The obligatory Twilight post

Now that "Eclipse" mania is officially under way, I feel obligated to write something about the newest installment of the "Twilight" series.

However, I'm not the biggest fan of the books and so far I've successfully avoided all three movies.

That said, the "Twilight" world has impacted dating.

Whenever a new installment comes out, you can always expect one hard-hitting piece that asks if "Twilight" is ruining marriages.

If you're looking for detailed plot analysis, check out Jezebel's minute-by-minute live blog or my colleague Katie's coverage.

For now, I'll just leave you with a simple question:

Is "Eclipse" a good date movie -- assuming you're older than 25?

Need Wednesday plans?

If you haven't checked out Mix Ultra Lounge, the newest addition to the downtown Columbus party scene, this might be a good night to stop by.

Expect entertainment from DJ Roonie G, the club's owner. The biggest bonus? There's no cover charge. Action starts at 9 p.m.

The deal stands on Thursday, too.

Mix Ultra Lounge, 1107 Broadway, is a smoke-free nightclub that boasts VIP tables and DJ entertainment enhanced by visual effects.

For VIP reservations, call 706-221-2112.

Done with online dating

Have fee-based Internet dating services peaked?

That's the central question in this Washington Post piece, which suggests dating websites are past their prime. An excerpt:

The numbers suggest that while singles in search of a match may post a profile, they're not finding who they're looking for.

EHarmony and Match.com own 30 percent of the audience for all dating sites, and, taken together, their recent histories pose a troubling question for both their parent companies and those who prefer "scientific matching" techniques to real-life church socials: Has paid Internet dating peaked?

I've written articles about how the online dating world has lost much of its stigma.

But I've also covered the rise of more obscure Internet dating options, which makes me wonder if paid Internet matchmaking has yielded intrigue, but not real results.

The Washington Post piece also mentions Facebook as a possible competitor for paid Internet dating sites. It's set up differently, but I think it still has matchmaking potential.

Weigh in: Are you totally over fee-based dating websites?

I'll take the cubicle

Quick: Who makes you seize your stress ball more often, your significant other or your boss?

The Daily Mail cites a survey suggesting spouses cause more stress than our bosses. An excerpt:

There may be no place like home, but if you want to relax then you might be better off at work, according to the survey.

The poll of 3,000 men and women also found that husbands are more likely to send their wives' blood pressure soaring than the other way round. Overall, 58 per cent of those surveyed said their spouse or partner was among those who put them under pressure.

Just 43 per cent said the same of their manager. And 18 per cent of women said their partner added a lot of stress to their life – compared with just 12 per cent of men.

Is the research surprising? Not really.

Hands down, I think the relationship world is much more stressful than professional life. Yes, there are always annoying bosses and co-workers, but your daily time with them is more limited than the time you spend with your significant other.

Thoughts?

You missed the bus

I know why you haven't met the partner of your dreams in Columbus.

We don't have an extensive public transportation system.

TresSugar's take on public transportation crushes made me miss the days when I'd eye random strangers while riding California buses.

I lacked a car in high school, and my campus was about 45 minutes away from home (with traffic). So every day after school I'd ride one bus to my dad's office, then get on another bus that took me home.

The experience introduced me to all sorts of fun folks. I guess the phrase "eye random strangers" refers to both crushes and the people I feared would play tricks on me if I fell asleep.

Sure, public transportation is often filled with shady characters.

But there's always the remote chance you'll spot a stranger carrying your favorite obscure book or blasting your favorite B-side.

It's the one scenario when you never want your trip to end.

Video: Midget wrestling at Oxygen

My colleague Robin Trimarchi posted an excellent video recap of Thursday's midget wrestling event at Oxygen in downtown Columbus.

You'll see fighting, partying and a pretty sweet interview with some of the featured wrestlers. Oh yeah, I make a few appearances, too.

Click here to watch the video.

What's going on this weekend?

Hey everybody! Don't forget about HUNKS The Show, an all-male revue that comes to Flip Flops on Friday. It's 8-10:30 p.m. and cover is $5. The show is for women only.

Expect two outdoor concerts Saturday: RiverJam (1-6 p.m., downtown Columbus) and Badhorse (8 p.m., Phenix City Amphitheater).

Here's the rest of your lineup:

FRIDAY

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

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

Spicoli’s: DJ music, 8 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Mix Ultra Lounge: DJ Roonie G, 9 p.m. $10. 706-221-2112.

Fountain City Coffee: Ophir Drive, 8 p.m. free. 706-494-6659.

Shanty Shack: DJ music, 8 p.m. free. 706-507-3418.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Rusted Soul, Still Frame Tragedy, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Eighty-Five: I Was Totally Destroying It, 10 p.m. $5. 706-324-1500.

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SATURDAY

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

Warm Springs Sports Pub: Wicked Dixie, 9:30 p.m. $5. Bar is at 7510 Roosevelt Hwy.

Shanty Shack: DJ music, 8 p.m. free. 706-507-3418.

Eighty-Five: Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun, 10 p.m. $5. 706-324-1500.

Spicoli’s: Mindblender, 9 p.m. $5. 706-221-5252.

Flip Flops: Whisky Bent, 9 p.m. $5.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Gurufish, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Daileys: Pandemic with Drop the Veil and Sarah from Ophir Drive, 9 p.m. $8 advance and $10 at the door. 706-320-3353.

The Loft: Connor Christian and Southern Gothic, 9:30 p.m. $5. 706-596-8141.

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SUNDAY

Spicoli’s: Karaoke, 7 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Recap: Midget wrestling

It was one of the only times you could wear an "I Support Midget Violence" T-shirt in downtown Columbus without receiving critical stares.

Members of the Micro Wrestling Federation wore the shirts after their performance at Broadway hot spot Oxygen Thursday night.

Some partiers raved about midget wrestling days before it came to town, calling it an entertaining break from the usual downtown mix.

Others weren't as keen on the idea, describing it with terms like "exploitative" and "demeaning."

And me? I arrived at Oxygen with an open mind and a photographer/videographer on hand.

Guests saw about an hour of wrestling. Most wrestlers wore standard athletic-type shorts. One guy wore a unitard.

In addition to a traditional wrestling match, there was a no-holds-barred match.

The sole female wrestler defeated her male companions. Objects were thrown. A ringside announcer gave commentary throughout the matches.

Meanwhile, the full house of partiers held digital cameras and went wild.

The night didn't stop with the wrestling. Women sat on the ring's edges and got lap dances from a multi-talented midget wrestler. The crew interacted with the crowd after the show. They signed autographs and, um, body parts.

Does midget wrestling have critics? Sure.

But Thursday's event at Oxygen didn't reek of exploitation.

What's more, wrestlers didn't have pretentious attitudes or superstar demands. They had heart, humor and an urge to entertain.

At least that's what I learned from their T-shirts.

(Photo credit goes to the very talented Robin Trimarchi, who will post a midget wrestling video this weekend.)

Teen Mom Season 2 trailer

Teen Mom (Season 1) - MTV Shows - Teen Mom (Season 2) - MTV Shows

I'm not too vocal about my extreme hatred of all things "Twilight," mainly because my chief argument is that "Twilight" is juvenile.

To counter that claim, people can argue that many of my favorite pop culture things are juvenile. For example, "Teen Mom."

But I'd argue that "Teen Mom" is a serious documentary that tackles issues more serious than what "Twilight" explores. Also, Tyler and Catelynn are way better than Bella and Edward.

Anyway...

MTV just posted the trailer for the second season of "Teen Mom." It's basically the best two minutes I've watched in my entire life. The show returns 10 p.m. July 20 on MTV.

What can we expect? Maci has a new man. Farrah is allegedly assaulted by her mom. Tyler and Catelynn appear to break off their engagement, at least briefly. (Please don't be true, please don't be true.)

But when the trailer ended, I was most excited about the Amber/Gary storyline. We'll find out if Amber's really pregnant again. It's also looks like the couple breaks up, but the end of the trailer Amber's trying on a wedding dress.

So confused, yet so excited.

What's going on tonight?

To navigate the Thursday party scene, you just need to know two words: midget wrestling.

The activity comes to Oxygen nightclub tonight, courtesy of the Micro Wrestling Federation. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. Cover is $10 advance, $15 at the door. The bar's at 1040 Broadway. Call 706-596-8397. More details here.

Other nightlife highlights?

The Uptown Vault's Facebook page says the bar will reopen tonight at 1026 Broadway. "We will be a sports bar and will have live music starting in the next few weeks," the page says. I'll keep you updated.

Also tonight, Fountain City Coffee has open mike night beginning at 8 p.m. No cover. 706-494-6659.

Boneheadz performs at Spicoli’s at 9 p.m. No cover. 706-221-5252.

The Lawsuits perform at SoHo Bar & Grill at 10 p.m. No cover. 706-568-3316.

I did it my way

TresSugar introduces us to a new online dating site, HerWay.com, where women are in control. It's like the Sadie Hawkins dance of the Internet world.

Here's how it works: Women and men can submit profiles, but only women can anonymously browse for dates. When a woman chooses a guy, he gets to see her profile.

Pretty cool, right?

Some women are still terrified to take the lead in the courtship process.

I no longer have major qualms about asking a guy out. That's mainly due to my four years at an all-girls high school, where every formal dance turned into essentially a Sadie Hawkins dance.

I remember the many nights I spent wondering if it would be OK to resurrect a sixth-grade friend as my junior prom date. Shudder.

OK, I guess I haven't fully embraced the Sadie Hawkins concept after all.

Divorce ceremonies

The scenery is immaculate, the emotions are strong and you're joined by your closest family and friends.

All of whom are ready to watch you end the most serious relationship of your life.

Think it's a nightmare? Think again.

DoubleX describes the divorce ceremony's growing popularity in Japan. The setup is very similar to a wedding -- except, of course, for the fact that you're publicly ending a relationship instead of beginning one.

The post notes that divorce ceremonies are similar to the "divorce parties" that have made headlines in the US. I've previously written about cakes and showers to commemorate divorces.

I'm always a fan of finding silver lining in heartache.

However, if divorce celebrations really are on the rise, I think they risk trivializing emotions that really shouldn't be reduced to the public destruction of wedding rings.

Thoughts?

Public apologies

As teenagers, many of us dream about receiving an impromptu public serenade from a lover begging for forgiveness.

But when you finally find yourself in that moment, you can only think of bashing your cheating ex's forehead with his guitar.

Ah, the public apology.

Lemondrop tells us about a guy who lined his estranged wife's bike route with banners and messages asking her to take him back. Too bad it apparently didn't work.

The post doesn't specify the offense prompting the apology.

For minor fights -- when it's pretty much guaranteed your significant other will take you back -- go ahead, make some grand public gesture.

But it in more complex scenarios, it's just awkward.

In many cases, people try to gloss over what caused a fight by offering an over-the-top apology.

Bystanders might love you. But the girl you wronged? Maybe not so much.

Date now, marry later

When I tell people I've been dating my boyfriend for nearly four years, I usually get one of two reactions.

Option 1: An exaggerated glance at my ring finger, followed by an adamant, "You better make him put a ring on it, girl!"

Option 2: A look of pity, accompanied by a melancholy, "Don't worry. I'm sure it'll happen some day."

Jealous?

USA Today has a slightly overdone trend piece about a growing tendency to date for a long time before getting engaged.

It attributes the decision to everything from financial concerns to a fear of divorce.

Extended courtships might be more common, but they're hardly the norm. Most of my female friends still have a three-year cutoff point for the pre-engagement phase of a relationship.

It's great to really know somebody before getting married, but relationships also get to a certain point where you just have to blindly jump in and decide if a future together will work.

Also, I think many women agree to an extended courtship simply because engagements are still an area in our dating culture where women are essentially powerless.

So please, indulge my naked ring finger with your best "Single Ladies" line.

I'm sure I've never heard it before.

Vanessa Carlton is bisexual

I couldn't go another year without getting "A Thousand Miles" stuck in my head.

The melodic brain invasion came courtesy of singer Vanessa Carlton's recent declaration that she's bisexual. She revealed the news at a Nashville Pride event, MTV reports.

When I was a kid, the word "bisexual" was something that made people turn their heads and whisper. Now, somebody announces bisexuality and often gets nothing more than a shoulder shrug.

Does that suggest heightened acceptance of bisexuality? Maybe. But it also reflects a growing tendency to dismiss the announcement as merely a publicity scam or turn-on tactic.

Consider stereotypes of the girl in college who conveniently decides to "out" herself as bisexual while wearing a sheer T-shirt in a room of guys.

Then, there's actress Anna Paquin's recent announcement of bisexuality, a move many skeptics labeled nothing more than a promotion for the new season of "True Blood." (It was a little strange, seeing as Paquin is engaged.)

Many online commenters have already suggested Carlton's news is just an effort to stay in fame's spotlight. Read more discussion here.

Carlton's announcement has no bearing on my view of her as an entertainer. Honestly, I'm just mad I have that song in my head.

But I do think it's a little callous to label her move selfish.

I agree with Carlton's advocates: She's a public figure and her public announcement -- regardless of its motives -- could have given someone the confidence to make a declaration they've been avoiding.

Family matters

Happy Monday! Hope everybody had a great weekend and a fantastic Father's Day.

I spent lots of the weekend with my younger sister, who is at Fort Benning attending Airborne School. Thanks to my lack of direction, I had the privilege of experiencing three Fort Benning access points in one day.

Navigation issues aside, it was nice to see someone from home.

Hanging out with my California family generates feelings that are a little more complex than when they'd visit me in college.

Now, their departure makes me realize I'm riding without training wheels in a city whose streets still confuse me -- even after four years here.

Seeing my family reminds me of the fail-safe comfort of having somebody who, like my dad, will spend 12 hours building a chest of drawers just so your bedroom looks like home.

Or somebody who, like my sister, will smile encouragingly when I describe a life direction that's clearly outside the realm of possibility.

When I moved to Columbus, those moments went from constants to twice-a-year occasions at best.

In my family's absence, I've combated pest infestations and financial challenges under the guidance of will power and DIY manuals.

Maybe that blind confidence is my family's greatest gift of all.

What's going on this weekend?

Hey party people! I plan to participate in Friday's Miss Georgia Scholarship Pageant 5K Run and Walk, which starts at 11:30 p.m. in front of the RiverCenter. Registration is $25.

Also, if you're looking for some 2010 World Cup action on Saturday, head to Scruffy Murphy's, 1037 Broadway. The bar will air the Cameroon/Denmark match at 2:30 p.m.

Here are some other highlights:

FRIDAY

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

Eighty-Five: Parachute Musical, Ryan Rulon, 10 p.m. $5. 706-324-1500.

Flip Flops: Jasper Drive, 9 p.m. $5.

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

Spicoli’s: DJ music, 8 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Daileys: Tap Shot, 10 p.m. $5. 706-320-3353.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Two Finger Jester, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SATURDAY

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

Eighty-Five: El Cantador, 10 p.m. $5. 706-324-1500.

H20: Classic Addict, 10 p.m. $5. 706-327-9700.

Spicoli’s: The Relics, 9 p.m. $5. 706-221-5252.

Daileys: Tap Shot, 10 p.m. $5. 706-320-3353.

Flip Flops: Chris Collins, 9 p.m. $5.

Ossahatchee Oyster Bar: Wicked Dixie, 7:30 p.m. free. 706-582-2629.

SoHo Bar & Grill: The Killing Ground, Kadense, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

The Loft: Little Brown Peach, 9 p.m. $5. 706-596-8141.

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SUNDAY

Spicoli’s: Karaoke, 7 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Love don't cost a thing

But shoes? That's an entirely different matter.

Glamour offers some interesting tidbits from the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, a survey that reveals public opinions about finances.

Among the interesting relationship-related items: $249 is the average threshold at which young professional couples need to consult their partner before making a purchase.

Accurate? Too high? Too low?

The post doesn't specify whether the $249 figure applies to couples who are married, dating or both. Naturally, it would apply to married people, since that's when you're more likely to share finances.

But some daters expect a level of financial consultation, too.

Your significant other's $250 electronics purchase often means you won't be treated to dinner soon and vacations might briefly be put on hiatus.

So weigh in: If you and your partner don't share a checking account -- and you're not married -- do you still have an obligation to consult each other before making big purchases?

World Cup 2010 at Scruffy Murphy's

Happy Thursday! Here's an update on when you can watch World Cup 2010 action at Scruffy Murphy's, 1037 Broadway:

Today: Bar airs France vs. Mexico at 2:30 p.m.

Friday, June 18: Doors open at 9:30 a.m. to show Slovenia vs. USA. They'll raffle off a Yuengling official USA team jersey.

Saturday, June 19: Cameroon vs. Denmark at 2:30 p.m.

Monday, June 21: Spain vs. Honduras at 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 22: Nigeria vs. Korea Republic at 2:30 p.m., Greece vs. Argentina at 2:30 p.m. Bar will show both matches.

Wednesday, June 23: Bar opens at 9:30 a.m. for USA vs. Algeria. They'll raffle off a Yuengling official USA team jersey.

Weddings are a beach

Here's an interesting article about how the recent BP oil spill has affected beach weddings.

Short summary: On the affected beaches, sandy ceremonies have lost some of their appeal.

Let's discuss beach weddings.

The concept looks intriguing on shows like "Real Housewives," but the practical execution is slightly different.

The real deal often involves gnarly bare toes, too-informal dresses and a mid-ceremony encounter with a hermit crab.

Not to mention the fact that you're dealing with uncertainty of natural elements, which is always risky. Let's just say Mother Nature isn't always the best party animal.

Where do you stand on beach weddings?

(Calling all June brides: Check out Katie's wedding-planning blog.)

Ladies' night: Right or wrong?

Tonight kicks off Wednesday ladies nights at Mix Ultra Lounge, 1107 Broadway. Women get in free and DJ Roonie G performs.

Doors open at 9 p.m. The sexiest women will win cash, according to the event's Facebook page.

Not a woman? You'll pay a $5 cover.

Mix isn't the only local bar that hosts ladies-only promotions. Belloo's, for example, has its little black dress promotion every Friday and Saturday night. Wear a black dress and you'll get gift certificates for the bar.

Single guys don't usually wage equality disputes over the female-specific deals. If anything, the offers increase their chances of meeting single women.

Coupled men? Sometimes their feelings are a little more complex.

After all, it's not easy to stomach the idea of paying a $5 cover when you're bringing a woman to the bar -- and not hitting on any of the other eligible partiers.

Weigh in: Do you have an issue with ladies nights?

Back hair beware

A lack of oil spill evidence wasn't the only surprise during my recent beach vacation. I was also astounded to see a lack of unsightly body hair among men.

It's not just a Panama City Beach phenomenon. Well, at least according to this NY Times article, which says back hair removal continues to grow in popularity. An excerpt:

As hairless torsos have become the norm for male models and actors, below-the-neck hair removal has gone mainstream. The nascent category of body shavers has surpassed $10 million in annual sales, according to Nielsen data cited by Remington.

But many men who aspire to the polished trunks of the “Jersey Shore” men face a dilemma when it comes to their backs: they don’t want to undergo the expense of waxing or laser hair removal, but are embarrassed to ask others for assistance.

Fortunately, there are tons of new grooming devices to help you do the job, the article adds.

I found the NY Times piece via Jezebel, where the article sparked a very interesting discussion among online commenters. I'd like your input on one comment:

In my opinion, if a guy expects you to remove your leg, pubic, facial hair then he should be open to doing the same for you.

True or false?

Lady in red

I stumbled upon Lemondrop's discussion of red wedding dresses on the day my one of my friends posted a Facebook item wondering if she should buy a pink wedding gown.

My first instinct? Go for it.

Pink and red are my favorite colors, not to mention the fact that the hues offer more wear-again potential than a standard pristine white dress.

Just as I'm getting caught up in a pink wedding fantasy, reality sinks in. My family would die if I made the dream a reality. No joke, I can imagine my mom heaving at the thought alone.

White gowns might be rooted in nothing but a silly tradition, but I fear opting for something dramatically different could lead to serious regret years later.

In fourth grade, I sang in an outdoor televised choir event. It was a breezy day, but I refused to wear a sweater. You know, because I wanted to stand out.

Later, I watched my performance on the news and I looked like a giant doofus amid a sea of sweaters.

I feel like going the nontraditional gown route could result in that kind of regret.

Weigh in: Would you wear a pink or red wedding dress?

(Get more wedding tips on Katie's Crinoline and Lace blog.)

Mix Ultra Lounge, part 2

I took a quick stroll down Broadway on Monday afternoon to chat with DJ Roonie G, the owner of Mix Ultra Lounge. The club opened Friday in downtown Columbus.

I stopped by briefly on opening night, but wanted to confirm some specific details.

Roonie said the nightclub, which occupies a spot formerly known as Savana's/Rumors/The Oasis, will hold its official grand opening in early July.

But it's open for business Wednesday-Saturday and doors open at 9 p.m. Roonie G, who hails from Columbus but regularly performs in places like Vegas, plans to perform every Wednesday. Ladies get in free Wednesday nights.

Otherwise, cover is $5 weeknights and $10 weekends. Drink prices are about $3-$4 for beer. Other drinks are generally between $5 and $10.

In an earlier post, I wrote about Friday night's strict dress code. Roonie insists it's not that strict. He says contrary to what I saw Friday, guys don't have to wear a collared shirt. Basically, you just have to look presentable. I still recommend going more formal than usual just in case.

Finally, the photo at the top of this post shows some of the VIP tables available at Mix. Table rental is $100 and includes seating for four (no cover charge necessary) and a bottle of champagne.

To reserve a table, call 706-221-2112.

Mix Ultra Lounge

Hey everybody! Blog posts were a bit sparse last week because -- get ready for a big reveal -- I was on vacation. My avid stalkers will remember I originally planned the week as a staycation.

However, early in the week I stumbled upon a great rental deal on a Panama City Beach condo. Apparently some people are leery of the whole oil spill situation.

We took the plunge, and I was thrilled to find absolutely no traces of oil on the beach.

The biggest casualty was the extremely pregnant woman who decided to wear only a bikini top and hippie skirt to a dine-in restaurant.

So that was my vacation. I got back in town Friday only to learn our booming metropolis had added a new nightclub in my absence.

Mix Ultra Lounge, 1107 Broadway, opened its doors Friday night. Remember, this club is owned by Roonie G -- a DJ who hails from Columbus, but regularly performs in places like Vegas.

I got the news just in time to check out Mix's grand opening. I learned one of the biggest things about the nightclub while at the door: a strictly enforced formal dress code.

So strictly enforced, in fact, that my date didn't make it past the entry line. The culprit? His lack of a collared shirt.

Long story short, Mix is the first truly upscale club I've seen in Columbus since I moved here four years ago. Cover on Friday was $10 and VIP tables surrounded the dance floor.

I made a short video of my experience, but the dark setup makes it appear a little "Blair Witch."

Can Columbus support an upscale nightclub? We'll see.

World Cup 2010 schedule, viewing parties

Here's one for all you soccer fans -- or, um, anyone who's just fascinated with cool jerseys.

The 2010 World Cup begins Friday and Scruffy Murphy's will host viewing parties throughout the event, beginning with Friday’s 2:30 p.m. Uruguay/France match.

There's no cover and you can expect giveaways and drink specials. More details here.

Here's more info on the month-long soccer competition's schedule.

Isaac Stout at Flip Flops

Need Wednesday nightlife plans? Isaac Stout from "The Real World: Sydney" will appear tonight at Flip Flops, 1111 Broadway.

Action starts at 9 p.m. and there's no cover.

Want a glimpse of what you can expect tonight? Watch the video that accompanies this post.

Sandra Bullock and Scarlett Johansson

Watch the 2010 MTV Movie Awards at MTV.com!

You've had a full day to process the Sandra Bullock/Scarlett Johansson kiss from the MTV Movie Awards, and everyone's still buzzing about this dramatic moment in TV history.

Right?

Maybe not.

TresSugar suggests we've grown desensitized to straight women kissing. You see it on TV, re-watch the clip once on YouTube, shrug your shoulders and move on.

I think the MTV Movie Awards kiss would have been much less buzzworthy if it involved somebody other than Sandra Bullock.

Anything that Bullock did at the podium Sunday night would have made headlines. Her move of choice just happened to involve locking lips with another straight woman.

But if we are desensitized to kisses between straight women, is that really a bad thing?

Are we supposed to freak out every time the next Katy Perry comes along?

Summer Side Show at Gallery 13

Watch what happened when I attended Saturday's all-ages Summer Side Show at Gallery 13 on Veterans Parkway in Columbus.

This clip features entertainment from Oregon-based Larry and His Flask.

(Camera work by Alan Riquelmy)

Staycation, all I ever wanted

So I'm taking the plunge and using my hard-earned vacation time to spend a week here in Columbus, Ga.

I still cringe at mention of the word "staycation," but I'll be updating this blog daily with my adventures on a vacation in my own backyard. In this context, "backyard" includes the Atlanta area.

Don't worry, you'll still get regular updates on local nightlife events.

Can I create an exotic getaway without boarding an airplane? Stay tuned.

What's going on this weekend?

Hey party people! A couple weekend highlights:

There's a downtown bar crawl Friday night. One $10 cover gets you into the majority of Broadway hot spots. The Uptown Tap, one of the bar crawl venues, will host a schoolgirl contest. Best getup wins a prize.

Saturday, partiers of all ages can check out Summer Side Show at Gallery 13, 1540 Veterans Parkway. The daylong festival focuses on indie rock, but other genres are represented, too. Details here.

Also on Saturday, Percy Sledge performs at the Phenix City Amphitheater. Learn more here.

The rest of your lineup:

FRIDAY

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

Eighty-Five: BURN, Ryan Rulon, 10 p.m. $5. 706-324-1500.

Spicoli’s: DJ music, 9 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Flip Flops: Jason Coley, 9 p.m. block party cover.

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends with Lou Vandora, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SoHo Bar & Grill: American Gun, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

The Loft: Peggy Jenkins and The Bizness, 9 p.m. block party cover. 706-596-8141.

Daileys: The Findley Brothers, 8 p.m. block party cover. 706-320-3353.

SATURDAY

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

The Loft: Modern Skirts, 9 p.m. $8. 706-596-8141.

Spicoli’s: Mirror, 9 p.m. $5. 706-221-5252.

Flip Flops: Jason Coley, 9 p.m. block party cover.

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends with Lou Vandora, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SoHo Bar & Grill: No Love Lost, November, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Daileys: The Findley Brothers, 8 p.m. $5. 706-320-3353.

SUNDAY

Spicoli’s: Karaoke, 7 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Lakers, Celtics and dating

Think the Lakers/Celtics sports rivalry is outside this blog's coverage area? You're wrong.

This gallery of the most stylish basketball wives and girlfriends got me thinking about the common female fascination with dating a professional athlete.

It's something the average woman either enthusiastically embraces or nonchalantly shrugs off. There's usually no middle ground.

Some women go wild thinking about a life filled with frequent attempts to make oversized jerseys sexy. These women are also why "The Game" returned to TV. Thank you.

Unfortunately, the professional athlete fascination rarely enters my dating daydreams.

Unless you catch me on a night when I'm pretending to be Kendra Wilkinson.

Beat up my boyfriend, Dad

Here's an interesting study that suggests college students with "helicopter parents" -- the ones who hover and assist them as adults -- end up narcissistic and afraid of taking risks.

Huge shock, right?

I've always been close with my parents and even as a 28-year-old woman, I admit I phone home perhaps a bit too excessively. But with the exception of household maintenance concerns, I rarely call to ask for help with life issues.

On another note, where do you draw the line when it comes to helicopter parenting and dating?

Somebody recently told me about a 20-something who let her mom chew out an ex who cheated.

Inappropriate? Maybe. Believable? Definitely.

Especially when it comes to daughters, it's only natural for parents to want to guard a child's feelings. Even if that child is 25.

I've been there, and I think it's pretty sweet. But I wouldn't ever let my mom get on the phone with one of my exes.

And you?

What's going on tonight?

Hey party people! Here are some Thursday night party highlights:

Eighty-Five: The Winter Sounds, Manray, Milktooth, 10 p.m. free. 706-324-1500.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Uncrowned, 10 p.m. free. 706-568-3316.

Fountain City Coffee: Open mike, 8 p.m. free. 706-494-6659.

Spicoli’s: Sol, 9 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Cue the sap overload

If you haven't had your daily dose of "aww," here's a story about a man and woman whose moms shared a room in the maternity ward and gave birth on the same day.

The families stayed in touch and now the kids are getting married.

Repeat after me: "Aww."

I went through a period in life when I scoured the Internet for these types of stories all day.

I lived for love stories that involved strange twists of fate and lapses in time followed by blissful reunions.

Things have changed. When I read the aforementioned anecdote, I simply cringed and agreed with a reader's comment posted online: "Ok, let's start the divorce pool. I've got 5 years."

When it comes to sappy love stories, where do your tolerance levels stand?

Al & Tipper Gore separate

I'm obsessed with the blogosphere's reactions to news that Al and Tipper Gore will separate.

As with every high-profile separation, I'm surprised by how many people seem personally invested in the Gores' relationship.

Comments like "they were so happy" just seem silly when we see such a limited picture of other people's marriages.

Maybe the Gores' separation has generated more discussion than the average split because it comes after a 40-year marriage.

In college, I went through a period when many of my 20-something friends' parents got divorced.

It was a wakeup call, evidence that divorce doesn't revolve around the stresses of having small children or deciding who's going to drive to soccer practice.

After reading many posts about the Gores, this DoubleX analysis stuck with me the most. The writer applauds the couple for the courage in announcing their separation. Here's why:

But I suppose I just really object to the discourse in which marriages are deemed a success if they end in death and a failure if they end in divorce. It turns marriage into a competitive sport and shames divorcees for making what was usually the best choice for them. It's also misleading.

Everyone's been around those longstanding couples who loathe each other but are prevented from ending it because of inertia. I can't support any system that privileges couples who snipe at each other every chance they get over those who decide to part ways instead of making themselves and everyone around them miserable.

Food for thought, right?

Cheap dates aren't great

Over at Lemondrop, readers are debating whether cheapness is a dealbreaker in the dating world.

It's important to note that "cheap" isn't always synonymous with "poor."

Your partner can have all the money in the world, but refuse to spend it on things like vacations or dinners away from home.

That scenario is often worse than dating somebody who's broke -- because your significant other has the money, but has made a conscious decision not to spend it on you.

Ouch.

I know, I know: Money doesn't buy happiness and measuring a relationship's success through expensive gifts means you're not too much of a catch, either.

Problem is, someone's financial habits generally reflect other parts of his/her personality.

It's possible to argue that a repeated reluctance to spend money on you will eventually translate into a reluctance to spend time with you.

Thoughts?

White jeans, dark soul

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend.

The holiday marked the unofficial start of summer -- which among other things, grants us the freedom to wear white again, College Candy notes.

Sure, the fashion world has already refuted the whole "white is only OK in summer" belief.

But it's nice to know I can now freely sport a white tank without getting critical stares from old women.

That said, after perusing nightlife fashion, I sometimes think we take our seasonal fascination with white clothes a bit too far.

I'm talking about white jeans.

Is this fashion decision ever OK, or are the pants nothing but a holding space for tomato sauce stains?