Dating Site Encourages Members to Make the Most of Post-Christmas Activity.

The weeks after Christmas are always an important time of the year for online dating sites and this year agencies have reported a 350 per cent increase in activity for the period. The team at Relationship is excited about the increased activity and what it means for their members.

Relationship is a dating site that specialises in helping people find long-term relationships and the site has a particular focus on providing the sophisticated search technology and network of advice that make online dating such an exciting and useful experience.

However, the team behind the website are particular enthused by the fact that online dating appears to be growing even more popular than ever. The weeks after Christmas represent a time of year when more and more people are up for trying new things when it comes to love, while others are testing out the fruits of greater reflection on what they want from life.

The online dating community welcomes all with open arms and the spike in activity simply means that members of that community have more people to connect with and more possibilities when it comes to setting up dates, chatting online and getting what they want out of the internet dating industry.

The team at Relationship are encouraging members to take advantage of the activity and to extend the proper welcome to newcomers. After all, the weeks after Christmas also represent a time when more and more people sign up to online dating sites for the very first time. The better people’s experiences of online dating in the early stages of their membership, the more positive the environment for everyone.

Relationship is one of the leading dating agencies in the UK, offering the chance for single people of all ages and backgrounds to strike up a lasting connecting. As a member of Dating Factory, the website has access to one of the most popular and successful dating engines in the world.

Tinder: The New Dating App for College Students I Find Incredibly Creepy.

Step foot on any college campus and the name “Tinder” is bound to creep up–emphasis on “creep,” because the iOS app does nothing but make me feel uncomfortable.

To put it simply, Tinder focuses on one question: Hot or not? The dating app anonymously matches users with people within a 50 mile radius of them, and gives them the option of pressing a red X (Not interested! Sorry, I’m not sorry.) or a green heart (Smokeshow! Like me?!). If both people express interest, Tinder notifies them and they’re allowed to start building a budding mobile romance.

Now, users login through Facebook, so Tinder can generate an account consisting of a profile picture, age and location, as well as allow people to see if they share any mutual friends or interests with other users.

Sounds way less creepy than, say, Match com or OKCupid, right?

Well, I just downloaded the app and have been yaying or naying people for a solid 30 minutes–all in the name of journalistic research, of course. What I realized, however, is that my own profile is flawed.

It says I’m 12. Yes, 12 years old.

Somehow, my birthday on Facebook–which I correctly entered in (8/9/89, for anyone wondering. Feel free to buy presents.)–didn’t sync with the app, meaning I’m now a 12-year-old 23 year old. How alarming is that? How can I trust anyone else’s age when my own has timewarped me back to the eighth grade?

Do you remember the eighth grade? Back then, my dad used to drive me to the movies so I could see my boyfriend who was so “super romantic” because he bought me Mike and Ike candies from the Family Dollar store next door. Most of which he’d proceed to eat, because I stubbornly dragged him to see “Maid in Manhattan” starring the ever-so-talented Jennifer Lopez.

Also, if I’m “12,” and a 30-something is liking me on Tinder, shouldn’t I be concerned and call the cops?

Beyond age, my co-worker quickly confirmed my other fear. He said his recently rotund friend was on Tinder, but only featuring slimmer photos of himself. Therefore, he has taken an app run entirely on looks and wiped it clean of the only reputable feature it had going for it.

Say we had no mutual friends or interests–I now know absolutely nothing about this man, because his profile picture isn’t even an accurate representation of who he is. Again, alarming. At least with online dating, you have a written profile to fall back on, so even if the man you’re looking at isn’t the man he’s looking at in the mirror every morning (cue the Michael Jackson), you can judge him based on his love of Slayer, The Beatles or Jay-Z.

When one writer called Tinder the “Match.com for young, lazy people and the weirdos that stalk them,” I found it hard to disagree. Just check out some of the eligible bachelors she rounded up from the Web (below).

Warning: The gym pics? They’ve got to go. If you wouldn’t approach a girl in the bar carrying 10-pound weights, then don’t approach her online carrying them either. Oh wait, you wouldn’t actually approach a girl in a bar, would you?

Fashion 2.0 | KCD’s Digital Fashion Shows to Open to Consumers.

The digital arm of public relations company KCD has announced that Digital Fashion Shows, the firm’s previously industry-only, streaming fashion show platform, will offer ‘front row’ access to members of the public, starting this season. During the upcoming New York collections, the platform will present the Alexander Plokhov, Peter Som and Pierre Balmain shows. Additional clients are set to launch during Paris Fashion Week which begins at the end of February.

Originally aimed at journalists and retail executives, Digital Fashion Shows, launched one year ago allowed invited guests to watch pre-taped runway shows and access detail shots of fabrics, prints and accessories, as well as behind the scenes video content, designer inspiration and other assets geared at industry professionals. “As the fashion industry has adapted to and embraced digital, so much focus has been placed on reaching the consumer. As a PR agency our work is focused on servicing the media,” KCD co-president Ed Filipowski told BoF when the platform first launched.

Now, in a significant shift in strategy, Digital Fashion Shows will allow KCD’s clients to directly engage end consumers with the type of immersive and sharable digital show experience that’s become a powerful marketing tool for megabrands like Louis Vuitton and Burberry.

“It became necessary to respond to our client’s request to open the platform’s doors wider for greater exposure,” said Rachna Shah, KCD Digital’s managing director. But the platform will still offer industry professionals the tools they need to efficiently view collections without adding to their overloaded fashion week schedules, she emphasised: “The site retains all of the innovative tools the press needs to review and cover the shows as featured when the platform was founded.”

For the moment, the enhanced Digital Fashion Shows remains under wraps. But bringing industry and consumer audiences together under the same roof opens up some very interesting and value-creating possibilities. First of all, the presence and participation of industry insiders, though virtual, could make the streaming show experience more authentic and engaging for end consumers. On the flipside, consumer participation could make Digital Fashion Shows a more powerful industry tool. For one, collecting and analysing likes, shares and comments relating to specific show pieces could enable retailers to gather direct insight on consumer preferences, before they place orders, and thereby make better decisions on what to stock.

Let’s hope that the new platform, when it’s unveiled in a couple of weeks, doesn’t silo industry professionals and consumers, but, instead, brings them together in ways that generate greater value for all parties.

Online dating brands couple-up to safeguard industry reputation.

Leading online dating brands including eHarmony, Match.com and MySingleFriend are holding preliminary talks to establish a code of conduct to distance themselves from less reputable operators in the sector, valued at £170m in the UK last year by Metaflake.
Marketing Week has learned of the pan-industry effort which includes the company behind The Times and The Daily Telegraph’s dating sites – The Dating Lab – and aims to establish an agreed code of conduct, as well as potentially leading to the formation of a new industry working group for the sector.

Also involved in the process are Lovestruck and Christian Connection, other online dating brands are also in discussions but have declined to be publicly associated with the talks at present. Those involved in the discussion aim to address potential concerns over a raft of consumer protection issues highlighted in a November 2012 Channel 4 News investigation into white label dating site Global Personals, which made a host of allegations of duping consumers based on the testimony of former employees.

Global Personals, which powers dating sites including Dating Republic, Love2Meet and FlirtNaughty, claimed it stopped practices such as setting up false profiles prior to the investigation, and the above parties involved in the talks claim they were in discussion prior to its broadcast.

Presently, the talks aim to address how the industry should set standards around specific issues. These include: ensuring the authenticity of user profiles and issues around the removal of online profiles as well as subscription cancellation. Other areas of discussion include protecting members’ data and ensuring appropriate levels of customer service.

A statement issued jointly on behalf of dating sites involved in the process reads: “Online dating has come into its own and is now an entirely normal way for couples to meet.

“As the industry grows and expands, we want to make it as easy as possible for consumers to make informed choices and to identify the providers that are committed to the highest standards.”

It is also understood the long-established Association of British Introduction Agencies (ABIA), whose membership includes Lovestruck and Christian Connection, is also involved in the talks.

The ABIA itself has proposed a code of practice for online introduction service providers, which is scheduled to come into effect this year but was unable to provide comment by time of publication when contacted by Marketing Week.

However, the parties involved have not ruled out the possibility of cooperation and the possible formation of a new working group. “It is too early to get into any details about whether discussion amongst the industry may lead to the formation of a new association with expertise in online dating versus traditional matchmaking agencies, as we first need to ratify what the code should say,” reads the brands’ joint statement.

The discussions are ongoing and no set time frame for an outcome has been established yet.

Speed dating brings aged wines to global guests.

Speed dating brings aged wines to global guests in Hawke’s Bay

Adopting a ‘speed dating’ format gave 21 international wine influentials the opportunity to chat personally with 15 Hawke’s Bay winemakers and taste their selected aged wine before dining in the original home of A J Vidal at Clearview Estate Winery, at the conclusion of the two-day Hawke’s Bay Our World in Your Glass event.

Held over 24 and 25 January, the event was organised by Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc., to showcase the region and its wines to global wine media and educators in New Zealand ahead of the Pinot Noir conference being held in Wellington this week.

The format was relaxed and fun, with the speed dating conclusion just one of the quirky events on offer. Others included a bike ride to various wineries through Hawke’s Bay wine country, a Syrah versus Bay Blends debate adjudicated by Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule, self pour blind tastings, and a tapas and matched wine dinner on the first night. With a vintage school bell ringing the six minute intervals, the guests enthusiastically talked with local winemakers, taking notes and recording impressions on electronic devices.

Among those attending were Tim Atkin MW, who writes for The World Fine Wine, OLN, and a number of other publications and regularly appears on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, Matthew Jukes from the UK Daily News, and a group of eight Asian writers, trade and educators.

All the wines were 2007 or older with the oldest being a 1998 Vidal Joseph Soler Cabernet Sauvignon. Clearview’s offering was a 1.5L magnum of 2007 Endeavour, the winery’s premium Chardonnay made from exceptional hand-picked grapes from the oldest Mendoza vines on the property that was the original Vidal vineyard in Hawke’s Bay.

“The buzz was electric,” says Charles Gear, Clearview general manager, who organised the unique Clearview event. “It was relaxed and although there was a bell to call time, if people hadn’t finished talking, they just carried on. The atmosphere was extremely affable.”

Tim Turvey, co-founder and Clearview winemaker, welcomed guests to the dinner that was held in the century old original homestead of the Vidal family. It was the first time the lounge had been reconfigured to host a dinner and he suggested that its success would see more such events in the future.
ENDS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Established by Tim Turvey and Helma van den Berg in 1989, Clearview Estate continues as a family owned and operated business – handcrafted wines are grown, produced and bottled onsite. Renowned for award-winning Chardonnays and full bodied red wines, their rustic and iconic ‘red shed’ restaurant pioneered vineyard seaside dining in 1991 by combining a cellar door in a leafy vineyard courtyard setting.
Situated on the coastline of Hawke’s Bay at Te Awanga, the Estate enjoys a unique microclimate, virtually frost-free with a warm, extended growing season and refreshing sea breezes. Clearview Estate focuses on quality; producing wines of great fruit intensity with a strong commitment to sustainability in all aspects of the business.

Interracial Dating Decreases with Church Attendance (Except for One Denomination).

The notion of Sunday mornings being “the most-segregated hour in America” may be longstanding. But recent studies took this idea further and examined how those who attend church most often are least likely to ever have dated or married someone from another race.

Except for one Christian denomination.

In a recent blog post, David Briggs at the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) notes how researchers at the annual meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR) found that “being in a church with few or no members of another race makes a difference in choosing romantic partners.”

Using data from the 2007 Baylor Religion Survey, Samuel Perry of the University of Chicago found that about 50 percent of those who attend church only once a year or never said they had dated a person of another race, whereas only 27 percent of those who attend church weekly or more said the same.

“Segregated churches breed segregated lives,” said Perry, according to Briggs. However, he also found that those who pray and read the Bible more often were more likely to date outside of their race. (Perry’s findings will appear in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.)

Meanwhile, another SSSR report from Joshua Tom and Brandon Martinez at Baylor University found that religious affiliation (whether Christian, non-Christian, or religiously unaffiliated) made no statistically significant difference in whether someone was in an interracial marriage—except for Catholics. They were twice as likely to be in such a marriage, especially if they attended services more frequently. The likely reason: the growing Hispanic population.

Kim Kardashian: Why I Ignored My Family’s Warnings About Kris Humphries.

It might have been hard having her fairy-tale marriage to Kris Humphries end so quickly while the entire country was watching, but Kim Kardashian wouldn’t change a thing about the experience — even though it meant ignoring the advice of her family.

“You look back and you’re like, ‘OK, that was a sign,’ or, you know, ‘Maybe I should have listened to (my family),’ she told The Tonight Show host Jay Leno Wednesday night. “But, I wouldn’t have been who I am today had I not gone through that.” Watch a clip from the interview below.

“It was really tough to go through, and I didn’t know the media would be so brutal with it, but I’ve learned so many lessons about it and it’s changed who I am as a person, I think for the better,” Kardashian, 31, told Leno. “The things I care about in life have completely changed because of this, so I really think everything happens for a reason.”

That’s why she doesn’t regret failing to heed her family’s warnings about Humphries, which they delivered both on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and in the press.

“I’m a person, when I’m in love, you can’t tell me anything,” Kardashian explained. “And you gotta go through it yourself. So, I did what I believed in doing, and sometimes you don’t want to hear what your family has to say.”

But as for speculation that the 72-day marriage was a publicity stunt? That’s one rumor Kim won’t abide. “What you see is what you get,” Kardashian says of her reality television lifestyle. “I showed my life and the reality of my life and it might not be pretty all the time, but it’s who I am and I learned so much from it.”

What do triplets Heidi Klum, Russell Brand and Johnny Depp all have in common?

Besides breaking out of long-term seemingly perfect relationships – all are Geminis. Geminis have been going through a bit of a rough patch for the past two years with austere Saturn transitting their sector of romance in tandem with control-freak Pluto in their house of emotional intimacy. Moreover, Mars is currently making an extra-long journey through their home sector until July – forcing long-overdue changes in the family structure. A series of eclipses in their relationship houses (the last one at the end of last year) is also shaking things up and pushing bad situations to a breaking point.

Saturn’s transit of the romance sector can make love seem more like work than play. Coupledom may become nothing more than an endless stream of duties and obligations with very little joy to be found. For creative people, especially, the binds of relational responsibilities with little spontaneity or sense of fun could seem too harsh and restrictive to put up with.

Pluto, at the same time, is ratcheting up the drama, and control issues, jealousy, anger, resentment, envy, manipulation, etc, etc have been defining close relationships ever since late 2008. Pluto doesn’t like to back down, and if fights get out of hand, there will be very little desire to compromise, but instead to dig in one’s heels until one gets one’s way – which could wear partners down.

Many Geminis may finally get up the courage to move to better surroundings during Mars’ extended transit of their home sector – although they may rethink the situation and fall into temporary stagnancy when it goes retro from January 23rd until April 13th. This retro period, however, may also give the opportunity to extract oneself, financially and materially, before finally being able to physically move on later this spring.

Khloe Kardashian LOLs at Reports That Her Marriage Is on the Rocks.

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom are doing just fine, thankyouverymuch! On her Twitter, Kardashian has been making fun of a Star magazine cover story that claims she and her NBA player husband are headed for a split.

“Save the drama for your baby mama! LOL,” Kardashian tweeted on Wednesday evening, linking to a GossipCop post that refutes Star‘s allegations. According to the magazine, Lamar made Khloe furious by going to a strip club with his buddies, while Lamar is sick of Khloe “obsessing over” trying to get pregnant — and he’s “super depressed” about his basketball game since being traded to the Houston Mavericks. But GossipCop, who talked to a “Kardashian family insider,” says that it’s all baloney.

“Kardashian and Odom are happy in their marriage, and while it’s true that he hasn’t had the best basketball season, and that she’s had some trouble conceiving, neither of those issues is threatening their relationship,” writes the website. “As for the supposed ‘cheating’ drama, Kardashian went to a strip club with Odom last month, so we’re pretty sure she’s cool with it.”

She’s definitely cool with it, if re-tweeting the story is any indication! Not only is Khloe unbothered by the divorce rumors; she also finds them kind of pathetic.

“It shows you how sick people are,” Khloe, 27, wrote to a Twitter fan on Thursday. “They would rather have pain (than) love… Sad world.”

Earlier this week, Khloe did have a nasty breakup… with PETA. The youngest Kardashian sister quit the animal-rights organization following sister Kim‘s red-carpet flour-bombing by a PETA-affiliated anti-fur activist.

“I will still continue to NOT wear fur, but I will no longer support PETA,” Khloe wrote on her blog. “Bullying and harassment is NEVER a solution, and I won’t be a part of any organization that thinks otherwise.”

We can always count on Khloe to tell us what she really thinks!

Courteney Cox & Her California Cutie.

Cougar Town star Courteney Cox, 47, was photographed on a movie set in Van Nuys, Calif. on Wednesday (March 28). The Friends alum is debuting her directing skills in Lifetime’s Tall Hot Blonde, in which she also stars in.

Supporting her multi-talented mom, 7-year-old Coco visited the sunny set in a stylish sundress. Last weekend, we spotted the pretty pair bonding over a shopping spree in Malibu.

Coco’s father is Courteney’s estranged husband, fellow actor David Arquette.

Has the brunette beauty started dating yet?

“No guy’s asked me out. I’m not saying I’m not ready to have a make-out session, but it just makes me nervous,” Cox said in February. “I don’t like to go out in general.”

Has Clay Aiken been spending too much time with Donald Trump? During his Tuesday visit to Bravo’s Watch What Happens, the normally mild-mannered singer (and current Celebrity Apprentice contestant) dissed Rihanna‘s singing skills. We hope Clay isn’t seriously trying to start a feud — because we’re 99 percent sure Rihanna could take him. Watch the clip below!
Aiken admitted his opinion of Rihanna while playing a particularly revealing round of host Andy Cohen‘s “Plead the Fifth” — in which the guest gets three questions, and they’re allowed to “plead the fifth” on one. When asked which current pop singer wouldn’t cut it on his alma mater American Idol, Aiken took a moment to answer — because he said there were “too many” to choose from!

“Current pop star… I’ve stopped listening to them because they can’t sing,” said Aiken, 33. But rather than plead the fifth, he made his choice.

“Rihanna has some pitch problems, for sure,” he finally said. “Now I’m gonna get in trouble, too.”

Oh, Clay — don’t you know better than to mess with the Rihanna Navy? Better brace yourself for some serious Twitter battles!

Aiken definitely seems to be embracing his bitchy side since joining Trump’s board room, and it’s kind of entertaining. (A recent jab at fellow contestant Aubrey O’Day: “‘Just look at that hair. Aubrey popped right out of her mama’s chatch and started grabbing on to that stripper pole!”) In response to Cohen’s first “Plead the Fifth” question — playing ‘Marry, Screw or Kill’ with the men of American Idol — he was perfectly willing to admit that he’d kill Simon Cowell, screw Ryan Seacrest and marry Randy Jackson.

But was calling out Rihanna for “pitch problems” taking it too far? Really, he was just being honest; as a guy with years of voice lessons under his belt, Aiken probably winces at every off note that the rest of us don’t hear. And unlike some other pop pros in her generation, like Lady Gaga or Beyonce, Rihanna isn’t a perfectionist when it comes to crooning on-key. We’re sure it’s not the first time she’s heard the phrase “pitch problems” thrown her way. On the other hand, is it really a good idea for Aiken to get on Rihanna’s bad side when he’s not exactly topping the charts himself? He could have at least thrown a compliment in there. (“Rihanna has pitch problems, but she sure knows how to wear a thigh-high boot!”)

But Aiken was all about honesty last night — even admitting he had plastic surgery! For his third and final question, when he was well within his rights to “plead the fifth,” he decided to confess that he’d recently gone under the knife.

“I had surgery on my jaw for a TMJ thing and I had them suck the fat out of my chin while they were in there,” he told Cohen. “I was like, you know what, while I’m already down, go ahead and take the vacuum in there and suck the fat out of my chin.”

If only other celebs would be so up-front about their nips and tucks!

Russell Crowe Gets Kicked Out Of A Gym.

The Internet has changed Russell Crowe. In the past, the actor has handled altercations by screaming at BAFTA producers, fighting in Japanese restaurants, and throwing phones at hotel employees. But now, Crowe takes his problems out on Twitter.

Lindsay Lohan Is Free… Kind Of.

Lindsay Lohan is a free woman. The 25-year-old actress appeared in Los Angeles Superior court today, March 29, for the final hearing in her DUI case  — and Judge Sephanie Sautner ended her probation.

Bradley Cooper Dating History: Who’s Next?

When it comes to his personal life, Bradley Cooper is never lacking in female attention. (Being named 2011′s Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine tends to have that affect). But now that reports have emerged of his split with Zoe Saldana, the 37-year-old actor is reportedly single once again and on the prowl for a new girlfriend (volunteers anyone?).

However, in this business, Hollywood stars like Cooper don’t stay available for long and relationship rumors are sure to placate his future. But before any of that can commence, we here at Hollywood.com have decided to try our hand at fortune-telling by predicting the next lucky lady to be Cooper’s number one gal. Fear not, though, we won’t be going into this quest blindly. Let’s have a look at his past relationship preferences to see who best fits the following criteria…

Blonde vs. Brunette
It seems blondes really do have more fun. Based on Cooper’s former flings, he has a tendency to gravitate towards women with lighter hair over those with darker, having previously dated the likes of blonde bombshells: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston, Renee Zellweger, and Jennifer Esposito, whom he briefly married in Dec. 2006. Sure, there were a few exceptions to the rule (Jennifer Lopez, Zoe Saldana, and Olivia Wilde), but for the most part, he definitely appears to have a thing for blondes.

Media Attention
While some stars like their relationships to stay under the radar, Cooper tends to date women who are well known and highly publicized members of the entertainment realm. And while it’s completely normal for Hollywood stars to get together, Cooper tends to ride first class, cozying up to several A-list celebrities. Since 2009 alone, Cooper has been romantically linked to: Aniston, JLo, Zellweger, Saldana, and Wilde. These are some of the biggest stars in Hollywood (not to mention some of the hottest). This guy’s motto must be: go big or go home.

The Age Factor
Unlike most men who think that younger equals better, the 37-year-old star tends to date women who are a little bit older than himself. JLo, Aniston, and Zellweger were all in their 40s when he dated them and Diaz, whom he dated from 2006-2007, is two years older than him. Of course, you wouldn’t know their real age just by looking at them since these women are absolutely gorgeous, but that’s besides the point. The numbers don’t lie, and Cooper prefers to have his ladies like a fine wine — they only get better with age.

Mixing Business With Pleasure
Many people advise against striking up a romantic relationship in the workplace, but in Hollywood, it’s kind of a standard protocol. And it seems Cooper isn’t opposed to an on-set romance, having worked with Aniston in He’s Just Not That Into You, Zellweger in Case 39, and Saldana/Wilde in The Words. Yes, it’s safe to say this guy would have no problems mixing business with pleasure if the opportunity presented itself again. (Where can I sign up?)

So taking into account all of the information above, we’re predicting that Cooper’s next big love affair will be with (drum roll please) — Charlize Theron. She’s gorgeous (note the blonde hair), age appropriate (she’ll be 37 this August), and a major A-list star who’s actually gearing up for a blockbuster hit this summer in Snow White and the Huntsman, in which she plays the Evil Queen. She would be the perfect match for Cooper in almost every way.

Kim K suing flour bomber, Khloe quits PETA.

Did you get that little glimmer of hope that Kim Kardashian was a real person after seeing her “dust off” the whole red carpet flour bomb? You didn’t honestly expect her to be that cool, did you?!

Well if ya’ did, sorry to bust your bubble! The pre-Madonna is now taking the flour-bomber to court, and while PETA says they have no affiliation with the woman, it’s the one thing in the world that little/big sister Khloe Kardashian isn’t buying!

Khloe jumped on her blog, posting that she was dropping PETA from the list of non-profits she supports… because PETA wouldn’t admit the sneaky little flour-bomber was a part of their animal loving organization.

Probably better to see Khloe wearing anything than nothing at all!

For people who spend every day preparing for disaster — whether it’s a 2012 apocalypse, a nuclear meltdown, an economic collapse, a hurricane or a tsunami — it can be hard to find a compatible partner.

Canning venison, shooting firearms, living off the grid and creating manure from human waste just aren’t traditional interests many people look for when browsing mainstream dating sites .

That’s why a site called Survivalist Singles has entered the online dating scene, catering specifically to this niche community of “preppers,” “survivalists” and “doomsdayers.”

Survivalist Singles, which officially launched in 2010, boasts the slogan, “Don’t face the future alone.” Its ranks are growing — quadrupling to about 1,640 members from around 400 at the end of 2010.

Members of the site range widely in their doomsday beliefs, said Andrea Burke, a 45-year-old middle school art teacher from Montana who took over the site from its previous owner last summer.

“Most will agree that something is brewing that may change life as we know it, whether it be a collapse of the economy, an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) or other natural or government disaster,” Burke said.

The site is free for now, but Burke is planning to charge a $5 monthly membership fee so she can generate income from her project. She is considering using a slogan like, “Find love for less than the price of a box of bullets” to draw in paying members.

For female preppers interested in finding a man, the site is a dating goldmine. There are currently about two men for every woman on the site (which is a big disparity compared to a site like Match.com, where there’s a roughly even split), and the average member is over 50.

The most popular book among members is James Wesley Rawles’ “Patriots,” about a group of Christians who must survive an economic meltdown that throws the country into complete chaos and leads to a second civil war. “SHTF” (When s*** hits the fan) and “TEOTWAWKI” (The end of the world as we know it) are common acronyms members include on their profiles, said Burke.

One user, who goes by the screenname Mtexplorer2 but preferred that his real name not be used, said he tried many mainstream dating sites but was always turned down by potential matches as soon as they found out he was a survivalist. Survivalist Singles lets him put everything out in the open, he said, and women only contact him if they have similar beliefs or appreciate his lifestyle.

“It’s hard to connect with someone who doesn’t have a similar mindset. You can’t explain why your truck is packed like you’re always ready for an expedition — they don’t get it,” he said. “But when you meet another survivalist, you start talking about all this stuff and the women look at you like you have a million dollars in the bank.”

His profile lists many conventional hobbies and interests like hiking, camping and eating Mexican food. But it also mentions his “extensive background with firearms for defense and hunting.” And that he has an alternative water source, likes to go to thrift stores to find gadgets that don’t use electricity, and cans venison so he’ll have meat “if the grid goes down and there are no freezers.”

His idea of an attractive woman is someone who is physically fit and loves the outdoors. “I’m not looking for someone wearing a designer dress and purse — I want someone who looks wholesome, and a woman wearing a backpack in her profile picture is an automatic 10,” he said.

Because he lives in the mountains of Montana, distance has been a problem. He has met only one woman face-to-face out of more than 20 he has corresponded with on the site. After she visited him in Montana, they decided to just remain friends.

Distance is one of several issues cited by another member, Larissa Kama, 42, who goes by the screenname nwredhead. Kama has a “bug-out bag” full of gear near her front door in case disaster strikes, but she considers herself less “hardcore” than many of the men she has encountered on the site.

“I’ve come across a lot of freaks who live in a hole in the ground, who message me and say, ‘Run, run to me — I’m a mile underground in the middle of Nebraska,” said Kama, who lives in Portland, Ore. “I don’t want to hide down in a bunker for the rest of my life. I’m really okay with the outside world — we’re not facing any end-of-world scenario yet, so I want to live in this moment.”

Some members, though, have already found love on the site. Nate Tammaro, whose screenname was Iron Ranger, found his soul mate, or “twin flame,” only two days after joining Survivalist Singles. They live six hours away from each other so they have only met in person twice, but Tammaro plans to move to Missouri to be with her this summer.

“When we met, we immediately knew there was no one else for us — it was the sentence-finishing type of love,” said Tammaro. The relationship has changed his outlook on prepping: Tammaro now believes his calling is to help others find their way once the “end of the world as we know it” arrives. “I’m optimistic about the future now that I’ve found love,” he said.

Others on the site aren’t just looking for love. A 44-year-old female user with the screenname Arnold, for example, states on her profile that she is looking for a survival group in addition to a man. One skill she would bring to the table, she noted, is making “humanure.” This involves converting human excrement into fertilizer — which may be necessary in case a disaster strikes and there is no running water.

Aside from Survivalist Singles, several other dating sites are popping up for preppers. PrepperDating.com was started last year and has about 70 members. And Kwink.com, a site that lets singles join niche dating communities, like “health nuts” and “Jesus freaks” is also advertising a community for “doomsday preppers” and “doomsdayers.”

“Spend your remaining days with someone that shares your instinct to prepare and survive the end of the world as we know it,” Kwink’s site says. “Don’t use those generic dating sites that can’t cater to your core trait. The Doomsday dating community is your place to connect, share and grow with similar people.”

CBS Promises Realistic Reality Dating Show.

Did someone at CBS not get any Valentines?

The network announced a new reality dating show Wednesday — the day after Valentine’s Day — that will offer more reality than typical dating shows that thrive on hot-air balloon rides, champagne toasts, safaris on the backs of elepphants, and all that other fake-romantic crap. It’s called “3″ and will premiere this summer.

“’3′ is a relationship show that won’t perpetuate a fairy tale myth about dating,” said Jennifer Bresnan, executive vice president of alternative programming for CBS Entertainment. ”Without any typical game play, it intimately documents the search for love and the reality of dating — the anticipation, the excitement, the rejection. Along the way, we’ll see personalities who are real, and flawed and simply human.”

Right on, sister.

The show follows an original format by Keshet Broadcasting Ltd., based on a program originally produced by Kastina Productions that had Israel’s biggest new reality show launch in four years when it premiered there last summer.

“3″ is co-produced by Magical Elves, 1492 Television and Keshet Broadcasting. Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Chris Columbus, Avi Nir and Ami Glam are the executive producers.

Single men and women can apply online at YanikaBrides.com. Please don’t apply if you have a secret significant other because “The Bachelor” kind of has that market cornered.

The Commonwealth of Virginia versus George Huguely V murder trial in Charlottesville (Va.) Circuit Court is underway with Huguely, a 24 year old former University of Virginia lacrosse player charged with the murder of his former girlfriend, Yeardley Love, a women’s lacrosse player on May 2, 2010.

Now in the second week of testimony, it is clear Love was the victim of free dating abuse long before her death.  The defense maintains that Huguely was drunk the night of her death, visited her to “work things out,” did not intend to kill her and left her apartment with no sense she had been badly hurt.

“I do not know what happened on May 2, but I do know dating abuse is happening on every campus in the nation and we could do a better job preventing it,” commented Marjorie Gilberg, Executive Director of Break the Cycle.

Nearly half (43%) of dating college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors. Moreover, college students are not equipped to deal with dating abuse – 57% say it is difficult to identify and 58% say they don’t know how to help someone who is experiencing it.

“We are working to reduce the shocking rates of abuse among college students and we want young adults to know that free dating is here to answer their questions about dating abuse and relationships.  You can connect with a trained peer advocate, 24-hours–a-day, 7-days–a-week, by online chat, phone and now for the first time ever – by text.  “Everyone can play a role in making relationships safer by taking the time to learn how to identify abuse and what to do if you or a friend encounters it.”

Vice President Joe Biden was the first to demonstrate to the country the simplicity and utility of the texting service by sending the first message.  With the innovative structure of the new free dating, teens and young adults can now get immediate help no matter where they are by texting .

In addition to the text feature, the new free dating is engaging young people to take action against abuse.  “Yeardley Love’s peers have testified that they witnessed warning signs and abusive patterns between the couple.  However, they did not effectively intervene, either because they did not understand the seriousness or they did not know how to help,” continued Ms. Gilberg.  “At free dating, we’re training teens, college students, parents, teachers and administrators what to do in this situation.  If we are to prevent senseless tragedies like these, we all need to learn the dynamics, warning signs and best practices for dealing with free dating abuse.  You can start by exploring the content at free dating.”

College Aged Dating Violence

Whitney Houston died of prescription

drugs mixed with alcohol, sources say.

As fans mourn the loss of Whitney Houston, investigators and family continue to seek answers to the cause of her death. The 48-year-old singer was found dead Saturday in the bathtub of her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Coroner’s officials told the Associated Press they will not release any information on the autopsy performed Sunday, but did say there were no obvious signs of trauma. They’ve promised to not rule out any causes of death until toxicology results are in, which may take weeks.

Family sources told TMZ that the “I Have Nothing” singer did not die from drowning. Rather, they suspect Houston died from a combination of Xanax and other prescription drugs mixed with alcohol.

The family was reportedly told there was not enough water in her lungs to indicate she drowned. She may have already been dead before her head was submerged in the tub’s water, TMZ reports.

Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen told the Associated Press that his agency may release more details Monday about Houston’s death, but it will depend on whether detectives feel comfortable releasing any information.

Houston’s mother has reportedly arranged to have the body flown to Atlanta, and officials will likely grant permission as no foul play was suspected in the singer’s death.

Whitney Houston, who won six Grammys, two Emmys and sold more than 170 million albums and singles over the course of her career, was honored by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Sunday at Sunday night’s Grammy awards. LL Cool J started the show with a prayer for “our fallen sister” and Jennifer Hudson sang “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute.

Taylor Armstrong Talks Russell Armstrong’s Death,

‘Hiding From Reality’

Appearing on the “Today” show Monday morning to promote her new book, “Hiding From Reality,” Taylor Armstrong shared some very personal scenes from her violent marriage with deceased husband Russell Armstrong. The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star revealed that her initial decision to sign up for the reality show was fueled by a subconscious thought that the 24/7 cameras would provide her and her daughter a degree of safety.

“I thought the cameras would provide some protection,” Armstrong explained.

Contrary to reports that Russell was uncomfortable with the reality show’s media attention, Taylor explained that he actually “loved seeing his name in the news” and was excited every morning to check his name in a Google search.

But Armstrong’s memoir doesn’t only focus on her relationship with her husband but also highlights her childhood, during which her mother was a victim of abuse. The reality star remembers standing on her bed as a child wearing blue footy pajamas, pulling her father’s hair while he beat her mother — an experience that no doubt impacted her adult relationship with her alleged physically abusive husband.

But despite the pain that Russell caused in her life, Taylor was clear that she still has love for her deceased husband: “I love him to this day and miss him terribly … The good times were the best I’ve ever had and the worst times were the worst I’ve ever had.”

Armstrong’s book, “Hiding From Reality”, goes on sale today.

John Cusack coming to Syracuse? ‘Adult World’ movie adds more stars to cast.

Is John Cusack coming to Central New York?

The “Hot Tub Time Machine” actor has reportedly been added to the cast of “Adult World,” an independent movie being filmed in Syracuse over the next three weeks. The project, directed by Scott Coffey, stars “Nancy Drew” actress Emma Roberts, niece of Julia Roberts, as a recent college graduate who thinks she’s destined to be a great poet.

According to Deadline, Roberts’ character is 21-year-old Amy Anderson, whose unpaid student loans force her to move back home with her parents and take a job at an erotic bookstore called Adult World. Cusack will play a fictional writer named Rat Billings, “one of the greatest poets of the ’90s” and Amy’s hero.

Other additions to the cast include Shannon Woodward, who currently plays Sabrina on Fox’s “Raising Hope,” and Evan Peters, who’s perhaps best known for roles in “American Horror Story” and “Kick-Ass.”

Cusack’s credits include “Say Anything,” “Being John Malkovich,” “Serendipity,” “2012″ and “High Fidelity,” which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. The 45-year-old actor will appear on the big screen next in April as Edgar Allan Poe in “The Raven.”

“‘Adult World’ examines the contemporary state of post-graduate life in America,” Treehouse Pictures president Justin Nappi told Cinema Blend about the film. “This is a smart satirical comedy that will resonate with a lot of people.”

Treehouse is producing the “Adult World” movie, which will feature local resident stand-ins. The project is Coffey’s second turn at directing after 2005′s “Ellie Parker,” starring Naomi Watts.

WATCH: ‘S.I.’ Swimsuit Model Kate Upton Addresses Rumors She’s Dating Mark Sanchez.

You gotta love Ellen DeGeneres, and her go-for-broke, kamikaze-like interview style. While questioning Sports Illustrated cover model Kate Upton on Thursday’s show, she doesn’t bother inquiring whether the rumors are true about Upton dating New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. Instead, she just jumps into a line of questioning that assumes that truth to be self-evident.

After discussing the SI cover, DeGeneres smoothly segues into her sneak attack. “And your boyfriend, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, how does he feel about this?”

Upton, 19, who hasn’t officially acknowledged that the two are dating, laughs nervously and offers up a silly non sequitur. “Um, I did not have a Valentine’s Day date this year,” she replies.

“OK, so he was busy,” says DeGeneres, undeterred. “So how does your boyfriend Mark Sanchez feel about all this whole Sports Illustrated cover thing? He must be proud, right?”

Several awkward exchanges continue from there, with DeGeneres trying to hold in laughter and Upton trying to sound coy, but looking like a deer caught in headlights. Eventually the blonde bombshell admits that she’s met him. “My sister works for the Jets,” she says. “And she’s been working there for four years. So, I went to all the games.”

“So, now you’re dating him?” asked DeGeneres, which led Upton to finally admit that she’s met him “briefly.”

Thankfully, DeGeneres refrains from mentioning the news reports about Sanchez’s many visits to her New York City apartment. Instead, she skips right to the more pertinent question of how long they’ve been dating. Fully flummoxed, Upton laughs and says, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“All right,” said DeGeneres, and turns to the audience. “She’s dating Mark Sanchez.”

DeGeneres’ playful, non-judgmental vibe allows her to get away with these probing questions. While Upton herself has her fierce fans and her equally strident detractors, DeGeneres manages to keep her interview light-hearted. Kudos to Ellen!

YWCA promotes Dating Violence Prevention Month.

The YWCA of Central Virginia is commemorating February as Dating Violence Prevention Month and is offering education and support services to the community, according to a news release.

Dating violence includes any physical, verbal, emotional or sexual violence that takes place in relationships in which the individuals do not live together and/or have a common child.

Jenna Lodge, community outreach manager at the YWCA in Lynchburg, said Friday the organization wants to increase awareness about dating violence and encourage parents to talk to their children about it.

She said middle school-age children are prime targets for information about dating violence because they are developing social skills, experimenting with different relationships and feeling new pressures.

Dating violence prevalence increases in high school and college, she said.

According to the news release, 43 percent of dating college women report having experienced violent or abusive dating behaviors, and 22 percent report actual physical abuse, sexual abuse or threats of physical violence.

Early warning signs that a relationship may eventually become abusive include the following: extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, quick involvement, unpredictable mood swings, alcohol and drug use, explosive anger, isolation from friends and family, use of force during an argument, hypersensitivity, blaming others for problems or feelings, verbal abuse, abuse of former partners and threats of violence.

Lodge said the death of Yeardley Love, a University of Virginia student who died in 2010, has raised awareness about dating violence. Her former boyfriend, George Huguely, was charged with murdering her and is currently on trial.

Inquiries at the YWCA about dating violence have increased, including questions from parents about how to start a conversation about the issue with their children.

It’s important for parents to address the issue with their children, Lodge said, even if they have never experienced violence in the home.

The YWCA offers dating violence group sessions, one-on-one support, court accompaniment and community referrals to victims. A 24-hour hotline is available to anyone seeking more information. That number is 1-888-528-1041.

The YWCA also offers a free, interactive anti-violence theatrical workshop called “Meet D.A.V.E.”

Lodge said the workshop addresses dating violence, bullying, cyberbullying and stalking. The program includes skits and opportunities for the audience to ask the characters questions.

The YWCA offers the program to church groups, college groups and others. It serves Central Virginia, including Campbell County.

Is Jeremy Lin dating Kim Kardashian?

‘Linsanity’ romance rumors fly.

Is Jeremy Lin dating Kim Kardashian?

While NBA fans everywhere are going “Linsane” for the New York Knicks guard, romance rumors are starting to spread, too.

According to Mediatakeout, the 23-year-old Taiwanese-American is going on a date with the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star, set up by her publicist.

“She thinks [Jeremy] is cute, and she’s good friend’s with [his teammate Carmelo Anthony's wife] LaLa. It’s going to be a double date,” a friend told the gossip site.

Lin was reportedly “extremely excited” for the date with the 31-year-old model, socialite and businesswoman.

Another celebrity blog, Gossip Cop, claims Kardashian’s rep (the same publicist alleged to be setting up the date) denied the report. The site quotes the rep as saying the dating rumor is “100 percent not true.”

Perhaps Kardashian saw a photo of Lin shirtless, or maybe she’s just catching the “Linsanity” craze, but since Lin led the Knicks to victory in the past seven games in a row, fans have wanted to know more about the Harvard graduate’s personal life. While he wasn’t spotted with a “Va-LIN-tine” on Feb. 14, tabloids everywhere are hoping to catch Lin in a high-profile relationship soon.

Kardashian, who was married to New Jersey Nets star Kris Humphries for just 72 days, is already talking about her next wedding. In a new interview, the reality TV star says, “I would just want it to be so special, with our family and close friends, and that’s it. Somewhere on a deserted island, very private. No cameras.”

She was also spotted out on a lunch date with ex-boyfriend Reggie Bush at the Beverly Hills Hotel this past weekend, but the Miami Dolphins running back told TMZ they’re not getting back together.

What do you think? Should Jeremy Lin go on a date with Kim Kardashian?

As already mentioned in this article, a hot Russian woman has all three channels of perception. One of them is the main, the rest – minor. But this still does not mean that the secondary is neglected. Suppose someone has a visual channel developed by 50% and 40% kinesthetic and auditory by 10%. This suggests that the picture is almost as important as the tactile (physical) sensations. And it must be considered! The question arises: “How do we determine which channels are leading and which are secondary?” To do this, there is a little test: Ask cvoego partner: “What is the house of your dreams?” And get ready to listen. Visualization will “paint the picture”, ie specify the color of the house, its priglyadnost etc. At the same time he would use the word unique to the visual: looks nice, promising, and clear bright, iridescent a sparkling, clear, colored, watch etc. For example: “This is a big beautiful red brick house. In front is a bed of flowers. The windows are transparent curtains. Audile will long to suffer, then pointing to sounds, noises. Words, the attributes will be: loud, quiet, rhythmic, listening, speaking, talking, husky whisper, scream, and moan. For example: “This house is located far from the city. There quietly. Only the birds are singing and the trees rustling canopy. Kinestetik would begin to describe the atmosphere (because he has only his feelings, sensations), using the following words: feel, move, warm, wet, pain, ache, cool, strain, shake. For example: “This is a cozy, warm house. In the corner of a room lit by a fireplace, the floor is carpets; in the corner is a soft comfortable sofa. The atmosphere of peace. ” You can test and asked about the family. It is important to question and test sounded exactly “What is your family?” Or “What is home?” Once you have found to what “camp” owned by your man, you will be much easier to build their relationship with him with hot Russian woman. There are several techniques that allow attracting and retaining the attention of man, depending on his perception of the lead channel. Hot Russian woman the best goal for you!

The most simple – make a bad break on his hobby or work. Russian women is likely to read Dale Carnegie, or even any such benefits. And it will be curious to ask more and more. Then it turns out that Russian women is doing all his life (even if you do not understand what he is talking). It should be very plausible to believe. And talk is already a gleam in his eye is not about her, and his affairs. Now suppose that she was “strained” and looking for anything in common between you and them. Then show up “mutual acquaintances” (invented by you, of course). Now there is an occasion to exchange phones. Now you’re almost friends. Most likely, the Russian women you call yourself. However, if this did not happen, you need to find a reason to meet and to call yourself. Use any excuse: you can even say that you want to discuss it bought gift. Remember, she also wants to meet you and also looking for an excuse. More difficult to determine the venue. By itself it you still can not invite, but at the same time you must give the possibility to tempt you. Offer to meet in some night clubs, but not in the mere club, but where are partying singles or party flirting. Of course, you know, do not know about any parties, but if they came to this club, do not leave now! Believe me, it will be very glad this match, because in this atmosphere that God himself ordered her to flirt with you. Well, if it does not work, then it was full of other girls who came there just to flirt. Now it is fashionable. The rest depends on you.

Here a hot women can be two lines of conduct: it will devote to you in their materialistic dreams or, even better, said she had no husband. If it starts to list “gifts”- that each “gift” must be accompanied by questions: “Did you like?”, “Were you happy?”, etc. Do not be afraid to flirt, you are just interested in her opinion. By the way, she was not in a hurry, and even willing to go with you to find the store, not to mention the fact that to have a street acquaintance. If she says that her husband is not – then your reaction would be: “What do you mean! Sorry, I somehow never thought … you … no … “and second of confusion. Then he must be the phrase “I would definitely marry you … you I would not miss. ” This will sound like a joke. Her stone face is sweet smiles.These two options will inevitably lead to the following: hot women knows that you are generous with money, attentive, polite, and she feels that you like. Well, not you, so good to miss. At this point, see how things have changed: you’re not with her, and she begins to flirt with you. But all is not so simple. Fly in the ointment are the proprieties, rules of conduct in our society. She, as a “decent” hot women, will not ask you for your telephone number and to invite for dinner. You can not do that, too, because the whole operation will fail if you start to flirt openly. Do not forget, you are now is an ideal, and she is fighting for you. You’ve got to make it look “decent”.

For the American Albert David Lasker business main task in life has always been a gamble – gambling, dynamic and often unpredictable. Lasker because all his life advertising business. And according to many, became the founder of modern advertising industry. Love the printed word.At the beginning of XX century, advertising has existed, but powerful business “involved” in its production, in fact, was not. There were, of course, individual agencies, create, and print advertising (other then simply did not exist) on the orders of their clients, but the adjusted, built around the advertising industry has created the Albert Lasker. Prior to his advertising has largely replaced the dry information about a product or service – what, how much and where you can buy. Lasker seems to be one of the first clearly recognized the fundamental difference between advertising and information.And today, a century later, many people mistakenly believe that they are one and the same. Meanwhile, the difference is obvious. Figuratively speaking, the information wanted by the consumer who wants to buy a particular product at the best price. But advertising itself is looking for consumers, making it by all means buy a particular product. Therefore, unlike the dry, concrete information, advertising inevitably is the product of an emotionally charged and creativity.It was Lasker business first formulated the principles of active attacks on a potential buyer “on all fronts, offering advertisers not to wait for” mercy from the consumer “- when all he will think about buying, and start collecting interest to him information about a product … get consumers to buy it right now, simultaneously convincing – If possible, intelligibly, clearly and concisely – that the goods better than any other, and without it the consumer generally is not life – that is, in essence, is the task of advertising.