The best dog-friendly spots in Singapore
Mon Jan 10 0:02am
By Shirley Ngo
From dog parks, beaches and doggie cafes, CNNGo reader Shirley Ngo guides us to the best dog-friendly spots in SingaporeAs a dog owner, I always try to include Alphy, my toy poodle, in all our weekend activities.Here are the places we visit together where Alphy and friends are more than welcome and we can have a meal altogether.
Sentosa Beach
While Sentosa requires dogs to be leashed on most parts of the beach, the payoff is you'll meet many fellow dog owners from all over the world bringing their pooches here for a swim. By the time you are ready to go home, your dog is guaranteed a good night's sleep.Tip: Get there early. The best time to swim and relax is by 11 a.m., before the beach gets crowded and the sun blazing hot. Aim to be in the water by 9 a.m. and then spend the rest of the morning relaxing and resting until lunchtime.Fees: There is a gantry charge for all vehicles to enter Sentosa which ranges from S$2-$7 depending on the time and day you enter.
Tanjong Beach Club
The restaurant/bar which sits on Tanjong beach is dog-friendly and it's not unusual to see dogs and owners sharing beach chairs and enjoying the view together. They have a menu of food and drinks and at times can be pricey, especially if it is a day bed you're after, where there is a minimum charge of S$200.
120 Tanjong Beach Walk; Open Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-midnight; tel +65 6270 1355
Coastes
We usually finish swimming at Tanjong Beach and take our dog for a 15-minute walk to Siloso Beach and stop by Coastes for a break.Dogs are welcome to sit with their owners and even given comfortable bean bags to rest in as the humans fill their tummies up with hot dogs and nachos and enjoy a beer.
#01-05/06 Sentosa 50 Siloso Beach Walk; tel +65 6274 9668; Open Sunday-Thursday and public holidays, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday and eve of public holidays, 9 a.m.-1 a.m.
Urban Pooch
A dog and human cafe, daycare, grooming center and also a retailer of pet goods, Urban Pooch is popular for dog gatherings and hosts "barkday" parties.
Alphy's pal Mambo recently had his first barkday party at Urban Pooch and both human and doggie guests enjoyed tasty home cooked meals. Main courses for humans are priced under S$15 and doggie meals are under S$5.
A small birthday cake for dogs starts from S$20 and drinks kept reasonably priced. The dogs not only enjoyed their treats, but had a great time playing and working up their appetites in the daycare area before lunch.
#01-07, Monville Mansion, 530 Balestier Road; tel +65 6252 5046; Open Monday-Friday, 2-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 12:30-9:30 p.m.; urbanpooch.com.sg
Bishan Park Dog Park
Alphy loves the freedom to run and sniff as he pleases, so we enjoy taking him to the Bishan Dog Park.
There are two large enclosed fenced areas where dogs of all sizes get to run off leash and play ball. Usually you'll see the big breeds grouped together in one of the fenced areas and the smaller breeds in the other area (to prevent bullying of the smaller dogs).
Humans have to stay outside the fence while their dogs play. Some bring their own portable chairs and sit inside the enclosed area. Dog owners are also very friendly and happy to exchange stories of their dogs with you.
Hungry? Bishan Park also includes several dog friendly cafes and restaurants which are five minutes walking distance from the Dog Run.
1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 1; tel +65 6556 1533
The Canopy @ Aramsa: tapas, wines, brunch, Western dining
The Middle Rock Garden Bar: tapas, wine, cocktails
Green Room Café: vegetarian cafe, smoothies, fresh fruit juices with a wide selection of pizza, pasta and sandwiches
To read the full list, please visit CNNGo
Quoted: http://sg.travel.yahoo.com/inspirations/231-the-best-dog-friendly-spots-in-singapore?cid=today
Monday, January 17, 2011
8 love lessons from reality dating
8 love lessons from reality dating By Jennifer Armstrong
We continue to spend millions on relationship books and therapy, kill hours analyzing our dates with friends and poring over dating advice columns… and yet, there is one place we can go for all the answers — television. Whether we’re watching a Bachelorette contestant sifting through the best and worst mankind has to offer, a bunch of social-experiment-friendly singles Dating in the Dark, or some nubile young things playing for cash and love on Bachelor Pad, the best and worst moves anyone could make in the early stages of courtship are conveniently available for our consumption. It’s hard to even remember a time when dating was something done only in private — and that’s a dark era to which we never want to return. Here are the best lessons we’ve learned about dating from TV since The Bachelor premiered in 2002 — and here’s to hoping for many more years of valuable life lessons in the future.
1. Chemistry trumps all. Of course it would be wonderful if we could “choose” whom to fall in love with. But life is not scripted, and neither is reality TV (well, it’s not well-scripted, anyway). Case in point: the millions watching last summer’s extra-compelling dose of The Bachelorette wanted Ali Fedotowsky to pick hunky Massachusetts landscaper Chris Lambton — not only was he a salt-of-the-earth guy, but he had quit his New York City teaching job to go home to Cape Cod and care for his mother during her final months of battling cancer. And now, he was seeking the kind of true love his late mother and beloved father had shared. He was opening himself to the possibility of love for the first time since her death! If this were a movie, Fedotowsky would’ve chosen him. But in real life, even the biggest Lambton fan couldn’t miss the way Fedotowsky lit up every time her final pick — the suave, Spanish-speaking Roberto Martinez — was around, or the easy way the now-couple cuddled and kissed each other. Similarly, you might be impressed with a guy’s perfect profile, touching life story, great family, or impeccable resume — but you’ve got to hold out for the elusive spark. That’s what makes this whole love thing so hard — and so thrilling.
2. “The right reasons” are important. We all roll our eyes when The Bachelor or Bachelorette harps on whether their dates are on the show “for the right reasons.” But there’s good justification for all this talk of these “right reasons:” intention is everything in the dating world. And while those of us hanging out in real life don’t need to worry that a guy or girl is dating us to gain access to fame and all its perks (unless Jennifer Aniston is hitting up Match.com these days, which would actually make a great reality show), we do need to make sure someone’s falling for us and nothing else — not our social connections, not our money, not (just) sex, not our rent-stabilized apartment. Just ask The Bachelor’s infamous flameout couple: Jake Pavelka and Vienna Girardi. Or better yet, watch their notorious post-breakup sitdown with host Chris Harrison to see how far their real-life relationship managed to limp along without “the right reasons” backing it up.
3. It’s never too late to fix a “mistake.” In the 2009 Bachelor season, Jason Mesnick chose Melissa Rycroft in the finale — then, in the After the Final Rose interview special that aired just a week later, broke it off with Rycroft and admitted he still had feelings for runner-up Molly Malaney. He risked feeling the ire of a jilted nation, but unlike most Bachelor alums, Mesnick actually found a wife — he married Malaney in 2010 — and avoided walking down the aisle with a woman he didn’t truly love. And in real life, you don’t even have to break the news on national television! Think of how comparatively easy you have it if you’re ever faced with a similarly wrenching decision — and then do what you’ve got to do, no tabloid interference required.
4. Looks matter. Though the likes of Dating in the Dark and Average Joe clearly wanted to prove otherwise, life is hardly ‘80s teen comedy featuring Anthony Michael Hall. More often than not, the hotties chose the other hotties on Average Joe. And Dating in the Dark? There’s a reason it hasn’t been a huge hit: because its lessons are far subtler than your average dating show offers. Here’s what we (mostly) learned from Dating in the Dark: as singles get to know each other in a pitch-black room, it becomes clear that people who have things in common and share similar levels of attractiveness and like each other’s smells (seriously) tend to hit it off the most. It’s the dating-show equivalent of learning that a sensible diet and regular exercise are the keys to losing weight — boringly, disappointingly true.
5. Age matters, too. Even as cougar-mania swept the nation in 2007, Age of Love’s Mark Philippoussis picked 25-year-old dancer Amanda Salinas over 48-year-old mother Jennifer Braff. And while the show’s outcome doesn’t mean women can’t ever successfully date younger men — it’s still the exception, not the rule. Sorry, Cougar Town.
6. Love doesn’t happen by committee. Here’s an idea we could all see was a disaster in the making: 2003’s Married by America, in which, yes, viewers essentially voted on an arranged marriage between two “winning” contestants. Rejections and breakdowns ensued. No shockers here — so why do singles so often allow friends and family to weigh in when it comes to making the big decisions about their dating lives? Of course loved ones can offer insight when you’re too love-struck to see the truth, but all that matters in the end is how you feel.
7. You will be found out — one way or another — if you’re sneaking around. Of course, you’re not trying to cheat on national TV like some people — congratulations on not being a total idiot! — but lightning-fast advances in modern technology have now made sneaking around in secrecy virtually impossible. Two-timing never pays, as recent Bachelorette sting-operation target Justin Rego (whose hometown girlfriend called Fedotowsky and even handed over incriminating voicemails to be played on the air) can tell you.
8. It doesn’t matter where you meet someone if the connection is right. The very first Bachelorette — Trista Rehn — is, by all accounts, still happily married to her chosen suitor, Ryan Sutter, and living a quiet family life all these years later. And yet, the couple met via the most infamously “unsuccessful” mating method known to man: the reality dating show. And Tenley Molzahn and Kiptyn Locke fell for each other on this past season’s latest sleaze-fest, Bachelor Pad. Love truly can happen anywhere!
Jennifer Armstrong covers television for Entertainment Weekly, a job that includes faithfully chronicling the ups and downs of reality dating via meticulous Bachelorette recaps. She also cofounded feminist lifestyle site SirensMag.com and can be found online at JenniferMArmstrong.com.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=12131
We continue to spend millions on relationship books and therapy, kill hours analyzing our dates with friends and poring over dating advice columns… and yet, there is one place we can go for all the answers — television. Whether we’re watching a Bachelorette contestant sifting through the best and worst mankind has to offer, a bunch of social-experiment-friendly singles Dating in the Dark, or some nubile young things playing for cash and love on Bachelor Pad, the best and worst moves anyone could make in the early stages of courtship are conveniently available for our consumption. It’s hard to even remember a time when dating was something done only in private — and that’s a dark era to which we never want to return. Here are the best lessons we’ve learned about dating from TV since The Bachelor premiered in 2002 — and here’s to hoping for many more years of valuable life lessons in the future.
1. Chemistry trumps all. Of course it would be wonderful if we could “choose” whom to fall in love with. But life is not scripted, and neither is reality TV (well, it’s not well-scripted, anyway). Case in point: the millions watching last summer’s extra-compelling dose of The Bachelorette wanted Ali Fedotowsky to pick hunky Massachusetts landscaper Chris Lambton — not only was he a salt-of-the-earth guy, but he had quit his New York City teaching job to go home to Cape Cod and care for his mother during her final months of battling cancer. And now, he was seeking the kind of true love his late mother and beloved father had shared. He was opening himself to the possibility of love for the first time since her death! If this were a movie, Fedotowsky would’ve chosen him. But in real life, even the biggest Lambton fan couldn’t miss the way Fedotowsky lit up every time her final pick — the suave, Spanish-speaking Roberto Martinez — was around, or the easy way the now-couple cuddled and kissed each other. Similarly, you might be impressed with a guy’s perfect profile, touching life story, great family, or impeccable resume — but you’ve got to hold out for the elusive spark. That’s what makes this whole love thing so hard — and so thrilling.
2. “The right reasons” are important. We all roll our eyes when The Bachelor or Bachelorette harps on whether their dates are on the show “for the right reasons.” But there’s good justification for all this talk of these “right reasons:” intention is everything in the dating world. And while those of us hanging out in real life don’t need to worry that a guy or girl is dating us to gain access to fame and all its perks (unless Jennifer Aniston is hitting up Match.com these days, which would actually make a great reality show), we do need to make sure someone’s falling for us and nothing else — not our social connections, not our money, not (just) sex, not our rent-stabilized apartment. Just ask The Bachelor’s infamous flameout couple: Jake Pavelka and Vienna Girardi. Or better yet, watch their notorious post-breakup sitdown with host Chris Harrison to see how far their real-life relationship managed to limp along without “the right reasons” backing it up.
3. It’s never too late to fix a “mistake.” In the 2009 Bachelor season, Jason Mesnick chose Melissa Rycroft in the finale — then, in the After the Final Rose interview special that aired just a week later, broke it off with Rycroft and admitted he still had feelings for runner-up Molly Malaney. He risked feeling the ire of a jilted nation, but unlike most Bachelor alums, Mesnick actually found a wife — he married Malaney in 2010 — and avoided walking down the aisle with a woman he didn’t truly love. And in real life, you don’t even have to break the news on national television! Think of how comparatively easy you have it if you’re ever faced with a similarly wrenching decision — and then do what you’ve got to do, no tabloid interference required.
4. Looks matter. Though the likes of Dating in the Dark and Average Joe clearly wanted to prove otherwise, life is hardly ‘80s teen comedy featuring Anthony Michael Hall. More often than not, the hotties chose the other hotties on Average Joe. And Dating in the Dark? There’s a reason it hasn’t been a huge hit: because its lessons are far subtler than your average dating show offers. Here’s what we (mostly) learned from Dating in the Dark: as singles get to know each other in a pitch-black room, it becomes clear that people who have things in common and share similar levels of attractiveness and like each other’s smells (seriously) tend to hit it off the most. It’s the dating-show equivalent of learning that a sensible diet and regular exercise are the keys to losing weight — boringly, disappointingly true.
5. Age matters, too. Even as cougar-mania swept the nation in 2007, Age of Love’s Mark Philippoussis picked 25-year-old dancer Amanda Salinas over 48-year-old mother Jennifer Braff. And while the show’s outcome doesn’t mean women can’t ever successfully date younger men — it’s still the exception, not the rule. Sorry, Cougar Town.
6. Love doesn’t happen by committee. Here’s an idea we could all see was a disaster in the making: 2003’s Married by America, in which, yes, viewers essentially voted on an arranged marriage between two “winning” contestants. Rejections and breakdowns ensued. No shockers here — so why do singles so often allow friends and family to weigh in when it comes to making the big decisions about their dating lives? Of course loved ones can offer insight when you’re too love-struck to see the truth, but all that matters in the end is how you feel.
7. You will be found out — one way or another — if you’re sneaking around. Of course, you’re not trying to cheat on national TV like some people — congratulations on not being a total idiot! — but lightning-fast advances in modern technology have now made sneaking around in secrecy virtually impossible. Two-timing never pays, as recent Bachelorette sting-operation target Justin Rego (whose hometown girlfriend called Fedotowsky and even handed over incriminating voicemails to be played on the air) can tell you.
8. It doesn’t matter where you meet someone if the connection is right. The very first Bachelorette — Trista Rehn — is, by all accounts, still happily married to her chosen suitor, Ryan Sutter, and living a quiet family life all these years later. And yet, the couple met via the most infamously “unsuccessful” mating method known to man: the reality dating show. And Tenley Molzahn and Kiptyn Locke fell for each other on this past season’s latest sleaze-fest, Bachelor Pad. Love truly can happen anywhere!
Jennifer Armstrong covers television for Entertainment Weekly, a job that includes faithfully chronicling the ups and downs of reality dating via meticulous Bachelorette recaps. She also cofounded feminist lifestyle site SirensMag.com and can be found online at JenniferMArmstrong.com.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=12131
“Why I liked his profile”
“Why I liked his profile” By Kimberly Dawn Neumann
When it comes to online profiles, what is it that captures a woman’s attention — that makes her want to send a wink or an email… or reply to the email you’ve sent? Though different traits appeal to different women, there are certain truths about what works and what doesn’t. With that in mind, we asked several women who’d met someone special online to share their experiences and insights. Learn what wooed these women, and how to apply their lessons when crafting your own “About Me” part of your profile.
‘He was looking for a real relationship’
“I was attracted to Fred’s profile for several reasons, aside from the fact that he was a veterinarian and liked old movies — both huge plusses in my book. I specifically remember noticing that he used the word ‘loyal’ several times to describe himself and the person he was seeking. With so many guys just looking to hook up these days, it was refreshing to find someone who seemed to be seeking something more. We’ve now been dating for a couple months and his loyalty is evident and definitely one of his best traits.”— Caitlin, 31, Garden City, KS
Lesson Learned: Many women are suspicious of potential players, so don’t be afraid to put something about that in your profile. Incorporating words like loyal, committed, honest and faithful may catch the relationship-seeking woman’s attention. The kicker, however, is that you have to mean it or she’ll see right through you on your first coffee date.
‘He didn’t just list his interests’
“David was the first and only guy I corresponded with. No lie! Though it’s been seven years since I first read his profile, I do remember that he said something about wanting to meet someone who was ‘willing to learn and willing to teach.’ Instead of just listing adjectives, he used examples to describe himself. ‘Someone who wanted to grow and be patient enough to inspire growth in someone.’ I really connected with that — it really seemed to capture so much about his essence, versus what kind of food he liked and what his favorite movie was. We clicked right away, and we’ve now been married for four years.— Tina, 39, Brooklyn, NY
Lesson Learned: Anyone can rattle off a series of descriptive words about themselves — “I’m funny, smart, honest, friendly and active.” Or “I love travel, beaches, dogs, sunsets, funny movies, good dinners…” And most profile readers probably find their eyes glazing over a bit. Intriguing profiles go a step further by setting up scenarios that “show” the reader what you’re like. Instead of saying you’re “caring,” give an example about how you volunteer your time or help friends in need. That will give a woman 10 times more information about you than a single adjective.
‘He put his values front and center’
“There were two things that really attracted me to Anthony’s profile. To begin with, he mentioned that he was a devout Christian. That is huge for me because I’m very faith-oriented and need a man in my life who knows what it means to pray. In addition, he mentioned that on a scale of 1-to-10, his family ranked a 10 as far as importance. This was another quality I absolutely responded to since I’m incredibly close with my family and cannot wait to have children of my own someday. His faith and his family values were huge selling points, and when we met in person, it was clear that these qualities were truly important to both of us and drew us together. Five months later, we’re talking seriously about the future.” — Christina, 35, Los Angeles, CA
Lesson Learned: Worried about putting possible deal-breakers into your profile? Don’t be. You are who you are, and there’s someone out there for you. While your innate macho instinct might make you hesitant to mention your strong faith, close relationship with your grandmother, or deep desire to be a daddy, keep in mind that these might just be the very traits that will attract your dream gal. And while opposites do sometimes attract, if there are key lifestyle factors that you have in common, your chances of success as a couple may actually be higher.
‘He cared enough to be grammatically correct’
“What attracted me to Eugene’s profile was, first and foremost, that I could tell making a good impression mattered to him. Everything was spelled correctly, the grammar was perfect. I see so many profiles that don’t even use any capitalization. This might be fine in a text message, but not in a profile written by an adult in his 30s or 40s! If a man does not take the time to spell-check his profile, then to me it shows he’s just not into making the effort… Eugene’s well-written profile definitely led to our dating.” — Karrie, 38, New York, NY
Lesson Learned: Here’s a little secret… women actually READ what you write in your profile. So don’t think you can get away with just cruising through the answers and then wait for the responses to pour in. A successful online dating experience begins with a good profile, and that includes taking the time to check your spelling! Attention to the little details, like grammar, shows that you’re actually invested in this online dating process because you recognize that your profile is your “first impression.” Take the time and do it right!
‘He was totally positive’
“My now husband’s profile was first attractive to me because it was honest, genuine and upbeat. It wasn’t full of key phrases guys use to make them appear sensitive, like ‘long walks on the beach.’ But the biggest thing I remember is that there was absolutely ZERO negativity in his profile. I am a positive person so I was totally attracted to that.— Kathy, 43, Dallas, TX
Lesson Learned: While you may be “sick of the singles scene” or “not sure what I’m doing on this site,” your profile is not the time or place to voice this. You’re both looking online… enough said. No need to be negative about dating. Instead use your 2000 or so available profile characters to give your potential dates a glimpse of what makes you special, what really gets you going and what makes you happy. And be positive about the potential of the Internet to bring you into contact with people you might not meet otherwise. An upbeat attitude about online dating will breed cyber success more than starting with a downer like, “Have all the good ones been taken?” — so think positive!
Kimberly Dawn Neumann is a dating and relationship writer based in New York. She is the author of The Real Reasons Men Commit: Why He Will — or Won’t — Love, Honor and Marry You, and has written for Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Health, among others.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=9390
When it comes to online profiles, what is it that captures a woman’s attention — that makes her want to send a wink or an email… or reply to the email you’ve sent? Though different traits appeal to different women, there are certain truths about what works and what doesn’t. With that in mind, we asked several women who’d met someone special online to share their experiences and insights. Learn what wooed these women, and how to apply their lessons when crafting your own “About Me” part of your profile.
‘He was looking for a real relationship’
“I was attracted to Fred’s profile for several reasons, aside from the fact that he was a veterinarian and liked old movies — both huge plusses in my book. I specifically remember noticing that he used the word ‘loyal’ several times to describe himself and the person he was seeking. With so many guys just looking to hook up these days, it was refreshing to find someone who seemed to be seeking something more. We’ve now been dating for a couple months and his loyalty is evident and definitely one of his best traits.”— Caitlin, 31, Garden City, KS
Lesson Learned: Many women are suspicious of potential players, so don’t be afraid to put something about that in your profile. Incorporating words like loyal, committed, honest and faithful may catch the relationship-seeking woman’s attention. The kicker, however, is that you have to mean it or she’ll see right through you on your first coffee date.
‘He didn’t just list his interests’
“David was the first and only guy I corresponded with. No lie! Though it’s been seven years since I first read his profile, I do remember that he said something about wanting to meet someone who was ‘willing to learn and willing to teach.’ Instead of just listing adjectives, he used examples to describe himself. ‘Someone who wanted to grow and be patient enough to inspire growth in someone.’ I really connected with that — it really seemed to capture so much about his essence, versus what kind of food he liked and what his favorite movie was. We clicked right away, and we’ve now been married for four years.— Tina, 39, Brooklyn, NY
Lesson Learned: Anyone can rattle off a series of descriptive words about themselves — “I’m funny, smart, honest, friendly and active.” Or “I love travel, beaches, dogs, sunsets, funny movies, good dinners…” And most profile readers probably find their eyes glazing over a bit. Intriguing profiles go a step further by setting up scenarios that “show” the reader what you’re like. Instead of saying you’re “caring,” give an example about how you volunteer your time or help friends in need. That will give a woman 10 times more information about you than a single adjective.
‘He put his values front and center’
“There were two things that really attracted me to Anthony’s profile. To begin with, he mentioned that he was a devout Christian. That is huge for me because I’m very faith-oriented and need a man in my life who knows what it means to pray. In addition, he mentioned that on a scale of 1-to-10, his family ranked a 10 as far as importance. This was another quality I absolutely responded to since I’m incredibly close with my family and cannot wait to have children of my own someday. His faith and his family values were huge selling points, and when we met in person, it was clear that these qualities were truly important to both of us and drew us together. Five months later, we’re talking seriously about the future.” — Christina, 35, Los Angeles, CA
Lesson Learned: Worried about putting possible deal-breakers into your profile? Don’t be. You are who you are, and there’s someone out there for you. While your innate macho instinct might make you hesitant to mention your strong faith, close relationship with your grandmother, or deep desire to be a daddy, keep in mind that these might just be the very traits that will attract your dream gal. And while opposites do sometimes attract, if there are key lifestyle factors that you have in common, your chances of success as a couple may actually be higher.
‘He cared enough to be grammatically correct’
“What attracted me to Eugene’s profile was, first and foremost, that I could tell making a good impression mattered to him. Everything was spelled correctly, the grammar was perfect. I see so many profiles that don’t even use any capitalization. This might be fine in a text message, but not in a profile written by an adult in his 30s or 40s! If a man does not take the time to spell-check his profile, then to me it shows he’s just not into making the effort… Eugene’s well-written profile definitely led to our dating.” — Karrie, 38, New York, NY
Lesson Learned: Here’s a little secret… women actually READ what you write in your profile. So don’t think you can get away with just cruising through the answers and then wait for the responses to pour in. A successful online dating experience begins with a good profile, and that includes taking the time to check your spelling! Attention to the little details, like grammar, shows that you’re actually invested in this online dating process because you recognize that your profile is your “first impression.” Take the time and do it right!
‘He was totally positive’
“My now husband’s profile was first attractive to me because it was honest, genuine and upbeat. It wasn’t full of key phrases guys use to make them appear sensitive, like ‘long walks on the beach.’ But the biggest thing I remember is that there was absolutely ZERO negativity in his profile. I am a positive person so I was totally attracted to that.— Kathy, 43, Dallas, TX
Lesson Learned: While you may be “sick of the singles scene” or “not sure what I’m doing on this site,” your profile is not the time or place to voice this. You’re both looking online… enough said. No need to be negative about dating. Instead use your 2000 or so available profile characters to give your potential dates a glimpse of what makes you special, what really gets you going and what makes you happy. And be positive about the potential of the Internet to bring you into contact with people you might not meet otherwise. An upbeat attitude about online dating will breed cyber success more than starting with a downer like, “Have all the good ones been taken?” — so think positive!
Kimberly Dawn Neumann is a dating and relationship writer based in New York. She is the author of The Real Reasons Men Commit: Why He Will — or Won’t — Love, Honor and Marry You, and has written for Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Health, among others.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=9390
“Why I liked her profile”
“Why I liked her profile” By Kimberly Dawn Neumann
What makes a profile “pop” online? No doubt men are visual creatures, so a good photo will probably help a woman get online attention. But beyond that, what are guys really looking for? To help get you the info you need, we asked some men who’d had successful online-dating experiences this question: What caught your cyber-eye?
‘Her photo and profile were in sync’
“There were lots of things about Angie that I found intriguing but the first thing that caught my eye was her totally zany photo. She had a bright red wig and was screaming into the camera like a ’70s punk-rock star… I guess I like it spicy. And her written profile was very short and self-deprecating. I enjoyed that she didn’t take herself too seriously. When I met her, she was exactly ‘as advertised’ which is the key point here. For a woman’s profile to work, the picture has to match the profile which has to match reality.” — Patrick, 38, Cambridge, MA
Lesson Learned: Men like truth in advertising. So, they want to know that what they see is what they’re going to get. Keep that in mind when creating your profile/posting your photos. This is your chance to show who you are, not who you think guys might like. If you’re seeking a serious match, try to make your profile represent the person they’ll meet on that first coffee date. It’ll get you further than pretending to be kooky when you’re bookish, posting a photo that showed you 20 pounds thinner or saying you like to golf when you don’t know a driver from a wedge.
‘She was talking to me’
“I was attracted to so many things about Patricia, but the one thing I really remember liking the most about her profile was that it was very conversational and didn’t come across as a ‘sales pitch’ for why I should date her. Instead I felt like there was a real person on the other end of her profile, and her warmth was evident from her words. We’ve now been married for three years.” — Josh, 60, New York, NY
Lesson Learned: Men are more likely to be intrigued if they can think of you as a real, live human being on the other end of — well, their wireless connection. So instead of just listing your attributes and achievements like a resume, talk to the guys out there instead! “Write your profile in a tone that you’d use with a new friend or picture yourself sitting down to coffee and describing yourself to someone, then write from there,” says Cherie Burbach, who not only met her husband online but wrote about it in At The Coffee Shop. “The key is to give enough description that someone reading your profile can picture a date with you and all the fun you’ll have.”
‘She and I had a ton of things in common’
“I’m very athletic so it was a priority for me to find someone who could keep up with my energetic pace. I responded to my now girlfriend’s profile because she was also clearly active — she mentioned rollerblading, dancing, yoga, swimming, weights at the gym and ‘highly competitive’ all within the context of her profile. She also said that ‘working out was like brushing her teeth’ — she does it every day. Knowing we had that in common seemed like a good start. Now that we’re dating, we even go to the gym together.” — Matt, 38, New York, NY
Lesson Learned: Guys are looking for a “partner in crime.” They want someone they can do things with. So while it’s great if you want to mention that you like to knit and go to the ballet, be sure your profile also lists some more guy-friendly activities that you truly enjoy. Think sporting events, hip restaurants, movies… but remember that honesty is key. Once he realizes you have things in common, he’ll be encouraged to write because he can envision you engaging in your mutual interests… together.
‘She was self-assured’
“Aside from the fact that she used the word ‘albeit’ in her profile and I’m a sucker for a good vocabulary, all I remember about Tina Marie’s profile is that she wrote ‘I'm attractive. Are you?’ You have to be pretty confident to make that statement, so I was intrigued. I sent her a photo of myself and wrote ‘I'll let you decide!’ Apparently she thought I was because we’ve been together for seven years now and happily married for four!” — David, 42, Edmonds, WA
Lesson Learned: It’s the online equivalent of “Do I look fat in this?” — men aren’t drawn to women who come across as insecure. “Men can sense neediness from miles away,” says Bev Bacon, author of Meet Me, Don’t Delete Me. “If you feel self-esteem and self-confidence are not your strong suit, do something about it!” But don’t write about it! Instead focus on the areas where you are secure, whether it’s your fashion sense, your successful career or your innate ability to make people feel at home. Confidence is sexy to men!
‘She shared her values’
“Even though Tina’s family lives on the other side of the country, her profile mentioned them repeatedly. I remember being impressed that someone who lived so far away from her relatives still managed to maintain such a close relationship with them. Then, she mentioned her faith as important. I could not date someone who didn’t have some kind of religion in her life and think common beliefs can be a great basis for a strong relationship so that stood out to me. We’ve been happily dating for five months!”— Anthony, 35, Wall Township, NJ
Lesson Learned: Many women shy away from mentioning family and faith when talking about themselves out of fear that they’ll seem too serious and scare men off. Not so! Many men hold the exact same values and will respond to your mentioning what really matters most to you.
Kimberly Dawn Neumann is a dating and relationship writer based in New York. She is the author of The Real Reasons Men Commit: Why He Will — or Won’t — Love, Honor and Marry You, and has written for Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Health, among others.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=9389
What makes a profile “pop” online? No doubt men are visual creatures, so a good photo will probably help a woman get online attention. But beyond that, what are guys really looking for? To help get you the info you need, we asked some men who’d had successful online-dating experiences this question: What caught your cyber-eye?
‘Her photo and profile were in sync’
“There were lots of things about Angie that I found intriguing but the first thing that caught my eye was her totally zany photo. She had a bright red wig and was screaming into the camera like a ’70s punk-rock star… I guess I like it spicy. And her written profile was very short and self-deprecating. I enjoyed that she didn’t take herself too seriously. When I met her, she was exactly ‘as advertised’ which is the key point here. For a woman’s profile to work, the picture has to match the profile which has to match reality.” — Patrick, 38, Cambridge, MA
Lesson Learned: Men like truth in advertising. So, they want to know that what they see is what they’re going to get. Keep that in mind when creating your profile/posting your photos. This is your chance to show who you are, not who you think guys might like. If you’re seeking a serious match, try to make your profile represent the person they’ll meet on that first coffee date. It’ll get you further than pretending to be kooky when you’re bookish, posting a photo that showed you 20 pounds thinner or saying you like to golf when you don’t know a driver from a wedge.
‘She was talking to me’
“I was attracted to so many things about Patricia, but the one thing I really remember liking the most about her profile was that it was very conversational and didn’t come across as a ‘sales pitch’ for why I should date her. Instead I felt like there was a real person on the other end of her profile, and her warmth was evident from her words. We’ve now been married for three years.” — Josh, 60, New York, NY
Lesson Learned: Men are more likely to be intrigued if they can think of you as a real, live human being on the other end of — well, their wireless connection. So instead of just listing your attributes and achievements like a resume, talk to the guys out there instead! “Write your profile in a tone that you’d use with a new friend or picture yourself sitting down to coffee and describing yourself to someone, then write from there,” says Cherie Burbach, who not only met her husband online but wrote about it in At The Coffee Shop. “The key is to give enough description that someone reading your profile can picture a date with you and all the fun you’ll have.”
‘She and I had a ton of things in common’
“I’m very athletic so it was a priority for me to find someone who could keep up with my energetic pace. I responded to my now girlfriend’s profile because she was also clearly active — she mentioned rollerblading, dancing, yoga, swimming, weights at the gym and ‘highly competitive’ all within the context of her profile. She also said that ‘working out was like brushing her teeth’ — she does it every day. Knowing we had that in common seemed like a good start. Now that we’re dating, we even go to the gym together.” — Matt, 38, New York, NY
Lesson Learned: Guys are looking for a “partner in crime.” They want someone they can do things with. So while it’s great if you want to mention that you like to knit and go to the ballet, be sure your profile also lists some more guy-friendly activities that you truly enjoy. Think sporting events, hip restaurants, movies… but remember that honesty is key. Once he realizes you have things in common, he’ll be encouraged to write because he can envision you engaging in your mutual interests… together.
‘She was self-assured’
“Aside from the fact that she used the word ‘albeit’ in her profile and I’m a sucker for a good vocabulary, all I remember about Tina Marie’s profile is that she wrote ‘I'm attractive. Are you?’ You have to be pretty confident to make that statement, so I was intrigued. I sent her a photo of myself and wrote ‘I'll let you decide!’ Apparently she thought I was because we’ve been together for seven years now and happily married for four!” — David, 42, Edmonds, WA
Lesson Learned: It’s the online equivalent of “Do I look fat in this?” — men aren’t drawn to women who come across as insecure. “Men can sense neediness from miles away,” says Bev Bacon, author of Meet Me, Don’t Delete Me. “If you feel self-esteem and self-confidence are not your strong suit, do something about it!” But don’t write about it! Instead focus on the areas where you are secure, whether it’s your fashion sense, your successful career or your innate ability to make people feel at home. Confidence is sexy to men!
‘She shared her values’
“Even though Tina’s family lives on the other side of the country, her profile mentioned them repeatedly. I remember being impressed that someone who lived so far away from her relatives still managed to maintain such a close relationship with them. Then, she mentioned her faith as important. I could not date someone who didn’t have some kind of religion in her life and think common beliefs can be a great basis for a strong relationship so that stood out to me. We’ve been happily dating for five months!”— Anthony, 35, Wall Township, NJ
Lesson Learned: Many women shy away from mentioning family and faith when talking about themselves out of fear that they’ll seem too serious and scare men off. Not so! Many men hold the exact same values and will respond to your mentioning what really matters most to you.
Kimberly Dawn Neumann is a dating and relationship writer based in New York. She is the author of The Real Reasons Men Commit: Why He Will — or Won’t — Love, Honor and Marry You, and has written for Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Health, among others.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=9389
Six ways to say “I love you”
Six ways to say “I love you” By Laura Gilbert
When you’re going out with a great person, it’s tempting to max out your credit cards on the biggest, shiniest, most see-how-much-I’m-into-you gift possible. But as most of us have learned from Valentine’s Day experiences, birthdays, and holidays past, the best gifts are rarely the priciest. Usually, they’re the most thoughtful. To that end, we’ve come up with six of the cutest, coolest, most thoughtful things that you can do for any special day to truly show how much you care.
1. Frame a mutual memento
Start with a simple picture frame and get ready to create some low-cost art that’s rich in sentimental value. No, you’re not giving your partner a picture of you, silly. What you need is a memento (just one — no collage skills necessary) from your first date or the time you met, like a matchbook from the restaurant, the receipt where she scrawled her number, a ticket stub from a movie, a brochure for a museum, or an invitation to the party where you two first locked eyes. Put it all together for a simple, sleek piece of art that’s extra-special for the two of you.
2. Give flowers with finesse
Flowers are a classic gift from an admirer, but they can also set off someone’s cliché alarm. So forget about the overpriced long-stem roses and give your blooms some personality. Start by buying a bunch of loose stems — any that suit your fancy, though choosing two or three different shades of one flower is usually a winner. Or, try different varieties of flowers, all in the same color. Then, wrap something creative around the stems, outside of the florist’s paper — say, a rock-climber’s rope if your date is athletic; a scarf or charm bracelet if your sweetie adores accessorizing; or even a new set of ear buds or cordless mouse if your honey is high-tech.
3. Monogram something surprising
Give your date a taste of the upscale life by giving a monogrammed gift of something you’d never expect to see in a “luxury” version. Start by buying something you already had in mind for your pumpkin, whether that’s a leather case for her iPod, some cute cotton pajamas, or a great new chef’s knife. Then take it to an engraver’s shop or tailor to have it personalized with his or her initials — monograms make even the most practical gift feel priceless. For bonus “Awww…” points, engrave the item with your nickname or pet name for your sweetie instead.
4. Try this card trick
Back in school, you had to bring enough small Valentines for everyone in your class. Now that you’ve got just one special person, you can give him or her the entire box! Hit a grocery or drug store, and buy a package of those silly Valentine’s Day cards from your past. Write cute notes on the back of each, then hide them in things your sweetie uses regularly: tucked inside a jacket pocket, on the driver’s seat of the car, taped to the back of his or her BlackBerry, you name it. Even (or especially!) if it’s several weeks before your cutie finds them all, your clever cards guarantee frequent little surprises — and happy thoughts of you.
5. Nix a chore your sweetie abhors
Sometimes, the best gifts don’t give us something we love, but eliminate something we hate. Your sweetheart will be overjoyed if you take over his or her most-loathed duty, whether it’s laundry, house cleaning, or the monthly Costco run for toilet paper and other staples. You can hand-draw a coupon for doing it yourself, pre-pay for a maid or laundry service, or, if you two are at the level where you’ve exchanged keys, take care of it while your honey is out — the sincere thanks you get will be well worth it.
6. Burn some fond memories into a CD
Mix CDs are a classic gift to give amongst the lovestruck. While the straightforward sentiments in love songs are surely accurate, you can make your CD even more personal by including tunes that refer to different things you’ve done together. Not sure what fits the bill? Check a song-lyric database, like Songlyrics.com, Sing365.com, or Lyricsdownload.com, and search for songs that speak to your relationship — like “Route 66” to commemorate your recent road trip or “One More Cup of Coffee” if you met at Starbucks. And whether you’re dating a Sharona or a Bobby, consider ending your playlist with a tune that contains your sweetie’s name — you’ll be surprised by just how often even some truly unusual names pop up in song lyrics. It’s not an expensive gift to give — but definitely one that showcases your thoughtfulness.
Freelance writer Laura Gilbert likes the evil twist ending in the Kenny Rogers song called “Laura.”
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/cp.aspx?cpp=/cppp/yahoo/article.html&articleid=6061&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=722790&ER=sessiontimeout
When you’re going out with a great person, it’s tempting to max out your credit cards on the biggest, shiniest, most see-how-much-I’m-into-you gift possible. But as most of us have learned from Valentine’s Day experiences, birthdays, and holidays past, the best gifts are rarely the priciest. Usually, they’re the most thoughtful. To that end, we’ve come up with six of the cutest, coolest, most thoughtful things that you can do for any special day to truly show how much you care.
1. Frame a mutual memento
Start with a simple picture frame and get ready to create some low-cost art that’s rich in sentimental value. No, you’re not giving your partner a picture of you, silly. What you need is a memento (just one — no collage skills necessary) from your first date or the time you met, like a matchbook from the restaurant, the receipt where she scrawled her number, a ticket stub from a movie, a brochure for a museum, or an invitation to the party where you two first locked eyes. Put it all together for a simple, sleek piece of art that’s extra-special for the two of you.
2. Give flowers with finesse
Flowers are a classic gift from an admirer, but they can also set off someone’s cliché alarm. So forget about the overpriced long-stem roses and give your blooms some personality. Start by buying a bunch of loose stems — any that suit your fancy, though choosing two or three different shades of one flower is usually a winner. Or, try different varieties of flowers, all in the same color. Then, wrap something creative around the stems, outside of the florist’s paper — say, a rock-climber’s rope if your date is athletic; a scarf or charm bracelet if your sweetie adores accessorizing; or even a new set of ear buds or cordless mouse if your honey is high-tech.
3. Monogram something surprising
Give your date a taste of the upscale life by giving a monogrammed gift of something you’d never expect to see in a “luxury” version. Start by buying something you already had in mind for your pumpkin, whether that’s a leather case for her iPod, some cute cotton pajamas, or a great new chef’s knife. Then take it to an engraver’s shop or tailor to have it personalized with his or her initials — monograms make even the most practical gift feel priceless. For bonus “Awww…” points, engrave the item with your nickname or pet name for your sweetie instead.
4. Try this card trick
Back in school, you had to bring enough small Valentines for everyone in your class. Now that you’ve got just one special person, you can give him or her the entire box! Hit a grocery or drug store, and buy a package of those silly Valentine’s Day cards from your past. Write cute notes on the back of each, then hide them in things your sweetie uses regularly: tucked inside a jacket pocket, on the driver’s seat of the car, taped to the back of his or her BlackBerry, you name it. Even (or especially!) if it’s several weeks before your cutie finds them all, your clever cards guarantee frequent little surprises — and happy thoughts of you.
5. Nix a chore your sweetie abhors
Sometimes, the best gifts don’t give us something we love, but eliminate something we hate. Your sweetheart will be overjoyed if you take over his or her most-loathed duty, whether it’s laundry, house cleaning, or the monthly Costco run for toilet paper and other staples. You can hand-draw a coupon for doing it yourself, pre-pay for a maid or laundry service, or, if you two are at the level where you’ve exchanged keys, take care of it while your honey is out — the sincere thanks you get will be well worth it.
6. Burn some fond memories into a CD
Mix CDs are a classic gift to give amongst the lovestruck. While the straightforward sentiments in love songs are surely accurate, you can make your CD even more personal by including tunes that refer to different things you’ve done together. Not sure what fits the bill? Check a song-lyric database, like Songlyrics.com, Sing365.com, or Lyricsdownload.com, and search for songs that speak to your relationship — like “Route 66” to commemorate your recent road trip or “One More Cup of Coffee” if you met at Starbucks. And whether you’re dating a Sharona or a Bobby, consider ending your playlist with a tune that contains your sweetie’s name — you’ll be surprised by just how often even some truly unusual names pop up in song lyrics. It’s not an expensive gift to give — but definitely one that showcases your thoughtfulness.
Freelance writer Laura Gilbert likes the evil twist ending in the Kenny Rogers song called “Laura.”
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/cp.aspx?cpp=/cppp/yahoo/article.html&articleid=6061&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=722790&ER=sessiontimeout
Glory to God Alone
King Nebuchadnezzar looked upon Babylon and claimed the glory of that kingdom for himself. But God humbled the king by sending him to the desert until Nebuchadnezzar realized to whom glory was due. "Is God dealing in a similiar way, my reader, with you? Lifted up by your position, and boastful of your gifts and achievements, you have not given God the glory. He has, perhaps, drawn a momentary cloud-shade over your mental powers, or has incapacitated you physically for the trust confided to your hands, and, like the deposed monarch, He has removed you from place and power into a school to you, the most humiliating and painful. But, be still, and know that Hie is God. A bright light shines in this dark cloud. God's thoughts towards you are thoughts of peace, and not of evil. Humble yourself under His mighty hand, and He will exalt you in due time. Yield not to despondency, still less to distrust and despair. God will not forsake you, nor Christ cease to pray that your mind be preserved, and that your tried and sifted faith may not fail. All these emptyings and ploughings are but to prepare you for larger blessings and greater fruitfulness. Thus was it with the king of Babylon, and thus will it be with you. As soon as Nebuchadnezzar recognized that glory was due to God and all these things he possessed was only added unto him through God's grace, all things were restored to him. If you are in this season of humility because of God's grace, why not pray for a revelation of God's heart so that you may also give God all the glory that He alone deserves."
Living Life
Living Life
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