Success isn't sexy?

If you're one of the women who thinks men are intimidated by your career ambitions, consider this NY Times article fuel for your fire.

The writer asks a question that I think seems a bit tired, despite ongoing discussions of gender roles and workplace equality.

"Is female empowerment killing romance?"

It's not hard to map out the rest of the article. Woman overtakes man in the labor market. Man gets insecure. Man breaks up with woman.

The piece even includes quotes like "success is not sexy" and "men don't want successful women, men want to be admired."

Am I the only one who doesn't buy it?

When I interviewed comedian/relationship expert Steve Harvey last month, he refuted claims that men get intimidated by women.

I know plenty of women who use "men are intimidated by my success" as a way to explain a relationship status.

While these women boast successful career lives, they also often have other flaws that interfere with their success in dating.

It's easier to reconcile our social failings by believing others envy our strengths, rather than admitting they're afraid of our weaknesses.

Thoughts?

Bad Sex in Fiction

You could win a Pulitzer...or you could lower your ambitions and strive for the Bad Sex in Fiction Prize.

It's a real award. This year's recipient is author Rowan Somerville, whose way with words includes crafty phrases like "(he) twisted onto her belly like a fish flipping itself."

Sexy, right?

Crafting bad sex scenes doesn't necessarily mean you're a bad writer. Case in point: Jonathan Franzen, often hailed as one of the best modern fiction writers, was nominated for the Bad Sex in Fiction Prize.

But a good share of novels with awkward sex scenes are awkward all around. I'll refer you to many review copies of romance novels I've received.

If I ever write a novel, there will be absolutely no sex scenes. I will explain every romantic interlude with a simple, "They went into the bedroom, turned off the light and that was that."

Hangover Helpers

You know the scene. Crusty salsa lines a kitchen counter. Empty beer create a dining room obstacle course.

Amid a throbbing headache, one question dominates your thoughts:

"Do I really have to clean this up?"

Maybe not.

Two University of Colorado graduates started Hangover Helpers, a business that takes care of college students' post-party cleanup. Not only will they clean your place -- they'll also bring you Gatorade and breakfast burritos.

They charge $15 per roommate. Not bad, right?

(via Jezebel)

In case you missed it....

Hands down, this moment was the highlight of my Black Friday coverage. Watch, enjoy and be glad you shop online.

Monday power anthem

Hope you survived Black Friday weekend with your credit card balance intact. Today's power anthem was an obvious choice. There's just so much to love about this song.

Go ahead, sing along with the glory note at the end. I won't judge.

Seize the day!

What's going on this weekend?

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Here are some weekend party highlights:

FRIDAY

VFW Post 5228: DJ music, 9 p.m. free. 334-297-6493.

Elks Lodge 111: The Wayne Petty Band, 8 p.m. free. 706-569-6720.

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656. (also on Saturday)

Shanty Shack: Surgestone, 7-11 p.m. $5 cover starts at 8 p.m. 706-507-3418.

Spicoli’s: Downstroke, $5 cover begins at 9 p.m. 706-221-5252.

Flip Flops: Sweet Lisa, 9 p.m. $5.

SoHo Bar & Grill: The S&L Band, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

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

Fountain City Coffee: David Garrett, 8 p.m. free. 706-494-6659. (all ages)

Players: Karaoke by BudAbby’s, 9 p.m. free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

The Uptown Vault: DJ Kamakazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Belloo’s: The Good Doctor, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SATURDAY

VFW Post 5228: Donnie Thomas and band, 9 p.m. $5. 334-297-6493.

Belloo’s: The Good Doctor, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

Flip Flops: Sweet Lisa, 9 p.m. $5.

The Loft: Sun Domingo, 9:30 p.m. $5. 706-596-8141.

Fountain City Coffee: B.J. Holland, 8 p.m. free. 706-494-6659. (all ages)

Spicoli’s: Smith and Lewis Band, $5 cover begins at 9 p.m. 706-221-5252.

Players: Players Club Bowling, 9 p.m.-midnight, $3 per game, no cover. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

SoHo Bar & Grill: Stereomonster, The Last Relapse, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Elks Lodge 111: Karaoke, 8 p.m. free. 706-569-6720.

The Uptown Vault: DJ Kamakazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Need Thanksgiving plans?

Happy Thanksgiving! Instead of getting all sentimental, I'll refer you to an online posting with one of my favorite headlines ever: "Get sloshed this Thanksgiving."

It's collection of Thanksgiving cocktail recipes, including a Pumpkin Pie-tini.

Want to hit the bars on Thanksgiving? Quite a few hot spots are open. Here's a sampling:

Scruffy Murphy's, 1037 Broadway, opens at 5 p.m. The local musicians from Whisky Bent perform at 9 p.m.

SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, opens around 4 p.m. There's usually some food on Thanksgiving.

The Uptown Tap, 1042 Broadway, has a Thanksgiving party beginning at 7 p.m.

Flip Flops, 1111 Broadway, has $1 daiquiris. I also heard something about a hidden turkey contest.

La Margarita, 5300 Sidney Simons Blvd., opens at 7 p.m.

The Uptown Vault, 1026 Broadway, has karaoke beginning at 5 p.m.

Blackout Wednesday

Welcome to Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest party nights of the year. Here's my recent article explaining the phenomenon.

People call it Black Wednesday -- or less tactfully, Blackout Wednesday. Bar often attribute the large crowds to the social reunions that happen when friends come home for the holidays.

Almost every bar will likely be crowded tonight. Need plans? Here are some highlights.

One quick matter of business: Tonight's Young Jeezy concert at the Columbus Civic Center has been postponed. Get details here.

Flip Flops, 1111 Broadway, hosts a performance by Brent Stephens. There's no cover and action starts at 9 p.m.

The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, hosts a Pre-Turkey Day Bash with no cover charge. Spend $20 or more on drinks and get a free 10-inch pizza 3 p.m.-10 p.m.

Ben's Chophouse, 5300 Sidney Simons Blvd., has a wine tasting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include three reds, three whites and two free select appetizers. Call 706-256-0466 for reservations.

The Uptown Vault, 1026 Broadway, has karaoke beginning at 7 p.m. No cover.

La Margarita, 5300 Sidney Simons Blvd., has drink specials including $2 margaritas, $5 long islands and more. No cover.

Spicoli's, 5762 Milgen Road, has DJ music beginning at 8 p.m. No cover.

Mix Ultra Lounge, 1107 Broadway, has a party beginning at 9 p.m. No cover for women.

It's the Great Pumpkin

Make extra Thanksgiving dessert, ladies.

Lemondrop alerts us to the arousal power that might accompany the smell of pumpkin pie. In a recent study, the smell reduced anxiety and eliminated inhibitions in men.

Fill your kitchen with pumpkin pie on Thursday, but I'll offer a quick warning.

Any romantic appeal is erased if your pie comes out of the oven with an unexpectedly watery consistency.

Trust me.

Engagement ring commercials

They've already arrived, and things will likely only get worse as Christmas approaches. Hopefully, this video will help you laugh through some of your pain.

Then, share your most hated engagement ring commercials in the comments section.

Monday power anthem

Today's power tune is best summarized with a seven-letter acronym: NKOTBSB.

Here's a clip of the life-changing musical hybrid that we witnessed at Sunday's American Music Awards 2010. I'm talking about New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys.

Now that we're on the subject, did I mention I live-blogged the entire AMAs? Read my candid commentary here.

Seize the day!

What's going on this weekend?

Hey party people! Quick highlight: Beatles tribute act Abbey Road LIVE! performs Saturday at The Loft. Get details here.

You can also try these weekend highlights:

FRIDAY

VFW Post 5228: DJ music, 9 p.m. free. 334-297-6493.

Elks Lodge 111: The Wayne Petty Band, 8 p.m. free. 706-569-6720.

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

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

Shanty Shack: Chad Bradford and the Damn Band, 7-11 p.m. $5 cover starts at 8 p.m. 706-507-3418.

Fountain City Coffee: Shaun Crane and Friends, 8 p.m. free 706-494-6659. (all ages)

Players: Karaoke by BudAbby’s, 9 p.m. free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

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

The Uptown Vault: DJ KamaKazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

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

SATURDAY

VFW Post 5228: Donnie Thomas and band, 9 p.m. $5. 334-297-6493.

Elks Lodge 111: Karaoke, 8 p.m. free. 706-569-6720.

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

Spicoli’s: Surgestone, $5 cover starts at 9 p.m. 706-221-5252.

Fountain City Coffee: Shaun Crane and Friends, 8 p.m. free 706-494-6659. (all ages)

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

Players: Players Club Bowling, 9 p.m.-midnight. $3 per game, no cover. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Ossahatchee Oyster Bar: LuvLizards, 7:30 p.m. free. 706-575-8825.

The Uptown Vault: DJ KamaKazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Neal Lucas Band, Spencer Mulder Band, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Is marriage unneccessary?

Time magazine offers an interesting article entitled, "Marriage: What's It Good For?"

The article lists a variety of reasons why marriage seems less appealing, but it doesn't overtly conclude that marriage is obsolete or unneccessary.

Nonetheless, the piece inevitably generates the usual "marriage is simply a social construct" response.

Anyone cynical of the institution might find fuel for their fire in the article, which includes lines like this quotation from a sociologist: "Getting married is a way to show family and friends that you have a successful personal life."

A big part of me wants to side with the cynics. I spent most of college vowing to never get married. Then, just as the idea grew more palatable, I watched many people get married for what I perceived as the wrong reasons. (Refer to the aforementioned quotation.)

Now I'm at a different point in my life, having sustained a nearly four-year relationship. I still hate the fluff that often comes with weddings, but an idea of "marriage" -- or lack thereof -- hangs over my head as some ultimate compass determining my future.

Honestly, I've grown to appreciate -- even look forward to -- the commitment marriage symbolizes. I like the idea of a formal promise.

However, articles like the Time piece make me reevaluate that sentiment. Amid some of the cynical comments, I feel like I'm being childish by still putting faith in such a disputed tradition.

Weigh in: Do you ever feel guilty for wanting to get married?

Divorce stigma?

Do divorced parents put you at a disadvantage in the dating world?

The Huffington Post has an interesting article about a possible dating stigma surrounding children of divorced parents. An excerpt:

Yet as the stigma about children of divorce began to weaken, new realities appeared. Social science evidence now demonstrates that, compared to those who grow up with married parents, children of divorce are at greater risk for a host of social problems.

Divorce also appears to be transmitted inter-generationally. Studies now show that when they grow up the children of divorce are themselves at significantly greater risk of divorce compared to those who grew up with married parents.

My hardest relationships came when I dated guys who from unstable families.

It's unfair to prematurely doom someone to their parents' fate, but most of us end up becoming our parents to some extent -- no matter how much we resist it.

But that doesn't mean our relationships will follow a pre-determined path. Watching your parents stay together is sometimes more painful than watching them divorce.

The goal is to watch, learn and remember that even the fullest arsenal of dating knowledge can't prepare you for the real world.

What's going on tonight?

Hey party people! Sorry for the delayed post...I've been having Internet issues today. Here are some Thursday night party options. Remember, it's $1 daiquiri night at Flip Flops.

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

Players: Girls' Night Out with free pool on hourly tables, 6:30 p.m. until close. Free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Spicoli's: Stereomonster, 9 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

The Uptown Vault: Starlight Karaoke, 5 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Room for the Holy Spirit

Mention the phrase "high school dance" and I'm immediately transported to a humid high school gymnasium, where chaperones would surprise unsuspecting teenagers with a flashlight's glare.

Their goal? Ensure all couples were leaving room for the Holy Spirit.

Translation: NO GRINDING.

The memory flashed through my mind when Salon's Broadsheet offered this item about an Oregon school canceling a high school dance due to a fear of dirty dancing.

Of course, students at my high school would get around the intrusive flashlights by grinding in the middle of the dance floor. The crowd was usually large enough to form a barrier that blinded flashlight regulators to their actions.

Guilty as charged.

Entertain me with your favorite memories from high school dances.

National UnFriend Day

Today is Jimmy Kimmel's National UnFriend Day, when you're supposed to clean out your Facebook friend list to eliminate the people you don't really consider friends.

Am I participating? No.

Sure, there are people on my Facebook friend list with whom I haven't communicated in years. That includes digital communication.

I have nearly 500 Facebook friends, and I'm ashamed to admit that I still sometimes ask "who is that?" when I see some of them on my news feed.

Still, "unfriending" seems so harsh. And let's face it, more Facebook friends means more potential for Facebook stalking. Which I love.

What's your criteria for ending a friendship on Facebook?

Do guys want flowers?

After reading this post's headline, you likely laughed and offered a direct "no."

Seems like that sentiment would put you in the majority, right?

After reading a post on Glamour, I wasn't so sure. A female asks a male writer if it's OK to send a guy flowers. He tells her to proceed with caution, but ultimately concludes:

However, I don't think there's anything wrong with it. In it's own way, it's a very cute and sweet gesture, just like when a man sends flowers to a woman. It's a way of saying "I'm thinking of you and wanted you to know that."

Hmm. I'm not sure that's the best outlook.

If you want to prove you're thinking about your guy, isn't it best to give him food or alcohol? Maybe even a sweatshirt?

Weigh in and let me know if it's cool to send flowers to a guy. I'll plan my Christmas gifts accordingly.

(Just kidding, honey!)

Weddings gone wrong

Jezebel wisely uses this video as a cautionary tale for anybody who's ever said, "Hey! Let's put some choreography into our wedding!"

Congratulations again to my newly married colleague Katie Holland -- er, Katie McCarthy -- whose wedding footage fortunately hasn't yet surfaced on YouTube.

I came. I ran. I conquered?

When my alarm went off just after 5 a.m. Saturday morning, one question entered my mind: "What am I doing?"

The answer, of course, was a half marathon. You know, the 13.1-mile race with a training regimen that had consumed my Saturday mornings for the past three months.

When my boyfriend and I arrived at the National Infantry Museum for the Soldier Marathon and Half Marathon around 6 a.m., I still couldn't believe we were going through with it.

The photo above features Alan and me, as well as Mike and Jaycee, two of our friends from our Saturday running group.

Long story short, we completed the race. My time was somewhere around 2:25-2:26, blame my vagueness on the fact that the results website was down at the time of this post.

Anyway, in fear of becoming one of "those bloggers" who details every mile of every race, I'll leave you with my three biggest lessons from the experience.

Humor helps. One of my biggest fears -- other than walking or having to go the bathroom mid-race -- was getting lost on the course. And of course, at the first water stop, I started running the wrong way upon grabbing my cup of water. After a gentle, "ma'am, it's THIS way," I was back on track. The experience actually loosened me up a lot.

Pain is temporary, pride is forever. This mildly cheesy slogan decorated the locker room in a gym I attended in California. I use it during my most challenging moments.

My biggest challenge on Saturday came around mile 11. I was exhausted. I'd been warned about the 10-mile slump and friends told me to "just think of the remaining distance as a 5K."

That sounds really helpful in theory, but then you realize that you usually don't start a 5K after already running 10 miles. Anyway, I pushed through and ran the entire thing.

Is that it? Prior to the race, I had visions of excitedly jumping up and down at the finish line. Make no mistake: I was happy, but my first instinct was to critique my performance.

Before the sweat even disappeared from my face, I'd gone through every mile in my mind -- wondering if I could've/would've/should've done something differently.

My answer? Of course.

But my post-race reaction underscored one of the biggest things I've taken away from the half marathon process: a willingness to test my limits and run harder in the moments when I'm most intent on running away.

Added bonus: the half marathon was a really nice way to justify eating these pumpkin pancakes at IHOP Sunday morning. Mmm.

Monday power anthem

Happy Monday, everybody! I'll soon post the highly anticipated recap of my first half marathon.

In the meantime, I'll torture you with the song that was stuck in my head for the ENTIRE 13.1 MILES. You're welcome.

What's going on this weekend?

Hey party people! So...I'm running a half marathon Saturday morning. Want to join me? Get details here.

Also, NerdaCon comes to Columbus State University Friday and Saturday. Learn more here.

Some musical highlights: Georgia Clay performs an all-ages show 6 p.m. Friday at Four Winds, 464 Ga. Highway 26 in Cusseta. Music starts at 6 p.m. and there's a $5 cover.

The Uptown Vault, 1026 Broadway, hosts a pajama party at 8 p.m. Saturday. No cover.

Other nightlife options:

FRIDAY

VFW Post 5228: DJ music, 9 p.m. free. 334-297-6493.

Players: Karaoke by BudAbby’s, 9 p.m. free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Elks Lodge 111: The Wayne Petty Band, 8 p.m. free. 706-569-6720.

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

Shanty Shack: Razin Kane, 7-11 p.m. $5 cover starts at 8 p.m. 706-507-3418.

Fountain City Coffee: Sean Rox and Friends, 8 p.m. free. 706-494-6659. (all ages)

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

Spicoli’s: SamRoc & GRD, 9 p.m. $5. 706-221-5252.

The Uptown Vault: DJ KamaKazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

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

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656. (also on Saturday)

SATURDAY

VFW Post 5228: Donnie Thomas and band, 9 p.m. $5. 334-297-6493.

Elks Lodge 111: Karaoke, 8 p.m. free. 706-569-6720.

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

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

Ossahatchee Oyster Bar and Grill: The Gary Parmer Band, 7:30 p.m. free. 706-575-8825.

The Loft: The New Familiars with Evan Barber, 9 p.m. $5. 706-596-8141.

Fountain City Coffee: Dustin Castellow, 8 p.m. free. 706-494-6659. (all ages)

Players: Players Club Bowling, 9 p.m.-midnight. $3 per game, no cover. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

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

Single and stressed?

Being in a committed relationship can make you less susceptible to the effects of stress, according to research results mentioned in this USA Today article.

The news is an extension of a long-held belief that marriage protects you from some stress.

After I found this article, I spent a couple hours wondering if I've been more stressed out when I'm single or in a relationship.

It made me remember the flaw of research like the findings mentioned in USA Today.

Sure, romantic ties can lessen your stress load, but that's assuming you're in a stable, happy relationship.

I'd assume a significant other's presence alone can't make you less stressed. That person has to actively be taking measures to make you happy.

Weigh in: Are you less stressed while in a relationship?

Veterans Day reflections

I've learned a lot of relationship lessons from the military spouses I've met in Columbus.

Even if my love life never involves a deployment, watching my female friends deal with husbands serving overseas has made me contemplate questions about sacrifice and compromise.

Lily Burana's Thursday "Modern Love" essay in the NY Times is a worthwhile read.

Burana, a military spouse, notes her husband reveals combat details mainly while watching war movies.

It marks a departure from her initial fantasies of their relationship -- fantasies that involved a level of trust so strong that her husband would easily reveal any lingering emotional wounds.

But ultimately, Burana concludes an absence of truth sometimes reveals a relationship's depth. She writes:

Since marrying a soldier, I have developed a greater respect for quiet, its limitations and its monumental strength.

We’re taught to believe that the truth will set us free, but I also believe that certain facts withheld reveal a truth far greater: That real depth of devotion is proved not by the secrets we’re told but by the decision to shield us from the ones we need not hear. Love articulated by a lexicon of silence.

Thoughts?

What's going on tonight?

Happy Veterans Day! It's $1 daiquiri night at Flip Flops. Here are some other Thursday nightlife highlights:

The Uptown Vault: Starlight Karaoke, 5 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Players: Girls’ Night Out with free pool on hourly tables, 6:30 p.m. until close. Free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

SoHo Bar & Grill: The Sex Slaves, 10 p.m. free. 706-568-3316.

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

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

Free food on Veterans Day

Some local restaurants on Thursday will offer free meals for military veterans and active duty military. Here's a roundup of the Veterans Day deals.

Texas Roadhouse: Military veterans and active duty military can get a free dinner Thursday at Texas Roadhouse, 2970 Northlake Parkway.

The offer is available 4-6 p.m. for veterans who come dressed in uniform (or with military identification). You'll receive a free meal from the Early Dine menu. Entrees include a grilled pork chop, sirloin steak, grilled barbecue chicken and more.

The offer doesn't include spouses or other family members. Call 706-323-6616.

Applebee's: All veterans and active duty military eat free at Applebee's restaurants on Thursday. Choose from a select group of entrees that includes a bacon cheeseburger, fiesta lime chicken, a sirloin steak and more. The deal is available during business hours. You must show proof of military service. Learn more here.

Chili's: The restaurant on Thursday will offer veterans and active duty military a choice of one of six free entrees. The deal is available during business hours. You must show proof of military service. Learn more here.

Outback Steakhouse: The restaurant on Thursday honors veterans with a free Bloomin' Onion and non-alcoholic beverage. Must present military identification. Read more here.

With this tweet, I thee wed

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something tweeted?

I was a little shocked upon finding this article about how to tastefully use social media at your wedding.

The suggestions include appointing a "Chief Tweeter" and setting up a social media station at the wedding celebration.

At the risk of sounding old-school, I don't have a blinding desire to receive Facebook wall posts in lieu of actual hugs. And no, a FarmVille invitation can't double as a wedding gift. Nice try, though.

Thoughts?

Quick shout-out to my colleague Katie Holland, who will get married this weekend.

Also, thanks to the always fabulous Elizabeth Holmes for the link!

Anniversaries of anniversaries

In my experience, it's hard to find a man who shares your passion for monthly relationship anniversaries.

But maybe I'm wrong.

TresSugar reminds us of the "mensiversary," a term that apparently refers to the 30-day version of an anniversary.

So perhaps some couples really do make a point of celebrating each month they spend together.

A few months ago, I wrote a column about couples who go overboard on celebrations -- savoring lavish dinners for half-birthdays and anniversaries of anniversaries.

My initial reaction? Filling your calendar with makeshift holidays cheapens the specialness of the handful of holidays that matter most.

Then again, maybe I'm just bitter about the abundance of mensiversary gifts my boyfriend owes me.

I can't flirt

American women have failed at the art of flirting -- at least if you believe the results of a study conducted by one social networking site.

The site examined how often its female users initiated contact with men. Spanish women took the top honor, while American women placed 19th.

Jezebel suggests the study could have some holes, namely the fact that the website at the research's center (Badoo) seems to be more popular in Europe and Latin America than in the US.

Nonetheless, Jezebel's post raises an interesting question:

Does successful flirting yield a more successful relationship?

I say no. I've watched female friends pride themselves on the art of flirting, only to attract an abundance of phone numbers but a lack of quality.

I agree with the Jezebel blogger's assessment: "Flirting, I've come to realize, is an activity unto itself. The people who are really good at it — and who really love it — often do it with no expectation that it will lead to a relationship or sex."

Maybe now I'll feel a little less ashamed when I try to "strut" and end up falling flat on my face downtown.

Thoughts?

Downtown Columbus gets better?

Downtown Columbus on Monday welcomed two new businesses: Momma Goldberg's Deli (1101 Broadway) and Big Dog Running Company (1104 Broadway).

Momma Goldberg's Deli, pictured above, is a Georgia-Alabama restaurant chain that specializes in signature sandwiches like Momma's Love (roast beef, ham and turkey).

Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. It'll be about a week until the downtown deli receives its alcohol license, employees said Monday.


Big Dog Running Company is billed online as a "full service specialty running store," Big Dog Running Company offers shoes, apparel and accessories. Guests use special equipment like an in-store treadmill to help ensure shoes fit properly.

Beginning the week of Nov. 15, Big Dog Running Company will offer group runs that start and end at the store. Check the store's website for more details.

Weigh in: Do the new offerings make you more excited about the downtown landscape? What will the late weekend hours at Momma Goldberg's do for the local nightlife scene?

Monday power anthem

Shameless plug: The 2010 CMA Awards airs 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC, and I'll live-blog the entire show here. Jump in and share my hatred of Gwyneth Paltrow! Or not.

If you don't like Taylor Swift, click here to listen to Michael Jackson's new song. As in, the same Michael Jackson who died more than a year ago.

What's going on this weekend?

Hey party people! There's a First Friday Block Party, when one $10 cover gets you into the majority of downtown hot spots.

Here are some other nightlife highlights:

FRIDAY

VFW Post 5228: DJ music, 9 p.m. free. 334-297-6493.

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

Belloo’s: The Relics, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

Max’s: Gary Parmer Trio, 9 p.m. free. 334-480-8580.

Scruffy Murphy's: Jasper Drive, 10 p.m. block party cover. 706-322-3460.

Players: Karaoke by BudAbby’s, 9 p.m. free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

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

Fountain City Coffee: Dustin Castellow, 8 p.m. free. 706-494-6659. (all ages)

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656. (also on Saturday)

The Uptown Vault: DJ KamaKazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. block party cover. 706-442-8370.

Elks Lodge 111: The Wayne Petty Band, 8 p.m. free. 706-569-6720.

Shanty Shack: Foreplay (7-11 p.m.) and DJ music, $5 cover starts at 8 p.m. 706-507-3418.

SATURDAY

VFW Post 5228: Donnie Thomas and band, 9 p.m. $5. 334-297-6493.

Elks Lodge 111: Karaoke, 8 p.m. free. 706-569-6720.

Scruffy Murphy's: Jasper Drive, 10 p.m. $5. 706-322-3460.

Players: Players Club Bowling, 9 p.m.-midnight. $3 per game, no cover. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

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

Shanty Shack: DJ music, $5 cover starts at 8 p.m. 706-507-3418.

The Uptown Vault: DJ KamaKazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Fountain City Coffee: Ty Izumi, 8 p.m. free. 706-494-6659. (all ages)

The Loft: Back Row Baptists, 9 p.m. $5. 706-596-8141.

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

Belloo’s: The Relics, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

Why aren't you married?

Congratulations to my colleague Katie Holland, whose wedding is approaching! With luck, she'll give me a new set of Facebook wedding photos to stalk.

I envy Katie because she'll be exempt from one of my most despised parts of the holiday season:

"When are you getting married?"

The question enters some family gatherings, though I think its frequency is somewhat exaggerated.

Honestly, I get the marriage question more often at Columbus supermarkets than at the Sorich Family Thanksgiving Extravaganza.

Then again, maybe that's just because my family prefers to gossip about my relationship status behind my back. Just kidding, guys!

Awkward conversation topics are bound to enter holiday gatherings. Fortunately, Glamour has this list of smart responses to inappropriate personal questions.

The good news -- or bad news, depending how you look at it -- is that overly personal inquiries apparently don't stop once you're married.

Your marriage gives people the freedom to ask you about babies. Even if you have kids, nosy folks can still pry into your career.

Since awkward conversation starters aren't going away, it's probably best to shift your attention to your response.

Yes, you have my permission to resort to juvenile fart jokes.

Gift ideas. Already.

Whether you like it or not, holiday mode has arrived. (Are you reading, Dawn?)

Starbucks is serving its Christmas concoctions. Some holiday lights are up. Facebook statuses allude to wish lists.

With that comes a surprisingly early onset of "worst gift my boyfriend gave me" blog posts, like this one from TresSugar.

There are some exceptions, but the "bad" gifts generally include gifts that are practical and mildly necessary -- but not exactly romantic. Example: a compass.

Perhaps the posts' early arrival is designed as a cautionary tale, or a way to brace yourself for deflated expectations.

Weigh in: What makes a gift bad?

What's going on tonight?

Hey party people! Here are some Thursday night highlights. Remember, it's $1 daiquiri night at Flip Flops.

The Uptown Vault: Starlight Karaoke, 5 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Players: Girls’ Night Out with free pool on hourly tables, 6:30 p.m. until close. Free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Spicoli’s: Stereomonster, 10 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Scruffy Murphy's: Jasper Drive, 10 p.m. free. 706-322-3460.

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

Facebook & infertility

Is there a place for infertile couples on Facebook?

I couldn't help asking that question after reading a Washington Post article that describes the pain infertile women feel upon reading people's pregnancy updates on Facebook.

An excerpt:

Now, when more than a half-billion people use Facebook, couples yearning for children say they are trapped: They are unwilling to detach from the social network, but unable to avoid its frequent reminders - fetal sonograms are seemingly ubiquitous - of what might elude them forever.

It's interesting to read the comments that accompany Jezebel's take on the article. Why? There's a growing consensus that Facebook functions mainly to help people create idealized versions of themselves. We accept this reality, but still get depressed while checking our friends' profiles.

I'm guilty as charged. You?

Election results 2010 & relationships

With luck, Tuesday's election results haven't wrecked havoc on your dating life.

Think a link between politics and relationships is confined to awkward silences over disputed races? Think again.

Salon's Broadsheet links to some research that concludes "post-election Web searches for pornography go up in states that voted for the winning political party."

To explain the conclusion, researchers point to studies suggesting "men's testosterone levels rise after a vicarious win -- whether it's an election or a sports competition."

Of course, a possible link between porn and elections has some caveats. Researchers only studied two election cycles and explanations for the conclusion aren't confined to testosterone levels.

But I guess it's still interesting, right?

When you'll get dumped

Jezebel links to some interesting research predicting the calendar time frames when you're most likely to get dumped.

The conclusions are based on a highly scientific tool: Facebook status updates.

The results? Your significant other is likely to break up with you right before Spring Break or two weeks before Christmas.

On the positive side, few people are willing to break up with someone on Christmas Day.

Thursday's nightlife column will discuss if there's ever a "good" time to break up with somebody, at least as far as the calendar is concerned.

In the meantime, answer this: What, if anything, would it take for you to break up with someone on Dec. 25?

You smell bad

Embarrassed you didn't shower this morning? Calm down.

The NY Times introduces us to people who are defying our so-called "culture of clean" by not only skipping showers but also saying no to deodorant and shampoo.

That's not entirely a bad thing, the article notes. Consider this excerpt:

Resist the urge to recoil at this swath of society: They may be on to something. Of late, researchers have discovered that just as the gut contains good bacteria that help it run more efficiently, so does our skin brim with beneficial germs that we might not want to wash down the drain.

On the deodorant front, some people believe in a link between deodorant and Alzheimer's, though there's conflicting research on the topic.

Let's turn the discussion to dating. As one half of a loving relationship, do you get any say in your partner's personal hygiene habits?

Monday power anthem

I had a friend who thought the lyrics were "Sammy is my whale" instead of "send me on my way." Good times.

Seize the day, everybody!

Halloween party recap

Happy Monday, party people! Did you go out for Halloween? If you went downtown, you were hardly alone. My boyfriend and I started Saturday night at Belloo's. I opted for a Jager-heavy cocktail called "embalming fluid" and surprisingly did not vomit. Yet. Haha.

After Belloo's, we hit Broadway with the goal of grabbing a "quick drink." Instead, we ended up walking up and down the the street while marveling at the massive crowds. The line at Oxygen (shown above) was typical for many of the prominent dance clubs.


Mix Ultra Lounge, which DJ Roonie G owns, was especially crowded. The line in this photo doesn't even give you a complete idea of just how many partiers waited outside. I maintain that Halloween is Columbus' nightlife event. It's pretty cool to see long lines outside the majority of hot spots.


Check out this massive group of partiers who stood outside Flip Flops Saturday night. As far as costume trends, I saw a little bit of everything. We had the usual assortment of sexy schoolgirls and fairy tale characters, but I also saw many partiers who considered more practical factors (like warmth) while devising their costumes. I noticed some cool Grecian looks.


Finally, this picture has absolutely nothing to do with Halloween nightlife. But doesn't my dog look cute in her cheerleader costume? We had a great time at the fall festival at Second Avenue Animal Hospital.

My dog is one of the rare pets who actually enjoys dressing up. She wore her costume through Sunday evening and whined when I took it off. Luckily, I'm already eying a certain Mrs. Claus costume at Petsmart.

Photos by Alan Riquelmy