A toast to meeting that special someone 'Down the hatch'

A toast to meeting that special someone 'Down the hatch' dating

August 24, 2007

By Stephanie Kohl Special to the Courier News

People have resorted to sneaking out of restroom windows, faking an illness and having a friend call about an "emergency" to escape a bad date.

Let's Grab a Drink!, a new online dating site, aims to dispel the need for such excuses.

After having conversations with friends who were burned out on dating, John Mamalakis took his friends seriously when they said it would be great only to commit to having one drink with someone to decide if they were interested and created www.letsgrabadrink.com.

"The market is saturated with online dating sites, and I thought there was space for something different and unique," Mamalakis said.

Mamalakis created six different categories based on people who order certain drinks. For example, an established professional with a history of success would fall into the martini category. An attention-seeking, fun-loving, outrageous person would likely be a shot.

The drinks are featured on the Web site's home page along with pictures of people who fit into those categories. Users can select a drink and browse through other profiles. Should a user find someone they are interested in, they can send a secure message via the Web site. Members may continue to communicate via e-mail until they feel comfortable meeting each other in person.

One of the site's goals was to be simplistic. In his research, Mamalakis found many dating sites had elaborate and cumbersome questionnaires that can take the better part of an hour to complete. He wanted to eliminate that and have a quicker, less-formal way of getting to know who a person is.

To create a profile, a member must enter basic information about their age, occupation, religious preferences, level of education and what they are looking for. It then allows the person to select what kind of drink they are and enter information into "About Me" and "Interests" boxes.

"The idea was to put in some basic elements so people get an idea of your educational level, your career and religious preferences and what you're looking for," Mamalakis said.

Mamalakis plans to make some changes to the site in the near future, like adding a quiz for those unsure of what type of drink they are. It also will be expanding nationally, instead of only operating in Illinois, California, Texas, New York and Minnesota.

"The purpose of Let's Grab a Drink! is to allow you to minimize the length of the initial meeting," according to the Web site. "Who wants to sit through an awkward and uncomfortable dinner? Let's Grab a Drink! and see how things go."

 

Ri's Dating Revelation

Rihanna is a busy girl, she hasn't got time for a boyf.

And there's another thing...

She wants to get out and have a good goosy-gander at all the romantical world has to offer.

Rihanna ain't a settler.

When it comes to dating she's like a kid in a candy store, who has stumbled across the pick 'n' mix counter.

Meaning she can gorge on a variety of treats...

And not have to commit to just the one full choccy bar, which, let's face it, can make you feel slightly sick after a while.

Rihanna told US magazine: "I'm single. I like being single because you can explore new things. At times, not having commitment is great."

Go girl.

 

Last Updated: 13:08 UK, Friday August 24, 2007

 

ONLINE DATING TIPS FOR A FIRST DATE

Online Dating Tips For A First Date

 

Written by Editors Choice

Friday, 24 August 2007

When you're finally ready to meet someone on a first date who you've met online, you'll want to have a great first date idea in mind. First dates can sometimes be a bit difficult to work out since there are many things that you want to take into consideration. Your final choice for a first date idea will depend on how much you want to spend, whether it's a day time or night time date, and the interests that the two of you share. Since you met online you've probably each shared your likes, dislikes, and interests, so narrowing down something to do on your first date should be easy. You might want to choose an inexpensive date for the first time around so that you can each pay your own way and not feel obligated to pay for a second date. Some good inexpensive date ideas include: * The movies. Going to the movies is always a good choice since it breaks the ice while allowing both of you to get a feel for the other person. Let your date choose which film you're going to see. Don't plan for coffee afterwards; make the decision for coffee or a drink after the movie is over since you don't want to assume that you'll want to spend time together after the film has finished. * A picnic. If this is a day time date consider going on a picnic if the weather permits. Take along a basket of food and wine and enjoy the day just relaxing in the sun as you get to know each other. * Museum or art gallery: If you know that you both enjoy art or history this is a great first date idea. You can spend a couple of hours doing something that you both enjoy so there will be less tension and stress If you're feeling a bit more extravagant there are some expensive dates that you can go on. Keep in mind that you want to be sure that your date is comfortable with these types of dates since they require a bit more planning and consideration: * Concert: Take your date to a concert. This type of date will need planning ahead of time so that you can make sure that you have the tickets in hand. You'll also want to make sure that your date is interested in the concert that you've chosen. * Dinner: An expensive dinner is a nice way to celebrate a first date but should be reserved for someone you feel particularly attracted to. Expensive dinners can often send a message to your date that they are worth it but might also convey the feeling that there is another date in the future. * Theater: Tickets to the theater are perfect if you and your date share the same enthusiasm for the stage. Pick up your free 5 part online dating tips course that will helps you to discover vital dating techniques that will help you to improve your dating. Get it now by visiting dating tips website. Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

 

New Blog Post With Dating Tips For People In Their Thirties

(OPENPRESS) August 24, 2007 -- Nicole Loves brand new article focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of dating in your thirties with quick tips to get you started on the dating scene.

Nicole begins by going over the common reasons that people are joining the dating scene in their thirties. She says that most people dating in their thirties are doing so because they have spent their 20's consolidating their finances so that their basic material concerns are taken care of. Now that they have taken care of their career paths they are ready to begin looking for that special someone.

Amongst the advantages that Nicole lists are financial security, levels of experience and self-confidence. A person in their 30's have gone through a lot more in life so their levels of experience are much higher than a younger person. These experiences also help create a greater sense of self-confidence, which works wonders on attracting the opposite sex. Best of all, they have a lot more money at their disposal that a 20 year old. This makes it easier to have dates with less stress when money is not that big of a concern.

Amongst the disadvantages Nicole lists social insecurity, high expectations and established habits and routines. She says that dating in your 30's can create a little insecurity because of worry about others ages on the dating scene. Coupled with routines that get established by the time your 30 and high expectations from your dates can create a few problems but these can easily be overcome with a little foresight and flexibility.

Nicole love writes on the blog located at http://dating-and-seduction-tips.blogspot.com . Her goal is to help men and women attain long-term success in dating and relationships. She believes that this can only be attained with the correct attitudes and expectations, which is what her recent posts have been about. You can read Nicole latest post, titled "Tips On The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Dating In Your Thirties" at the following location:
http://dating-and-seduction-tips.blogspot.com/2007/08/tips-on-advantages-and-disadvantages-of.html

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Online Alert: Some Pedophiles Date Moms to Reach Kids

Some Sexual Predators Troll Internet Dating Sites for Single Parents

 

For single parents, dating online may carry some dangers. Some predators are using Internet dating sites as a portal to reach the parents of their future victims. (ABCNEWS)

From GMA

Aug. 23, 2007

 

More than 20 million Americans log on to their computers each month looking for love, according to Online Dating Magazine.

 

While getting to know a potential mate from the privacy of their home may be comforting to some — especially single women getting back in the dating pool — it is not without danger. A growing number of sexual predators and pedophiles are taking advantage of online anonymity and using dating sites to prey on single mothers and their children.

 

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One single mother, who asked that her identity be withheld to protect her daughter, had such an experience.

 

She met her future husband online and within in six months, the couple were living together. Two years into the relationship they married.

 

"At the time, it just seemed magical," she said. "It was the dream come true."

 

 

Discovering the Truth

But FBI agents said they discovered the man's true intentions when an undercover agent intercepted his e-mails during an online chat. "These e-mails indicated that he actually married the mother to have access to the child," said FBI Special Agent Deborah McCarley.

 

Police said lonely women looking for companionship can be easy targets. In this case, the man took advantage of the mother's vulnerability to get to her 6-year-old daughter.

 

"I think I was really looking for someone to rescue me, although I didn't recognize it at the time," the mother said.

 

The mother said she decided to speak out for the first time on "Good Morning America" to help other women.

 

 

Confronting the Allegations

The woman said she had no idea any abuse was taking place and saw no warning signs until the day the FBI knocked on her door.

 

"That day I felt like somebody stuck a straw in my ear and sucked out my brain," she said. "It really just felt like I had been punched in the stomach."

 

A tape obtained by "GMA" captured her anguish as she confronted her husband on the phone.

 

 

Mother: How could you do this to me?

 

Husband: How could I do it to anybody? I don't know.

 

Mother: How could you do it to her?

 

Husband: I'm sorry. I have no answer.

 

Mother: I trusted you!

 

Husband: I know. You're right.

 

 

Online Alert: Some Pedophiles Date Moms to Reach Kids

 

For More information visit ABC.com for the rest of the story.

A Dating Service With a Difference

Online dating service aims to raise awareness on environmental issues

By Kasia Fryklund Special to the Epoch Times

Aug 23, 2007

 

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(www.kisscafe.com)

 

Past stereotypes have labeled online dating as both shady and questionable. However, it seems using online dating sites is increasingly becoming the acceptable norm for the many lonely hearts out there who are seeking Mr. or Ms. Right.

Vancouver-based Kisscafe is one of the numerous online dating services which allow its users to weed through many hopeful singles to find their perfect match. But Kisscafe is a little different in that it has an environmental slant.

In an effort to influence users to raise their environmental consciousness, the creators of Kisscafe have made it so all of the ads that help fund the site provide links to different environmental organizations and causes.

"Each project that I take on has to first make me happy and make me feel as though I've contributed to something positive," said Kisscafe founder Pete O'Reilly, who has made a conscious decision to live in a way that preserves the environment and urges others to do the same.

O'Reilly said one of the reasons he started the dating service was to "attract and inform" a large network of people on environmental issues. As well as the advertisements there are blogs, tips, and various discussions, many laced with environmental information.

"The site is like a combination of a dating service, an environmental website, and a self- help book. Even if you're not looking for a relationship, this site provides an interactive landmine of useful and applicable information for all areas of life," said 27-year old Kisscafe user Shawn Wilson.

No Fee for Kisscafe

What is also unusual about Kisscafe is that it invites users from all over the world to connect with one another for free. O'Reilly explained that many online services advertise their sites as free of charge, only to ask for subscription money when people attempt to go any further than making a profile.

"In our site we find people coming together from all walks of life. It's similar to speed dating where you can quickly look through a number of people, only with online dating you're more easily equipped to pick and choose," says O'Reilly.

Mark, a 33-year old from the Vancouver'>  area who was introduced to the Kisscafe by a relative who met her husband through a similar dating site, said that while "it all seemed like a good idea," he's worried that his perfect match will come from some impossibly remote area.

"I know what's going to happen: I'll end up on here for way too long each day. There are so many more people on here than what I originally thought, and from all over the world too. I know that my Ms. Perfect will be living in some place like Antarctica!'

But does communicating through machines help or hinder relationship seekers to truly connect with the person on the other end of the monitor? According to a poll taken on Topdatingtips.com in 2004, 69 per cent of men and women said they use Internet dating sites.

When asked where the best place to meet people was, the Internet tied for second place with the bar. The workplace ranked highest as the place to meet people.

But there can be pitfalls with online dating, as Tessa, a 20-year old user from the Vancouver area discovered.

"My friend and I both signed up to Kisscafe and found that we were getting identical messages from the same guys. They were just copying and pasting the same pick up lines to us both. Digital or 3-D, guys don't seem to change," she said.

Because "you can never be too careful" when interacting with people on an Internet site, Kisscafe offers some advice to dating hopefuls for staying safe, such as not giving out contact information or agreeing to meet unless "you are completely sure it is safe to do so."

"I'm very proud of what we've done with Kisscafe and what we are about to do," said O'Reilly. "I decided to make a free dating site that has all the features—and soon to have a lot more—than the paid sites."

 

Phoenix tops 'Forbes' list for singles

Randy Cordova
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 23, 2007 07:38 PM

Hot, single athletes

Good news for the lonely: According to Forbes, Phoenix is the 15th-best city for singles in the United States.

Of course, with the good comes a little bad. Last year, Phoenix was ranked No. 3 in the same survey.

"The ranking from last year to this year simply shows that a lot of those single people are now married," reasons Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, a man who knows how to look on the bright side of things.

He also points out that Phoenix has placed in the top 20 for the past six years. Take that, Detroit (No. 21), San Antonio (No. 28) or Cleveland (No. 37).

Forbes added a twist to the proceedings this year. They named a most-eligible bachelor and bachelorette for most cities. Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart and Jenn Hoffman, a publicist and Apprentice veteran, got the nods for the Valley.

Leinart previously was linked with Paris Hilton, while Hoffman dates KMLE-FM (107.9) personality Scott "Shappy" Shapiro.

"I was really surprised to be chosen," Hoffman says. "I kind of wondered how they even knew who I was."

She's never met Leinart, but thinks he is a logical choice.

"He's a very high-profile person in the Valley," she says. "He's kind of scandalous with women everywhere, so that makes him an extra-good choice."

She agrees that the city is a good place for singles. She even offers some advice for women looking to end their single status.

"The place I get hit on the most is the gym," she says.

A particular gym?

"Any gym. It sounds cheesy, but that's where people are obsessed with looks and hard bodies."

Forbes didn't include anything about health-club membership in its rankings. Instead, the magazine based its results on the areas of nightlife, culture, job growth, number of singles, cost of living alone and online dating. It also included the very Fonzie-like category of "coolness," which seems the very antithesis of cool.

"Phoenix is a great town for singles," says Eric Gudiño, 33, director of community relations for Arizona State University's downtown campus. "It's so diverse, which is fantastic. You can go to different parts of the Valley and see different segments of society."

Gudiño's haunts include Postino (postinowinecafe.com), Zen 32 (zen32.com) and the Merc Bar (mercbar.com). He gets out about two weekends a month.

"I'm getting older," he says. "Every weekend doesn't work for me any more."

Gordon thinks a lot of factors contribute to make Phoenix the place for young unmarrieds.

"It's a young city that doesn't have any social barriers," he says. "It values diversity and allows young people to succeed, and welcomes young people coming from other places."

Gordon doesn't have a lot of memories of his single days in the Valley. Well, that's not quite right.

"If I told you what Phoenix was like when I was single, my wife would kill me," he says. "Let's just say it's a great city to be in. I wouldn't want to leave, and I didn't."



Reach the reporter at randy.cordova@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-8849.