Author: Charleston Daily

Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.

Success is a Choice – Lessons from Stephen Curry

May 20, 2016 by 0 Comments

Success is not something you are born with.  It is not a hereditary trait.  It is not through money or privilege that we find complete satisfaction and acceptance in our accomplishments.

Success is derived from a personal choice.  It is the decisions we make and the actions we take that separate those that are going through the motions and those that truly leave a lasting mark on their surroundings and the people in their lives.  It is a recipe of passion, hard work, focus and attitude.

Road map is simple:

To plan

To motivate

To practice

To perfect

To never accept no

This is a choice successful people make.  It is a dedication to something much bigger than themselves.  Alan Stein narrates this inspirational look at why Stephen Curry is one of the most exciting and accomplished athletes in the world.

Listen and absorb the message.  It is strong, it is powerful and it is all within ourselves.

We talk about how great and successful Charleston is, but it is the people that truly define a place.

Do you have what it takes to be successful?

Great Free Date Ideas for Couples

May 19, 2016 by 0 Comments
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

So, you are head over heels in love.
He looks into her eyes and know she is the one.  She gazes back and all worries go away.
The one you dreamed about all your life and now that your dreams are complete, paranoia sets in.

 

Thoughts running through his mind: 

How do I keep her interested?
Will she get bored and move on?
She is way to beautiful to be with me.
I am doing okay financially, but I how can I afford to buy her expensive things and take her on high priced dinners and trips?

Oh no!
I can’t win.
Wait, wait wait, there are other options.

We are here to help. You are surrounded by 26000 miles of earth who’s beauty and opportunity are waiting at your feet.  Plus, you are in one of the most romantic cities in the United States, Charleston, South Carolina.

Here are a few surefire and FREE ideas of great things to do with your partner (in crime).

As long as you understand her interests, keep the relationship exciting, diverse and spicy and continue to show her the affection and love she deserves, you will have a long and amazing life together.

1. Wash the car or clean the bathroom together. It is an activity you can do together and more importantly you will both get wet and soapy. I hope I don’t have to explain anymore about this activity.

2. Keep an eye on your local bars and restaurants online and on Facebook. Some offer free food or drinks if you like them or sign up for their newsletter. Free drinks…Bonus!

3. Look around your kitchen. Round up all the food and spices you have, Google what you have and you may just find a great recipe or two you can make that will make her smile and full enough to want to cuddle in bed.

4. Volunteer together. Look for a running event, fund-raiser, music or arts festival and work it together. That way you are helping a good cause and getting some free entertainment.

5. Go camping under the stars or stretch out a hammock under the pier. How romantic is that?

6. Throw a Potluck Party!!! Call, text, Evite, Facebook all your friends and have an impromptu party where everyone brings a bottle, mixer or snack. Instant party and all you need to provide is the front door.

7. Why not a little education? Go to a museum or art gallery. Many only ask for a small donation at the door or have totally free admission.

8. There is a model in all of us. Break out your point and shoot, SLR or IPhone and have a couple photo shoot. Go to the beach, bedroom, river, gazebo or anywhere fun and scenic and take photos of each other and then you can make a virtual or physical collage.  Clearly, we are not lacking in photo locations in the Lowcountry.

9. Hit the rivers, ponds, marsh, harbor….. Go cliff or rock diving (Not in the crazy Acapulco kind of way) or swim and frolic together.

10. Go people watching and storytelling. Sit at the park with a coffee, tea or latte and try to create a story about all the people that walk by. Be imaginative. It can be better than the movies.

11. Learn a new skill. Can you sing or play guitar or even hula hoop? Teach each other your special skills.

12. Find a free music or comedy showcase. In Charleston, there are many free shows from young up-and-coming performers that are free of charge. You may even have a friend or two in a band. Go support them.

13. Get silly with a flash mob. You know you’ve always wanted to try it. Learn more at improveverywhere.com

15. Join clubs that offer free trips or group events (www.meetup.com). Many have biking or running clubs that you can do together and maybe make some new friends.

16. Watch the sunrise or sunset. It is a classic but always one that reminds you of how important you are to each other.  Not to brag, but nothing beats a Charleston sunset.  Nothing.

17. Play indoor card games…You know what I mean.

18. Walk the dog. Perhaps one of you has a dog. If not, borrow a friend’s dog and offer to take Fido out for a walk.  Or go to the dog park and make new puppy couple friends.

19. Put your health first. Find a farmers market and browse all the vendors. If you are feeling the urge, buy an apple or peach and have a little light fruit or veggie snack together.  From John’s Island to James Island, to Charleston, to Mount Pleasant, to Folly Beach, we have you covered there.

20. Go to an open mic night and do a reading or play a song. Showcase your talents and witness others showing their skills and confidence.

21. Sit on a street corner or in the park with a sign that says “Information” and offer advice and tips to tourists who are looking for things to do locally.  Believe it or not, we almost had tourists offer us money for a carriage ride thinking we were real information/booking agents.

22. Make a music video. With flip video cameras, IPhones, IFilm, YouTube and so many other free software options, you can let out your creative side and make a funky music video as a couple.

23. Samples, samples samples – Hop over to Costco, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods or Earthfare one Saturday, browse and take advantage of all the samples offered throughout the store.

24. Do yoga on the beach or in the park. All you need is a mat and some technique, and you have a mental and physical task you can do together.

25. Be a child. Get a group of friends together and play “Duck, Duck Goose” or “Hide and Seek”.

Charleston Wish List – What is missing?

May 19, 2016 by 10 Comments
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

What if, just what if we had a chance to implement whatever we wanted in Charleston.  In a way, we could take our Charleston Wish List and make it a reality.

Well, we can’t exactly do that, but we can hope that some fine day in the future, we will see our wishes come true.

Here are a few things that made our Charleston wish list.  If you have others, let us know by commenting below:

  • 24 Hour / Late Night Downtown Diner – How often do you find yourself hungry late at night and there is nowhere to go where you can sit and relax?  How many times do you want to write or study over a cup of tea when you can’t sleep?  Finally, how many times do you leave a downtown Charleston bar and you shouldn’t be driving, but you do?  In Austin, New York, Chicago, Miami and many more places, the option of a late night spot for the true night owls and safety first drinkers has been incredibly successful and appreciated.  We would just like one as well.
  • Horse Race Track – We know there are legal reasons we cannot gamble in South Carolina.  We also know, Hampton Park used to be the site of a horse track.  So therefore, it is possible.  How much fun would it be to drink mint juleps and enjoy a nice day at the track more than just once a year?  I think it would be incredibly fun and relaxing.
  • Amphitheater – The rise in local homegrown music and the thirst of artists to make stops here makes this a great growth haven for music.  We also have a thriving theater scene.  Why not take advantage of the great weather, robust music and arts scene and provide an outdoor venue to showcase.  Many of you are thinking, we have the Volvo area and old Blackbaud Stadium.  Not the same for feel and acoustical quality.  Bring a little Greek style outdoor entertainment to Charleston.
  • Ferris Wheel on the pier – How many grew up with the memory of a Ferris Wheel.  Whether you were in London, Chicago, Jersey shore or Myrtle Beach, Ferris Wheels and water seem to just go together well.  I would love to add that decor to the Charleston beach life.
  • Themed Photo Booths – Why don’t we have photo booths situated throughout the French Quarter on Market, East Bay and on the Upper side by Marion Square.  We have tourists, lots and lots of tourists.  They love creating memories.  What better memories than themed photo booths with different backgrounds to print and share with friends and loved ones.  It’s appeals to our historic side as well.
  • Drive-In – For those true locals, you remember the 1950’s and the old Savannah Highway Drive-in.  I bet you even miss it.  Wouldn’t it be great to get take out, some wine and a comfy blanket and enjoy a night under the stars without driving to Beaufort?  That sounds amazing.  Maybe even play it a little catch before the movie and then later on doze off for a bit during the boring scenes.  How nice does that sound?
  • Classic Movie Theater – We have the American Theater.  Love the venue and location.  We would love to have a restored movie theater there or another location that only shows classic films.  Watching Cary Grant and Kathrine Hepburn or Rhett and Scarlett on a date night is truly romantic.
  • Digital Meters with Credit Card Option – I know there are discussions in works.  I know Raleigh, NC and Beaufort, SC have them and they work.  I can’t speak for everyone, but I rarely have change.  I mean rarely.  We hope this becomes a reality, because it is a progressive step forward.

Share with us your own personal wish list.

Food & Bev - Lowcountry - North Charleston, SC

Charleston Guide for All Personality Types (Adrenaline, Creative, Foodie, Learner, Music)

May 16, 2016 by 1 Comment
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

What is your personality type Charleston?

Are you a:

  • Adrenaline Junkie
  • Creative Genius
  • Foodie
  • Lifelong Learner
  • Music Maniac

No matter which category you fall into, we have you covered.  Here are a few tips and links to help you feed your passion.  Because in Charleston, passion fuels excitement.  Let’s make your Lowcountry experience exciting, memorable and fruitful.

The adrenaline junkie is always on the go.  They love the outdoors, sports and keeping active.  It can be a jog or bike ride or kicking back a few beers at a sporting event.  What does Charleston offer for the adrenaline junkie?

The creative genius is a snob; a creative artsy snob.  Not a bad thing.  They appreciate all the creative talents in Charleston.

Foodie.  Oh, the foodie.  A true culinary connoisseur.

The lifelong learner has a constant thirst for knowledge and information.  We have a bit of that.

There is so much more, but since you are a knowledge sponge, we will leave some of the additional research to you.

The music maniac.  We love the true music aficionado.  They feel it, understand it and appreciate it.  Here are a few venues to light your fire.

There you have it.  Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, creative spirit, foodie, learner or music maniac, here is a taste for all the incredible options in Charleston, SC.  Bring an appetite for fun and excitement.

 

 

 

 

 

Charleston, SC Area Economic Summary

May 12, 2016 by 0 Comments

The following economic data provided courtesy of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here is the current state of the Charleston area economy broken down by the numbers.

Unemployment Rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Weekly Wages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment Changes over the last 12 months

 

Average Hourly Wages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charleston, SC Area Economic Summary

Charleston SC Area Economic Summary PDF Download

 

 

 

Woolfe Street Playhouse Production of “Rock of Ages” brings down the house in a musical celebration

May 11, 2016 by 0 Comments
By Mark A. Leon / Photo by Minta Pavliscsak
By Mark A. Leon / Photo by Minta Pavliscsak

Throw all the rules of theater out the window, bottle up all the fun you can find in Charleston and then unleash it on stage.  Now, envision the quirky appeal of Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and the Farrelly Brothers in the throwback free spirited years of hair metal bands and you will be transplanted in the world of Woolfe Street Playhouse’s adaptation of Rock of Ages.

This two hour and fifteen-minute joyride with a soundtrack that includes Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Warrant, Steve Perry, Twisted Sister, Poison, Europe, Pat Benatar and Quiet Riot will keep you tapping your feet and lip syncing throughout the entire production.  As the cast puts their own spin on classic 80’s rock songs, you see a story of love, ambition, heartache and triumph unravel.

Picture Sunset Strip circa 1987 where lipstick dreams of stardom alive and well.  Entire a small town girl with a glow in her eyes and fantasies of the big screen in her head.  As she walks away from Dad in his John Deere suspenders and Mom weeping from the distance she knows a future of endless possibility awaits.  We have all have had that dream. Then she meets a Detroit, Michigan bar back on the strip who wants to light up the stage and rock.

Their worlds soon get turned inside out as this musical celebration of life, love, passion and ambition unfolds.

This cabaret style performance was converted into a virtual arena rock show with the audience playing a key supporting role.  With singing, clapping and even a bit of dancing at the conclusion, Rock of Ages literally will bring the crowd to its feet.

From the open lyrics of “Feel the noise; girls grab the boys; we get wild, wild, wild” and “Don’t need nothin’ but a good time, how can I resist.  Ain’t looking for nothin’ but a good time, and it don’t get better than this” you knew you were in for a ride.

In the final unleashed moment, the entire cast raise their arms with the final burst “Don’t Stop”.  Those final words sum up the true message and that is to live the life you want and never stop believing in yourself and your dreams.

The Bourbon Room is the setting of this love story narrated by the top hits of the 80’s.  Lonny Barnett, played refreshingly by Noah Smith adds his own brand of flirtatious humor and sarcasm as he narrates this rock and roll fantasy.  His over-zealous lust for life and warm-hearted appeal for love adds the perfect mix of insanity and humor to the production.

John Black and Sarah Callahan play Drew and Sherrie, the heart struck lovers who are thwarted by timing and the personal desires as they fight hard to bring their hearts together in the seedy under-belly of Sunset Strip.

Josh Wilhoit unleashes his inner rock star as Stacee Jaxx, the pompous long-haired lead singer of Arsenal who becomes too big for his own britches and learns a number of hard lessons in life.  Even as his career and spirits spiral to the ground, he never loses his thrill to rock.

Robbie Thomas as Dennis Dupree, the old rock star and owner of The Bourbon Club is played harmoniously well as he compliments the ensemble cast serving as the calm voice of reason in a world of musical chaos.

Tierney Breedlove, Scott Thomas and Derek T. Pickens lend a beautiful sub-plot as Regina, Hertz and Franz, a key conflict plotline of this tale.  Hertz and Franz see a future for the Sunset Strip that resembles more of a strip mall than a rock and roll gathering hub.

The energy of the cast and the was brought together harmoniously by the fueled stage direction of Keely Enright and the musical direction of Margaret Coleman.

Whether you want an evening of live musical theater that rejoices in the idea of love, music and a little kinky fun, relive the splendor of your youth or want to experience a place where the only thing in life was a great song and amazing mane of hair, Rock of Ages will sweep you away.

To Purchase Tickets Online – Rock of Ages (May 6 – May 29)

Photo by Minta Pavliscsak

 

Treat Every Day of Your Marriage As If You Were Single – Charleston Relationship Advice

May 10, 2016 by 0 Comments
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

Think back to the week before a first date.

You meet this woman and she seems incredible.  Beautiful blue eyes, sparkling smile, soft inviting voice and totally out of your league, but she said yes.  She wants to have dinner with you and you know it has to be perfect.  Now you start the preparation for this big first date.

What do you wear?

Where should you take her?

How many more workouts do I need so I look good?

Should I get a haircut?

I hope I have a good razor blade because I have to look sharp or maybe I should go a little rugged.

What should we talk about?  I want to keep her engaged, but don’t want to ask all the generic questions.

It is now the night of the fated first date.  You put on a great outfit and then change three more times.  You look in the mirror about ten times before you walk out the door.  You apply the cologne while you get dressed and then once more before you walk out the door.  Brush your teeth very thoroughly.  You pop about five breath mints because clearly one isn’t enough for tonight even though you just brushed your teeth.  You look around to make sure the car is clean and take out the crazy hardcore CD you had in the player and put on some smooth sounds.  Everything is ready.  Wait, you need to check your face one more time to make sure you didn’t miss any spots shaving.  Now all is perfect.  You drive up to her place, get out of the car, tuck in your shirt again, suck in the gut, take a deep breath and begin…

That is an exhilarating moment, isn’t it?

When we think about how much time and energy we put into our hygiene and appearance for a date, it is almost shocking, but still refreshing.

Yet, for many in the “comfort” of marriage, the idea of fitness, nutrition, wellness and excitement takes a back seat to routine, laziness and lack of “caring” about one self.

Why does that happen?

Let us look at a few possibilities:

  • Security – You are keenly aware that you will have that person to come home to every day for the rest of your life.  There is no cat and mouse chase so you can put the racing shoes away knowing you will catch her every night.
  • Many marriages fall into a pattern of routine.  You come home from work the same time, watch the same weekly shows, order in the same food and even have the same intimacy patterns.
  • Marriage becomes more of a partnership with responsibility taking over the power of adventure.  Budgets are more important, planning families and maintaining a higher sense of responsibility are the key prerogatives.
  • “It is supposed to be this way” – As you get older, a majority have a perception that we should be married, living in the suburbs, two children, two dogs, a white picket fence, dual income and dinner on the table at six every night.
  • It is easy.  Having a set pattern of living is easy and comforting.  Life is hard enough, so why not create certain elements that are constant that will always be there for you.
  • It is no longer about you.  We believe and I do not disagree, that marriage is a partnership of shared interests and responsibilities.  That makes us busier, maybe even too busy to go to the gym, cook a little healthier or run instead of watching television.  Think about it.  When you first met your husband or wife, you wanted to look good for them.  The same principle still applies.
  • You stop pursuing your dreams.  This one is critical.  Life becomes more focused on survival than ambition.  Many dreams take risk and marriage has a way of minimizing risk.  The paycheck will always win out over the dream adventure.

This is a wake-up call to all the couples stuck in a rut.  We are all getting older one day at a time.  As a curious youth, our energy level and ambition was infinite.  The world was anything we wanted it to be.  As we bloomed into sexual aware and passionate teenagers and adults, that curiosity took on new meaning as we dove into the forest in the pursuit of the almighty attraction.  Most importantly, we never settled.

Somewhere along the line, we all became aging turtles that no longer looked back and remembered that time long ago.

It is time to change and find the long lost roots of ambition and excitement.

Look in the mirror.  Are you happy where you are?  Do you want to change?  Do you want to dream?  Do you want to be physically and mentally fit, challenging and pushing yourself to be a better you?  I have to believe more of us feel that way and are just afraid of the effort and the risk.

Life is a gift.

It is filled with uncertainty and even a great deal of pain and suffering.  Yet, it is also filled with magic and reward.

Remember these few things:

  • Remember why you fell in love
  • Remember what it was about him/her that made you have butterflies inside
  • Remember how much effort you put in to impress this person
  • Remember how much you wanted to be the best person in the world for them
  • Remember the ache you had when they weren’t around
  • Remember the exhilaration you felt with each kiss and touch of their skin
  • Remember that desire to be romantic and spontaneous

Find that again.  Find that and you will find a new love each and every day of your marriage.

 

South Carolina Senior Citizens Handbook: A Guide to Laws and Programs Affecting Seniors

May 6, 2016 by 0 Comments

The South Carolina Bar Association (www.scbar.org) has compiled a detailed guide for Senior Citizens in South Carolina focused all the laws and programs that affect our state’s senior citizen population.

Take time to review, download or print this for your records.  It is a wonderful resource guide we would like to share with you.

We hope you find this information informative and valuable.

Guide Links

Web Link:  South Carolina Senior Citizens Handbook

Dowloadable PDF File:  South Carolina Seniors Handbook – Updated 2016

“Dear Shira” Letter Found Among Recycled College of Charleston Text Books

May 6, 2016 by 0 Comments
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

“Dearest Shira” is handwritten on a 3” x 5” lined set of pages stapled together inside A History of Colonial Brazil:  1500-1792 deep inside a recycle box on Calhoun Street in front of the FedEx office.

It is that time of year, when the College of Charleston students say goodbye to the text books and look forward to the next phase in their life.  From psychology to history, the recycle box overflowed with academic memories and even one copy of 50 Shades of Grey.

Yet, lingering between the pages of this green and black book of Brazilian history was the frail edge of these papers.  Deep in the heart of the night, we read the deep personal thoughts of a letter to Shira from Mischa.

Why was it left behind?

What is the relationship of these two?

We don’t know the answer, but there are strong and personal messages to take away from this eight page hand written letter.

As we read, we felt as if we were invading the soul of Mischa, but comforted that we could spare her words.  In a day of texting, smartphones and laptops, the idea that the written word still exists is a warm feeling.

Mischa speaks of her dad’s place, “Ah, what a strikingly attractive place this is.  I forget how thrilling and peaceful it makes me feel inside to be here (at The Highland Reservoir) and at my dad’s place.”  The morning sun charges up over the Eastern ridge of the small but breathtaking valley like a track racer eager to heat things up.  Hot cup of dark coffee on the back deck, air still refreshingly brisk but warming up fast to the point where I can feel the temperature change.” 

The use of analogy and vivid detail paints a wonderful picture of a beautiful place neither one of us had ever experienced, but felt we could through these words.  The importance of her father’s place and the ability to create a refuge from life was detailed so clearly in these words.

Reflection is a critical part of Mischa’s life in this next except:

“Now I’m sitting on the edge of the reservoir in a little secluded spot contemplating the first round this morning (Sunday) and those five stupid missed putts for birdies that I should have had, in an ideal sense.”

In the hustle of city life, you learn to embrace what you cannot have near you as stated so eloquently, “He stuck out the first ten holes with us and then had to get back to the farm chores.  Always something to get done.  I really miss having some acreage to put energy into.  It’s rewarding and fun and whenever I get up here with some time, I help out as much as I can.”

Soon, the big secret is revealed; the longing for a cigarette.  In her words, “Mmm, that was a good cigarette or ‘coffin nail’ as my dad calls them.  I feel guilty about hiding the fact that I smoke from him, but I don’t want to degrade his perception of me, because I know how right he is.”

The subtle love between father and daughter is so poignant in the revelation of her secret.  Her need to be a part of his world and escape her own tells a telling tale.

In the final words to Shira, we are taken to a beautiful place, one many of us dream of:

“My friends are plunging into the water, but I am going to climb this exquisite willow tree here on the bank and gather some vibes.  Loving you. Mischa”

Thank you Mischa for letting us into your world for a brief time and showing us the passion of family, simplicity and country life.

 

Songs You Should Not Play At Your Wedding – Charleston Wedding Tips

May 5, 2016 by 2 Comments
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

Wedding season is upon us once again.  As sure as the flowers bloom in Spring, Charleston, SC continues to be a prime wedding destination for love birds around the United States and World.

With our scenic beaches, luxurious trees, natural historic backdrop and hand holding all around, Charleston is a mecca for that memorable declaration of love.

As a way to provide some relief from the stresses of wedding preparation and some musical advice, here is a list of songs you should not play at your wedding or reception.

  1. Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley:  “We can’t go on together with suspicious minds (suspicious minds).  And we can’t build our dreams on suspicious minds” – The ultimate song of distrust, the one ultimate killer of relationships.  Still and always an Elvis classic.
  2. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover – Paul Simon: The title speaks for itself.  If you are plotting this may ways, clearly, not happy in the relationship and one not worthy of that lifetime commitment.
  3. Love Bites – Def Leppard – “Love Bites, Love Bleeds: When you make love, do you look in the mirror; who do you think of; does he look like me”.  A bitter tribute from one of the great 80’s rockers about jaded love.
  4. You Can’t Always Get What You Want – Rolling Stones: But you know sometimes you get what you need.  Sometimes we settle for comfort, companionship or just don’t want to end up lonely (we all want to feel loved and not be alone).  Iconic song, but not the message you want to send to your spouse.
  5. Everything About You – Ugly Kid Joe:  This song will rock you until you blue in the face, but referencing sex with your girlfriend’s sister, not a great song to declare eternal love.  Not at all.
  6. Black Space – Taylor Swift:  The last thought we want as we walk down the alter is “Are we with a commitment phobe?”  Hot, check. loving, check.  Adventurous, check.  Frisky, check.  Committed…hmmmm.
  7. Used to Love Her – Guns N’ Roses:  Foreshadowing an early and tragic death is not the way you want to spend married life.  A great tip to live by (no pun intended).
  8. Foolish Games – Jewel:  He is crazy and spontaneous and she is so deeply in love, but she had her heart played.  I think this one just tells its own story.  For many men, it has been on quite a few break up CD’s.
  9. You’re Beautiful – James Blunt – No song says unrequited love quite like the slow drawl of James Blunt.
  10. Just Once – Quincy Jones and James Ingram: Fighting is healthy; it keeps the passion alive, but in the case where you are going in circles and never moving forward, then it may be time to call it quits.
  11. Creep – Radiohead: Self-esteem is a key element in any relationship and if you are with a self-loathing partner, that can be disastrous.
  12. Gold Digger – Kanye West:  Is she with you for the money?  Not the best way to built a life together is it?  Then again, maybe for some.
  13. Separate Ways – Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin:  “You have no right to ask me how I feel.  You have no right to speak to me so kind
    We can’t go on just holding on to time.  Now that we’re living separate lives.”  Not only will this song bring you to tears, but it clearly is the opposite of commitment and love.
  14. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler:  “Once upon a time I was falling in love, now I’m only falling apart” – Heartbreak, heartbreak, heartbreak.  Just stay away from this one.
  15. Highway to Hell – AC/DC:  Guys, you may love this song and have fond memories, but let us tell you, your wife will not want it at the wedding.
  16. You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi:  If you ever want to end up sleeping on the couch, utter this phrase.  Thing that is bad, play it at your wedding.
  17. You’re so Vain – Carly Simon:  If she tells you that, your future looks grim unless you make some big changes.
  18. Love Stinks – J. Geils Band:  What could be the worst message to send right after you get married…This would be it.
  19. To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before – Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias:  The last thing your new wife wants to do is get reminded that you have been with other women.
  20. She Hates Me – Puddle of Mudd:  No she loves you.  Don’t put doubt in her mind.  Just don’t.
  21. It Wasn’t Me – Shaggy:  Even as a joke, cheating never goes over well.  Go in with a clean and trusting slate.

Bonus:

Should I Stay Or Should I Go – The Clash:  Do you really want to give your potential life partner a choice?

Good luck with your playlist.