Fish

Jimmie Davis State Park

Did you know that Louisiana only has 22 state parks? One of these is Jimmie Davis State Park, named after a former governor, singer and film star of the area. There’s no prettier place in Louisiana for glowing pink sunsets than on the Caney Lake Reservoir. People come for miles just to fish in the area, and you can certainly do that on your date as well. There’s also lots of space to hike and explore together if you just want some time outdoors alone with your fella or lady. Ever visted Jimmie Davis State Park? Tell us about your adventures there.

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Lake Bruin State Park

When you go out in your bathing suit to get wet in a day of sunshine with other Louisiana singles, you already know you’re in for a fun day. Make it even better by going to Lake Bruin State Park, a place where you can fish, camp and play water sports all day long. Bring something to grill at the campsites and feel free to bring your camper or RV, since they’ve got electricity ready for you—or rough out the night with a tent, sleeping bag and the stars. You can also rent a boat there or bring your own. Have you ever spent the day at Lake Bruin State Park?

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Bolsa Chica State Beach

Remember the scene in Don’t Tell Mom, the Babysitter’s Dead where Christina Applegate’s character gets introduced to the grunions who spawn on the beach by her date? You can recreate this moment at Bolsa Chica State Beach where the grunion turtles actually lay their eggs. Wait until the sun goes down and you might just spot it happening as you cuddle on the beach—and if not, well, you can make your own magic. You can also bird watch and catch fish by hand if you feel so inclined. If you’ve been to Bolsa Chica State Beach, tell us all about it. Share any photos you have, too.

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Benbow Lake State Recreation Area

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area is built around the South Fork Eel River reservoir. It’s a great place to fish in the winter or spend a lazy summer afternoon with someone interesting. Take your boyfriend or girlfriend to be out for a day of hiking or camping in the park, which is composed of over 1,000 acres. Meet up with singles to have a party and split the cost of a keg, or bring a book of poetry to share quietly just between the two of you. Have you ever visited Benbow Lake State Recreation Area before? Tell us how your date went.

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Tasty Tuesday: Pretzel pizza rolls

Make some easy and delicious apple cinnamon oatmeal. This stuff looks SO much better than the packet stuff. When you DO get stuck with packet oatmeal, however, if you toss in some raisins, dried cranberries and diced apples it really elevates it; that’s what we’ve been doing lately.

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Washoe Lake State Park

The mountain views at Washoe Lake State Park are the kind of awe-inspiring, not to be missed gifts of nature that make you weep. Take your date there for a romantic adventure and there’s no way you won’t connect both emotionally and spiritually as you gaze at the peaks, taking in the wonders of the natural world. Hunt, fish, hike or camp with your partner and build long-lasting bonds to savor for years to come. Then make the pilgrimage back to celebrate your love every year. Have you ever marveled at the mountains of Washoe Lake State Park? Post your photos for everyone to see.

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Blue crab season

You have to pity the blue crab. It's "among the most heavily-harvested creatures on the planet." Widely considered the best crab meat in the world, even the blue crab's scientific name refers to the fact that it's delicious: Callinectes sapidus literally means "savory beautiful swimmer."

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CLINT DEMPSEY?!

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In Dr. D's humble guess-timation, Clint Dempsey is the greatest American soccer player who ever lived. He's 30, in his prime, and suddenly he is playing for your Seattle Sounders. "Fuutball," anybody?

With this signing, you are talking about a shot heard 'round the world. It's more of a "popgun" sound, but make no mistake - for the MLS in America to land a fish of Dempsey's size is a game-changer. For the Sounders and for American soccer, at least.

There are very fine soccer blogs peppering the NW landscape. SSI won't be able to much speak to fans who are ex-college players themselves, but can (now) serve as a type of concierge for fair-weather soccer fans like himself, helping perhaps to show them the door. The door in, that is.

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How Good are Dempsey and Donovan?

Ask an English bloke this question and you're guaranteed a fun afternoon. For some reason, it grotesquely pains him to admit anything good about any American soccer player. I can't relate to this -- I mean, of course the NBA is worlds better than European basketball, but why should it pain me to admit that Dirk Nowitzki is a great player?

Food and texture

When it comes to foods, texture is a huge part of the experience - for better or worse. There are a lot of foods that people like specifically because of their texture. For example, I doubt that anyone would ever eat a soft, moist, tender Doritos chip.

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Parenting, health and education news

The Royal Australiasian College of Physicians is trying to get “smacking of children” outlawed. Way to go, doctors! I wish the U.S. would get on board to stop child abuse too. Make no mistake: humans are not for hitting (abusing) and children are humans, too. As much as I try to respect every parent’s decision on how to raise their kids, this is one area where I will not ever budge.

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