“I wanted to film the sequel in the Bahamas to show the beauty of this island in hopes of spiking tourism and bringing more jobs to the Bahamians.” -Tyler Perry

Grossing more than $21.4 million dollars in its opening weekend, Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too has proven to be an even bigger success, albeit minus his famed “Madea” character. In the continuing saga, Perry “brings it” with surprises, unexpected twists, comedy, disappointments, and amidst the laughter … a few tears.

And for those who hate spoilers, read no further! Although I will not reveal too much or name names, one unsuspecting couple doesn’t make it, while yet another husband shows up on the island as always with this yearly couples retreat, only this time he has his bags and a sea of regrets in tow – proving true the old cliché: “You don’t miss what you have until it is long gone.”

Janet Jackson, breaking from her usual glamor, display of rock-solid abs and “good-girl” image, steps outside the box taking her acting skills to a new level as her character desperately tries to respond to a failing marriage and the death of her baby. Tasha Smith, who plays Angela basically carries the movie’s comedic flair. Louis Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson make appearances as a couple who imparts wisdom to the young hopefuls.

This creates a pondering question; Did Tyler Perry do it again with Why Did I Get Married Too? Was it predictable; was it edgy enough with fresh storylines to make it into a new hit wonder? Well, the reviews are about as different as George W. Bush and Saddam Hussein, but in my opinion, many of Tyler Perry’s movies have very predictable endings and an overall common theme. But one of the most intriguing things about any movie is watching the drama unfold. Perry had a few new twists and surprises that catch the audience off guard as one character gets about as raw in front of the camera as any Hollywood veteran; shattering glass and bringing the emotional character to life – realistically.

The whole experience undoubtedly left some movie-goers feeling like marriage isn’t all it is cracked up to be, some feeling like Speed-Dating is still the hottest thing smoking, while others were feeling like anything worth having is a sacrifice, and that love is no different. Remember, those who are making it in marriage share a common sentiment with this Tyler Perry success: For love … it is well worth it when you are with the best person for you.

Perry stated that he felt good about the apparent work he brought to the Bahamians with the filming of Why Did I Get Married Too and says:

“Being able to provide jobs to the Bahamians was very rewarding for me. I know it brought jobs to the island because I see them all around me working and I know they didn’t come with me!” Perry chuckles.

Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too stars: Janet Jackson (Patricia), Jill Scott (Sheila), Sharon Leal (Dianne), Malik Yoba (Gavin), Richard T. Jones (Mike), Tasha Smith (Angela), Lamman Rucker (Troy), Michael Jai White (Marcus), Louis Gossett Jr. (Porter), Cicely Tyson (Ola) and Tyler Perry (Terry). Check your local theater listings for show times and locations.

And while you’re at it, be sure to check out the upcoming release of Speed-Dating the movie and check out a local speed-dating event in your city by going to:  www.speed-datingmovie.com or www.hurrydate.com.

| Carmen Santos Monteiro

Carmen S. writes TV specs, scripts, plays, and inspirational books and articles. She was editorial director of “Change” magazine and writes for Demand Studios, eHow, Work.com, HIT, and was ghostwriter/editor of “8 Steps to Create the Life You Want” by Creflo A. Dollar. Carmen is an expert in producing multiple streams of income in your life.

What’s more fun than getting together with quality singles and cooking up something good in the kitchen? A comfortable atmosphere makes it easy to form personal connections while mixing and having fun.

Okay, so maybe Mama was on to something when she said the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And maybe there is more brewing in the kitchen than coffee and dirty dishes. If you have felt lately that being unable to mix with quality men is par for the course, you need to check out what Faye Tillery has been cooking up in kitchens across Southern California through a social gathering she started and coined Cooking Date Night. Comprised of professionals desiring to meet quality singles, Cooking Date Night has proven to be a big hit and the connections have been impressive.  No worries if the thought of a 4 minute dating event makes you uncomfortable. You will undoubtedly adjust to the fun atmosphere created at a Cooking Date Night.

Faye created the concept when, after hearing the frustrations of her single male and female friends she identified as good partner potentials. Many of whom were either not open to Internet dating even with free online dating sites, or simply ready to experience better relationships. Her mission? To find a way to bring them together in a relaxed and fun atmosphere that engages everyone throughout the evening. After incorporating a few old school tips and some good old fashioned match-making, Cooking Date Night was formed. She says organizing one is simple, just ask several of your professional single girlfriends about their friends, compose a few e-mails and you have the ball rolling for your first date night.

Part of the fun is putting together recipes on the cooking date night once you know how many and who will attend. Singles are grouped together by menu items such as salad preparers, vegetables, main course, celery choppers, etc. Once everyone is assigned to a particular group, the fun begins as singles mingle and complete the menu items they are preparing. Once done, everyone enjoys the meal together as a group.

“The Key is to gauge where singles are [for example, single and looking] and focus on matching great people with great people and make sure it’s someone you yourself would find acceptable as a date. So, they must be quality professionals who would appeal to other quality professionals.”

Once you identify a quality group of men and women, send out invitations to women first and then to the men and include a brief description at the end of the email to the women highlighting several points about the single men who will be in attendance [for example: 34-year-old lawyer, 34-year-old Ivy Leaguer, etc.]. Once the invitations are accepted provide the information on the nominal cost for dinner preparation items and get ready to cook up tons of fun!

“The feedback has been very positive even in situations where no love connections were made because everyone just has such a great time meeting exciting professionals for great conversation and good food!”

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To start your own Cooking Date Night or to get information on attending a Cooking Date Night contact Faye Tillery at singlescookingparty@gmail.com and keep abreast of what’s cooking up with Cooking Date Night or by looking her up on Facebook under Faye Tillery.

Check out the upcoming film, Speed-dating movie starring Wesley Jonathan (Crossover, Roll Bounce, What I Like About You), Holly Robinson Peete (For Your Love, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper), Emmy Awarded Chris Elliott (Something About Mary, Cabin Boy), Chico Benymon (Half & Half), Leonard Robinson (Wild ‘N Out), Vanessa Simmons (Run’s House, Daddy’s Girls), Chingy (multi-platinum rap artist), and Clint Howard (Night at The Museum II, Austin Powers) at www.Speed-datingmovie.com, and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Speed-datingmovi, on Facebook at Speed-Dating The Movie, and on YouTube TV at: SpeedDatingMovie.

| Carmen Santos Monteiro

Men may be aware that one plus one equals two, and two times two equals four, but far too many have not discovered the formula for dating a happy and satisfied woman. This theory according to Chuck M. from Pennsylvania, known among a large group of female admirers as “Daddy”, says that the principal of dating is simple and easily achieved. “I learned this simple formula by paying close attention to what my woman says and even what she does not say.” This simple practice has produced for him respectful and satisfying relationships, be they casual or serious he follows a basic rule of thumb:  “Listen to the needs of your girl.” “Honing in on the needs of your woman is not only sexy but makes for much better relationships.” He cautions that not all language communicated by women is verbal and says that women speak different languages depending on their needs and what may be going on inside them at any given time. Thus, the language of love can be communicated to a significant other as simple verbal requests or by the method of non-verbal communication.

“Before swinging at the ball and trying to get to first base, apply a few simple techniques to improve your swing and get a better chance of hitting a home run with a lasting and satisfying relationship.“

“Men should always remember that women are emotionally driven and tend to look for an emotional connection when considering relationships.” Chuck says that sometimes a woman will even overlook red flags in an attempt to mold and experience a quality relationship. So it is to the advantage of the man to employ proven relationship tips to reap the benefits of a satisfied woman and dating romance.

Chuck says he is not opposed to the idea of 4 minute dating, city speed dating, or hurry dating, but says that regardless of how much time you have you should maximize it when you’re really digging someone. “Men think it’s sexy when a woman gives a flirtatious look, or asks for a dance, or initiates a conversation so women should not be shy! But they should not confuse assertive action with aggressiveness and control.”

When I asked Chuck to offer the readers one word of caution, with a light chuckle, he responded, “Never take on a movie as a first date!” He further states, “The first date should always be someplace that will allow you to conversate and interact with your date and get to know him or her better to decide if a request for a second date will be extended.”

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Chuck M. is a law enforcement officer, a proud single father, and an aspiring author residing in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

Check out the upcoming film, Speed-dating movie starring Wesley Jonathan, (Crossover, Roll Bounce), Mekita Faiye, who also produces the movie, Vanessa Simmons (Run’s House, Daddy’s Girls), and multi-platinum rap artist, Chingy at www.Speed-datingmovie.com, and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Speed-datingmovi, on Facebook at Speed-Dating The Movie, and on YouTube TV at: SpeedDatingMovie.

|  Carmen Santos Monteiro

When it comes to finding a suitable mate, most singles agree that the pickings are few and quality singles seem almost non-existent. On the other hand, dating experts at HurryDate.com say it just isn’t the case.

“When it comes to dating, speed just does the trick! When you date with speed, you get to meet the ‘mass quantities’ of people you wouldn’t meet in a normal dating night!” (www.HurryDate.com)

You are partly right if you feel that we are quickly becoming a microwave society, but then we must adapt to the changing trends.  Let’s face it, the majority of singles are women seeking men and at times it feels like men get the pick of the litter and hold the upper hand. But with speed dating the playing field is a much more leveled atmosphere because there are an equal number of men and women spending the same amount of time with each date. This no doubt relieves some of the pressures of not only first dates, but first blind dates as well.

In a nutshell, participating in a speed dating event is sweatless; answer these quick questions to see if you’re ready for your first event:

Are you single and wanting to date? Have you determined if you want a casual or serious relationship? Do you have an idea (at least for starters) the type of man or woman you desire? Have you located a speed dating event in your area? (Start with www.HurryDate.com) Have you signed up for their event and received a confirmation? Are you prepared to meet up to 25 dates in one evening?

If you can honestly check off these few tasks you’re ready for your first speed dating event. It’s really that simple. Professional men and women across the US are quickly implementing speed dating into their social calendars. With speed dating, you spend from three-to-eight minutes with each date and should come expecting a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Dates of interest are given an opportunity for follow-up communication.

The new feature film, Speed Dating, starring Wesley Jonathan, Holly Robinson Peete, Emmy Awarded Chris Elliott, Clint Howard, Chico Benymon, Leonard Armond Robinson, Mekita Faiye, Vanessa Simmons, and Chingy to name only a few, explores the lives of three bachelors speeding through life and scheming on women. Dog and Beaver spend their last dime on a nightclub, while Too Cool devises the ultimate scheme to get women and make money to boot — speed dating! This romantic comedy mixes humor and maturity as love prevails. Singles often miss out on potential mates because they are unaware of the newest dating trend and all the fun to be had at a speed dating event.

Still not convinced? Be a part of SpeedDatingmovie.com’s nationwide Webcast by registering and hear first hand what the cast members have to say about this new dating trend, where you can present your questions live. Receive information on how your college campus can win a red carpet screening with the CAST of this hilarious film. So, mosey on over to www.speed-datingmovie.com for more information. What are you waiting for? Your potential mate could only be a speed date away!

|  Carmen Santos Monteiro