Food & Bev - North Charleston, SC

From Cupcakes to Tapas: Welcome to Butter

June 19, 2016 by 0 Comments
By Rebekah Phillips
By Rebekah Phillips

What do cupcakes and tapas have in common?: Butter

In Charleston, we love food- and sharing. If you’re looking for a new place with shareable plates, visit Butter in North Charleston. “People don’t know what tapas is,” laughs April Robinson, owner, explaining her biggest challenge.

Four months ago, April shut the doors to her then cupcake bakery. She remodeled and reopened as a tapas restaurant. Wait- tapas? “I like to have a variety of things.  When I go out to eat I want the chicken, fish, beef, and two desserts.” Her solution: small plates.  “Tapas encourages conversation, April says, “It’s how I like to entertain- food, wine, family.”

Walking into Butter feels like walking into a casual, modern, version of Marie Antoinette’s castle. Even the décor suggests a variety of flavors. Soft lighting and romantic patterns evoke the butterflies of a first date, while the Pandora station builds an atmosphere reminiscent of a family dinner. “I wanted to bring downtown to North Charleston… but leave some of it downtown,” she explains.

April wants her menu to be locally sourced and true to southern taste buds. Right now, the menu boasts braised beef and sweet potato grits- April’s favorite thing on the menu. Customers enjoy a lobster-tail corndog served with a sweet and spicy Lowcountry sauce made with heirloom tomatoes.

The cupcake hasn’t been lost, however.  April features eight cupcakes a week- changing with the seasons. Currently, her menu favorite is a peach-cobbler-filled cupcake. She also has a banana-hummingbird cupcake, combining bananas, pecans, and pineapples, topped with a cream-cheese frosting.

Note: the tapas are meant for sharing, but maybe keep the cupcakes for yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

Love needs to always prevail…or else what do we have?

June 17, 2016 by 0 Comments
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

“People have a habit of blinking and missing the moment” – Hank Moody

Have you looked deep into someone’s eyes and saw right to their soul? The moment when you relinquish the hold you have on your heart and let it escape to the protective custody of another. It is the ultimate risk of putting your life in someone else’s hands that is the ultimate happiness and pain all wrapped in one.

Why would we leave the comfort of our inner skin to enter into an unknown abyss with the promise of perfection or the torture of a thousand needles penetrating our skin and reminding us of the chance we took; the chance that brought us down?

Because it is worth it! Death is the most studied, analyzed, interpreted, fear and yearned for entity we ever face and it is sitting on a pedestal of blackness defying gravity and reality. It is that moment when for all eternity, our being changes. What we become is not for us to judge, nor is it science, nor is it faith. It is a moment of eternal redemption.

Some believe life is a test; a test of the strength of our spirit. From the moment of conscious thought to the final breath, we are faced with the opportunity to choose a path. Destiny is not written in the stars, but the words we chose, the actions we face and the path we walk on. We are the gift of creation and the end product of death. We have the rarest of gifts bestowed on the truest of beings and that is the free will to live.

I fell hard three times. A few years since I had those feelings. Was there a common factor that drained my soul and left a deep embedded emptiness? No, there wasn’t. That is the mystery of love that no book, magazine or therapist can answer. It is that feeling you have when you close your eyes and see a slide show in your mind of every moment you spent together, every touch of each other’s skin, every gaze into their eyes and every emotion magnified by a thousand percent.

We so often read books or articles trying to explain love, that we fail to realize there is no right or wrong and in most cases feelings and emotions do not have a definition. Without definition, there is no meaning and explanation. We enter love as a blank canvas, but are equipped with the paint and brushes to make an artistic masterpiece.

Love is a promise. Not of eternal partnership, but one of committing mind, body and soul to someone that pumps life into you, makes you believe in something bigger than yourself, gives you the inspiration to achieve greatness and is always there with a hug and a moment of comfort. It is that moment when you want to make that promise, that you know your heart found it’s match.

Love is not something that you grow into nor is it earned. It finds you like a bullet finds its victim. With a force of a hundred horses, it penetrates your skin and tears letting blood flow out of you, making you vulnerable and weak. In a way, when love finds you, you become a victim to the most amazing roller coaster ride of your life.

If you haven’t taken the ultimate risk, there is no reason to wait…

Don’t seek out a catalyst or life changing event to give you a reason.  Take your state of mind and body and if you find someone that shares that mutual thrust of emotion, dive into the deep end and let yourself drown. If it is right, you will be rescued.

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” —–Judy Garland

“I’m lucky to have known you.  I’m lucky to have loved you.” – Karen, Californication

Charleston, South Carolina – Historic 20th Century Video Archives

June 16, 2016 by

“Remembering our past, preserves our future.”

Take a step back in time to a different Charleston.  A Charleston, more proper, more solemn.

Take a journey through some early to mid 20th century archives.  Enjoy some rare footage throughout the 20th century of our home here in this little corner of the coastal South.

During your viewings, you will see places so familiar to you.  Some have changed, while others have remained the same.  We hope you enjoy this footage as much as we have.  It is remarkable to visually witness our rich and robust history.

 

Archive Footage

 

 

 

 

 

Injustice in South Carolina and Mississippi – Remembering George Stinney and Emmett Till

June 16, 2016 by 0 Comments

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Some of you may know the names George Stinney and Emmett Till, but if you have not, their story and legacy are very important.

George Stinney

Seventy-five years ago, South Carolina became host to the youngest execution in the United States in the 20th Century. George Stinney was arrested on suspicion of murdering two girls, Betty June Binnicker, age 11, and Mary Emma Thames, age 8, in Alcolu, South Carolina in Clarendon County on March 23, 1944. Alcolu was a small, working class, mill town, where whites and blacks were separated by railroad tracks. The girls had disappeared while out riding their bicycles looking for flowers. As they passed the Stinney property, they asked young George Stinney and his sister, Katherine, if they knew where to find “maypops”, a local name for passionflowers. When the girls did not return, search parties were organized, with hundreds of volunteers. The bodies of the girls were found the next morning in a ditch filled with muddy water. Both had suffered severe head wounds.

On June 16th, less than two months after the initial arrest, George Stinney at age 14 took his last breath on Earth. With no physical evidence, a jury of 12 white adults, a two hour and thirty minute trial and no defense witnesses, George was found guilty and sentenced to the electric chair.

South Carolina Governor Olin Johnston could have given Stinney life in prison if he wanted. He had 54 days between the time the black teen was convicted of killing two white girls and his march to the electric chair with a Bible in his arm.
But Johnston was running for U.S. Senate in 1944, facing a challenger who took a much harder line on segregation. He refused clemency for Stinney, saying he trusted the police, prosecutor and jury. At 14, Stinney was the youngest person executed in this country in the past 100 years, according to statistics gathered by the Death Penalty Information Center.

In a time of extreme racial separation, a country torn by World War II and a political agenda, a young man had his life taken from him by a political system that wanted justice and was blinded by prejudice, color differentiation and ambition.

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Seventy-two years later, questions still remain unanswered and many are fighting to clear the name of this young man.

Here are a few key facts you should know about this case:

  • The prosecution called only three witnesses: The police officer that found the bodies of the two girls and the two doctors that performed the autopsy.
  • The execution happened during the final stages of World War II and just after the Invasion of Normandy and potentially drawing national attention away from this case.
  • The defense did not call any witnesses.
  • The trial lasted 2 ½ hours
  • The deliberation lasted 10 minutes
  • The jury consisted of all white adults due to segregation laws at the time.
  • George was arrested by police when his mother was not home.
  • The bible he had when he was walking to the electric chair was used as a booster because he could not reach the head gear.
  • On October 25, 2013, Steve McKenzie, Ray Chandler and Matt Burgess of Coffey, Chandler & McKenzie, P.A filed a motion to reopen the case and clear the name of George Stinney

Emmett Till

In 1955, Emmett Louis “Bobo” Till, a black teenager, age 14 from Chicago, Illinois, went to Money, Mississippi to visit relatives. During a trip to Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Market with some friends, he whistled at a twenty-one year old white woman named Carolyn Bryant, the wife of the store’s owner. The events at the store spread around town and eventually to Mr. Bryant. Ms. Bryant claimed Till grabbed her by the waist and spoke dirty towards her.

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Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Bryant’s husband Roy and her brother-in-law J.W. Milam kidnapped Till, tortured, gouged his eye out and shot Emmett. Emmett’s mangled body was found a few days later. A local jury acquitted Milam and Bryant of murder, but the pair later acknowledged that they had slain the fourteen-year-old Till.

Born July 25, 1941 and killed on August 28, 1955, Emmett Till only witnessed 14 short years on this Earth before his life was brutally taken from him for the crime of a complimentary whistle at an older white woman in the South.

Two incidences, eleven years apart in South Carolina and Mississippi respectively, taking the lives of two young men who would not live to see age 15 still remains a vital part of Southern history. Both young men were victims of a time when the color of your skin determined your place in the world. Have we learned our lessons from the past and cleared our minds to the idea of equality, community, compassion and love? Only time will tell.

Food & Bev

Spring into Summer with some great healthy recipe options

June 15, 2016 by 0 Comments

Here are some easy to prepare healthy recipes that are perfect as we dive into the hazy days of Summer in Charleston.

If you try some of these out, please comment with your success stories.

Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta

Total Prepare Time:  15 Minutes

Calories:  352

Ingredients

  • 1 -1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, or just enough to lightly coat the pasta
  • juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 large English cucumber, seeded and chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo al dente according to package directions (about 9 minutes). Drain the pasta, let cool for a couple of minutes, and toss with the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, cucumber, herbs and feta.
  2. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve chilled or at room-temperature. Can be made up to a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator.

 

Pasta Salad with Lemon Chicken

Preparation Time:  45 Minutes

Calories:  443

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 8 oz whole wheat bow-tie pasta, (or rotelle, fusilli or macaroni)
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 small eggplant, sliced
  • 3 tbsp basil, chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1/4 tsp thyme, dried
  • 1/4 tsp rosemary, dried
  • 1/4 tsp oregano, dried

Instructions

  • Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle with a little salt and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse and gently pat dry.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente, according to package directions.
  • While pasta is cooking, cut the chicken into thin strips, then add the chicken to a bowl with lemon juice, basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Leave to marinate for several minutes.
  • Preheat oven to broil. On a lightly greased baking sheet, lay eggplant and chicken slices. Broil on high for 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and brush eggplant and chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with garlic. Return to oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, until done.
  • Add chicken, eggplant, pasta, arugula and tomatoes to a bowl and mix. Toss with liquid from the chicken and eggplant pan, then season with black pepper. Serve hot for dinner or chilled for lunch the next day.

 

Greek Pasta Salad

Preparation Time:  30 Minutes

Calories:  480

Ingredients

  • 2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • 2 small cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red-wine vinegar
  • 8 oz whole-wheat farfalle, or similar-size pasta
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, rinsed
  • 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup quartered pitted Kalamata olives
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, or 2 tsp dried

Instructions

  • Put a large pot of water on to boil.
  • Combine tomatoes, garlic, oil and vinegar in a large bowl; let stand while you cook the pasta.
  • Cook pasta in the boiling water until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain again.
  • Add the pasta to the tomato mixture along with chickpeas, cucumber, feta, olives and oregano; gently toss to combine.

Tip: Make-Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

 

Roasted Tofu & Peanut Noodle Salad

Preparation Time:  40 Minutes

Calories:  443

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 14- to 16-oz package extra-firm water-packed tofu,, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 6 oz whole-wheat spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 3 cloves garlic,, minced
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
  • 6 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
  • 1 medium orange bell pepper,, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup thinly sliced trimmed snow peas

Instructions

  • Position rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 450°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Put a large pot of water on to boil for spaghetti.
  • Combine lime juice, soy sauce and oil in a large bowl. Stir in tofu; marinate, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tofu to the prepared baking sheet; reserve the marinade. Roast the tofu, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown, 16 to 18 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain.
  • Whisk peanut butter, 3 tablespoons water, garlic and ginger into the reserved marinade. Add the spaghetti, cabbage, bell pepper and snow peas; toss to coat. Top with the tofu.

*Provided by Cafewell.com

 

North Charleston Based Water Mission receives a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for 10 consecutive years

June 13, 2016 by 2 Comments

Media Release:  Ten Years Running

Water Mission, based in North Charleston, SC has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for 10 consecutive years! This distinction is awarded to less than 1% of charities around the world.

“Our latest rating strengthens our leadership as a Christian engineering organization at the forefront of delivering sustainable solutions in the global water crisis.” – George Greene, IV, president and CEO, Water Mission

Thank you for your support as we steward your gifts to have lasting impact around the world.

Our Story

In 1998, our founders, Molly and George Greene, were operating an environmental engineering company in Charleston, South Carolina when they heard about the devastation in Honduras caused by Hurricane Mitch. After receiving a request for multiple water treatment systems in Honduras, and being unable to find existing systems that would work, George and his team of engineers took action to build such a system – and thus the idea for Water Missions International was born.

When the Greenes arrived in Honduras, they were shocked by what they found. The river that flowed through a nearby village was the color of chocolate milk, deep brown with toxins, bacteria and hopelessness. The residents of the village referred to it as the “River of Death” – no one survived once they drank from that river. As one of the newly built water systems became operational, the local villagers were still terrified to drink any water from the river – whether it was clear or not. So Molly and George placed their own lips to the hose and drank the newly purified water. With that action, Molly and George bridged the final gap and the villagers swarmed forward to drink the water.

In the aftermath of their Honduras trip, Molly and George discovered the sad truth about the global water crisis – that billions are forced to drink dirty water every day. In 2001, the Greenes took action to combat this reality and founded Water Mission.

Water Mission Financial and Rating Report

Water Mission Official Website

 

 

 

The Freddy Cole Quartet Illuminates Spoleto with Soothing Playful Jazz

June 12, 2016 by 0 Comments
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

Four nights; two shows a night of intimate music, meet and greet and a feeling of comfort, romance and seduction.  This is the menu prepared by The Freddy Cole Quartet for Spoleto 2016.  Led by younger brother of the late, legendary musician Nat King Cole, Freddy and his band put on a performance for the ages.

From the moment Freddy Cole walked to the piano, slightly hunched over, greeted the audience with a humble smile and began to tickle the ivory, the intimate audience of 200 knew they were in for a special evening.  As the first lyrics come through the microphone, you were instantly captured as you heard this blessed voice.  It was the fusion of Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole enchanting the crowd with soulful lyrical love making and flirtatious banter.  As he played, he looked over at the patrons sitting just a few feet away and gave that secret smile.

Accompanied by the incredibly talented ensemble of Randy Napoleon on guitar, Elias Bailey on bass and Charleston’s own Quentin Baxter on drums/percussion, the tight rhythmic sounds played into the palates of fans who were reminiscing of the days of Billie Holiday and Count Basie.

Throughout the performance, the band combined romantic journey’s with humorous anecdotal stories.  Best Man, telling the story of losing your love to your best friend and then being the best man at their wedding was a crowd favorite with clapping and laughter during the rendition.

Freddy, at the ripe young age of 84, still has the charm to woe an audience and the energy to give Charleston eight amazing performances over four days.

“Come back to me, even if to say goodbye”

As the evening concluded, Freddy removed himself from the secure front of the piano and left himself exposed, center stage to perform a fitting thank you and farewell to the audience.  With the line, “come back to me, even if to say goodbye, goodbye” and a wave, he showed his appreciation for the fans that continue to appreciate his musical contribution.  A true gentlemanly act.

Music evolves over time, but on occasion, some artists will transcend time and introduce a sound that is truly timeless.

Freddy Cole and his band erased the heat, the modern trials of the crowds on the streets of Charleston and took us on an 80 minute magic carpet ride to the jazz clubs of the 50’s and 60’s and reminded us that at the end of the day, no matter what your age, love is still the reason.

 

Are you in the game Charleston?: Do You Have the Passion to Be Great

June 11, 2016 by 0 Comments
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

Where is the soul?
Where is the emotional edge that grips us and reaches deep within our hidden fears and passions to ignite a flame that takes us to near heights of absolute euphoria.

Those were powerful words. That was the pure adrenaline that bleeds Red Bull from your veins and pumps your mental and physical juices. Don’t you love that rush. The feeling of anticipation right before something memorable is about to happen. Something that you will reflect on for years to come. A moment that will forever change your personal perception of life and being.

Some are fortunate to run out of a tunnel to 80,000 screaming fans, but most of us must rely on a much smaller fan base to motivate those raging instincts and bring us to the forefront.

Van Gogh and Mozart would be banished from this earthly soil before their genius was realized and now their works have donned the globe from the Louvre to Dancing with the Stars.

We are a flawed people. Not from the misfortune of a bite of an apple, but by our human nature of immediacy. We are narcissistic folk who thrives on flash reaction. We need to know that others feel something from our actions. Now, with the flood of social media, the entire world can know.

If you ask a couple that has been married for 70 years what the keys to success were that made their love last the test of time, you will find some very consistent responses. Patience, understanding and compromise. Hmmmm patience. Love takes time. Success takes practice. Legend is the immortal acceptance of triumph. That my friends is what makes phenomenal stand out from mediocrity.

How do I become phenomenal? ” I have to work, feed my family, and what little time I have left over is for rest from the daily challenges life throws at me. Life is hard.”

I think many of us have said something along these words in the past. Is you accept your place then you have settled on a life that can be legendary or fade away. The answer is simple. The true immortals make an impression on the next generation and the lessons they teach will carry over for many generations.

If you are the first man on the moon, you are immortal, but if you can teach you son to play catch and spent time with him on the swings, he will remember that as he grows up and passes these lessons onto his own children. You see, when the book of life is written, you have the potential to be as high on the ladder of greatness as Neil Armstrong, Theodore Roosevelt, and Charles Lindbergh.

So many times, we let the media dictate the value of life and it leads many to a state of depression.

Depression can suck the life out of you. It can take you to levels beyond repair without abandon or prejudice. It is a one of the most common diseases that is often overlook yet can be as deadly as the high profile bacteria and virus killers.

Eliminate the barriers that lead many to determine the value of importance. Burn the money, blind yourself from the fame and look right in front of you. You are a leader, a role model and most of all a future legend.

When you look in the baby blue eyes of a young child, ask yourself this, “Am I in the game?”

 

Poetic Charleston Love Story: Old Cigar Factory – Original Poem

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

On a clear starry night last evening, in the distance, the lights of the Old Cigar Factory shined from within

A long way from the inflection of light that reflected off two champagne glasses resting on the edge of a windowsill deep in the corner of this deserted old building

Through one opaque window pane, the sun warmed two souls igniting a moment of enlightenment

She was a girl dressed in her evening best
He was a boy that didn’t know quite what to do

They toasted and stared into the light, cautiously peeking from the corner of their eye for that secret smile
Permission from the council in the clouds to know this was right

It was a moment that lasted a few seconds, but left a canvas impression for all eternity

Like the wind, life blew away this dream
The moment remains, engraved forever in this lock box of memories

Nervous toe clenching, hidden corner, warm dry air, secret escape

It was all part of a romance written in an Eighteenth Century Victorian style
The exhilaration of this taboo love affair played out on a stage for only the eyes of angels to see

This Old Cigar Factory has ghosts
Floating aimlessly between the dirty walls for all eternity, seeking just a simple moment of perfection

Between those two smiles, glasses of champagne and the single ray of sunlight, a boy and a girl found each other

In the dust and darkness of that third floor corner room, there was beauty and romance

A secret secured by two

Charleston Nightlife Story: Being the Only Male at a Bachelorette Party – Lessons Learned

June 9, 2016 by 0 Comments
By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

One of the top trending items on Twitter at this moment is #thingsthatdontmakesense, and in many circles of social party arrangements, this one does not either. I was the solo male at a downtown Saturday night bachelorette party of thirteen. Did the intent of my night start out that way? Absolutely not. I lived downtown and the organizer who resided in North Charleston has no idea about the ins and outs of downtown Charleston.  I stepped in to get things off the ground and then graciously bow out.

My few minutes early in the evening to ensure they all arrived in one piece turned into an all-night affair.

First, I can handle a joke and believe in the authenticity of the event so I wore the penis name tag and pink hair thingy for a while. I would tell you what specifically it was, but “I just don’t know”. This comment may come out a few more times before this story ends. The server was not particularly amazing on this evening, but on a Saturday night with thirteen people and some arriving late, I think he did rather well. Yet in the eyes of thirteen very anxious women on the verge of a drunken night of mayhem, he was the worst server ever to step foot on this earth.

After a mediocre meal, a few complaints to management and shots for the ladies, we moved on. The next bar was on my way home so, why not. So was the third. After that, trouble began to brew. The groups began to form unions and separation would ensue. In any major city, different people with have their own favorite places so naturally, that was a challenge. Without a limo, wandering feet will cause some potential issues. Thirteen people and four different venues later smart phones became everyone’s friend.

Now I had an obligation to stay. I was sober, I lived downtown and I may be one of the only chances to get everyone home safe. Between shots and texts, the next few hours were very convoluted. One girl got left behind alone. Another had items stolen from her wallet by another girl. Of course there were a few confessions and a few sick victims from the night.

During the course of those eight hours, I observed some very eye-opening events/behaviors:

  1. If you ever have doubts about getting married, bachelorette parties could very well convince you against going through with that life time commitment. Three of four women at the table had some seriously negative things to say about their significant other and one even pondered an affair that night. In the street, I saw five bachelorettes all dressed up and not one smile among them. There could be other factors for those frowns, but I wasn’t ready to get in their path and ask.
  2. Even in a group of girls, they still go to the restroom in pairs or groups. Whether they were talking about others in their party or just needed the company, I will never know. Yes, I did ask and no they wouldn’t tell me.
  3. Women in groups do not like competition. If there are more attractive girls in the group, they will do everything they can to minimize their visibility.
  4. Bachelorette parties mean “tramp it out”. Wear your most obnoxious high heels, find that evening dress or short skirt you haven’t worn in years and shout “This is my night”. It turns out the party is not just for the bride-to-be, but for all the girls single or married. For the married ones, it is an excuse to go out and find your sense of value and attractiveness again from strange men and for the single girls, the belief that “now it is my turn to score a man”. For even a few in the group, it is a chance at a one-night stand. Even girls want a little meaningless intimacy from a hot stranger.
  5. A strip club is not always a requirement, but sex toys and props are. That is an official rule. There must be many and very over the top. I cannot be certain, but the penis straw is quite a popular one.
  6. I cannot say this for certain but in the male code of “what happens here, stays here” doesn’t seem the case with woman. I got the feeling that night and even a few days later that stories were shared and shared often.
  7. Screaming is an absolute requirement. It must be done every time a person passes, at every bar entrance, when any shot is done, when someone falls, pukes, hiccups or in a nutshell…All Night Long.
  8. Group safety is not a big concern by the end of the night. Though we started with a large group, only a few remained intact and the feeling from those remaining was “oh well”. There was a general feeling that since they went their own way, they can find their own way home. Not what I would have expected.

By the end of the evening, I felt that I played a critical role in ensuring the safety of the core group, including the bride-to-be. One of the surprising elements was that I did not become a punching bag or pun of jokes during the night. I was a welcome addition. There were a few thoughts that I may have been gay because I was there, but I feel that if a guy wants to jump in and help celebrate the release of another single girl, most girls would be open to that.

This was an experience I was for the most part glad to be a part of. If asked whether I would participate again, my answer would be simple…No.

There are some very distinct reasons why men and women are different and when those differences grow in numbers, it is best to distance yourself from the opposite gender.

To the Bride-to-be, Cheers and good luck. To the bachelorette’s personal assistant, thank you for the invite into my own Cosmo article.