Sláinte!
Current mood: amused

Sláinte! That’s Irish Gaelic for "Cheers!"

We’re normally closed Monday, but we gotta be open St. Paddy’s Day... we’re a friggin’ bar, for Blarney’s sake!

Anyway, you won’t find green beer, because... ewww... but we will be having great IRISH-THEMED specials... how about...

$3 Shamrock Shooters -- $5 Jameson Irish Whiskey -- $5 Red-Headed Sluts

So... bring your leprechauns and come to the Lipstick Lounge, 1400 Woodland Street in East Nashville, for a St. Pat’s you won’t soon forget... oh... actually... if you do it right, you won’t remember it at all!

Currently listening : If I Should Fall from Grace with God By The Pogues Release date: 19 September, 2006

11:51 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

The Marrying Kind
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Romance and Relationships

Hey y'all...

Jonda and Rachel got married on Friday, which is very happy.

Nooooo, of course it isn't legal. Nooooo, of course it wasn't a church wedding. So why call it a marriage? The answer is: why not call it a marriage?

Two people love each other. Why should it matter they're both women?

Society seems to have some kind of vested interest in making people unhappy if they're going to push so much hatred toward something so beautiful.

The ceremony was gorgeous. The reception was sumptuous. The party was phenomenal. It was a wedding, like so many others-- except it was between two women.

I pray we will come to a day when we won't have to explain it all. That two women (or two men, or a man and a woman) can get married and not have people get that look of confusion on their faces. Until then... set folks straight (ahem) every chance you get on why gay marriage is important. Talk it up. For help on the issues, download this booklet from the Human Rights Campaign. It's clear cut, and makes the case. Your job is just to get folks to listen.

Currently listening : The Wedding Singer: Music From The Motion Picture By Various Artists Release date: 03 February, 1998

12:49 AM - 0 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Only Love...
Current mood: grateful
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes

We just want to take a moment to thank everyone who showed up last night to support our friend Jan Taylor in her fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Jan looked resplendent... bald head and all, accented by her "Bald Head Island" shirt. She was able to take off he face mask long enough to catch that gorgeous smile.

A particularly beautiful moment occurred when Jan got up on stage and sang one of her favorite songs, "Only Love," standing beside her partner Mallory Church.

Cori Dodson of the American Cancer Society, and one of Jan's dearest friends, was on hand to run a fantastic silent auction, Debra Christian, our karaoke queen, was there for a dare-eoke event that raised a lot of money, and in a supreme act of kindness, Lipstick owner Christa Suppan announced that if we could raise another $1000, she'd let Jan shave her head.

We made the extra grand in about five minutes, and the hair was gone.

All in all, the event raised a breathtaking $10,000, all of which will help Jan in this terrible time of need as she faces expensive treatments, and cannot work.

We'd like to thank the sponsors who made the event possible: Cruzan Rum, Absolut Vodka, Malibu Rum, Red Bull, Michelob Ultra, all the great folks who donated prizes for the silent auction... but most of all, we want to thank you, our friends, for the tremendous outpouring of love for one of our dearest patrons, in a time of need. We know why you did it: only love.

We love your ass! We'll see y'all soon!

Currently listening : Only Love By Wynonna Judd Release date: 03 August, 1993

8:44 PM - 0 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Pardon Me, Is That Your Nose In My Business?
Current mood: irritated
Category: Friends

How many times have you heard somebody lament all the drama? "I'm not looking for a lot of drama," someone says. Or another complains, "Too much drama with her."

Three MySpace friends all wrote blogs today about drama and gossip and people interfering. So it must still be a problem. We spend a lot of time preaching against the evils of drama. We've written two recent blogs about it: "Gossip Folks" and "The Ex Files."

Maybe y'all aren't listening.

So we're going to take a more academic approach. Kids, get out your books, turn to to Chapter 5: "Interpersonal Relationships."

There are some truths to bear in mind when dealing with other people, which is the nature and definition of interpersonal relationships. Please memorize these, and exercise them well. There will be a quiz.

TRUTH 1: YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO EXISTS IN THIS WORLD. So have a little consideration for other people's feelings. Ask yourself, "If I do or say this, how will affect Jane/John?" And then act accordingly. You don't just act in a vacuum. Anything you do or say will have repercussions, reverberations, lasting effects and reactions. Think about it before you do it or say it.

TRUTH 2: PEOPLE GOSSIP. They shouldn't but they do. You shouldn't. But you do. We all do. The tip is, don't do it. But remember that anything you say is likely to be repeated. Think about who may eventually hear it, and plan accordingly.

TRUTH 3: MOTIVATION IS KEY, a.k.a. IS IT ANY BUSINESS OF YOURS? A lot of people genuinely believe that the gossipy things they say about other people is helping the situation. To wit:

"Well, I just wanted you to know she cheated on her last girlfriend, and so I'd keep an eye on her."

"He was in rehab last year, and so if he's gotten distant he may be on drugs again."

"I care about you, and I don't want to see you get hurt, so you should know: your girlfriend tried to hit on my roommate."

Yeah... no. Suppositions and prejudices don't help anyone. Forewarned is forearmed, perhaps, but people need to be allowed to make their own decisions about the folks they associate with. You don't like anyone else telling you how to behave, do you?

TRUTH 4: UNLESS YOU ARE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY IT, IT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS. And by the way, that whole "Well she's my friend, and if it affects her it affects me" thing is total bullshit. So save it.

We're just saying... for God's sake... mind your own business. Stop all the tale-toting and act like adults instead of fifth-graders. Is your own life so empty that you have to sit around and stir up someone else's? If you want drama, watch TNT.

Peace,

Tom

Currently listening : No More Drama By Mary J Blige Release date: 29 January, 2002

12:53 PM - 4 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

The Ex Files
Current mood: productive
Category: Romance and Relationships

People break up. It occurs. As sure as love grows, it fades or changes, or is sometimes beset by external forces, and unfortunately, it sometimes reaches a point of pain that people simply must part ways.

If we are affected by a break-up (trust me folks, we at the Lip all know a thing or two about it), we have a choice. We can let it destroy us as individuals as well as obliterate us as a couple; or we can rise above the situation, find our resolve, let it test and strengthen us, and survive.

And it is definitely a choice we must each make. Love affects us sometimes to such a degree that we act as though we have no control whatsoever over the way we react to a break-up. Fortunately, that's just not true. It's not easy, but we can master our emotional displays. And our friends can help us in this, or make it hard for us. They have choices too.

I'm writing this because this week at the Lip I've seen the choices at work. In one instance, a customer (we'll call her "Earlene," to protect her identity) came in Tuesday night and was really enjoying herself. Earlene's friends surrounded her, and she seemed not to have a care in the world, enjoying tasty food and beverages, and playing some trivia.

Then, in walked her ex. The break-up isn't exactly fresh, but it's not been too long either. Suddenly, the whole table looked like they were plotting someone's death. Clearly, the friends, genuinely trying to be supportive, were talking a lot of crap about the ex, running her down, gossiping and being, frankly, catty bitches. Earlene's night was shot. You could see it in her face. I think she really wanted to just relax and be done with it, because she herself wasn't contributing much to the conversation. But her friends were reveling in tearing the ex to shreds wih their words, and it wasn't doing anything but creating.... what?.... drama.

Then in another case, another customer (we'll call him "Albert") came in with his posse, all happy and smiles, until he noticed his ex was already in the bar. Albert was not happy to see his former lover, and he started to go all oogy and sad. Just then, one of Albert's friends said to him, "Hey... this is a night with us, not a night with him. You know he's not even going to come over here, he wouldn't dare. So just act like he's not here, and have a good time. And if for any reason he does talk to him, just smile at him and tell him all is well. Then, you win. Even if seeing him still hurts you, he doesn't have to know that."

So who has the better friends? It's not about that. All the friends were being good friends, in the best way they knew how. Earlene's friends just didn't know how.

Albert's friend offered more constructive advice and Albert wound up staying all night long. The ex left long before he did, and I was proud of him for bucking up and not letting an unpleasant encounter ruin his evening.

We all have friends who break up, and we often crack about the drama it causes. Before we do... let's make sure we're not contributing to it!

We love your ass! We'll see you at the Lip! And if your ex shows up... smile. The bar's (now) big enough for the both of you!

Peace,

Tom

Currently listening : Breaking Up the Girl 3 By Garbage Release date: 07 May, 2002

11:54 AM - 3 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Have You Seen It?
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Food and Restaurants

Have you seen the changes at the Lounge?

It's beautiful. Jonda and Christa, their partners, helpers and friends have been working super hard to renovate the downstairs and it has paid off in efficiency, beauty and space.

You've got to come in and check it out. Seriously, it's so much nicer in the Lounge now than it ever has been!

Come see us soon... especially if you haven't been in a while because it's too crowded, or you can't get through the place, or you felt claustrophobic... 'coz we've fixed all that!

We love your ass!

Currently listening : Purple Winos in the Rain By John Callahan Release date: 14 November, 2006

12:22 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Hallowe’en, Bitches!
Current mood: chipper
Category: Parties and Nightlife

Wow! What a great night! The Lipstick Lounge's fifth annual Hallowe'en Bash was last night, and Christa and Red showed up as movers... since that's how they had spent their day! And Jonda and Rachel came as Hugh Hefner and a Playboy bunny. Tom played host, with his freshly shaven head and drawn-on curlicue of hair representing a grown-up and foul-mouthed Charlie Brown.

We started with our famous Drag Race, one of East Nashville's most anticipated community events. About 300 folks braved the chill to watch as Hula-Girl Justin came in first place, barely beating out our good friend Cees who looked lovely in his sequined dress... and mustache.

Our first "Scary-Oke" contest was an enormous success-- over twenty contestants-- despite our blowing a fuse and taking the competition down for about ten minutes. Once we got the problem fixed, we gave out three cash prizes.

THIRD PLACE, $100, went to a very sexy Zorro, alias Jamey Walls, who sang "Wanted Dead Or Alive," very apt for his bandito persona.

SECOND PLACE, $200, was awarded to a couple whose amazing costumes paid homage to Michael Keaton and Winona Rider from Beetlejuice, singing the song from that film's memorable dinner scene, "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)."

FIRST PLACE, $300, went to lovely Leslie Mills, who represented Alice in Wonderland in her sweet blue dress and apron, rocking out to "White Rabbit," the classic Jefferson Airplane tune that takes Lewis Carroll's children's classic and puts it on some serious psycho-active drugs.

After the contest, DJ Butter rocked the house until close. What a fantastic evening! We're glad you guys made it such a success!

Congratulations to our winners! Pictures have been posted on the web site so you can see what you missed! So make sure you mark your calendar for next year's event!

We love your ass!

Currently listening : A Boy Named Charlie Brown By Vince Guaraldi Release date: 17 August, 2004

2:18 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Bar 101: What’s Cool and What’s Not
Current mood: bouncy
Category: Food and Restaurants

Most of our clientele are wonderful, savvy folks-about-town who need no schooling on how to behave. And for that, we are very thankful.

But y'all know, there's gotta be that one whose Mama just flat-out didn't raise 'em right. So for that, I'm putting out a little handbook of what to do-- and not do-- when you come into our bar, or any other for that matter. Now mind you, I am only speaking my mind. Your mileage may vary, but... damn... y'all know.

1. ORDER. Times may be tight, but if you come out, and enjoy the place, spend a dollar. "Just water" in a bar is not cool. Especially if you ask the servers and bartenders to doctor it up with lemon or lime or grenadine or whatever, and then wear them out for refills. One coke over a four hour period is also not cool. If you're not a drinker, buy a shot for someone else. It's just good etiquette. A bar isn't a retail store where browsing is expected. If you're there, have some food or a beverage. It ensures that the bar makes money and will still be open for you to enjoy far into the future!

2. TIP. Tipping, as we're fond of saying, is not just a city in China. Your servers' and bartenders' incomes rely entirely on your tips. So when you put them to work running you drinks and making you shots, their service should be rewarded. A good rule of thumb is to think of the drinks they're getting you, and give them a dollar for each bottled drink or shot, or two bucks for anything in a tall glass. Or when your tab comes, divide it by 5. That's a 20% tip, which is a good base figure. Easy-peasy. Naturally, more is appreciated, and if the server does a great job, by all means, reward them handsomely! They'll remember you for it!

3. BEHAVE. Act like you have some sense. We all drink, we all like to get a little silly, but free-for-all wrestling in the stairwell isn't a good idea. Boys, whipping your willy out for a quick measure is bad form. Dancing on chairs is not smart. Touching other folks is not good either. Keep your hands to yourself. All I'm saying is, have a little class.

4. FEED BACK. If anything isn't right-- and the management can do something about it-- let them know. I know Jonda and Christa want everyone to have a great experience, so if we can help make things better, give us a little feedback. If you don't tell us, how will we know?

Thanks for being such great clients! Naturally, none of this is directed at you, but you all have been out with someone and watched them in public, shaken your head, and thought, "Damn." So send that person this blog. And we'll see you soon at the Lip!

We love your ass!

Tom

Currently listening : Make Him Do Right By Karyn White Release date: 27 September, 1994

12:21 PM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Category: Life

Hey everybody!

There are a lot of cool things going on at the Lip!

The patio has been resurfaced, and it looks great. We will soon have a roof over your head, so we can use the patio even in the rain.

In case you hadn't noticed, our snappy new tables and cushy barstools have arrived. The stools swivel, are padded and have a curved back design so they are much more comfortable. The tables are now high-tops so it should be easier to walk through the corridor downstairs. This is the first step in a total remodel of the downstairs, so watch for more cool new stuff to come.

Upstairs, we've done more than just add a fresh coat of paint. There are now Megatouch "crack machines" and dartboards upstairs for fun. The pool table's history, as is the "make-out couch," having been replaced by additional tables. You'll be able to see and hear what's going on downstairs thanks to strategically placed plasma-screens, and soon, we will have a private party room available for your group to rent to have a special evening far from the madding crowd.

Also, by popular demand, Movie Trivia on Thursdays at 7PM is now "Pop Culture Trivia," featuring, in addition to silver screen questions, trivia about TV, music, trends, fads, ads, gossip and other social phenomena from the last 30 years. Bring your friends... it's Nashville's best trivia!

We're changing for the better, because we love your ass! Come see what's new at the Lip!

Currently listening : A Whole New Thing By Sly & the Family Stone Release date: 24 April, 2007

4:05 PM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Tomatoes, baby!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Food and Restaurants

Well! We had a great time crowning the King and Queen of the East Nashville Tomato Art Fest last Friday. I for one am still recovering from the insanity.

The winners were:

TOMATO KING: Andrew McFarland
TOMATO QUEEN: Jennifer Jones, AKA "Captain Deliciousness"

What a lot of fun! Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to all those who participated in this awesome event!

Currently listening : Hang on Little Tomato By Pink Martini Release date: 19 October, 2004

12:34 AM - 1 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment