MSM's Sept 09 issue by Massachusetts' Singles Magazine (MSM)

Volume 1, Number 8

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

Volume 1, Number 8

September 2009

Platonic friendships

The other side

Chicken Scampi

09 First Date, first impressions

Boston’s own

18 19 Horoscopes Send Letters to Editor to publisher@singlesmag.net Email info@singlesmag.net for other inquiries or visit MSM’s website 24/7 at www.singlesmag.net Phone: M-F 9pm-5pm (617) 418-1750

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

Janelle Powers, writer, janelle.powers@ singlesmag.net Janelle was born and raised right here in Boston. She attended Hofstra University in New York where she studied both journalism and theatre. She’s had several small acting roles in both film and television, as well as some roles on the stage. She is currently working as histology technician and lives in Brighton with her fiancé.

Bobby Carr, writer, bobby.carr@singlesmag.net Bobby is always looking to utilize his creative attributes, which have led him in many different directions such as starring in the independent horror film Prichard and Silas and now following his true passion to be a writer. Bobby states “My only unfulfilled aspiration is finding true love, because I believe you are not truly happy unless you can share that happiness with someone else which is why I am ecstatic about writing for a singles magazine.”

Mehdy Ogine-Noel, photographer, realtouch@ymail.com Mehdy earned his graphic design degree from the Katherine Gibbs school in 2003. He owns RealtoucH, a photography company. Mehdy has done photography for weddings, corporate events, and websites. Visit him on www.realtouchpg.com

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

{Editor’s letter} Feature story on Jon Robert I just love my job as a publisher/editor because new and exciting things happen daily. I found out about Jon Robert, JR, only this week so Janelle and I quickly put his story together for this issue of MSM. I have listened to all of the songs that Jon currently has online and the more I listen to them, the more I like him as an artist. I can not believe it took me so long to learn of him. Though, he is one of the five finalist competing to win a record deal from Myspace Records, he is very humble and was a joy to speak with on the phone. I am certain that he will win the competition because he is really involved with his fanatics. It is the same fanatics who have been religiously voting for him daily on Jonrobert.com. Whether or not JR wins the competition, I am sure that he is going to be very successful as a musician.

Marie Stuart Noël Publisher and Editor-in-Chief 617-418-1750 Publisher@singlemag.net

ASK MARIE

Our monthly advice column on dating, sex and relationships Send your questions to publisher@singlesmag.net

Dear Marie, I go to Northeastern University. I dated this guy for three months last semester but as soon as finals were over, he stopped calling me. About a week ago, I received a text from him, and he was wondering if I was coming back to school this Fall. Also, he thinks we should pick up where we left off last Spring. I still like him but I don’t want to get hurt. -Jane Dear Jane, I am not sure what this guy’s agenda is but he forgot to pencil you in it. Men are simple, they will do whatever it takes to be with the woman they care about. They will never keep the woman they love guessing. I think that if he was that concerned about you, he would have sent you a text at the start of Summer, not at the end of it. It seems to me that he sees you as the girl he gets to have fun with in school. My advice to you is; If you are not looking for something serious right now and don’t mind his ways, see him this Fall. If you do think that he is a jerk, who is just using you at his own discretion, ignore him. However, if you like him a lot and want to be in a relationship with him, I do not advise the former. I hope you respect yourself and make the right decision. -Best, Marie 6

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

The other side, is it really greener? It was toward the end of the summer and I had survived a birthday, a graduation, two weddings and a christening, single as single could be. Many dates with little prospect; with the change in season approaching, I began to wish for a change of luck in the relationship department. But, as I discussed my problems with those that would listen and listened for advice from those that would give it, I soon realized that each side was envious of the other. Those that were in relationships were jealous of their single friends for their ability to do whatever they wanted and those that were single were jealous of their taken friends for their consistent doing of who they wanted. I suddenly began to wonder, when it comes to all types of relationships or lack thereof, is the grass always greener on the other side? One summer afternoon, I was invited over to a friend’s house to watch a movie, or so I thought. After six months of constant care of six month old Angelina, Melinda was neglecting the care of all other aspects of her life. Her friendships were fading, her apartment was never completely clean and her husband was more distant than ever. So, in an attempt to get something done, she phoned a friend who happened to have no clue what he was coming into. Not having any previous one-on-one contact with a child under the age of five, I suddenly began to wish I had lied about being available. As I walked into the war zone of dirty laundry and a crying baby, I suddenly got a glimpse into the world of the first time parent. I was literally traveling to the far side of my reality as a single person. As Melinda attempted to converse while she cleaned up, I could slightly hear her jealous words of envy of my life under the screams of a little creature awkwardly resting in my arms. Throughout the next hour, I made so many unnatural faces in an attempt to get “Linda Loud Lungs” to quiet down that my face hurt. As the storm calmed and little Angelina fell asleep, I felt proud of myself for taking decent care of another being other than the dog or myself. My rewarding dirty martini later that night couldn’t come soon enough. A half an hour later, an exhausted Melinda entered the room and plopped down on the couch. Amazed that the baby had stopped crying, she suggested we do this more often. I responded with an unsure “sure” and passed the child over. Soon after, her husband returned home and plopped himself down next to the girls. I said my goodbyes and as I headed towards the door, I looked back to witness a couple making the same funny faces I made earlier, only they seemed more natural. I suddenly became envious of their situation. Although their lives were frustratingly predictable and chaotic, they seemed truly happy underneath the surface. In the same sense, here I was with the excitement of unpredictability and freedom to do whatever I wished but lacked the passion and acceptance that comes with companionship and parenthood. That night sitting at a round table with drinks and friends, I wondered what Melinda and her clan were up to. Were they happily sitting on the couch watching some sappy movie, or were they anxiously talking over each other over a screaming baby, wishing they could be anyplace else but there? Whatever the case, I quickly came to the conclusion that when our lives are hectic and we look at alternatives, at first glance the grass may be greener. However, when chaotic turns to calm, we realize that there are ups and downs to every situation and the side we are on at that very moment is just fine.

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

Summer Special $4999 saline breast implants $5999 silicone breast implants 10% off liposuction procedures 15% off tummy tucks

Arthur Shektman, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon JCAHO Accredited Surgical Center

Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery 332 Washington Street Suite 340 Wellesley, MA 02481

781-239-0680 www.wellesleycosmeticsurgery.com

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

First date, first impressions By Marie Stuart Noel

ou’ve met a gorgeous man and you have a date scheduled. Now what are you going to wear? You look in your closet and you have nothing to wear—not a thing. I feel your pain! I have a huge walk-in closet and own close to 200 pairs of shoes, and yet I am the woman who never has anything to wear. In truth, I have plenty to wear, it's just difficult picking out the perfect outfit for the first date. So, I’ve put together a few tips on how to choose just the right look for a first date. First: What day of the week and time is your date? Is it a Lunch date, or dinner? Is it on the weekend, a holiday or, say, a Monday night? Wearing your work attire to a lunch date is a great look. You’ll look professional and it makes for an easy decision. But remember not all work outfits are appropriate for a lunch date. A butcher or a carpenter certainly cannot wear work clothing on a date! Second: What is planned for this date? Dinner and a movie, a walk in the park, a Red Sox game, etc? When you know in advance where you are going for your date, it is much easier to dress the part. If you are not sure what type of date you are going to, choose something safe. What is safe attire? For men, it's shirt, slacks and comfortable shoes. For women it's very little jewelry, a flattering shirt, pants (not jeans) and comfortable shoes. Your date might surprise you and take you to a basketball game, you should not be wearing a dress and high heels. Third: What is the look that you want to present? Sexy, cute, conservative, or “I want to get laid tonight”? Whatever you choose to wear on a first date can make the difference between a successful date or a real disaster. Wearing a shirt that causes a wardrobe malfunction can send the wrong signal to your date. You can look sexy without showing all your goodies. My personal rule is: Flaunt your best asset, do not flaunt all assets simultaneously, and keep it simple. What I mean by best asset is, if you have a very nice cleavage, show it off. But don’t accent your cleavage and show a lot of legs at the same time—that's flaunting two assets simultaneously. Wearing a pair of stud earrings is simple and elegant; wearing ten pieces of jewelry is distracting. My final advice is when in doubt about your wardrobe, keep it simple. 9

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

MEET JON JR is competing to be Myspace Records next recording artist. Vote for him on www.jonrobert.com

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

N ROBERT

“If it’s something you want to do then stick with it.” -Jon Robert

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

Boston's own JON ROBERT Bo

ston-based singer/songwriter Jon Robert, also know as JR, has been delivering his own brand of infectious pop/rock with timeless melodies, emotive vocals and sincere passion from Maine to California for the last four years. Through extensive touring Jon has built a solid fan base in anticipation for his debut album “Meant to Be.” Jon has built and maintained a viral presence on the Internet securing thousands of fans on MySpace, Facebook, MTVU, and YouTube. Accompanying his online success, Jon’s first EP "Racing The Sun" was licensed to MTV and received multiple placements on The Real World (Sydney and Brooklyn), The Gauntlet III, and most recently, The Hills. His song, “Touch Down,” was featured on The Hills’ season finale, an episode watched by an estimated 34 million viewers. Jon’s career was launched when asked to support teen pop sensation JoJo in a 4000-seat venue in Massachusetts. With a very positive crowd response, this led to many more opening slots now having shared the stage with John Mayer, Colbie Caillat, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, James Blunt, and The Police. The title track of Jon's new record, Meant to Be, has been selected by Toyota Music and Myspace Records out of over 15,000 artists to win a record deal with Myspace Records. I had the opportunity to catch up with Jon for a brief interview. I am now sitting here at my computer listening to Jon Robert’s Myspace music entry titled “Meant to Be” and I reflect on my interview with him. Janelle: So Jon tell me a little about you. What did you want to be as a kid growing up in Ipswich MA? JR: Well, I kind of jumped around a little bit. When I was really young I wanted to be an astronaut, and then I wanted to be a veterinarian. In college, I wanted to be a lawyer but then I decided to stick to music. Music was always a constant, something I loved to do and something I stuck with and decided to do. Janelle: Did you have any formal music training or did you kind of learn by playing by ear? JR: I was always singing in the choir in school but I picked up the guitar a little late. I was fifteen when I first started playing and I started to teach myself using an old music book. Finally, I started taking guitar lessons and I took the lessons for a year and by then I had really gotten good at it. People kept telling me I was good and you know when people keep telling you you’re good, you start to believe it. A little after a year, the teacher asked me to teach other students and by the time I was seventeen I had about forty students. Janelle: Tell me a little bit about who your personal and musical influences are. JR: Musically, the band the Verb Pipe had a large impact on my decision to be a musician. I was at a concert at the Hampton Beach Casino when I was nineteen and seeing Brian Vander Ark up on stage and singing Freshman really

“My interview revealed a sincere and serious musical talent. Jon Robert has the potential to be the next big star in the music business so be on the lookout for him.”

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

made my mind up. I decided that was what I wanted to do. Also, a lot of the 90’s bands the Goo Goo Dolls, Hootie and the Blowfish were a big influence, and also Rob Thomas. They are all big influences. Personally, my music teacher Steve Webber was a big influence he told me to just stick to it. Also, Bill Clinton is up there you know anyone that can balance the budget and do well in the White House is a good guy! Janelle: Do you write all your music? JR: I do! I have helped co-write a few songs, but I do write all my material. Janelle: What would you do if you won the Myspace contest? JR: I would be so happy and it would be a great thing for me. It would also give me a greater focus for the album I am working on and the tour schedule I am working up. It would really help add some structure and bring everything into a clearer focus.

“Don’t be too attached to the shallow and vain side of things.”

Janelle: Do you have any dating advice for any of the singles out there looking for the one? JR: I do! For the girls, don’t be unapproachable. Don’t always be all dressed up with that wall around you trying to impress us guys. The more approachable you are, and the more available you seem to be, the more likely you’ll get a nice guy to talk to you. If you always dress to impress it makes it hard for guys. Don’t make it so hard. For the guys, just know what you want. Get to a point where you know what you want and go for it.Don’t be too attached to the shallow and vain side of things. Janelle: Do you have any advice for the budding musician? JR: If it’s something you want to do then stick with it. Make sure you get all kinds of feedback and opinions on the way up, don’t just get the mom opinion, she’s always going to say it’s good. Get both positive and negative comments and make notes. That way, when you go back to the writing process, you can know what did and didn’t work and make it better. You’ll try two hundred times until you get it right. Janelle: One last question what’s your favorite local sports team? JR: Red Sox all the way. I am a big Red Sox fan and I like golfing! In the end, my interview revealed a sincere and serious musical talent. Jon Robert has the potential to be the next big star in the music business so be on the lookout for him. Don’t forget to visit www.jonrobert.com and vote for him. -Janelle Power Janelle.power@singlesmag.net

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

To be featured as a single in Massachusettsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Singles Magazine, please fill out the form on the MSMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s single page on www.singlesmag.net. Or you may email singles@singlesmag.net and call 617-418-1750, Monday-Friday between the hours of 9pm-5pm only. Posting your profile in the magazine is 100% free.

ZODIAC SIGN: Libra WORK: Flooring TOWN OF RESIDENCY: Whitman , MA WORK LOCATION: Hanover , MA What is your favorite hang out place? Boston, I love to go to the Celtics games. What do you look for in a woman? Sense of humor, self confidence, and has to be a spur of the moment kind of person. I like to be with someone who is older than me but not too much. She have to be family oriented and is passionate about movies. Also, I absolutely love women with long hair. What is the most interesting thing about 14

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

ZODIAC SIGN: Leo LIVES: Newton, MA WORKS: Newton, MA MSM: What is your favorite place to hang out? Stephanie: Mooo on Beacon Street, Las Vegas, South Beach. What do you look for in a man? Confidence, maturity, sense of humor, attractiveness and open-mindedness. What is the most interesting thing about you? I am not into the bar or club scene, but I love going out to dinner

ZODIAC SIGN: Taurus WORK: Legal secretary TOWN OF RESIDENCY: Everett, MA WORK LOCATION: Cambridge , MA MSM: What is your favorite hang out place? Cambridge and North End What do you look for in a man? I've been single since last summer. I am looking to meet a confident outgoing man who is very trustworthy and fun and attractive. I want that something that you can't explain connection with my guy. That amazing feeling and I will not settle for less. Communication is key also. I am real and in this magazine to really meet someone that I can potentially be with in my future. What is the most interesting thing about you? I love being active, go bowling and such.

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

Written by a woman, for women ship for something that you could have gotten some-

Platonic Friendships

place else. It is in fact much harder to replace a great

By Janelle Powers friendship than it is to replace a decent sex partner. We now come to the most common deterrent to a male

an men and women really just be friends? It is

female friendship, love. One person more often than

an age old question and yet we still don’t have a defini- not is in love with the other. Either secretly or openly tive answer. Almost anyone you ask will have an opin- one person falls for the other and the feelings are not ion on the matter and usually the outcome is fifty/ fifty. reciprocated, this can cause tension, depression, and in Half of people think yes and the other half say no. The some cases hostility. What can make the situation question alone is quite difficult, so why should the an-

worse is if the other person is not aware of their

swer be simple? Men and women are invariably differ-

friend’s feelings. It is unfortunately a common out-

ent. We think differently, talk differently, like

come to most platonic friendships. One person ends up

different things, we even move differently so there is

using the other person’s feelings either unintentionally

bound to be some confusion with this matter.

or intentionally and someone is bound to suffer. I am not saying that platonic friendship should be avoided; I

I think it is very possible for men and women to be do think that you can get something from a male fejust friends but I do think that a true platonic friendship male relationship that you can’t get with a same sex is not only rare but also fragile. One of the main diffirelationship, a different perspective. Having someone culties in a male/ female friendship is sexual tension. of the opposite sex that close to you can give you anUsually one person is attracted to the other. They may other outlook on life, and what’s wrong with seeing the not be in love with the person but they certainly want world through the opposite sex’s eyes. Men are from to know if there is a possibility they can be more than Mars and women are from Venus that will never friends. The problem with that is the aftermath because change but with this kind of friendship it closes the gap once you cross the friendship line, there is no going a little. And who knows: the best partners are almost back. In the end, you may have ruined a great friendalways best friends. 16

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

Recipe: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

4-5 chicken tenderloins ( buying these sometimes will save you the trouble of butter flying & pounding the breast) ¼ cup of seasoned flour 5 tablespoons of good olive oil ¼ of small red onion ½ teaspoon of crushed garlic ½ red pepper ¼ lemon ¼ white wine ¼ cup chicken stock a dash of chicken base ( enhances the flavor) ½ teaspoon butter Dash of Salt and pepper Parsley or fresh basil for garnish

Directions: Heat oil in medium sautee pan, add chicken, cook on first side for about 4 minutes, turn over and add onions, pepper, garlic and continue cooking. Pull pan away from heat, add wine, return to heat add stock salt and pepper, lemon juice and butter, lower heat just a bit, reduce sauce until thickens, add garnish and enjoy. May be served over pasta for a complete meal. Pairs nice with a glass of white wine.

Chef Eric Thompson of Trattioria 89 Centrale located in Milford, MA has put together the recipe for the chicken scampi. Enjoy! 17

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

Place a 30-day classified ad in MSM for only $2. Email publisher@singlesmag.net for more info.

Jobs

For Sale

Be your own boss! MyPlanet-NoBoss.com 1-800-394-4516

GREAT OPPORTUNITY! Exec level income potential with low start up fee. Not MLM. Inquire at www.becomeyourownceo.com or call 402-210-2626

Potential to earn Executive Level Income from home with our lucrative comp plan. Complete training provided. Rec. Msg. 1-800-727-8613

Marketing Professionals Generate better quality leads And make money while doing it. Toll Free: 1-800-461-9631

HP photosmart C3180

1. All-in-one printer, scanner,

copier, no fax, is in excellent condition. Please inquire by emailing tomaho@hautaahon.com

Portable Inkjet Printer Canon i70 Color bubble jet printer Email tomaho@hautaahon.com

Sony STR-AV1020 FM Stereo/FM-AM Receiver Analog only Email tomaho@hautaahon.com

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net

VIRGO August 23-September 22 Updating your online-personals or social-networking profile may be a pain (and you're already busy), but making it more truly reflect who you are pays off big-time now. Don't forget your sense of humor!

LIBRA September 23-October 22 Argh -- if there's a right side of bed to get up on, you probably won't be able to find it right about now. Best to put your love life out of your mind while you deal with finding your keys.

SCORPIO October 23 - November 21 You're working very well with others now -- if you want to take that in a business sense, have at it, but it's also true romantically speaking. Find a way to engage in a project with someone interesting!

SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21 You've definitely got a way about you -- one that some would describe as weird, while others would be more apt to go with unique, hilarious, A1, charming and so forth. Watch for some admirers from the latter category.

PISCES February 19-March 20 How about consulting a romantic mentor? Find someone whose relationship you really admire -- for its equality, communication, respect and fun -- and find out how they did (and continue to do) it.

ARIES March 21-April 19 Make absolutely sure you're treating everyone in your life with the respect they deserve. Using people for your own advantage, even a little bit, puts a serious dent in your overall love karma.

TAURUS April 20-May 20 Someone else's point of view on your particular romantic vista can really help you get the lay of the land. Don't be stubborn; ask for their take on it -- and be sure you truly listen to and consider the response.

GEMINI May 21-June 21 You're great flying solo now, but when it comes to stuff involving others -- friends, romantic possibilities, whatever -- things could get a little sticky. Spend time alone or be ready to deal with an issue or two.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 19 If you've been trying to catch a certain someone's eye, they might suddenly sit up and take notice -- finally. Then again, you're impressing plenty of other people too, so maybe you're on to bigger, better things.

CANCER June 22-July 22 Life's crazy, and love's full of extremes -- the good, the bad, the beautiful, the not-so-pretty. The stars say a time out is in order -- one in which you can take stock and also just tune out.

AQUARIUS

LEO

January 20-February 18

July 23-August 22

If it seems like your romantic possibilities are dwindling instead of expanding, don't panic. This energy's only temporary, and your own genuine interest in others will win out in the end.

Are you really, totally, one-hundred-percent sure you're getting what they're saying? Don't be embarrassed to ask a certain someone to repeat a comment or two, or to ask them what the heck they mean. *horoscopes.astrology.com

MASSACHUSETTS' SINGLES MAGAZINE - www.singlesmag.net