Singles Scene Newsletter 2/7/00 issue 11 sing-@primenet.com In this issue: * Singles News Briefs * Dating Safety Tips for the Cautious * All Singles Dance Schedule * Arizona Date Ideas * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Singles News Briefs, by Janet L. Jacobsen **Dating life gets analysis. In the column "Status Report," SmartMoney magazine recently analyzed what they called "Getting Personal," noting, for instance, that Match.com has had 2.5 million registered members since 1995, and 1600 weddings. (That works out to one match for every 3125 members, by the way.) They also noted that the Cupid's Network Web site lists two vegetarian dating sites, and 180 "Russian Women" dating sites. Finally, 49% of personals advertisers in the Dec. 14 issue of Village Voice described themselves as attractive, compared to 12% who described themselves as intelligent. **"Divorce planners" handle the financial disputes. Money magazine recently reported on a new professional field, the "divorce planner." In the U.S. 500 financial planners, accountants and attorneys are certified as CDPs by the Boulder-based Institute for Certified Divorce Planners. "They focus on the specific tax, pension and alimony issues that hamper most negotiations, using software to project how proposed settlements will change the net worth of one or both spouses 20 years out." Taxes are an especially important consideration, as well as whether the assets being divided will grow in value. **States can freeze bank accounts of "deadbeat" parents. In 1996 and 1998 Congress enacted laws for the national Department of Health and Human Services to help states track parents who owe child support, allowing the states to tap wages, tax refunds and bank accounts. One-third of all child support involved parents living in separate states, which previously made collection more difficult. Notification rules vary from state to state, but generally once the delinquent parent's accounts are located, the person is notified that the state can freeze their bank accounts, and they can request a hearing on the matter. Recently the President has announced a plan to require gambling establishments to check whether gamblers with large winnings owe child support, in which case the winnings would be seized. **Egyptian women can now divorce. The Egyptian Parliament has voted to allow women to file for divorce without having to first prove they've been mistreated. The vote followed "impassioned" debate, with opponents arguing that only men can initiate divorced under the Islamic religion, and that because women are emotionally capricious and vengeful, the new law will lead to a mass breakdown of family life. **Church of England may allow remarriage. The Church of England is considering a change that would allow divorced people whose partners are still alive to remarry. The current rules do not allow remarriage in the church, though those who remarry can continue to receive Holy Communion. **Are You a "Workaholic"? Sure you work a lot of hours, but why, exactly, do you do that? Could you be a workaholic? A recent article in the Arizona Republic said that some folks have all their eggs in their "work" basket, out of feelings of inadequacy. Workaholics can't stop working, even when they don't particularly like their jobs, even when there are no pressing deadlines. "Work addicts isolate themselves, refuse invitations from family and friends, and eventually lose their relationships," says one consultant. **How a bath helps. You may be depriving yourself of real benefits by opting for a shower instead of a bath, says the New England Journal of Medicine, which reported on a study that found that soaking in a hot tub reduced the need for insulin in some diabetic patients. A hot soak also lowers blood pressure, gives stress relief, and helps you sleep better. **Quotables. "The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places." Ernest Hemingway. "The key is to love your wounds." Sadie Delany. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dating Safety Tips for the Cautious; Some of the advice may be a bit overly cautious, but it's a good site. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ALL SINGLES DANCE SHEDULE: FEBRUARY 2000 Fri. 11^ Sheraton Crescent, 2620 W. Dunlap Fri. 18 Scotts. Radisson, 7171 N. Scottsdale Rd Fri. 25* Sheraton Crescent, 2620 W. Dunlap ^ our Valentines' Dance * Ladies' Night, ladies' admission $1 Call 480-949-8076 (press 1) for more info or see *********************** DATE IDEAS Tues., Feb. 8: There are some pleasant restaurants in the main terminals at Sky Harbor. Have dinner; go to the top of a parking garage and watch planes land. Wed., Feb. 9 (every Wed.): 6-9 p.m., Classic car gathering, Wigwam Outlet Stores, I-10 & Litchfield Rd., Goodyear. Thurs., Feb. 10 (every Thurs.): Free night at Phoenix Art Museum (donations appreciated). Til 9 p.m. 1625 N. Central. 602-257-1880. Fri., Feb. 11 (also 12-13): Peoria Have Heart Fest, Peoria Sports Complex. 10 am to 5 pm. Arts & crafts, entertainment, international food. Free. 480-488-2014. Sat., Feb. 12 (also 11 & 13): 52nd Annual Wickenburg Gold Rush Days. Rodeo, carnival, dances, parade, etc. 520-684-5479. Sat., Feb. 12 (also 13th): VSNA 44th annual used book sale, Arizona State Fairgrounds Exhibit Buildings, 17th Ave. & McDowell, Phoenix. Over 400,000 used books; very low prices. Free admission, charge for parking. 602-265-6805. Sunday, Feb. 13: Tomorrow is Valentine's Day! Address those little "school" valentines to all your mutual friends, and hand-deliver them. Monday, Feb. 14: Valentine's Day! For the "just-dating" relationship, a romantic dinner at your favorite burger joint, then share a banana split (that's romantic!) at a soda fountain. For the "something special" relationship, cook dinner together; champagne and chocolates for dessert. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * To unsubscribe to this newsletter, send a blank email to singlesphx--@topica.com If a friend would like to subscribe, have them send a blank email to singlesphx-@topica.com