Single Scene Newsletter 1-30-04 Issue 88 Copyright Single Scene 2004 http://www.azsinglescene.com sing-@globalcrossing.net Happy Valentine’s Day to You! IN THIS ISSUE: * Arizona Singles News * National study seeks cohabitating couples * National Singles News Briefs * Advice from Aunt Janet: Valentine’s Day is a great excuse for a party! * Dates ideas for February --------------------------------------- For help in adjusting to and even enjoying single life, visit our website at http://divorcerecovery101.com. ************************ Arizona Singles News Have you ever answered a prisoner's personal ad? Do you know someone who has? George Watson at KPHO-TV in Phoenix would like to hear from Arizona singles who have experience (good, bad or neutral) answering prisoner personals. You can contact him at 602-650-0778 or GWat-@KPHO.com. Saturday, February 7 Singles Fair to new Scottsdale location For its 12th annual event, the Single Fair has moved to a new location. Saturday, February 7, the Singles Fair and Valentine's Ball, will be at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort Hotel, 5401 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. The evening is broken into two parts. From 6 to 9 p.m. the Fair consists of information booths, as well as lectures by Valley authors, workshops and seminars for singles. Single Scene editor Janet Jacobsen will speak on "The Joys of Male/Female Communication." At 9 p.m. the ballroom opens up with a dance floor and deejay. Cost is $20 for the whole evening or $15 for each event alone. A $2 discount off either price is available for singles who bring a pet toy or pet food to benefit the Animal Benefits Club of Phoenix. For information call 602-230-4172, or visit www.cupidhelp.com. U of Denver Center seeks Cohabitating Couples The University of Denver Center for Marital and Family Studies wants to hear from you if you are currently "living together" with someone -- or considering moving in together soon. They're looking for participants for a new study that involves completing questionnaires at three different points in time. For information or to participate contact Galena Kline at gakl-@du.edu, or call 303-871-3028. SINGLES NEWS BRIEFS Send your valentines from Loveland You can have your valentines sent from Loveland -- if you hurry! Just put the sealed prestamped, preaddressed valentines in a larger envelope and send to Postmaster Attn: Valentines, USPS, Loveland CO 80538. But they must be there by Feb. 9 to get them back to your sweetheart(s) by Valentine's Day! Study looks at life for urban singles. A recent study by the University of Chicago looked at the social life of city dwellers ages 18 to 59, and found that city people spend about half their lives single, on average 19 years single and dating, 4 years living together with someone, and 18 years married. Researchers identified two "markets" that singles use to meet people: relational encounters are through family, friends, and even acquaintances; transactional encounters are more short term and spring from meeting in bars, health clubs, or otherpublic places. More violence in cohabitation. The same University of Chicago study also looked at the role of jealousy in relationships and found there was a greater level of jealousy and of physical violence in cohabitating relationships than in marriages. "Feeling caught" is worst for kids. Research presented recently at the National Communication Association convention found that "feeling caught" between combative parents was an important factor in children's views of their parents, whether or not the parents were divorced. The study asked 601 adolescents and young adults about their satisfaction with their relationships with their parents, and factors that reflect being torn between the parents. Findings suggest that feeling caught between the parents was a more important factor than divorce in children's avoidance and dissatisfaction with their parents. The research also suggested that future relational problems for children of divorce may be more a result of having learned poor communication skills from their parents, than from the impact of the divorce itself. Exclusive "virtual social clubs" attracting singles. American Demographics magazine reported recently that a new Internet phenomenon called virtual social clubs is attracting singles as a way of meeting people. One must be invited by a previous member in order to join such networking sites as Tribe.com and friendster.com. While such sites are free or inexpensive at the moment, the article questionned whether such services will continue to be popular as they move to become viable businesses charging fees for their services. Beauty makes men foolish. Canadian researchers recently conducted tests in which participants were offered a variety of financial rewards as the result of a roll of the dice. Men who were shown pictures of an attractive woman prior to their choice were more likely to choose the option that gave them less money but more immediate reward, something researchers considered a foolish choice. Women, under the same circumstances with photos of an attractive man, nevertheless made the wiser choice. According to the Associated Press, the researchers concluded that "men simply stop thinking about long-term consequences once the hormones kick in." No divorce in Chile! Recently the Los Angeles Times reported that Chile is the only Western Hemisphere country that does not recognize divorce. As a consequence, spouses who long ago abandoned their partners still inherit property. Annulments are more common, however, though they require both parties to agree. The legal complications of the current law are one explanation given for the 50% drop in the nation's marriage rate since 1988. "Likelihood of divorce" up as marriage rates fall. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics for the 12-month period ending July 2003, the marriage rate continued to fall, at 7.7 per thousand population, down from 7.9 in 2002 and 8.3 in 2001. The divorce rate also fell slightly, to 3.9, from 4.0 in 2002 and 2001. Consequently, the rate of divorces to marriages was slightly more than 50% for the period. Quotable. "Everything worth doing starts with being scared." Singer Art Garfunkel. ------------------------------------- YOU CAN HELP! Our singles' Internet information, maintained solely to help newly divorced and widowed people, which means we have little budget to promote our services. Newly singled people will find out about it and get help only if readers like you (word of mouth) tell them about the sites and newsletters. Next time you attend a support group, class, seminar, singles event etc. please do both us and them a favor by recommending and telling them about these sites, newsletters, and courses. Remind them these are all totally FREE. ----------------------------------------------- Advice from Aunt Janet: Valentine’s Day is a great excuse for a party! With Valentine’s Day on Saturday this year, it’s a great day to have what our publisher used to call a “reject” party, but we’ll call an “available friends” get-together. Invite all your single friends -- and even acquaintances -- to a potluck dinner and “bring an opposite sex FRIEND” party. (The “reject” aspect was related to bringing someone you dated a time or two but just didn’t hit it off, but who might be of interest to your friends!) If everyone brings someone new to your social circle, that’s a lot of potentially interesting date material. Home too small or just don’t want to do an at-home event? Agree to meet at a favorite local cafe or bar; just be sure it’s not one holding a romantic “couples” promotion that night. ------------------------------------------------------ Get timely tips on how to handle the mysteries of dating by signing up for Harlan’s dating e-newsletter. Just send a blank e-mail to dating_agai-@topica.com. ------------------------------------------------------ Dates ideas for February Schedules are subject to change. When possible, always call ahead to confirm. Sun., Feb. 1: Hike in the new Jewel of the Creek preserve, 27 acres at the end of Spur Cross Rd. in Cave Creek. Features natural stream and lots of birds and native plants. Mon., Feb. 2: Art Salon, Pulliam Auditorium, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 6:30 pm reception, 7 pm lecture/discussion on art & artists. Free. 602-262-4636. Tues., Feb. 3: Pueblo Grande Museum, exhibit of the saguaro cactus as popular icon in various art works, 4619 E. Washington St., Phx., open daily to 4:45 thru March 1. Adm. charge. 602-495-0901. Wed., Feb. 4: Adults' Night Out, Arizona Science Center, 7th St. & Washington, Phoenix. 5-9 p.m. Includes a special program or lecture (7 p.m.). $5 adm., plus $2 for giant-screen film or planetarium. 602-716-2000. Thurs., Feb. 5: "At Home with Ozzie & Harriet: Mid-Century Design of the 1950s in Arizona and the nation," Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E Second St., Scottsdale. Thru May 2. Admission charge. 480-994-ARTS. Fri., Feb. 6 (also 7th & 8th): Culture & Cuisine Festival for Chinese New Year 4702--the Year of the Monkey. Chinese Cultural Center, 668 N. 44th St., Phx. Free adm., parking $2. Other events around city. Info 602-534-3751; phoenix.gov/CALENDAR/chineswk.html. Sat., Feb. 7 (also 8th): 45th annual VNSA Used Book Sale, 9 am, exhibit building, Arizona State Fairgrounds, 17th Ave. & McDowell, Phoenix. More than a half million books and almost that many book lovers! Free adm. Paid parking. www.vnsabooksale.org. 602-265-6805. Sun., Feb. 8 (also Sat.): 14th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Admission $7. 602-252-8848. Mon., Feb. 9: Mondays (and Wednesdays) women's division Scottsdale Blues Rugby Club practice and play 7:30 p.m. Arcadia High School, 4703 E. Indian School. Hotline: 602-407-5555. Tues., Feb. 10: 2004 Celebration of Fine Art, tent at Scottsdale Rd. and Loop 101, 10 a.m. to 6 pm thru March 28. Adm. $7. 480-443-7695. Wed., Feb. 11: Thru March 17, The Arizona Historical Foundation 2004 Barry M. Goldwater Lecture Series, Kerr Cultural Center, 6100 N. Scottsdale Rd., guest speaker series on aspects of Arizona history. 9:30 coffee, lecture 10 a.m. $12 adm. 480-596-2660. Thurs., Feb. 12: ASU men's basketball against UCLA, Wells Fargo Arena, ASU, Tempe. 8:30 p.m. Tickets $14 to $26 plus $5 processing fee. Info 480-965-2381. Fri., Feb. 13 (also 14, 15): 4th annual Pecan, Wine & Antique Festival, Camp Verde Community Center, 395 S Main St., Camp Verde. Noon to 5 Fri. $6 adm. including sourvenir wineglass and six tasting tickets. 928-567-0535. Sat., Feb. 14: 19th annual Bullets, Bars & Brothels Tour of historic Florence, 10 am to 4 pm, including commercial & public buildings and territorial homes from 1866 to 1930. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting from Florence Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, 291 N. Bailey St., Florence. Adm. $10. 800-437-9433. Sun., Feb. 15: Sundays, Adobe Mountain Railroad Museum and Desert Railroad Park, 23280 N. 43rd Ave., Phoenix. Free rides in mini-steam trains. 12-5 pm. Free (donations appreciated). 623-386-5737. Mon., Feb. 16: Movie Monday, My Favorite Lounge, 4809 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix. Screens cult classic films on 64" screen at 9 and 11 p.m. 602-230-4346. Tues., Feb. 17: Movie Tuesdays movie discussion series, every Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Pulliam Auditorium, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central, Phoenix. Free. 602-262-4636. Wed., Feb. 18: Wednesdays (except first Wed.), Royal Scottish Country Dancing, 7 pm, Scottsdale Senior Center, Civic Center & 2nd Ave. Free. 480-834-5662. Newcomers welcome. Thurs., Feb. 19: Tempe Historical Museum hosts a "cafe" 6:30-8:30 p.m. with the museum open to the public and a spcial lecture or performance at 7 p.m. 809 E. Southern, Tempe. Thru May. Fri., Feb. 20: Every Fri., Friday night drag racing, Firebird International Raceway, 20000 S. Maricopa Rd., Chandler. 6 p.m. $10. 602-268-0200. Sat., Feb. 21: Every Saturday, classic cars & motorcycles exhibited approx. 5-9 p.m. (or later) around McDonalds at the Scottsdale Pavilions, Pima & Indian Bend Roads in Scottsdale. Free. 480-991-6007. Sun., Feb. 22: "Out of My Mime" solo mime performance by David Barker, 3 p.m., Kerr Cultural Center, 6100 N. Scottsdale Rd. Adm. $12.50. 480-596-2660. Mon., Feb. 23: Melodic Mondays Under the Stars: Phoenix Symphony performs at the Shemer Art Center & Museum, 5005 E Camelback Rd., Phoenix. 7-8 p.m. $5 adm. 602-262-4727. Tues., Feb. 24: Poetry in the Park, Encanto Park Clubhouse, 2605 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix. 7-9:30 p.m. Free. 602-262-6412. Wed., Feb. 25: Every Wed., 7-10 pm, coffee house with performers and a jam session, Encanto Park Clubhouse, Phoenix. 602-261-8993. Thurs., Feb. 26: Free wine tasting 5-7 p.m., free concert 7-8:30 p.m., Carefree Town Center amphitheater, 101 Easy St., Carefree. 480-488-3686. Every Thurs. thru May. Fri., Feb. 27: Astronomy Open House, Bateman Physical Science Bldg., H-wing roof (5th floor), ASU. 8-10 p.m. Free. Telescopic views. 480-965-7652. Sat., Feb. 28 (& 29): 20th annual Matsuri, a Festival of Japan, Heritage & Science Park, 7th St. & Monroe, Phx., 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Exhibits, entertainment, demonstrations, food. Free adm. 602-262-5071. Sun., Feb. 29: Sunday A'Fair, noon to 4:30 p.m. thru April. Scottsdale Civic Center plaza. Entertainment, arts & crafts, guided tours of the outdoor sculptures. Free. 480-994-2787. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + IF YOU KNOW THE RIGHT CONVERSATIONAL SKILLS, meeting people can be fun and easy ! Improve your MEETING PEOPLE skills with the HOW TO MEET PEOPLE audiocassette by Janet Jacobsen, editor of Single Scene. You’ll learn **How to overcome your fears **Three sure-fire meeting methods **Where to find interesting people **Simple, fun techniques to improve your social life NOW. To order HOW TO MEET PEOPLE, send $9.95 (first class postage & handling included) to Interpersonal Enterprises Inc. Box 6243 Dept. E Scottsdale AZ 85261-6243. Satisfaction Guaranteed! -------------------------------------------------