TODAY

As the gay mecca of the south, you'd think Atlanta could keep its gay and lesbian bars in business. But, alas, another bar where the GLBT community can party in safe and accepting company bites the dust. Joining the likes of Hoedowns, Tower and Red Chair, Miss Q's pool bar in Midtown is closing its doors for good. Last-chance party with DJ Moose spinning Saturday, Jan. 26. However, rumor has it that another gay bar will open up in its place.

560-B Amsterdam Ave. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m.-4 a.m.; Sat. 4 p.m.-3 a.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.-midnight. 404-875-6255.

We love beauty counters—trying out new products, learning about special ingredients, having makeup applied for you. Lucky for us, PrettyCity.com is bringing the first-ever Beauty Sample Sale to the Georgian Ballroom at the Biltmore Jan. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. This event has already found success in New York and Chicago and is now coming to Atlanta, Orlando and Los Angeles. The evening offers a plethora of sampling of the newest beauty, leisure and wellness products and pampering treatments from notable brands such as Revlon, Clarisonic, Revitalash and Jane Iredale. Technicians from some of Atlanta’s top spas and salons will be on hand to provide complimentary services, and makeup experts from Jane Iredale will be dishing on application tips for the upcoming season. Ticket holders score goodie bags overflowing with full-size beauty products and deluxe samples. Complimentary cocktails and sweet treats top off the evening as a potential best night ever for beauty junkies. Tickets range from $12.50 to $25 and are available online at www.beautysamplesale.com. No tickets will be sold at the door, and you must be 21 to enter.

It may be because I was born in Atlanta or it could be that the caramel fizz of Coca-Cola is just too perfect for any other soda to compete against, but I'm a loyal drinker through and through ...