Bring out your true Sun Sign potential by enjoying his excitingly creative Performing Arts Summer School
Enjoy a theatre experience by joining the cast or crew of new Swinging 60s musical with special workshops on ‘Now to Break Into The Music Industry and Get Yourself A Top Agent is included too.
More information victoria@russellgrant.com
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1. Going anything but Dutch
Although some people think that the person who’s done the asking out should do the paying, going Dutch works best. A first date is no time to establish a power structure, so paying for your date or letting him buy on the first date can be just plain awkward. “Since he asked me out, I let him pay for dinner, but it made me feel weird, like I was a woman from the 1950s,” remembers Brant of a recent first date that went nowhere in his hometown of Boston. “The only reason I almost asked him on a second date was so that I could even the score by paying for it, but decided not to.”
2. Talking on the phone or texting mid-date
Unless the phone call is from the police, fire department or hospital, no one needs to take a call in the middle of a first date. If, for whatever reason, you do need to make a call or send a “Things are going well” or “Please come rescue me” text to a friend, do it discreetly from the bathroom. [$MSN.ARTICLE.CTALINKS$]3. Talking about your time on the couch
Seeing a therapist is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, but bringing up mental health issues is a little heavy for a first date. “I was on a date with a guy, and within 15 minutes, he was telling me how his therapist was convinced he had slept with his twin brother, “ says Michael from New York. “I see a therapist, too, but it’s not like my panic attacks make the best icebreaker.” And the same holds true if you’re on medication. Though you might feel like it’s being dishonest not to disclose your Prozac prescription, it really isn’t necessary to give someone the major points of your emotional and psychological development in the same conversation where you’re learning where he went to college.
4. Discussing the last time you hooked up with someone
There is no good way for this conversation to go. Regardless of when the last time was, it will either sound like (a) too long ago, making your date wonder what the hell is wrong with you, or (b) too recent, making him feel like just another potential notch in your belt. Though there is no need to cover up the fact that you have a sexual history, there’s also no need to provide a Cliff’s Notes outline of your conquests or lack thereof.
5. Showing up late
It’s standard etiquette, but being late to a first date really doesn’t bode well for the future. “If a guy is late to a first date with me, he has a lot of work to do to prove to me that he’s not a flake or doesn’t think his time is more important than mine,” says Max of New Orleans.
6. Giving the hard sell
Everyone knows the first date is a bit of a mutual interview process; however, no one should feel like they’re sitting down to a PowerPoint presentation on your attributes, interests and skill set. “I went out with a guy who within the first 10 minutes had told me his favorite bands, TV shows, movies, where he saw himself in five years and what he was looking for in a boyfriend. It was like we were on a speed date and no one told me,” says Dan of Phoenix. No one wants to feel like just another guy in a line of applicants to be someone’s boyfriend. There are obvious points for both seeming interested in someone else’s background and providing interesting stories about yourself, but make sure to take it easy and try to let these talking points come about organically in give-and-take style.
7. Having friends come by
Asking friends to casually pop in to wherever you may be on your first date to see how things are going is one of the least-friendly things you can do: It’s just plain stressful for the other party. “Was he so worried that I’d be no fun that he needed a rescue plan? I felt like we were 16 all of a sudden,” says Marc of San Diego. “Plus, when they showed up, it was even more stressful, because I felt like I had to impress both him and his friends.”
8. Fighting with the waiter
“Treating a waiter or bartender like crap is the biggest turnoff imaginable,” says Ted of Miami. “It just speaks to how this person treats other people in general, and I’d never go on a second date with someone who did that. Even if your waiter screws up the order, you’ve got to be able to roll with the punches and try to make the best of it.” A first date is time to be on your best behavior, and if that means biting your tongue for the sake of keeping things easy-going in an already tense situation, so be it.
9. Hitting on the waiter
It seems like an obvious no-no, but you’d be amazed how often guys make eyes at the waiter on a first date. If your waiter is a dead ringer for Jake Gyllenhaal, there’s nothing wrong with talking about that with your date briefly—sometimes it’s hard not to mention. Just draw the line at staring at his butt!
10. Deferring to your date on everything
There’s a lot to be said for being agreeable, but letting your date call everything from the venue to what you’re drinking to what you’re doing next can be just as annoying as bulldozing through an evening. It’s OK to have an opinion—in fact, it’s downright important. After all, you want to start off on an even playing field, with both of you calling the shots — and seeing where your personalities connect — and where they don’t. That’s what makes a date interesting, after all.
Bill Keith is a freelance writer based in New York City, where he contributes to Best Life, Cosmopolitan, GQ, The New York Daily News, Metro, Time Out New York and Stuff.
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| THE BEST BREAKUPS Let these serve as examples of how mature and loving former partners can be even after the union ends. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore Esther “Eppie” Lederer (a.k.a. Ann Landers) and Julius Lederer George Hamilton and Alana Collins Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson Barbie and Ken THE WORST BREAKUPS Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes Woody Allen and Mia Farrow Ron Perelman and Patricia Duff Rudy Giuliani and Donna Hanover Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold Tracie Potochnik is a writer living in Providence, Rhode Island. In her best breakup ever, she got to keep the cat, the apartment, and the car. |
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5 things to do
1. Screen. Before you arrange to meet your date face-to-face, make sure you’ve screened him or her by telephone or through friends. You want to find out as much as you can to determine not only what kind of person your date is, but also whether you have enough in common even to get a conversation off the ground.
2. Get a description. Blind dates are awkward enough; don’t make things harder by forgetting to ask how you’ll recognise one another. Get a good description of your date (height, hair colour, clothes). You don’t want to start the date by introducing yourself to everyone who walks through the door.
3. Agree to be honest. On our first blind date, my date (now my boyfriend of seven months) told me that honesty was very important to him; if either of us wanted to end the date at any point, we should just say so. I loved it that he was so forthright from the start.
4. Keep things casual and public. A casual cafe can be more comfortable than a formal, upscale restaurant. No matter where you choose to spend your first date, though, stick to public places like a busy park or coffee shop.
5. Offer to split the bill. At least make the offer. It shows that you’re considerate and like to keep things on equal terms.
5 things not to do
1. Don’t get picked up at your place. Keep things on neutral ground until you get to know this person. Meet at a mutually selected location so you’ll have your own transportation home.
2. Don’t reveal too much. Try to keep the really personal details to yourself — without coming off like a cold fish.
3. Don’t overdo it. If this is your soul mate and you want to get the relationship off to a good start, be yourself. Don’t try to over-impress with exaggerated tales of your life as a fashion photographer. Be modest. Be real.
4. Don’t forget to turn off your mobile phone. Just good etiquette for any date. Besides, it will show off your courteous side.
5. Don’t lie. Back to the whole honesty thing. If you decide after the first handshake that you can’t spend another minute on this date, bail out as honestly as possible. In other words, don’t tell a blatantly bogus story about how you suddenly realised you have to pick up a friend from the airport. Instead try saying, “It’s been nice, but I really need to get home.” It may be obvious that you’re not all that interested, but at least your nose won’t grow!
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1. Do say yes to all the blind dates people offer to send you on. My grandmother always told me, “If you get invited, you go; you never know who you are going to meet.” This has been my advice to people ever since. Even if your blind date doesn’t prove to be the One for you, you never know to whom that person could introduce you. One caveat: If you are simply burned out on blind dates, take a break; you’ll come back to it a little while later feeling energized and excited for a new adventure.
2. Don’t spend too much time on the phone before a blind date. It’s better to have a brief, 5- to 10-minute conversation—just enough to create a foundation so you will feel comfortable on the actual date—then say good-bye. A long conversation will only cause you to create a lot of unrealistic expectations that the person will never be able to live up to. (When I send my clients out on their dates, I don’t allow them to talk on the phone at all beforehand for this very reason.)[$MSN.ARTICLE.CTALINKS$]3. Do go for drinks instead of dinner. Drinks are much less pressure. Dinner can feel daunting for a blind date because you have to make it through the entire meal before you can leave, whereas drinks can be brought to a close at any point. And keep in mind that if you are hitting it off, drinks can always turn into dinner or the scheduling of a second date. (The policy at my company is that the first date is always for drinks.)
4. Don’t ask around about the person you are going out with. You are much better off going on the date and evaluating the person on your own than digging for gossip and other people’s opinions.
5. Don’t choose a place for the date where you know too many people or that is too trendy. It will be very distracting if you are in a place where you need to say hello to a lot of people or where you are more focused or “checking things out” than on your date. It is better to choose a quiet place where the two of you can have a nice conversation and focus on getting to know each other.
6. Do wear something that you feel comfortable and confident in; blind dates are nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about how you look. Your blind-date outfit does not need to be super-trendy or fancy; it’s better to pick something that you believe you look terrific in so you’ll feel good about yourself.
7. Don’t show up on the blind date with a fantasy of your perfect mate in your head, hoping you’ll hit the “jackpot”—because the real person will never be able to live up to that image. Try to get to know the person sitting in front of you and see if you could like him or her for who he or she really is.
8. Don’t answer your cell phone every time it rings. You should turn your cell phone off when you arrive at the date. If you need to answer it for one very important call, you should tell your date this at the start of the date so that he or she won’t think you’re being rude. On blind dates, people are judging you through a microscope even though they shouldn’t be; don’t give them reason to think you are not worthy of a second date. For the same reason…
9. Don’t be too sarcastic or tell off-color jokes. Remember that when you go on a blind date, the person sitting across the table from you has never met you before, so he or she doesn’t know your sense of humor or sarcasm. What might be funny to you or to people who know you well might prove to be insulting or off-putting to your date, who’s virtually a stranger at this point.
10. Do reschedule if you are in a bad mood that day; you are better off canceling at the last minute than going and being grumpy or sullen. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression, and blind dates are the ultimate “first impression” dates.
Samantha Daniels is the author of Matchbook, the Diary of a Modern Day Matchmaker.
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“Does your bathroom always look like this?"
Granted, a three-hour burst of frenzied scrubbing is no substitute for diligent, long-term maintenance. Guys are terrified of coming across as slobs, so better to praise the 45 percent that’s clean than criticise the 55 percent that’s not.
“By the way, we’re having dinner with Edward and Diane next week.”
If a guy’s not scared enough that you’re already doing “couple” things, scheduling them without consultation (and especially during Match of the Day) is sure to make him run screaming into the night.
“You’re not really going to wear that, are you?"
Just because we’ve been dressing ourselves for twenty or thirty years doesn’t mean we’re not open to suggestions. But most guys, when they hear this question, break out in a cold sweat and picture themselves in a tutu and ballet slippers.
“Don’t worry, kitty won’t bite.”
No, she won’t bite, but she’ll scratch, shed and shred furniture. It’s a known scientific fact (you can look it up) that, way deep down, 75 percent of guys are terrified of cats.
“I don’t think I care for your friend Jimmy.”
So what if Jimmy covered your back on the Football pitch when you were younger and you’ve been bosom buddies ever since? No guy wants a new relationship to crowd out his old friends. More to the point, no guy wants his old friends to accuse him of being “whipped” by his new gal pal.
“What are you thinking?"
Such a simple question, and yet so fraught. Here’s a peek into the average guy’s thought processes: Does she want an honest answer? Does she want me to make something up? If I say the wrong thing, will she send me to clean the bathroom?
“My mum and dad really want to meet you.”
No guy expects to be liked by his girlfriend’s parents; mild disapproval would be a good outcome, and homicidal loathing is always a distinct possibility. And, of course, today’s girlfriend’s mum is tomorrow’s mother-in-law.
“You were snoring, so I slept on the couch.”
One of the great things about being alone, and then not being alone, is all the wonderful things you learn about your sleeping habits. Go easy on the revelations; if things work out, you and your beau will have plenty of time to accommodate each others’ nocturnal quirks.
“Great news! My sister/friend/cousin is engaged/married/pregnant.”
Competition, from a guy’s point of view, is a powerful thing. It may or may not be what you intended, but when your boyfriend hears this, he visualises himself with a big red target painted on his back. (Or some other part of his anatomy.)
“Does this dress make my hips look big?"
I once knew a guy who ripped his own head off rather than answer this question. Believe me, he’s much better off.
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Choose a costume that says something about you or that at least serves as a conversation starter. Some of the perennial head turners that never go out of style include:
1. She-Devil
You are beautiful, look good in red and are tempting indeed — so why not?
2. Nurse
No man can resist a woman who can take care of him and look good doing it.
3. Playboy Bunny
This one speaks for itself. Ask any man.
4. Dominatrix
Even when you are bad, you are good.
5. Elvira
If the mistress of the dark never goes unnoticed on Halloween, neither should you.
6. A Cat/Cat Burglar/Catwoman
Purrrfectly feminine, you may just take heavy petting to a whole new level.
7. Witches & Pixies
A little magic never hurts in a relationship. Believe in it and he may as well.
8. Belly Dancer
Exotic and erotic. Before long you will have him dreaming of you.
9. Cheerleader
You might have been born in Scunthorpe, but why not go ‘American teen beauty queen’ on this one – it’ll do the trick of making you look, fresh, innocent and sexy.
10. French Maid
“Ooh la la!” Simply put, you will clean up in this.
Decide on an appropriate costume depending on the locale. We have all seen how embarrassing it can be when a colleague or family member takes a costume a little too far; so make sure you keep yourself in line. Shift your costume’s theme to something more cute than sexy for the office.
Also, never lose sight that your goal is to be seen in the most attractive light possible. Regardless of where you find yourself this Halloween, avoid any costumes that hide your identity, ones that rely heavily on gore, makeup or fake blood, and especially any that are unflattering to your figure. In the end, putting on your best face may be the difference between leaving a potential Mr. Right dreaming or screaming.
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1. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver
She’s a descendent of the elegant, eloquent Kennedy clan that’s spawned so many fine Democrats; he’s an Austrian bodybuilder famed for cartoonish movie lines like “I’ll be back”—and a staunch Republican. Sure, an 18-year marriage, four kids, and being governor of California may have softened Arnold’s roughest edges, but still, you can take Arnold out of the action flicks, but you can’t take the action flicks out of Arnold. Did Maria and her family cringe when he ranted about “economic girly men” at the 2004 Republican National Convention? We know we did, but nothing seems to faze this perplexing couple.
2. John Lennon and Yoko Ono
When the kooky Japanese performance artist asked the legendary rock star to hammer an imaginary nail into a wall at her 1966 London exhibit, a romance for the ages took flight. When the Beatles broke up in 1970, many blamed Yoko, but Lennon evolved from mop-top pop star into a visionary singing “Imagine,” and credited his wife (seven years his senior) for inspiring him. Still, with their “bed-ins” in which they refused to leave their bed in the name of peace and their posing nude on album covers and for interviews, this is one odd couple that never failed to keep people wondering about that strange thing known as chemistry.
3. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy
When this bossy blonde pig dragged her lanky green beau down the aisle in The Muppets Take Manhattan, we have to admit: We were worried. Would Kermit survive Miss Piggy’s temper tantrums and karate chops? Did he marry her purely because he feared what she’d do to him if he didn’t? Probably, for as Miss Piggy has told the press, “I’ve always been a great believer in compromise. I believe, and Kermie compromises.”
4. Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller
Typewriter-pecking intellectuals like Arthur Miller (who wrote the classic play, Death of a Salesman) belong with other typewriter-pecking intellectuals. And baby-doll-voiced bombshells belong with sports stars, or perhaps politicians. Nonetheless, Monroe and Miller were married for four years before they parted ways to fulfill their rightful destinies: Famed playwright, infamous singer of “happy birthday” songs. What drew them together continues to mystify.
5. Father Ralph and Meggie Cleary
In this 1983 best-selling book and TV mini-series, The Thorn Birds, a priest breaks his vows and sheds his cloth (and everything else for that matter) to bed down with an apple-cheeked girl in town. And she gets pregnant. Clearly, a union that involves a man torn between God and woman ain’t easy.
6. James Carville and Mary Matalin
You know the old adage that couples should never go to bed without resolving any issues they have with each other? Then we can only guess that political pundits and polar opposites Carville (Democrat) and Matalin (Republican) haven’t slept in their 11 years of marriage. “Not every guy has a wife who calls him a serpent-head — or worse — in front of a couple of million people,” Carville has said to the press about their TV appearances. One can only hope they see eye to eye on who does the dishes after dinner.
7. Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester
Charlotte Bronte’s Victorian novel Jane Eyre depicts an orphan-turned-governess falling head over heels for the gristled old grouch who owns the house. OK, so maybe Jane saw something good in the guy. But when it’s revealed at their wedding that he’s already married, and his first wife is mad and living in the attic? Well, that should have set off some alarm bells. Nonetheless, Jane takes off only to return years later to tend to an even grouchier, gristlier Mr. Rochester. Honey, he so doesn’t deserve you.
8. Janice Dickenson and Jon Lovitz
Dickinson, former supermodel and venomous judge on America’s Next Top Model, claims she’s bedded down with Hollywood studs Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, and Mick Jagger. So why, we wonder, was she ever hooked up with a tubby, balding comic like Lovitz? Even if she’s matured beyond needing arm candy, we’re a little confused by Janice’s claim that Lovitz is “the sexiest, most well-put-together man that walks the Earth” and “one hot stud muffin.” Go figure.
9. Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne
What does a dazed rock star have in common with a savvy business manager? Apparently, opposites attract. When Ozzy was fired from his band Black Sabbath, Sharon picked up her Humpty Dumpty’s pieces and put him back together as the solo star of Ozzfest and orchestrated their reality-TV success The Osbournes. He mumbles, she negotiates, but clearly these two speak the same language of love.
10. Muschi and Mouse
This unlikely pair met about five years ago at the Berlin Zoo, when Muschi, a tiny domestic black cat, climbed into the cage of a half-ton bear named Little Mouse. Rather than turning Muschi into a midnight snack, Mouse welcomed his new roommate. “They sunbathed together and shared meals of raw meat, dead mice, fruit and bread,” said a zoo spokesman. When the cat was shooed out last year, the puss sat outside the cage pining for months until zoo-keepers let it back in. We’re stumped what these two see in each other, but let’s just say nature never ceases to surprise.
Amy Spencer is a New York-based writer who covers relationships for Cosmopolitan and other magazines. Researching this story made her realize how complicated couplehood can be—and she is quite happy being single, thank you.
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2. Do unto others
The term “charity date” may have unpleasant connotations, but giving time at a soup kitchen or weeding a neighborhood garden can be great fun. “Dedicating time to a cause you feel passionately about will make you feel good,” says Cyndi Haynes, author of 2002 Things to Do on a Date. “Plus, it shows you’re kind-hearted, so it’s good PR for yourself!” Log onto www.volunteermatch.org for opportunities in your city.
3. Work it
Suggest a bike ride, gym visit, or jog to make your next evening date truly good for your heart. “There’s that feeling of doing something healthy for you, and you’re doing something positive together,” says Ellen Sue Stern, author of The Relationship Tool Kit. Most gyms and yoga studios offer free admission to those who are trying it for the first time.[$MSN.ARTICLE.CTALINKS$]4. Have a change of art
Invite your date to check out an exhibit at a local museum. Free museum days are easy to find online, or just hit a gallery in your city. Avoiding the clichéd dinner-and-a-movie date not only saves you bucks, but expands your horizons. “Doing something creative together builds the relationship,” says Shel Horowitz, founder of FrugalFun.com and author of The Penny-Pinching Hedonist.
5. Be a tourist
“Get your local city magazine, pretend you’re a tourist in your own city and see what’s available,” says Haynes. You’ll find offerings and activities you otherwise may never have heard of and set out on surprising adventures together. The Association of Alternative Weeklies has a database of city magazines with event listings at www.aan.org.
6. Window-shopping spree
Shopping rivals baseball as America’s favorite pastime, so head to the mall or downtown to browse your favorite shops. Does he drool over the Gucci counter or head straight for sporting goods? Does she spend a surprising amount of time in the electronics section, indicating that you should consult her before you buy your next TV set? “You can learn a lot about a person’s personality from how they window shop,” says Haynes.
7. Get (pot)lucky
Invite friends — both you and your date’s — over to join you for a potluck dinner. You provide the place and they bring the food. Seeing someone interact with your friends is a great way to get to know them better. “I don’t feel guilty about not feeding people—I’m providing the place! And it’s fun to have your friends and the person you’re interested in there together,” says Deidre Norquist, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia.
8. Get cultured
Contact the volunteer office at your local dance hall or symphony and sign up with your sweetie to usher at upcoming performances. “Once you get the hang of ushering, it’s easy, and most times you can sit together once the show starts,” says Horowitz.
9. Popcorn not included
During warmer months, many cities offer an alternative to sitting inside a stuffy movie theater with outdoor screenings. New York’s Bryant Park screens classics every Monday during the summer, and Atlanta’s Piedmont Park offers outdoor screenings as well. “It’s such a treat to be outside enjoying nature and to be entertained at the same time,” says Margot Tessler, 27, of Brooklyn, New York. Local libraries and museums also sometimes screen unexpected films, from classics to documentaries. Check schedules in your free city circular.
10. Learn your keep
Most cities and even smaller towns have universities and community colleges in the surrounding area, so check out a free lecture series on a topic you’re both interested in. “It’s some of the highest quality education you can get,” says Horowitz.
Brooklyn-based writer Lauren Harris works at Blender magazine.
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10. I will explore new hobbies and interests. You’re thinking, “What does this have to do with dating,” right? Well, a lot actually! Let me tell you, the thing I love the most is when I’m at a party and someone asks what I do for a living. When I tell them I work for Match.com, literally the room will come to a standstill and then you’ve never seen someone become so popular so fast. When I tell them I regularly go out on Match.com dates, the questions fire out even faster. Dating interests everyone, single or married. I bet you’ll see some of your friends come up in your search results. Go on, go have a look now!
9. I will give someone a chance. Sooner or later, whether it’s at the local quiz night or browsing Match.com, I’ll meet someone who falls outside my description of the person I think I’m looking for. Yes, I admit, I’m often searching and wondering if George Clooney’s ever going to put up his profile. But just recently, I’ve been checking out a few profiles that don’t fall into “I am a female looking for a Hollywood God” description. Maybe he isn’t 6’2″ with the physique of Johnny Wilkinson or maybe he wasn’t educated at Eton like Prince Wills, but maybe he’s into snowboarding and has a sense of humour that’ll have me falling off my chair. Anyway, I’ll see what happens. What do I have to lose?
8. I will stop falling for the idea of a person. As soon as I hear that someone has a fascinating occupation or background, I create this story in my head: “If he’s an architect, we could have such profound conversations about composition.” I will knock that off and wait to learn who people really are (I wonder what our house will look like…)!
7. I will start flirting more. I don’t know about you, but when I take the tube and bus to work every day, I’ve normally got my head firmly ensconced in a book and rarely check out the other passengers. That’s two hours every day that I could be flirting with a really nice man. So I shall take time to look and if I see someone I like, I may just flash him a flirtatious smile.
6. I will not make too much eye contact. While it’s sensible and good dating etiquette to look your date in the eye during conversation, gazing too deeply tends to mesmerize the weaker-minded boys or scare off potential winners.
5. I will not tell my life story on a first date. Nor will I tell him about my ex-boyfriends and how pathetic they were. I’m all for honesty, but a little privacy is good at first. Besides, the present and the future make great conversation, too.
4. I will let him have a word in edgeways. It is, after all, polite to have a two-way conversation!
3. I will be straightforward with decent people who I am not interested in pursuing a relationship with. I will practice these lines for use in emails and phone messages: “Thanks for your reply, but I don’t think we’re a match. Good luck.” and “I had a nice time on Friday, but I can’t see us working out. Thanks for the evening, and good luck.”
2. I will play my favourite girl-power tunes before I go out on a date to get me pumped up and feeling confident.
1. I will bounce better. If I learned anything from last year, it’s that a bit of disappointment is part of the dating game and you’ve got to move on.
Ready to take on the new dating year? Start with a quick search and find singles in your area!
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Have you ever looked at the person you love and wondered, “What were the odds of us meeting and winding up head over heels?" I did the other day, and because I wondered it out loud—and because the person I love is a social scientist—he immediately looked it up in a book called Sex in America: A Definitive Survey. The odds were actually pretty good, he informed me. Sixty-three percent of married couples meet the way we did, through a network of friends.
To me, this 63 percent figure was a revelation. I always knew dating was a numbers game, but I’d never thought to take that saying literally. But as I continued browsing through my guy’s extensive, factoid-heavy book collection, I realized that there were statistics confirming just about every dating phenomenon I’d ever experienced. So why not let the statistics guide you in your search for a lasting love? With that in mind, I put together a list of 10 factoids every single person should know: [$MSN.ARTICLE.CTALINKS$]1. 44 percent of adult Americans are single, according to U.S. Census figures. This means there are over 100 million unattached folks out there. So, if you’ve ever worried, “There’s nobody out there for me,” know that there’s hope!
2. Statistically, the find-someone odds favor guys: There are 86 unmarried men for every 100 unmarried women, although in some regions the gender ratio favors women, especially out west. Paradise, Nevada, a suburb 10 miles from Las Vegas, has 118 unmarried men for every 100 unmarried women. Other cities where gals got it good include Austin, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Tempe, Arizona; and Sunnyvale and Santa Ana, California. A coincidental bonus for women thinking of relocating: All of these cities are sunny and warm.
3. The best place for single people on the prowl is New York, where 50 percent of state residents are unmarried, and Washington, D.C., where a whopping 70 percent of the population is single. The worst places are Idaho, where 60 percent of people are married; and Utah, where 59 percent of people are married.
4. Think you’ll find love while perched on a barstool? Think again. Only 9 percent of women and 2 percent of men say they’ve found a relationship at a bar or club—blame it on the beer goggles. So if you’re lonely and looking, you’re better off hitting on cuties at Starbucks.
5. Got someone hot in your sights and want to reveal your interest? Fifty-one percent of people use flattery, according to the book Are You Normal About Sex, Love, and Relationships? Or, try touching them, a tactic used by 25 percent of single folk. Still another 23 percent utilize the schoolyard approach and send the word out through a friend.
6. If you’re into online dating, you’re hardly alone: 40 million Americans use online dating services; that’s about 40 percent of our entire U.S. single-people pool. So if you haven’t tried it yet, maybe it’s time to dive in!
7. Profiles and photos go together great. Online, being bashful will get you nowhere. Women and men who post their photos receive more than twice as many emails as those without photos, according to a study published by economists at MIT and University of Chicago. Some numbers!
8. On a date, first impressions do count: Men take only 15 minutes to decide if a woman is worth a second date. For women, the clock isn’t ticking quite so fast—they ponder whether to get together again for an hour or so.
9. The number one problem for couples in America? Disagreements about money, according to a poll by the University of Denver. So, don’t write off a date just because you two bickered over the dinner bill; everyone clashes over cash.
10. If you’re feeling like your relationship is hitting the skids and want to bail, the painful face-to-face approach might not be necessary: An estimated 48 percent of online daters report that their breakups have happened over email. Call it rude or just plain convenient, but it happens a lot.
Meredith Broussard is the editor of an upcoming anthology, The Encyclopedia of Exes: 26 Stories by Men of Love Gone Wrong. Her website is www.failedrelationships.com.
Read the Article at russellgrant.match.com
His inbox was overflowing with responses to his free profile, and basically, he wasn’t sure where to start responding. So, he took a simple path: He began to look at the emails with captivating subject lines.
What sort of subject line catches a man’s attention and will get him to contact other members via email? Here’s a sampling of 10 suggestions:
Men love to be engaged, led on and eventually seduced. They’ll quickly respond to something that is provocative, such as, “I want to find out why you’re shy” or “Let me take you to my favourite place.”
“Blue eyes make me go weak in the knees” or “I love a man in a uniform” are ways of connecting quickly through a subject line. However, don’t come on too strong. That could frighten away some potential matches.
Here’s where you can use your subject line to play on his sense of smarts. Read his profile and try something along the following lines: “I see you’re into Harold Pinter as well” or “Can you help explain quantum physics to me?"
Suggestions such as “Call me now!” or “Take me to dinner” basically encourage a man to reply to your response. Most blokes are afflicted with ambivalence or are a bit shy. Here, you can give someone a bit of direction and remove any concern over rejection.
“I know that teachers always have homework” or “I’ve always admired paramedics” will let him know that you understand what defines him work-wise.
Subject line suggestions like, “I’d love to cook you a homemade dinner” or “Want some help decorating your flat?" are ways of telling a guy that you wouldn’t mind giving him some special attention (but use your common sense and don’t invite him round to your house as a first date).
Guys love a challenge. Throw down a sexy gauntlet, such as “Make me laugh” or “Can you dance with me all night long?" and watch how quickly he responds.
Here, your subject line can play into what he loves to do during his downtime. After scrutinizing his profile, try propositions like, “You’ve found the perfect chess partner” or “I’ll help catalogue your jazz albums, if you like…”
Subject lines like “Let me show you the best jazz club in town” or “I’ve got tickets to the next Arsenal game” show him you know how to plan a good time.
Other lines like, “You look good in blue” or “Love that you play guitar” let a man know that you have seriously studied his profile and are ready to interact with him.
Get serious about your search for the ultimate match: Find romance right around the corner!
Read the Article at russellgrant.match.com
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 veryone knows that if your first date is bad, your second date is often nonexistent. The tricky part is knowing where on that critical first get-together you went wrong. As an advice columnist, I get letters all the time from confused women along the lines of: “I told her my deepest, darkest secrets and then never heard from her again.” Proof that other people’s mistakes are easier to spot than your own. So here are some tried and true first-date don’ts to help get you to date #2:
1. Getting too deep, too fast 2. Being Braggy McFullofyourself 3. Getting too sexual, too soon 4. Making too many self-deprecating jokes 5. Showing up smelling like a chicken fajita 6. Trashing your past dates 7. Being overly excited 8. Being a sour, one-note song 9. Being indecisive 10. Inviting your friends along I hear so many stories about all the crazy things people do on first dates, but in my opinion, dating is a win/win situation: Either you’ll meet somebody fabulous, or you’ll score some valuable tips on how to up your game for the next round. Hopefully, the stories above will help you do the latter! Jen Sincero is the bestselling author of The Straight Girl’s Guide To Sleeping With Chicks and Don’t Sleep With Your Drummer. You can receive her nationally-syndicated sex and relationship advice column, Living In Sin, on her website, www.jensincero.com. |
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Read the Article at russellgrant.match.com
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 ack when you were plotting your online profile, the delete key and edit function bailed you out of blunders before posting to the cyber-nation. Even voicemail grants us the beloved # button to erase verbal mistakes and botched witticisms. But once in the real-time arena of dating in person, though, what’s to keep you from shoving a shoe in your mouth and blowing the whole affair? Like your fairy godmother, consider us on your shoulder for that first date,
1. Scale back your time of possession. 2. Offload unsportsmanlike conduct. 3. Put Mr. Popularity on ice. 4. Lay off any leering looks. 5. Enter a no-bragging zone. 6. Steer clear of taboo topics. 7. Self-medicate in private. 8. Don’t get too familiar. 9. Don’t over-indulge your pop-culture passions. 10. Avoid the line-item audit. Bonus tip: Phineas Mollod traded his J.D. for the editorial life and is often found riding the congested 6 train and wooing his live-in New York femme. Jason Tesauro toils at a vineyard by day and by night pushes pen and ink while celebrating 5 years of wedded-ness with his everlasting one-night-stand. Together they are authors of The Modern Gentleman: A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy and Vice and The Modern Lover: A Playbook for Suitors, Spouses, and Ringless Carousers. |
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Read the Article at russellgrant.match.com
Back when you were plotting your online profile, the delete key and edit function bailed you out of blunders before posting to the cyber-nation. Even voicemail grants us the beloved # button to erase verbal mistakes and botched witticisms. But once in the real-time arena of dating in person, though, what’s to keep you from shoving a shoe in your mouth and blowing the whole affair? Like your fairy godmother, consider us on your shoulder for that first date, reminding you not to step into the usual bachelor potholes. Specifically, we’ll help you watch out for these 10 common dating pitfalls that spoil chances of an Act II and render your mojo limp:
1. Scale back your time of possession.
In football, the team that holds the ball for long stretches on offense invariably wins the game. In dating, forget football Sunday. Instead of towering over the chitchat, shelve the Me, Me, Me and talk less. Unlike the star of a rowdy cable news roundtable, defer and listen to your guest. In the end, you’ll learn more and foul up less. [$MSN.ARTICLE.CTALINKS$]2. Offload unsportsmanlike conduct.
Unless the theme of the date is to watch the big game around a bucket of hot wings, don’t schedule a first meeting at the same time as a crucial sporting event. No lady appreciates one eye on her and the other on the bar TV scanning for the Cubs score.
3. Put Mr. Popularity on ice.
One of the terms of the social contract we call a date is that while we’re both here, this is the most important thing happening. Pressing business and pet emergencies aside, silence your cell phone during a first date. Flaunting your supposed importance as a social butterfly is downright rude, overshadowed only by the ultimate cad who flirts with a stranger while his date powders her nose.
4. Lay off any leering looks.
No matter how well Pilates has sculpted her backside or how devilishly low-cut her neckline, be different… lock your gaze above the neck line for full iris-to-iris contact. She’ll be impressed.
5. Enter a no-bragging zone.
Your Wall Street credentials and private jet may have been relevant info online, but boasting about your bank account in person is hardly attractive. If you are well-off, the confident tone, classic watch, and Italian shoes will wordlessly communicate that you are a blue-chip investment.
6. Steer clear of taboo topics.
Life lessons, PG-13 sex, or your philosophical stance on the late Jacques Derrida (Overblown fraud or grand deconstructionist? Discuss.) enliven conversation and aid in weeding out potential mates with incongruent values. However, a first date is not couples’ counseling or a tell-all recap of your romantic résumé. This is not the forum for discussing recent exes or any past relationship failures that involve heartache, baggage, or near-miss pregnancies.
7. Self-medicate in private.
Lactose intolerance, high cholesterol, and even higher anxiety shouldn’t be on display; ingest any prescription meds in the privacy of the restroom, not tableside. Should lasting amour follow, there will plenty of time to confess mild maladies. Note: Even if the date is going smashingly, a Viagra washed down with a glug of Ginseng Tea shows a bit too much cocksureness about the prospect of a nightcap.
8. Don’t get too familiar.
No matter how well the date is faring (rampant hand-holding, under-the-table canoodling), projecting a conjoined future is a terrible no-no. Hints of shared summer-house rentals, baby naming, or family references (“Oh, Mother is a card. You’ll meet her soon.”) are super-creepy at this stage.
9. Don’t over-indulge your pop-culture passions.
Must every semi-witty comment and dash of banter contain a pop-culture reference? Lightly sprinkle your cultural quotient, yes, but too many Simpsons jokes and too deep a knowledge of Star Wars: Episode I is head-shakingly dull.
10. Avoid the line-item audit.
Obsessing over the price of dinner, before, during, or afterward either paints you as a worrywart who isn’t enjoying the date—or a cheapskate who isn’t enjoying the date. The host generally pays, and no one needs to hear you gripe about appetizer prices or shrimp count.
Bonus tip:
We know we said 10 first-date pitfalls, but one more begs for inclusion—specifically: Despite advances in technology, treating your camera phone like the boardwalk kiosk photo-booth is premature, and more apt for a third date. Even worse, it gives the sense that you’re “collecting” photos of all your victims/dates. Seductive conversation trumps snapshots any day… and any night.
Phineas Mollod traded his J.D. for the editorial life and is often found riding the congested 6 train and wooing his live-in New York femme. Jason Tesauro toils at a vineyard by day and by night pushes pen and ink while celebrating 5 years of wedded-ness with his everlasting one-night-stand. Together they are the authors of The Modern Gentleman: A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy and Vice and The Modern Lover: A Playbook for Suitors, Spouses, and Ringless Carousers.
Read the Article at russellgrant.match.com
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 t’s tricky to find a good flick to watch with your date. Either a rental is too sappy, or too cynical. Too much sex or not enough. Depressing because it’s true or more depressing because it’s not. Fear not: We’ve compiled a list of 10 movies that are guaranteed to make you two feel something more than popcorn reflux.
The movie: Spiderman The payoff: If you and your date aren’t inverted and kissing after this movie, you might want to check your pulses. It may be tricky at first, but remember: Practice makes perfect. The movie: Swingers Why you should watch it: “It’s a romantic comedy written from a guy’s perspective,” explains Flanagan. “The plot is a basic chick flick, but tailored to men.” So it’s a love story he’ll watch. Part of Swingers‘ appeal is its laughably wretched male leads. “Swingers shouldn’t be a good date movie,” points out Devore, “but it is. It proves that dogs are only dogs until they meet the right woman.” Vince Vaughn may remain a shallow womanizer, but Jon Favreau realizes he’s happiest with one woman by his side. The payoff: If you’re a guy, this movie is a great way to introduce your girlfriend to your buds or the idea of meeting them—chances are none of them are as smarmy as Vince Vaughn. If you’re a girl who thinks guys have it cake-easy when it comes to dating, you’ll get a kick out of watching hapless cads trip up while trying to woo the “beautiful babies.” The movie: The Princess Bride Why you should watch it: “It’s a fairy tale,” explains Flanagan. “The Princess Bride proclaims the virtues of true love, while blending action and comedy into a movie that both guys and girls will enjoy.” Devore goes so far as to claim that, with its lack of mushiness and sap-filled sentiments, The Princess Bride is “the greatest guy-friendly romantic movie of all time.” The payoff: The way guys love fights and explosions is the way girls love an unapologetic love story. This movie blends both into a captivating spectacle. (The only thing guys should worry about is looking miserable in comparison to suave, courageous Wesley and his tight black pants.) The movie: Bull Durham Why you should watch it: “Guys love this movie because it’s a map for living the perfect guy life—find a way to play sports for a living and have a whip-smart, beer-drinking chick to watch your The payoff: In addition to the pre-Waterworld, still-swoon-worthy, Kevin Costner, the ladies will appreciate Sarandon’s unabashedly sexy yet independent character. And, well, guys like that, too. The movie: When Harry Met Sally Why you should watch it: It’s all about how friendship is the most important part of love, says Devore. But hearts and flowers aside, there is a scene that can be a bit too revealing for the average guy. “Fellas,” cautions Flanagan, “take note of how hard your girl laughs during the fake orgasm scene. She could be trying to tell you something.” The payoff: If you’re just friends (but want to be more), watch this film together. Then, fill in Billy Crystal’s “I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out” speech with your own list of endearing quirks. The movie: Psycho Why you should watch it: “Horror movies are always the best date movies,” says Devore. (Well, as long as the guy doesn’t screech like a girl.) The whole point of a “horror” film is for the girl to get scared and grab the guy’s arm so he can protect her.” Flanagan concurs. “Alfred Hitchcock was a master of creating legit suspense, which is an emotion that can quickly turn into a need for cuddling. That’s a good thing.” The payoff: As the American Film Institute’s #1 most thrilling movie of all time, all you’ll need is a dark room and a blanket to find each other’s arms. Just make sure you’re a few dates into bonding with one another before you suggest this unnerving thriller (you know, so as not to come off as a sociopath). The movie: Meet The Parents Why you should watch it: “Meeting your partner’s parents is one of the most terrifying parts of a relationship,” says Devore. “But this film turns even the most embarrassing and horrible situations into comedy.” Besides, this flick is bound to be reassuring, because no father is as intimidating as DeNiro’s Jack Burns. “Your partner’s Dad might be tough, but he doesn’t have a lie-detector chamber in his basement,” points out Flanagan, “or hidden cameras stashed throughout the house.” Or does he? The payoff: After watching Ben Stiller bumble through mishap after mishap under the scrutiny of a stone-faced DeNiro, your first meeting with the parents will seem like an open-book test. The movie: Splash Why you should watch it: It’s quite literally a “fish out of water” story. “Misfits in love always make for a good date movie,” says Devore. “The message is that true love will survive—no matter what.” This movie helps couples put minor differences in perspective, adds Flanagan: “Hey, at least she’s not a mermaid!” The payoff: This film follows the recipe for romantic comedy (boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy and girl reunite, fall in love, and live happily ever after in an underwater kingdom). When it’s over, you and your partner will realize how lucky you are to have each other… and not have to sprout fins to be together. The movie: Breakfast At Tiffany’s Why you should watch it: It’s a real-world tale that still resonates today. “The main character is a hard-drinking, single woman who loves teasing men,” states Devore. “Every man she meets, she charms into falling in love with her… and then runs the other way.” You may even know a Holly or two… “When she does get her happy ending, it’s after a lot of crap, and it shows the reward of persistence when love is true,” Devore notes. “It’s a great date flick because it proves that even drunken, crazy non-conformists can find love, even if they have to be patient.” The payoff: Got a girl who’s afraid of commitment? Expose her to Holly’s mega-flakiness (she wouldn’t even name her cat because it was too much of an obligation) and its resulting loneliness, and she might have a change of heart. Or, if you’re a girl with an overbearing beau, you’ll gain a perfect discussion-starter regarding his domineering demeanor. The movie: Annie Hall Why you should watch it: Knowing from the get-go that Woody Allen doesn’t get the girl, why would you want to pick this movie on date night? “It’s a movie about the one that got away, and it’s also a movie that celebrates unconventional love and chemistry between two unique individuals,” explains Devore. (See the lobster scene.) “Everyone can relate to the feeling you get when you see Woody Allen trying to re-create the romance he shared with Annie Hall while on a date with another woman. I think every guy has a set of his dating ‘greatest hits’ and has tried to recreate them.” The payoff: This one’s tricky, and should be reserved for only the strongest relationships. You’re definitely going to end up talking about past relationships once the credits roll. Even more scary: You’ll probably crave lobster, so budget accordingly! Matt Christensen has written for Maxim and WWE Magazine. His favorite date movie is Street Fighter, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Yup, he’s very single. |
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And so we come to the Grand Final in bonny, breezyBlackpoolthe capital of showbiz where I lived for many years!
Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom, the palace of showbiz is probably the only place in the country for such a fabulous entertainment extravaganza to be held. The huge ballroom has always been the people’s ballroom and it holds so many happy memories for millions of people who have danced to the melodies of famous bands and orchestras over the years, not to mention Reginald Dixon at the legendary Wurlitzer.
But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
What about the countdown to the final?
First of all we had to gather in London for group rehearsals early in the week and what fun it was to meet up with Nancy, Lulu, Audley, Edwina, Dan, Robbie, Holly, Alex, Anita and of course the remaining stars of the show Harry, Jason and Chelsee. We have all been on a wonderful 99 day long “Strictly” journey together and we have loved every, nerve jangling, muscle straining, footsore minute.
Thursday brought a few more last minute practice sessions.
On Friday we all had to clamber on the coach for a marathon eight hour journey from London through rain, hail, snow and mist to Blackpool to meet up for a laugh and a giggle with Zoe on “Strictly It Takes Two” and a short burst of “We do love to be beside the seaside”. The rigours of the journey were soon forgotten when we all settled down in the magnificent ballroom to drink in the atmosphere of the place and for one or two sneak previews of what Saturday night holds for us all.
And what a spectacular it was – Harry and Aliona get the full forty points for their Quickstep and 37 for their show dance. Jason and Kristina with a terrific Tango earning them 38 points and a full forty for their scintillating show dance. While Chelsee and Pasha won 39 pints for a jumping Jive and 36 for their superb show dance.
Then we all had to bite our nails while the phones rang and the votes were cast ready for the final of the final!
The “Strictly” results show saw Jason and Kristina bow out with cheers ringing in their ears. They have both done so well and pulled off some remarkable and memorable performances, but as I’ve said before – it’s the nature of the show, someone has to win and it can only be one couple. Jason’s grace, generosity and emotion are always and have always been apparent to us all since September. Well done Jason – you are a Star!
It was great to dance with Flavia again when all the competitors got together on the floor for one last dance together. Robbie and Rory swinging me to and fro and then getting hoisted high by the dancers was a very special experience for me. But then the music, the lights, the crowd and all of us friends together made it a memorable moment for me.
Chelsee and Pasha, Harry and Aliona both treated us to marvellous, magical magnificent performance. They were stunning, spectacular, stupendous and it was hard to choose between them, but once again there can only be one winner and it was Harry who had captured all our hearts that finally held the triumphant trophy aloft.
I know I will miss everyone involved, of course my fellow competitors, but also Alisha, Bruno, Len and even Craig.
Tess, Zoe and our very own national institution, icon and treasure, one of nature’s true gentlemen and a wonderful entertainer our very own Sir Bruce.
Well that’s it from me – the end of the “2011 Strictly Come Dancing” Blog I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it for you.
Thanks for being there on our journey and KEEP DANCING!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
Although I am no longer part of the Saturday night fun and games this has still been a very busy week for me and all the competitors, past and Present in the “Strictly” line up.
IT was wonderful to be invited back for The “Strictly Christmas Special” and for Flavia and me to be announced as ‘special guest stars’ was just so amazing. It is going to be an essential “Don’t Miss” in the festive Christmas TV schedule. There is so much skill and dexterity to admire mingled with a few laughs along the way. So don’t miss it – you’ll love it.
Once again I cannot write the blog without mentioning all the drawings that are flooding in from the four corners of the country. I am surprised and touched by all the youngsters who are taking the time to draw pictures of Flavia and me and then send them to the BBC.
I don’t know if this sneezy, chill and coldy-fluey thing is down your way, but I think I might have picked up something nasty while I was down inLondon. I got home toWalesin the middle of the week, headed for the Lemsip, lit the fire and put the telly on.
One thing is certain the cool, clear, mountain air of Snowdonia will do me a power of good.
Now, what did you think of Saturday’s show? It was full of surprise and, of course, the expected. I think many people could have predicted that Harry and Aliona’s Paso Doble would be top of the leader board after that sizzling, sexy performance, but maybe quite a few folk were surprised that Jason and Kristina came so far down the board after they produced such a special moment to entrance and enchant us.
Chelsee continues to go from strength to strength although I much prefer Pasha without the green tinge.
With so few couples left in the contest the scoreboard gets shorter and shorter each week so even the very best that any couple can produce means it has to find its place on the board.
And so Robbie and Ola’s Quickstep after having reached such a high standard of energetic, entertaining performance and winning so many new friends and fans bow out of Strictly. Of course we shall all be meeting up for the final on December 17th inBlackpool and there’s the “Strictly Christmas Special to look forward too.
I don’t know about you, but I think the standard of dancing and performance is getting stratospheric. I know firsthand just how much time, effort, energy, concentration and stamina goes into each of the week’s training and performance. I take my hat off to everyone who is pulling all the stops out to make our Saturday night’s viewing complete.
And so the dance goes on….
Thanks for being there & KEEP DANCING!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
Although I am no longer dancing the light fantastic with the rest of my friends this has been a far from quiet week.
Monday evening saw me once again on the couch with Zoe for “It Takes Two” and a chance to talk about Saturday night’s show. The Golden Shot from the big cannon and my flight through the air on what felt like a very small tea tray! Big hugs, big kisses. I love Zoe and I enjoyed every minute of our time together on the show.
Later in the week I was signing the new “Strictly Come Dancing” book in aWest Endbookshop and we were all amazed by the sheer numbers of people who turned out to snap up a signed copy.
More interviews, more photo-shoots and I think you’ll be amazed by some of the stuff the glossy celebrity magazines had in store for me.
I spent time with the Daily Mail who wanted to talk to me about my career and all the wonderful things I have done in the theatre over the years. It really is amazing when I pause for breath and look back over the years and think of all the wonderful people I have met, the places I have seen and the things I have been up to.
One of the wonderful things I simply have to mention is the number of children who have sent me their drawings of Flavia and I strutting our stuff. It’s so kind of everyone to send those lovely drawings in especially as they all show Flavia and me getting 10 points from all the judges! They are all on my fridge (I have a very big fridge!)
Lots of texts and calls from the gang on Saturday afternoon. Everyone is being very nice and saying how much they miss me, but “Strictly” is a competition and the standard is soaring to stratospheric levels that only the very best can hope to achieve and maintain.
So what did you think of Saturday’s show? Just as good as ever, in fact it just gets better and better doesn’t it?
I loved Alex’s cheekyCharlestonand thought Holly was just mesmerising. Robbie and Ola pulled off an exciting Samba in more than one way while Chelsee delighted us all with a wonderful performance. What can I say about Harry and Jason? They are just so good, such great energy and movement, such entertainment. Just marvellous.
I thought Anita and Brendan’s cha-cha-cha was simply spectacular. Anita is such a lovely person her exit from the show will leave heart-shaped hole in the “Strictly” line up. Nevertheless, it is the nature of the show that one couple must leave the competition every week.
I am meeting all the gang again next week because we are all starting our rehearsals for the “Strictly Christmas Special” It will be fabulous to see everyone again and it will definitely be a “Must See” in everyone’s Christmas viewing schedule.
Thanks for being there and KEEP DANCING!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
Well…. There we are – all good things must come to an end.
Saturday’s Wembley show was an exhilarating, exciting exit for me and I could have asked for a better send off.
The Big Bang theory saw me flying through the air with maybe not the greatest of ease and then landing to jive with the fabulous Flavia. It was all great fun, but you know and I know that each week one couple flies through the air and lands with a bump!
Even so the audience gave us a standing ovation. Sir Bruce claimed I had “Done it again!” Alisha said “Just when you think you’ve seen it all – that was the best ever entrance on Strictly” Bruno claimed it as an “Incredible or bit of madness” and he “Loved it!”
Craig was reduced to a “Revolutionary!”
Len added that whenever people talk about the history of “Strictly” they will always say “Do you remember when Russell Grant flew out of that cannon at Wembley?”
In many ways it is sad to go; I will miss the other dancers and all the wonderful people who have helped me backstage and away from the camera’s lens in production, wardrobe and make up. In other ways it will be nice to catch my breath before the final show and spend more time at home in the mountains ofWalesand start learning lines for my pantomime season inMilton Keynes.
We have waved goodbye to some lovely people and there will be more sad moments before the final inBlackpoolbut that’s what the show is all about.
Well Good Luck to all those still on the floor. They are all fabulous dancers. Each one of them deserves to win. I will miss you all, but I won’t miss those long practice sessions or those nerve racking results shows!
I shall end where I started – All good things come to an end! See you soon my friends
And KEEP DANCING!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY – www.russellgrant.com
This week I have spent all my time down in theBigCityrehearsing for the Wonderful Wembley Whizz Bang! Of course every silver lining has a cloud and my cloud this week has been not being able to go home again toWalesand catch up with all the local news.
Now, I must start the blog with a big thanks to Billy and Ezra. Who are Billy and Ezra you might ask? Well they are the guys who were waiting behind the screen on last Saturday’s show with the golden glittery “Ferrero Roche” suit. That quick change was a real show stopper! Thanks guys.
As you might expect its been another busy week practising for what looks like being a real blast. Flavia and I have been getting into jive mode and the Wembley show needs a much bigger performance to fill that huge space.
The press interest has been phenomenal so there have been loads of interviews and photo shoots for Flavia and I to get along to in between our jive sessions and the most wonderful news of the week for me was that Radio 2 are putting together a special “Strictly on the Radio” show I will be presenting the show and you can hear it at 10.00pm on December 30th so reach for your diaries now and make a note.
Wednesday night Flavia and I were off to catch up with Zoe on “Strictly It Takes Two”. We always love dropping in on Zoe because we have such a good time.
I listened to Ian Waite and took on what he said about my head and kicks. I know I can sometimes have a bit of a nodding dog look when I am on the floor so I appreciate what he had to say and I aim to get a thumbs up from Ian for Saturdays show.
The real high spot of the show was the wonderful message from the fabulous Kylie. I have been a fan of hers for years and now, it seems, she is one of mine! Simply stunning and such a surprise I found myself welling up. Thanks Kylie.
Thanks too to Alex fromSurreyfor her lovely message of support and encouragement. It’s great to know the next generation are enjoying “Strictly” and that I am putting a lovely smile on their faces. Another very BIG thank you to James fromStockportand Madeleine from Retford who both sent me their drawings of me and Flavia. James seems to think all the judges are about to give me 10 points. Let’s hope that’s an omen for this week’s show.
More from me on Monday about how the Wembley show went.
Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the encouragement you send. It means so much.
If you are one of those who have sent me a message I must ask for your patience. Usually I deal with them all straight away, but the BBC have sent all the messages to my home and because this week has been so busy I have had to stay in London so I won’t be able to deal with the post until I get home again hopefully next Monday.
“Thanks for being there!” and Keep Dancing!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
It’s been a busy time since I last had a chance on Thursday to update my Blog. A busy, but an exciting and even exhilarating time.
The days have passed in a melee of press interviews, practice sessions and preparations for the big show on Saturday. I have even had a couple of photo shoots for the glossy, celebrity magazines so I hope you’ll have as much fun seeing the photos as I had during the shoot.
Saturday night was a real high. Great dancing and great scores for Harry and Aliona and don’t they deserve their place at the top of the scoreboard. They are just so fantastic on the floor the rest of us just look on in admiration.
Chelsee and Pasha’s Foxtrot was “Elegant, graceful, gorgeous and sophisticated” and it earned them a well deserved second place with only one point behind Harry and Aliona. Holly and Brendan shared third place Jason and Kristina and once again they bring that special starry something to the evening.
It fell to me to bring the show to an end with one of my favourite songs “I am what I am” from the hit show – La Cage aux Folles. Well I was what I was and I had the greatest time dancing the American Smooth with Flavia and I think I did pretty well all things considered. Did you like the quick change? I have never been in and out of my clothes quicker! A standing ovation thrilled me to bits. The audience loved it. I loved it and I hope you loved it too.
Len dubbed me “The Giant Ferrero Roche” and followed it up with a “Well Done!”
I took Alisha to a “Fun Place” and Bruno thought I “Couldn’t wait to get out of the closet”
A single “Immortal” from Craig crowned my night.
Did you like the video before the dance with multiple me’s coming out of the woods to serenade the fabulous Flavia. We had some real fun and laughs doing that with the BBC crew up in the beautiful hills of my home inWales.
Sunday brought us together for the results show and we had to say good bye to the Big Man with the Big Heart. Audley and Natalie bowed out with their usual grace. We will all be sad to see them go, but that’s the way the show goes and sooner or later we will all go except for the wonderful winner of this year’s show.
Now I have a very busy week ahead of me. The Wembley show looks like being a true extravaganza. There are extra practice sessions built into the schedule. In between rehearsals there are more interviews and photo shoots to keep me busy. Whatever you do don’t miss Saturday’s show I can promise you it will be something special and you’ll see things you never thought you’d see and I can promise you, you’ll never see again! Intrigued? Tune in and watch!
More from me on Thursday about how the week has gone.
Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the encouragement you send. It means so much to me.
If you are one of those who have sent me a message I must ask for your patience. Usually I deal with them all promptly and reply straight away, but the BBC have sent all the messages to my home and because this week is so busy I have to stay in London so I won’t be able to deal with the post until I get home again next Monday.
Just one special mention – thank you to young James inStockportfor his drawing of Flavia and I getting 10 points from each of the judges and thanks to Madeleine and Violet Karczewski for her drawing and her kind words. They are both up on the fridge!
“Thanks for being there!” and Keep Dancing!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
This week has been rather different and difficult.
Poor Flavia was due to travel fromLondontoNorth Walesfor our usual practice sessions, but with one thing and another the whole day was lost. Delayed leaving London Flavia travelled with the BBC film crew and got tangled up in traffic so she didn’t reachNorth Walesuntil 9.30 at night.
Not only that but because we had lost so much time the film crew decided to do some interview sessions straight away so filming began about 10.00 at night. After such a long day Flavia was her usual cheerful, charming self but I am sure she must have been tired out.
So a whole day was lost and so was our first practice session for the American Smooth. One thing it did give me a chance to do was to reply to all the kind and thoughtful messages, letters and emails people have sent. There were so many it took me most of Monday, but it’s always good to hear from everybody.
Wednesday was another busy filming day with some unusual shots that I am sure you will really enjoy on Saturday night’s show. You won’t want to miss it.
The American Smooth belies its name; it’s really quite demanding being a blend of Foxtrot and Quickstep but Flavia has made it all go as smooth as possible and I hope you will enjoy our interpretation and our dance to one of the big show stopping songs of all time.
Thursday was an early start. Down to London for a series of press interviews, photo-shoots and preparing for TV appearances on “It Takes Too” with the lovely Zoe and “This Morning” on Friday.
For those of you who don’t know I am an avid football fan. Mostly non-league club football. I have regularly been on Radio 5 Live and Talksport. Coming up soon is the first round of the FA Cup and so I am adding my thoughts on who might be the clubs to watch on Football Focus. If you’re a footy fan like me be sure to tune in.
Then it will be heads down and dancing shoes on for some last minute practice sessions ready for Saturday’s show. I am hoping to make it through to the following week’s big show from Wembley. That will be a show well worth watching. From what I hear it will be a real spectacular!
More from me on Monday about the Saturday’s show and what the next dance will be.
Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the encouragement and generous support you send me.
“Thanks for being there!” and Keep Dancing!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
So……. The Paso Doble was my passport to another week in “Strictly Come Dancing” I hope you enjoyed the comic interpretation of this dramatic dance that Flavia and I produced on Saturday night.
From Anita’sCharlestonto Chelsee’sCharlestonwe were treated to a spectacular evening of ever rising standards and styles. As the weeks fly by I am sure you’ve noticed the work levels rising and the performances becoming more and more exacting and exhausting.
We are all hoping Artem’s painful injury will ease over the weekend. I feel sure his determination to carry on will carry him through, but we all have to be careful and it just goes to show that even the fittest of and even the most highly trained can sometimes be taken by surprise by our bodies. Nevertheless Artem danced his way through the pain barrier and carried on to produce a “Cool and sophisticated” jive that captivated us all with its energy and intensity. Holly and Artem deserved every one of their 34 points.
Topping the score board were Chelsee and Pasha with a “Pleasing, teasing” brilliant performance that our Craig proclaimed “FAB-U-LOUS” and so it was!
So far as points are concerned it wasn’t Jason’s week and it wasn’t Robbie’s either but we all know that there are some dances that bring out our best and some we find more difficult and challenging. Even so both gave us wonderful performances and both were receptive to the advice and guidance of the judges.
Flavia and I were the eighth couple to take the floor in a light hearted interpretation of the Paso Doble. Last Thursday I blogged “our version will be very, very different” and I am sure you agree now you’ve seen it. Once again Craig was reduced to a single “ASTONISHING!”. Jennifer, standing in for Len thought it “Entertaining” Alesha “Loved it”. Bruno caught the essence proclaiming: “It was a Benny Hill version of a Paso Doble – demented and fabulous.”
Sadly, each week we have to say goodbye to one of our company. This week it was my friend Lulu and her partner Brendan. We will all miss them and we will remember her stunning Halloween performance.
Back toWalesfor a short rest. Tomorrow I shall be catching up with Flavia in the afternoon, that will give me a little time to write some horoscopes, catch up with the fan mail and, I believe, there are one or two newspapers who want to speak to me about Saturday’s show.
It’s a long journey each week from northWalestoLondonand back again, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. There really is “No place like home” and the mountain air of Snowdonia, the company of friends and neighbours and the chance to chat with people at our local shops make the trip worthwhile.
Thanks to everyone at our local Porthmadog supermarket who turned the store upside down searching for nail varnish remover! My wonderful make-up department gave me black fingernails for the Paso Doble. Rushing for the car I forgot to take it off before leaving Television Centre. Amazingly I had none at home. My god-daughter Lucy came to the rescue in the end – you can always rely on her!
More from me on Thursday about the week’s practice session – the next dance? American Smooth to I Am What I Am – rather me don’t you think! Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the encouragement and generous support you send me.
“Thanks for being there!”
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
Russell, 60, wore a red suit and horns to dance to Better The Devil You Know with partner Flavia Cacace — despite torn cartilage in his knee.
Kylie sent Russell a Twitter message after the show, asking: “How did it go?”
After he replied, she joked: “Shimmy!” Russell said: “I want to thank Kylie for making mine and Flavia’s day.”
The astrologer yesterday put off having keyhole surgery on his knee, fearing it would put him out of the show.
It’s been an interesting and inspiring week so far.
First of all, Monday morning brought a flood of emails to be dealt with and later that morning the postman arrived with a bundle of fan mail. On top of all that there are all the wonderful messages on Twitter and Facebook. I am totally bowled over by all these messages. Many of them tell me a little about people’s own history and how “Strictly” cheers them up at the weekend and how much they love to see Flavia and I take to the floor.
Talking about Flavia – we have been working on the Pasa Doble and practicing hard each and every day. Flavia really is a joy to be with. At once uplifting, motivating, inventive and with a total focus on what needs to be achieved each week.
I am finding the Pasa Doble is quite a difficult dance, it has its roots in the intense colour and drama of the Spanish bullfighting arena and is based on the type of music played at the entrance of the matadors. The bullfighter’s role is played by the man and traditionally the woman takes the part of the matador’s cape. But our version will be very, very different. I won’t say too much now but watch us on Saturdays show and I am sure you will be surprised, even amazed!
Wednesday evening saw me down at the local rugby club and if you think you will be surprised by our Pasa Doble wait to see what the rugby club get up to! As you can imagine there will be some hilarious moments.
Something a little different is in the offing! You may not know it but I am often on BBC Radio 5 Live talking about non-league football and sometimes cricket. I take a deep interest in all sorts of sport but especially non-league football and always have done, so it comes as a surprise to a lot of people to hear me talking footy. 5Live and Talksport are two stations who interview me regularly to get my thoughts on various matches and clubs. This time around I will be chatting about next weekend’s FA Cup 1st round and what surprises it might hold.
I shall be joining Zoe again on “Strictly It Takes Two”. It’s always great to see Zoe, she is such fun and the show is one of my favourites.
I am looking forward to Saturday’s show so much. It’s great to be dancing to the wonderful music and genuine joy to meet the rest of the gang. They are really wonderful people. Isn’t it a pity that at the end of each weekend we have to say goodbye to a couple. That’s “Strictly”!
More from me on Monday about how Saturday’s show went. Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the affection and generous support you are giving me. You’ll never know how much it means to me.
“Thanks for being there!”
©COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
Down to London from our energising practice sessions in North Walesmore fun and games with Zoe on Thursday night in “It Takes Two”. Friday morning found me swapping tales, choosing the music with Chris Evans on Radio 2 and it ranks as one of the most exciting and enjoyable radio experience ever. I always enjoy dropping in to Radio 2 and whether it’s with Chris or my regular spot with Steve Wright we always share a little gentle banter and a few laughs.
Friday and Saturday were fabulous in more than one way. Of course there were the practice sessions with my magical Muse Flavia – now that’s always a delight and I thought the show and the backstage build up to it was one of the best, but you’ve probably heard I’ve been getting a bit of a twinge in my knee every now and again. It doesn’t stop me walking, exercising or dancing so no worries there – the show must go on – so on with the show!
Saturday’s show was a hoot! Kitted out as ghouls, vampires and in all kinds of “shriek and scream” outfits. A bright red devil emerging from the flames I Sambad my way onto the dance floor to the strains of Kylie’s “Better The Devil You Know” theme. Eleven million people got a chance to see my tail – I hope you’ve recovered!
Len said I gave everyone the “Feel good factor”. Alesha asked “Kylie and Russell what more do we want?” Bruno claimed I had “Turned Hell into a camp heaven!”. Although everything didn’t quite go as Flavia and I had planned we still had a great time and judging by the cheers from the audience they did too.
Chelsee wasn’t happy with her Tango with Pasha but still got a wonderful 32 points. If that’s the sort of score they get when they think they haven’t performed to perfection what wonderful things are we about to see in the weeks ahead?
Alex and James treated us to a perfect Paso Doble and were rightfully cheered to the rafters. Getting 31 points and comments like “Erotic”, “Intense”, “Dramatic” and “Atmospheric”. It was exciting and energising to watch and a brilliant performance.
What can I add to what has already been said about Holly and Artem’s American Smooth. 35 well deserved and well earned points and a standing ovation! To echo the judges: “Stylish”, Exquisite”, “Incredible”, “Beautiful”, “Terrific”, “Artistic”. What will they produce for us next week? All I know is that it’s going to be great!
Harry and Aliona earned yet another standing ovation with their tantalising Tango, the judges raved, the crowd cheered and so they should. It was “Intense, hypnotic and erotic” and above all “Beautiful”. They have to be the ones to watch. They are a great couple and lovely people.
Robbie and Ola after his brush with the camera gave us a great Paso Doble. Bruno was “Lost for words” but he although he was tongue tied he kept his eyes open. Len saw some “Wobbly bits” and Craig was “Amazed”. Need I say more?
The amazing Flying Lulu and her Paso Doble was great entertainment with a flying entrance and heart stopping exit. Truly “Great”.
Can anything be added to the judges’ comments about Jason and Kristina’s Quickstep? Bewitching, beguiling and bewildering. Brilliant and perfect. Once again they danced elegantly to the top of the night’s score.
We were all sad to see Nancy and Anton bow out.Nancyhas been such fun and has always had an encouraging word for those of us who don’t have her lovely long legs!
Now I am back inWalesand looking forward to seeing Flavia later today and getting to grips with “Team Flavant’s” unique twist on the Paso Doble!
More from me on Thursday about how the practice sessions are going. Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the affection and generous support you are giving me. You’ll never know how much it means to me.
“Thanks for being there!”
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
Monday was a strange day. First of all there was a breakdown of communication somewhere along the line and Flavia missed her connecting train up toNorth Wales. By the time she arrived Monday was almost over and done with. On top of that I had to schedule time in the afternoon to visit our local hospital. The knee has continued to play me up so the doctors thought it would be a good idea to have an MRI scan to see what’s going on.
It is rather painful and I will have to watch what I get up to, but luckily this week’s dance is the Samba and that means a little less wear and tear on the knee.
As we approach Halloween we shouldn’t have been surprised to encounter one or two inexplicable happenings in our rehearsal rooms which are over 100 years old. First of all I heard someone call “Russell”, but there was no-one to be seen. Then Flavia heard someone cry out, but again there was no-one to be seen. To top it all I saw a figure run along the back of the balcony and apparently this is not the first time that people have seen this strange apparition in the hall! It’s all very spooky!
Although the practice sessions have been shortened by Monday’s events everything has gone very smoothly. Flavia and I both love the Samba. It has its origins inBraziland it is THE dance of the carnival season so that should be fun for everyone! Flavia says many people find it one of the more tricky steps to master, but I feel quite at home with this rhythmical, exciting dance. And Flavia agrees!
There’s a whole host of the kindest and most thoughtful letters and cards to read through and answer and that’s always a priority. Thank you to everyone who has written in – your encouragement and support means so much to me.
Thank goodness for an early night Wednesday. I was wacked out after a totally taxing, tiring time over the last couple of days. A lovely bit of smoked haddock for tea and in bed for ten o’clock because Thursday is an early start.
Up before 6.00 and off we go leaving our lovelyWalesand heading south toLondon. Today’s schedule has a lot of press interviews and joining Zoe for “It Takes Two” in the evening and somewhere along the line Flavia and I need to find time to practice our Samba.
Friday morning I shall be dropping in on Chris Evans to join him for his breakfast show and then back to the ballroom for some last minute rehearsals.
It certainly is a demanding time. The days fly by and there is hardly a spare moment to rest and relax. But I am loving every minute of it. This is definitely THE time of my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I know the rest of the gang will have been working just as long and as hard as I have and I am sure we are all feeling the pace one way or another.
I think you’ll enjoy Saturday’s show and although we will all be having a great time it will be tinged with sadness as we will have to say goodbye to one our small band.
See you Saturday and Thanks for being there!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
After the Tango week and Russell’s leg problems – the show is still going on…. Flavia, Teddy (Tango Teddy) and Russell are here with a special exclusive message!
Well… it was touch and go Saturday night especially for me. During a punishing practice week of not only dancing but scrambling up and down the majestic hills and valleys ofNorth Waleswith a BBC film crew in tow my leg and ankle was playing up even more than usual. So much so that at one point there was a question as to whether or not I would be able to dance on Saturday!
But “The Show Must Go On! So with the knee supported and with an ice pack strapped to the inside of it we and the remaining eleven took to the floor.
Wasn’t it lovely to see Edwina in the audience? She is so kind, generous, supportive and always encouraging.
But, there I go again getting ahead of myself… lets go back to frantic Friday when I dropped in on “Loose Women” at lunchtime and then rushed round to the Beeb where we had great fun with Zoe on “It Takes Two”. Lots of people love this show as much as Saturday’s performances and if you haven’t tuned in yet you mustn’t miss it this week.
Saturday is a busy practice day, but we still have time to have a chat here and there. Lulu and Anita are great fun and we spend lots of time chatting and chunnering over the week’s events and what lies ahead. Anita was very nervous, but she needn’t have been she produced a truly elegant performance packed with glamour and sophistication. Even our dear Craig “Loved it” calling Anita’s dance “Classy, sophisticated and a consummate pro”. Anita wowed the audience and pulled off a wonderful 32 points! Great Stuff!
Another energising and entertaining show from Robbie and Ola got a standing ovation but only 27 points. I loved it all and enjoyed seeing them at the football ground and what a wonderful response they had from the thousands of fans.
What can I say about Chelsee and Pasha’s Quickstep except to echo the judges? Craig: “1st Class”. Len: “Fantastic”. Alesha “Ended too soon”. Bruno’s “Pocket Rocket”. They were fabulous and pulled off one of the most deserved highest scores so far. A wonderful well-earned 36 points!!!
So from the top of the score board to pretty near the bottom. 24 points for Flavia and I. Are we downcast? Are we downhearted? Not one bit of it. We produced an imaginative and creative dream sequence which flowed on naturally from those shots from atop the mountains ofWales. My partners were Teddy and Flavia and both were about to perform to perfection.
The huge cheers that greeted us and Bruce’s gag about “The huge R’s” got us off to a great start and the standing ovation at the end brought a tear to my eye.
It was lovely of Bruno to call me a “Brilliant Sleeping Beauty” and an “Entertaining” from Craig was pretty good. Len pronounced it a “Whimsical and endearing performance, full of charm” and Alesha was kind enough to proclaim me a “Strictly Legend!”.
Sir Bruce threw in an “Amazing” and a “Marvellous” and suddenly it was all over.
It certainly was all over for big hearted Rory and Erin who also scored 24 points. It was oh so sad to wave them the fondest of farewells on Sunday evening. Their kindness, encouragement and support will be missed by us all. The show will miss them but the show must go on!
Next week Flavia and I are dancing the Samba! Let’s hope the knee holds up, it certainly will be a test. I am aiming for more than 24 points next week so we will be hoping to pull all the stops out.
Thanks again for all the support coming through the post and via email, Facebook and Twitter. So many friends, so many well wishers – Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
See you Saturday & Thanks for being there!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
It takes two to Tango and that’s what I am finding out this week with Flavia to guide me through the steps of this passion packed ballroom dance.
It was a late night journey back toWales, but it went quickly as I was over the moon to have made it through another week.
There really is no place like home. But then it was up bright and early to deal with the pile of fan mail that has started to flood in. Then down to the practice rooms to let Flavia put me through my paces.
This week the BBC have also done some filming around my house and the fabulous scenic Snowdonia. I think you’ll enjoy seeing the house and the mountains.
It’s a precise, non-smiley, aggressive dance to get a handle on but Flavia makes everything seem so simple and straightforward. She is a great teacher and a wonderful charismatic partner as you’ll see on Saturday.
Monday saw me doing my regular slot with Steve Wright in the Afternoon and Flavia came along with me to the BBC studios to make a very special guest appearance that everyone loved. Steve was delighted to hear Flavia and I am sure it made his day – well it would wouldn’t it! Praise indeed from Mr. Wright when he told Flavia that it was my “infectious enthusiasm that made me so watchable”.
A blustery, showery Wednesday with a definite nip in the air saw more outdoor filming and a gruelling practice session that left me wearily wacked out but all fired up for what I hope will be a scintillating Saturday.
Lamb chops for dinner! The waning waistline keeps on shrinking. I feel on top of the world and hoping and praying to make it successfully through the weekend.
The fabulous support and affection that have come my way since the show began have been wonderful from Facebook and Twitter to email and snail mail so many messages of encouragement have come flooding in it takes my breath away. Thank you all so much.
See you Saturday and Thanks for being there!
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
When you see the professionals gliding across the floor it gives you no idea of just how difficult it is to pull off the truly faultless foxtrot. Keeping the arms and shoulders in the correct position whilst dipping forwards and backwards and twirling round and round really is a challenge.
Saturday brought its ups and downs. I’m sure everyone inWaleswas heartbroken to see our wonderful, dedicated team go down to the French by only one point.Walesis the small country with the BIG heart and we were all hoping to see our team make it to the finals. Well, it wasn’t to be, but we’ll welcome the boys home again knowing what a fine job they did and knowing in our heart of hearts that “we should have been there”!
Then it was off to television centre, a few last minute practices with Flavia (where would I be without her?). A last minute costume check – all in white from top hat to tails except for the yellow dickey and then – on with the show.
It was another great evening. Everything goes so quickly. The lights, the music the audience make it a truly magical moment. Once again my spot on the floor comes towards the end of the show so it gives me a chance to nervously watch all the others and weren’t they great?
Everyone can see just how much effort has gone into the week’s practice sessions since last Saturday. Six couples scoring over 30 points – wow!
Rory and Erin’s quickstep was stylish and brilliant, Chelsee and Pasha’s cha-cha-cha saucy, rhythmical and energising while Jason and Kristina’s Tango was as Craig said, “stu-pen-dous!”
Then, in what seemed like the twinkling of any eye it was time for Flavia and I to hit the floor. What a huge cheer! That certainly put a spring in my step. As I said before the Foxtrot is more demanding than you might think, but Flavia was there by my side and with Barbra Streisand’s “Don’t Rain On My Parade” to dance to the moments passed all too quickly. Yet another standing ovation – it’s all just too wonderful for words. And the judges were so kind. To be “Uplifting” and “Sunny” is all well and good but to be Alesha’s “Guilty pleasure” is really something! This week’s theme was Broadway and when Len said I put the show in showbiz I was over the moon!
Well, there we are, another week has gone. We say a fond farewell to Dan and Katya and we will all miss them so much.
Flavia and I are still hanging on in there and now we have to start practicing the Tango!!! If our Tango is as great as the one Robbie and Ola treated us to on Saturday then I really will have stars in my eyes.
The huge waves of support and affection that have broken over me since the show began have been mind-blowing from Facebook and Twitter to email and snail mail so many messages of encouragement have come flooding in it simply takes my breath away.
See you Saturday
“Thanks for being there!”
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
A small change of routine this week. Instead of heading up to wonderfulWalesafter the weekend shows I stayed down south with my dear old dad. It was great not to have the late night journey but I do love my home and I miss all my friends in Snowdonia. It has to be one of the greatest and loveliest places on earth.
Despite not having any long journeys to do it has still been a hectic week. Practicing the Foxtrot with my soulmate Flavia has been taxing, for this, I suppose will be my first attempt at what could be described as a traditional ballroom dance. Even so Flavia is showing me some “Fabulous” moves and despite continuing twinges in my jangled leg I am doing my very best to keep up.
Wednesdays “Strictly It Takes Two” was great fun. Zoe had a done a “Fabulous” count by tallying all the times I have said fabulous and wonderful over the last few practice sessions. I keep dishing out the superlatives, because that’s how I feel about the whole “Strictly” experience. The chance to dance with a wonderful partner who I feel totally in tune with. The music, the orchestra, the lights, the audience – it is all totally, absolutely fabulous and I love every minute.
Of course the highlight of the week has to be Sir Bruce’s knighthood and the whole pomp and circumstance that goes with it. One of the national newspapers was kind enough to call me a “national treasure” this week; but we all know who is the true national treasure. The pleasure, entertainment and fun that the ever gracious, consummate professional Sir Bruce has given us over the years makes him the real gem in entertainment’s diadem of stars and long may he continue.
I have also been lucky enough to be invited to revisit some of theWest Endtheatres I appeared in in earlier days. My theatrical roots are strong and I love the stage and performance so it was a thrill to visit some of those world famous stages that I have been fortunate enough to perform on.
Now it’s a no holds barred round of practice and rehearsal ready for Saturday night. I must say I am more than a little nervous about the Foxtrot. I can rely on Flavia to see me through and I am working long and hard to make sure my performance will match hers. And that’s a BIG ASK!
If there is one thing that really keeps me going forward it’s the response I am getting from all of you out there. So many messages of support and encouragement. I am moved and literally speechless, which for me is really something!
And now I am off to practice my Foxtrot!
“I hope you will be watching and enjoying the show the show next week your support and encouragement means so much to me and all of us.”
“Thanks for being there!”
© Copyright Russell Grant Astrology – www.russellgrant.com
An early morning dash in the dark by car from Wales to London, and a busy day of interviews with newspapers and radio stations followed by an early evening appearance on “Strictly It Takes Two”.
Talk about “Footloose” after a long day I kicked off my shoes with Zoe and did the interview in my cushion clutching, stocking feet – clutching a cushion because as I revealed to the viewers the shirt was a tad tight and sometimes we all need a cushion!
No respite on Friday – another early morning start for BBC’s Breakfast Show. You’ll remember this was where I started back in the 80’s so in a strange way it was like coming home to be back on the couch! It was great to hear Alex and James sharing their thoughts about the show so far.
More interviews on Friday and a vital last practice salsa session with Flavia so we will deliver the perfect performance on Saturday.
Flavia and I have had so many good luck messages from well-wishers it really gives us both such a big boost. It really means a lot to us to know you’re out there urging us on.
And so…. ON WITH THE SHOW…. And what a scintillating start from Chelsee and passion-packed Pasha one of three couples to scoop a magnificent 29 points.
Dan and Katya gave us some head over heels fun and my old buddy Lulu with partner Brendan bounced back with a fabulously graceful performance.
Holly and Artem’s great cha-cha-cha performance last week was followed up this week with high kicking brilliance that even had Craig saying “Great!” – where will it all end?
Weren’t Robbie and Ola just so stylish and smooth they deserved their standing ovation, I was thrilled and once again our Craig loved it!
Jason and Kristina stole the show and our hearts, what a class act they are, they told a great story and their moves are just awe inspiring to watch.
I can’t go without mention wonderful Nancy and Anton, they were thrilling, exciting and all that “Strictly” is all about. Glitzy, glamorous, they kept going and showed us all a trick or two on the dance floor despite Nancy’s bad leg.
After my results on Zoe’s campometer and Bruce’s Glastonbury gag about “camp as a row of tents” I was over the moon to be the “Dancing Queen” of the night and bring so much fun to the night that the judges thought I put “the boy in flamboyant”. Of course I loved every milli-second and Flavia, my soulmate and inspiration once again showed me the moves that make her a champion. I hope I left you with a smile on your face and when Craig gives me a pat on the back I know I went starry-eyed!
Of course, this is “Strictly” and the voting process starts. It’s a bit hackneyed to say “Someone has to go”, but that is the name of the game! And so Edwina and Vincent have left us, a wonderful, gracious lady with a fabulous dance partner. Well Done Edwina!
And now I am off to practice my Foxtrot!
“I hope you will be watching and enjoying the show the show next week your support and encouragement means so much to me and all of us.”
“Thanks for being there!”
“After an exciting but exhausting Friday night and a glamorous Saturday evening in the company of all my Strictly friends it was a bit of downer to find myself heading home through the dark night in the early hours of the morning to North Wales.”
“It’s always worth the journey to get back to the wonderful mountains of Snowdonia and the warm hearts of friends and family who always “keep a welcome in the hillside”
“Things were made a little worse on the long drive home because I took a tumble just before I did my cha-cha-cha on Friday and on the journey home my hip stiffened and began to ache. The hip may have stiffened, but so has my resolve. With the cheers of the audience ringing in my ears I’m determined to live up to the hopes of all those who want to see me do the best I can over the weeks ahead.”
There’s not much rest and relaxation to be had because by lunchtime on Monday Flavia was once again by my side with her special blend of enthusiasm and encouragement that gives me all the momentum and impetus I need to reach for my dancing shoes and hit the floor!
Tuesday morning found Flavia and I along with the BBC crew doing some local shots on the beach at wonderful Portmeirion, and in what seems to be turning into a habit – I took a tumble and emerged soggy and sandy. A quick change and back to the practice session.
“This weekend we are salsa dancing! Apparently it is danced on eight-beat music, with dancers moving on three beats, pausing for one, dancing for three, and pausing for one beat. There is usually a bit of a flourish a dramatic step forward, throwing out the hand or a kicking movement. Sounds right up my street!”
“Some say Salsa is mostly stationary, with little movement around the dance floor. Instead, dancers rely on the subtle movement of their legs and upper bodies to convey the energy of the dance. That should help the hip! But let’s wait and see what Flavia and I have in store for you.”
“A whole week of practice and rehearsal then back toLondonearly on Thursday for more practice and rehearsal ready for another big weekend.”
“I hope you will be watching and enjoying the show your support and encouragement means so much to me and all of us.”
“Thanks for being there!”
© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD – www.russellgrant.com
Russell Grant reveals the Starsign elements between each of the Strictly couples. Which couple are your favourite..?
RUSSELL GRANT, Aquarius and FLAVIA CACACE, Pisces
As an Aquarian everything should go well with Strictly Come Dancing’s star dancer Piscean Flavia, but what makes the partnership so truly magical is that the Venus in my chart is in Pisces, Flavia’s own Sunsign. Venus is the Goddess of the arts and the body so we have a strong musicality and lyrical link that’s not at all fiery but far more fun and full of laughs.
NANCY DELL’OLIO, Virgo and ANTON DU BEKE, Cancer
Cancerians are very sensitive, kind, caring – and forgiving. Virgo can be the unpredictable, eccentric sign and that’s whatNancyis. It is a wonderful performing partnership; Anton will letNancybeNancyand the audience will love her for it. Anton will be patient with her and she will respond to that. She likes a partner who knows how to do the right thing.
LULU, Scorpio and BRENDAN COLE, Taurus
This could be the passion packed partnership that could bring us all a few surprises – they are opposites, but as so often happens opposites can cause a fiery furore of flaming intensity. They are a red hot combo of torrid treats and they are working well together to concoct a cocktail that could intoxicate us all with its potency.
RORY BREMNER, Aries and ERIN BOAG, Pisces
Having watchedErinand Rory practise and they are made for each other. They are a classic example of adjacent Sunsigns working together in unison to produce the perfect partnership. I know she has planets in Aries and he has some planets in Pisces. They go together like peaches and cream and can work hand in glove to produce fantastic results.
JASON DONOVAN, Gemini and KRISTINA RIHANOFF, Virgo
Kristina is at the end of Virgo and nearly into Libra. Kristina and Jason have got a very good and positive approach to their work. This productive, purposeful attitude matches and mirrors each other perfectly. They both have the same intention to win. But will Kristina be both fiery and passionate?
ROBBIE SAVAGE, Libra and OLA JORDAN, Libra
This Libran balance is absolutely perfect. When both people share the same sign they can either make a perfect match or throw each other completely off balance. This twosome works well. Ola will see in him that softness of Libra which isn’t the Robbie everyone knows. He is a sensitive, kind man. This pair will bring out the best in each other.
CHELSEE HEALEY, Leo and PASHA KOVALEV, Capricorn
Leo Chelsee and Capricorn Pasha will show how a steadfast and stoical partnership can work harmoniously and happily together. Like brother and sister they will want to do their very best for each other in a creative, imaginative and even dramatic style that could take our breath away so we can expect some surprises from Pasha and Chelsee.
EDWINA CURRIE, Libra and VINCENT SIMONE, Pisces
There is more than a little Virgo in Edwina’s chart that makes her more down to earth. Practical, pragmatic Edwina will produce surprising results with the flamboyant Vincent – they have a certain closeness and mutual empathy when they dance, it’s unbelievable! It is possibly one of the most incongruous relationships one might guess at. It could very easily have gone either way but it’s gone the right way.
DAN LOBB, Capricorn and KATYA VIRSHILAS, Virgo
Katya and Dan are two earth signs. He has a great sense of humour, he is a delight to all who know him well and those who don’t know him so well will see a side to him they didn’t know or expect. They will be a classic example of elements getting on. It works. Virgo and Capricorn is a classic combination. Let’s sit back and watch them in action. You will be surprised.
AUDLEY HARRISON, Scorpio and NATALIE LOWE, Leo
What a fascinating twosome Natalie and Audley will make. This combination is intriguing and interesting. Leo is immovable, but so is Scorpio. Audley has a lot of planets in Sagittarius and Sagittarius is fire – and Natalie is fire too. She could forge and form him in the fires of her true talent, but he will know his own worth and will want to stand firm like a pillar of fire.
HOLLY VALANCE, Taurus and ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV, Gemini
Taurus and Gemini are adjacent signs in the zodiac so this could turn out to be an unusual combination. Taurean, Holly will be really into the music and the movement because she is ruled by Venus and she is the raunchy star. As they are from neighbouring signs, this can either be a really strong connection or not at all. It will be fascinating to see how this partnership develops on the dance floor.
HARRY JUDD, Capricorn and ALIONA VILANI, Taurus
Here we have a classic example of two Earth signs together. Taurean Aliona is a very good teacher and will take Harry in hand in such a kind way. Capricorn Harry is a very serious young man and wants to do this properly. This twosome are going to be the ones to watch. It is one of those matches that can work wonders. They are a great combination that are going to be hard to beat.
ALEX JONES, Pisces and JAMES JORDAN, Aries
Alex is a Pisces, one of the signs of dance. Pisceans are kind, caring and compassionate and Alex will want to do all she can to make this dance partnership a success for both of them. Aries are very protective and are very macho – their sign is ruled by Mars and is a very male sign. Alex has a tough schedule with The One Show, but Aries can whip Pisces into shape!
ANITA DOBSON, Taurus and ROBIN WINDSOR, Virgo
I have known Anita a long time. She is a wonderful Taurean and so her ruling planet is Venus, the Goddess of the arts. This is a mellifluous, melodious match made in heaven. Anita will love every moment of the “Strictly” season and Robin is so sensitive he is a perfect partner for her. Anita and Robin have to be one of my favourite combinations in the contest
Russell Grant Comes out of his shell!
Picture the countdown commotion to nine o’clock behind the scenes at Television Centre, there are people rushing here and there checking make-up, checking lighting, checking sound levels and checking my blood pressure!
Everybody has a job to do, they know how to do it and they are all getting on with it so the sheer professionalism of the BBC is something to behold as they draw the strings of the show together to produce our favourite weekend viewing.
The nervous tension mounts as the minutes pass and we all spend the last few moments wishing each other good luck and going through our own moves in our heads.
The band strikes up, Bruce strides out, and the 2011 Strictly Season is up and running.
The tension is palpable as Holly and Artem take to the floor and we are all spellbound by their slinky, sensual, sizzling cha-cha-cha. The judges open with 28 points – it’s an awesome start and I’m wondering whether I can match that their performance and their points.
Waltzing into our hearts comes Dan Lobb and Katya to take 24 points with their graceful elegance and charm.
My old buddy Lulu and partner Brendan Cole were fun and entertaining and I predict things are going to get better and better for them as the programme progresses.
Am I right in thinking the judges were a tad hard on Robbie and Ola’s cha-cha? I thought they used the floor well, and they entertained us with an original and exciting performance. They could well be the ones to watch in times to come.
I am “coming out of my shell” as the last performer on Strictly’s opening show. The pulses are pounding, I feel queasy and clammy, but determined to do the best I can and not let fabulous Flavia my wonderful partner down.
Flavia opens my shell and I hear a huge, heart-warming cheer and there I am the biggest pearl you’ve ever seen and we cha-cha to Bananarama’s Venus. I think it all went pretty well, but it was such a whirl and a swirl I can hardly remember what happened. All I know is that Flavia is thrilled and when we get a standing ovation at the end (the first ever for a first night) I feel myself filling up with tears of emotion and relief.
The judges give us 21 points, but does it matter? Not when it’s compared to the pleasure and satisfaction I have from getting through my first Strictly session successfully and also from the fabulous feedback flooding in from all quarters.
A BIG thanks to all you Twitterati out there who were tweating so much my performance “trended on Twitter”. That’s another first for me!
So the big opening night has come and gone. What a wonderful night!
©COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LIMITED – http://www.russellgrant.com
Flavia Cacace and Astrologer, Russell Grant, begin training for Strictly Come Dancing 2011.
Awful journey home! A40 completely stuffed with traffic.
Did loads today, about half-a-dozen press interviews, cossie fitting and couple of promo VTs plus run through in the studio which didn’t go too badly.
Tomorrow early start BBC Surrey 8 am; Absolute Radio with my mate Christian O’Connell; Stephen Nolan BBC Radio Ulster 10.20 ish.
Now can you think of any really great songs for Halloween? Needs a spooky title or lyrics, you know like Thriller, but it’s been done.
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(PRWEB) August 11, 2004
GaneshaSpeaks.com is a service by one of the most famous astrologers in the history of Indian Astrology, Shree Bejan Daruwalla. Rated by the harper collins journal as one of the top 100 astrologers of all times, Bejan wanted to provide online services to the ever-growing internet faternity, and GaneshaSpeaks was born. A young entrepreneur Mr. Hemang Pandit had a dream of branded astrology and found synergy with Bejan's Idea. Hemang, originally an Electronics and Communications engineer left a successful career with Hutch, a Hutchison Group Company, to start http://www.GaneshaSpeaks.com.
GaneshaSpeaks received an overwhelming response from indian as well as nri customers. The first paid order took just 15 minutes from the airing of the news on Zee TV. Then followed a series of tie-ups with prominent matrimonial sites, leading portals and other vertical websites. Also GaneshaSpeaks started offering astrology services on the phone in association with leading mobile phone operators in India and gained telephonic access to 70% of the Indian population.
All this has led to a stage where GaneshaSpeaks has become the most preferred Indian Vedic Astrology Service. It receives more than 200 paid orders a day on the website and imparts live astrological guidance to more than 10000 people every day through its callcenters spanning North, West and Southern India. With an unmatched accuracy rate of 85-90% it has satisfied a considerable amount of customers till date. We are here to provide correct astrology guidance and that too within 72 hours. It is a daunting task but we will continue to do it with full dedication and give it our best, says Hemang Pandit, CEO, GaneshaSpeaks.com. Bejan is very happy that his dream is realised and also rewarded with instant success.
About GaneshaSpeaks
Owned by SiddhiVinayak Astrology Services, GaneshaSpeaks is one of the leading brands in Indian Vedic Astrology. It is dedicated to using the internet, the telecom network and other communication methods to provide correct, accurate and timely astrological guidance to customers all aroung the world.
About Bejan Daruwalla
He is best known as an ardent and faithful devotee of Lord Ganesha. Bejan Daruwalla is Asia's most widely read astrology columnist. He combines Indian and Western Astrology, I-Ching, Tarrot Cards, Hebrew Kabala of Numbers, Palmistry and Colours for his predictions.
Bejan Daruwalla has lectured on invitation at the Association of Research and Enlightenment, Virginia Beach, and was on NBC and ABC TV channels, Columbus, Ohio. He also lectured at the Northern Virginia Astrological Association, USA.
His Achievements are as Follows:
*Acknowkedged as one of the hundred great astrologers in the last THOUSAND YEARS in the great Millennium Book of Prophecy, publishers Harper Collins, USA.
Contact Information:
Hemang Pandit
00919825600159
contact@ganeshaspeaks.com
SiddhiVinayak Astrology Services
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San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) October 10, 2006
Astrologer Sadasiva (Sam Geppi) has launched two RSS feeds, a daily horoscope and a weekly horoscope, expanding on his e-mail distribution services.
http://free-horoscope.blogspot.com/ – Daily Horoscope is a daily horoscope which is relevant for all zodiac signs. In this forecast, Sadasiva assesses the astrological weather based on the daily Moon transits and planetary affectations. This daily horoscope had been produced and distributed based on an annual fee to a limited number. Subscribers to this service have had the balance of their accounts refunded in lieu of this transition.
http://weekly-horoscope.net/blog – Weekly horoscope gives a general overview of the past week and and look ahead to future trends. The weekly horoscope also includes predictions and projections about current and future events, articles and other general astrological trends and spiritual events. His weekly forecast has been produced under the rubric Vedic AstroCast and will continue to also be a free e-mail offering, delivered to the inbox of thousands each week.
Both of these forecasts are also tied to a Blog, where recipients are invited to participate and discuss. This interactive approach is very attractive as a distribution model. Getting people excited about Astrology and connecting it to their daily lives is what these forecasts are meant to do, says Sadasiva; being able to tie a daily horoscope and a weekly forecast into communities of the interested, interacting with each other, is a culmination of the vision I had when I began these forecasts.
Sadasiva has been distributing forecasts via e-mail for several years and will continue to do so, yet is excited about the possibilities of the RSS format. The ability to deliver daily, uplifting content directly to the home page of those interested it is exciting, says Sadasiva; It will be great to bypass the spam filters and server problems that come with maintaining an extensive e-mail list. Double opt in e-mail lists and restrictive ISP practices have made bulk mailing a bit of a headache at times. Anticipating an initial loss of revenue Sadasiva says Some things are more important than money. Especially when a person decides upon this type of work. Ultimately getting the message out and helping people must be the most important thing.
The RSS format allows a direct transmission from producer to receiver, and also allows recipients to modify the look and feel of the the information. Every major portal integrates RSS functionality. There are also many feed aggregators and RSS distributors. The possibilities of unfettered distribution are upon us.
Sadasiva has put together a web page with the RSS feed chiclets link and enabled to all of the major Web portals and feed readers. These include: Yahoo, Google, MSN, AOL, FeedGator, Bloglines, etc.
Please visit http://vedicastrologycenter.net/astrology-rss-feed.html
