which chain eatery do you think the magazine should profile next?

Speaking of Playboy, click here to vote in its competition for hottest Web blogger. I'm not among the candidates. Sigh. Not enough chain-restaurant experience, I guess.

the monday moan

Happy Monday!

I had a great weekend, highlighted by Bark in the Park at Saturday night's Columbus Catfish game. The night was memorable not only because of my dog's insatiable desire for cheap draft beer, but also because of the two blog super fans I met during the fifth inning. Hi guys!

Anyway, this article is about a British spy service that's specifically recruiting women.

Now it doesn't at all mention the natural female inclination toward spying in the dating world, but I'd imagine it's an element that doesn't hurt. Believe me, I know how to work a Google search like the best of them.

In fact, spying in the relationship world has become even more advanced lately, thanks to these Bond-inspired devices.

To what expect, if any, do you expect your significant other to trace your footsteps in a relationship? Is his/her tendency to thumb through your text message inbox cute or creepy?

i meant to do that

For the second year in a row, a Miss USA candidate fell during the evening wear portion of the competition.

Miss USA Crystle Stewart, pictured above, took a serious digger just seconds after entering the stage in her formal gown. Her recovery strategy? Getting up quickly, throwing her arms up in the air and clapping.

Get the full story, as well as video of the fall, here. And click here to see what she said in the incident's aftermath. (Four-letter words not included.)

Consider the pageant cursed. Last year, Miss USA Rachel Smith did the same thing. See that video here.

What does this say about American women in heels?

what's going on this weekend?

I hope you'll spend Friday and/or Saturday relaxing in the spent posture of a sated lion.

Like that phrase? I got it from "Gentlemen Behaving Badly," a new romance novel Brog put on my desk this morning. Which means it's probably time to start up the "read and reap" feature on this blog again.

Anyway, here's your weekend lineup. I'll be at the Catfish game Saturday with that crazy little bitch Bailey Michelle (my dog). Good times. I'm also going to try to hit up a new Phenix City hot spot, The L&M Lounge. Apparently, it's at 501 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, South, but don't trust that address entirely since I got it from the minutes of a city council meeting.

In other party news...

FRIDAY

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

*Human Nature, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

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

*BJ Holland, 9 p.m. Fountain City Coffee, free. 706-494-6659.

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

*Splendid Chaos, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (bar opens at 8 p.m.).

*Bulletproof Marshmallows, One Atom 12, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*DJ Booty, 9 p.m. Aqua Nightclub, free. 706-358-7128.

SATURDAY

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

*Human Nature, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Silver Tongued Devil, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11p.m., bar opens at 8 p.m.).

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

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

*Sixth anniversary celebration featuring music by Forced Entry, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*The Drive, 9 p.m. Mickey's Pub, free. 706-569-6777.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

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

*Local music spotlight with Jason Connally (7 p.m.), dance party with DJ Booty (9 p.m.), Aqua Nightclub, $5 (free before 9 p.m.). 706-358-7128.

free things!

Happy Friday!

If the previous post about edible insects didn't get your stomach growling, here are some free things to put in your belly today.

It's free Slurpee day at 7-Eleven. Read more here. Is there even a 7-Eleven in Columbus? Not so sure about that one. I tried finding a list using this store locator, but it pretty much just pulled up a blank map.

The next free treat takes a little more work. Today, Chick-fil-A restaurants will give a free meal to anyone dressed as a cow. But it has to be a head-to-toe effort. Wear just a cow T-shirt or accessory and you'll get a free entree. See the full story here.

Need some extra time to get all this stuff? See these rules for calling in sick to work. My favorite: "Don't use 'feminine problems' as an excuse — especially if you're not a woman."

things i eat

So this week I was assigned a pre-story for the Insectival, an insect festival that happens annually at Oxbow Meadows. Among the event's biggest draws? Edible insects. So for research purposes, I decided to fulfill my voracious appetite by eating some creepy cooked critters. Here's what happened. All photos come from the very talented Joe Paull.

OK, at first glance you might think this pic is something my dog Bailey would leave in my backyard. And in 99 percent of cases, you'd be right. This time, however, you're looking at a chocolate-covered cricket. Jill Carroll, coordinator of public outreach for Oxbow Meadows, appropriately described it as tasting like a Kit Kat bar. She was right. Probably the least daunting of all the offerings. Take note, boys. I want a heart-shaped box of these for Valentine's Day.

You've seen this one before: a lollipop with an insect larva inside. Again, pretty harmless. Even if you follow through and actually eat the worm.

A slightly more advanced take on the lollipop, this one has a cricket inside. It's crunchy.

OK, now things get a little more scary. I got two packages of insect larvae, in two separate flavors: cheddar and barbecue. The biggest drawback here is the crunchiness factor. They're heavily seasoned, so you don't really have to worry about a bad taste. It's just the feeling that you're chewing FOREVER.

Again, here are the larvae in their original packaging. Each pack (about 30 larvae) nets 9 calories. Good and good FOR you.

And now the least mouth-watering selection of the bunch: bacon/cheddar flavored crickets. These are the hardest to eat because there's more of a conscious realization that you're putting a whole bug inside your mouth. The stray legs in the package don't help much, either.

The taste? Again, um, crunchy. It's kind of like you're eating hay. With a comfortable bacon/cheddar accent.

So yes, I really ate all this stuff. And no, I won't be making out soon.

first the worst?

Slow news day? CNN has this article about how NOT to get a second date.

Some of the included behaviors: being unable to pay, crying, disclosing too much information and talking about an ex.

Generally, I try to be pretty open to awkward behaviors induced by nervousness on a first date. However, my worst first date EVER happened at a Red Robin -- when my dining partner spent the entire dinner talking about his addiction to magic mushrooms.

I'm pretty much opposed to all drugs in the first place. Not to mention the fact that rather than impressing me, he was with every sentence making himself sound more and more like a washed-up hippie. Which isn't a good thing when you're, like, 23.

How forgiving are you on first dates? Will you tolerate a partner who brings up an ex? Asks to split the check?

what's going on tonight?

Some standout options for Thursday night partiers:

*Hard rock act Trust Company, nationally known for tunes like "Downfall" and "Running From Me," takes the stage at The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway. Local band Forced Entry also performs. Show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance, day-of prices disclosed at door.

*The local Southern rockers from Whisky Bent perform at Scruffy Murphy's, 1037 Broadway. It starts at 10 p.m. No cover. 706-322-3460.

*There's an open mike night at Fountain City Coffee, 1007 Broadway. It's free and starts at 8 p.m. 706-494-6659.

*The Kat Redd Band performs at Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5, free for military. 706-568-3316.

*Greg Barrett takes the stage at Belloo's, 900 Front Ave., beginning at 10 p.m. Cover is $5. 706-494-1584.

*Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive, hosts its weekly poker tournament. Winner gets $100, and there's no buy-in. Game starts at 7 p.m., but players can generally arrive until around at 8 p.m. 706-358-7128.

The open mike at Fountain City is open to all ages, all other events are for partiers 21 and older.

just like mom

Parents' relationships influence kids' dating habits, according to these earth-shattering/painfully obvious scientific findings.

Naturally, I see how certain factors within your parents' marriage -- infidelity, abuse, divorce -- can influence the way you perceive love and romance.

But I also think that in an average marriage, it can be difficult to gauge how happy your parents really are -- especially since we often tend to view our parents as authoritative figures, not real people with real emotions.

As a child, I remember viewing a certain two older people as the embodiment of everything I'd want in a marriage. Years later, after those people both died, my mom once turned to me and said something like, "I always wondered how much they really loved each other."

It shocked me that two people could perceive a relationship so differently, and I've always thought of that moment whenever I'm inclined to throw around terms like "model relationship."

Truth is, you never really know when a partnership is ideal -- even when it involves your own parents.

Thoughts?

dios mio!

Happy Hump Day!

Don't forget that Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive, now hosts Latin dance night on Wednesdays. Open to partiers 21 and older, it features DJ Raul Esteras. There's no cover before 9 p.m. After that, it's $5.

Any mention of Latin flavor reminds me of a third-grade Cinco de Mayo party when I played a practical joke on one of my classmates by slipping a jam-packed tostada on her chair. She sat on it. I confessed about the crime, and my teacher wouldn't even give me a time out, refusing to believe I was capable of something that evil.

When I took the time out voluntarily, she finally believed me.

I've gotten much nicer now, I swear.

televised love forever

So last night I watched "The Bachelorette" for the first time this season. Conveniently, I tuned in just in time for the finale.

I didn't catch the entire three-hour ordeal, but I did watch the dramatic conclusion and the "After the Rose" special. Also known as the "when did you know you weren't in love with me" edition.

Anyway, bachelorette DeAnna (of Newnan) picked some zany snowboarder over a guy with a son. I was a little put off (read: jealous) of the couple's rampant public displays of affection, but overall it was a pleasant viewing experience.

This morning, I checked out some blog commenters' theories on why DeAnna ditched single dad Jason. Here's a comment excerpt from this Seattle Post-Intelligencer blog:

Jason is a good guy but he comes with a baggage. Sorry, I stopped dating guys with kids long time ago, they drop you any time over kid sneezing and spend hours at their ex's place 'looking after the kid'. Plus there is not much room for romance once kids arrive - and in this case the kid is there.

Are any of you adverse to dating a mate with children? Why or why not? And feel free to weigh in with any other relevant/irrelevant "Bachelorette" insights as well.

the monday moan

If you are afraid of loneliness, don't marry.

-Anton Chekhov

Bachelors know more about women than married men; if they didn't they'd be married too.

-H.L. Mencken

Those quotations come from this interesting article discussing the current state of the bachelor. In bachelorhood's favor? The belief that some of history's greatest artists, leaders and visionaries have thrived in the absence of a serious romantic relationship.

That pool includes Ludwig van Beethoven, Galileo Galilei, Sir Isaac Newton, Henry David Thoreau, Leonardo da Vinci and more.

Working against bachelorhood? Research suggesting that women adapt better to the single life. Some arguments even suggest men need marriage for "psychological stability."

Are today's bachelors still living the high life?

still seeing fireworks?

Happy Monday!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I watched fireworks from the roof of a downtown Columbus parking garage, and then hit the Broadway bar crawl. A great three days overall, and naturally I wish it would have lasted longer.

Oh well. At least I have some cool links to keep me busy:

*Best actual scientific headline ever: "Hot female partner means more sex for men." Get the full story here.

*Did the weekend leave your legs covered in bites? That weren't the result of a Starship toy? Then check out this piece about why some people's body chemistry makes them mosquito magnets.

*Yes, I'm still obsessing over the "90210" spinoff. Thanks especially to these pics of the new Peach Pit. Let's just say you're not going to see Nat there any time soon. Unless he's playing a homeless guy outside.

*And finally, pour me some Wild Turkey. After work, that is. Bourbon is the newest alcohol obsession, according to this article.

what's going on this weekend?

See previous post for July 4 parties. Here's your remaining weekend rundown:

FRIDAY

*Ty Izumi, 9 p.m. Fountain City Coffee, free. 706-494-6659.

*Union 5ive, 8 p.m. Daileys, bar crawl cover. 706-320-3353.

*Last Episode, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, bar crawl cover. 706-322-3460.

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

*Another Hero, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, bar crawl cover (bar opens at 8p.m.).

*Blues party and fireworks show featuring Mojo:Saint, 9 p.m. Broad StreetBlues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Fourth of July celebration featuring Peggy Jenkins, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, bar crawl cover. 706-596-8141.

*DJ Kirk, 9 p.m. Aqua Nightclub, free. 706-358-7128.

SATURDAY

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

*The Cuffs, 9 p.m. Fountain City Coffee, free. 706-494-6659.

*Jury, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11 p.m., bar opens at 8p.m.).

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

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*DJ Kirk, 9 p.m. Aqua Nightclub, $5 (free before 9 p.m.). 706-358-7128.

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

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

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

fourth of july: where to party

Here are your Fourth of July parties:

*There's a bar crawl on Broadway. You know the drill -- one cover gives you access to the majority of downtown Columbus bars.

*Phenix City nightclub Broad Street Blues is having a party that apparently includes a TON of door prizes and giveaways. Most notably, you can win a guitar and a trip to Memphis for two. House band Mojo:Saint will perform. The action starts at 9 p.m., cover is $5.

*Just learned about BAM Entertainment's Official Grown & Sexy Fourth of July Party at The Columbus Airport Hotel, 5351 Sidney Simons Blvd. Artists KNE and Prime Time will perform. It starts at 11 p.m. and tickets are $15. Open to partiers 21 and older.

*Read Sandra's complete rundown of all the local fireworks shows here.

naughty or nice?

So the holiday weekend's almost here, and it's a slow news day. Resigned to a day of zero-substance blog posts, I quickly hit up TV Guide's official site to confirm the start time for tonight's episode of "So You Think You Can Dance." Stop laughing.

That's how I learned that today marks a holiday of even greater importance than July 4:

Naughty America Day!!!!!

Yes, that is a real holiday and no, its wiener roasts don't mark the same family values as the barbecues you'll be hosting tomorrow.

I still haven't quite learned the holiday's significance, aside from the fact that it involves lots of people doing -- you guessed it -- something naughty. Web sites connected with the day give suggestions like flirting with your boss or "playfully grabbing the heiney of a close friend or family member."

Which might be cool...if Naughty America Day was universally celebrated.

Anyway, have fun being naughty. And if you're abstaining, guard your heiney carefully.

trust company show!

Don't forget that hard rock group Trust Company takes the stage at The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway, next Thursday. That's July 10. Local band Forced Entry will also perform. Show starts at 9 p.m.

These guys are nationally known for tunes like "Downfall" and "Running From Me." Read more about them here.

Tickets go on sale at the bar today and are $8.

what's going on tonight?

Here are some standout options for Thursday night partiers:

*Jazz act The Ed Cox Trio performs a free show on the 1000 block of Broadway in downtown Columbus. It's 7-9 p.m.

*The local Southern rockers from Whisky Bent take the stage at Scruffy Murphy's, 1037 Broadway. Show starts at 10 p.m. No cover. 706-322-3460.

*Open mike night at Fountain City Coffee, 1007 Broadway, starts at 8 p.m. It's free. 706-494-6659.

*DJ Kenny Wayne spins Top 40 tunes at The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway. Expect 50-cent draft beer. No cover. The action starts at 9 p.m.

in her (painful) shoes

Maybe you can teach a (relatively) old human new tricks.

Today I came across some research about attempts to "teach" empathy -- that is, efforts to literally put the participant in someone else's shoes. Here's an article about programs that make college students temporarily "become" senior citizens -- sensory losses and all.

When I lived in California, one annual local event would have male participants walk a mile in women's heels in an attempt to stop domestic violence. Don't ask. I don't get the parallel, either.

The problem with these simulations? Well, they're simulations. Participants usually leave laughing, and the whole ordeal is usually viewed as more of an extreme sport experience than a genuine exercise in empathy. And if participation is voluntary, the ones with the heart to join are usually least in need of the training.

When it comes to relationships, I've always thought most people have a base level of how much they can care about somebody. It differs person to person.

Do you think empathy can be taught?

don't ask...

Don't tell?

Recently, I found this article, "When he drops a bomb." Immediately, the headline made me think of something that my co-workers and I like to call "the sound."

Not the case. The piece is actually about when guys disclose secrets that can potentially ruin a relationship.

Coincidentally, I read the bomb-dropping piece shortly after finishing this Elle magazine feature about a woman who days before her wedding learned her beau was forging her checks. Let's ignore the fact they met in a mental hospital and pretend this couple's story still has some real-life application.

In relationships, what hurts more:

Actively pursuing a secret and learning your worst fears are true, or having your partner disclose a damaging secret out of the blue?

hump day mania

Hope everyone's having a great Wednesday.

If you feel like partying tonight, head over to The Oasis (1107 Broadway), where you can cash in on $4 sake bombs. How do I know this? Well, I actually ventured inside the new hot spot (formerly Savana's/Rumors) last night.

I guess its biggest draw is that it opens at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday -- trying to grab the after-work crowd, naturally. The interior is decked out in island-themed stuff, but at the same time there's an emphasis on being biker friendly. Very interesting.

Get my full recap of The Oasis in Thursday's Ledger-Enquirer.

In other nightlife news, I heard 300 women showed up to see the Chippendales dancers at Aqua last Friday night. The guys are slated to come back to town in November.

Also, I'll post an update Thursday reminding everyone of the Fourth of July nightlife festivities. For now, I know of a downtown bar crawl -- um, block party -- and some big festivities at Phenix City nightclub Broad Street Blues.

mmm...stubble

Women perceive men with stubble as the best romantic partners -- in love, sex and marriage, according to research findings described in this article.

An excerpt:

The explanation for the preference is not clear, but experts in human evolution say that that facial hair may be a signal of aggression because it boosts the apparent size of the lower jaw, emphasising the teeth as weapons.

Psychologists at Northumbria University who carried out the new study believe that stubbly men may offer women the best worlds - not too strongly masculine, but mature and with the potential to grow a full beard.

Ladies, is stubble sexy? And guys...do you at all factor romantic appeal into your decision to sport a quasi-beard?

P.S. If you're looking for some action -- of all facial hair varieties -- head to the Shanty Shack tonight for a free show by local party band Haywire. The music starts at 8 p.m. The bar's at 4475 Warm Springs Road.