Return to Normalcy...

The election is over. I think all of us can agree it was both a grueling and exhilerating process. Most of us are exhausted by all the presidential rhetoric and incessant advertisements by this time, but it did provide some exciting drama and more than a few laughs (Tina Fey, anyone?).

If you are anything like me, you've put your life on hold for the last month or so, spending your free time picking apart debates and waiting for the obligatory gaff or Freudian slip. But now that its all over, its time to return to your life. Here's some suggestions for returning to your life without elections!

1) TiVo: You have the last 11 episodes of "The Office," several hours of "90210" that you accidentally recorded, and several bad guys have been arrested on "CSI:Topeka" that you have completely missed. The Holiday season is approaching, so we advise the following: go to the gym and have a killer workout, then sit in front of the tube for a weekend and catch up on your favorite shows. Yeah, its lazy and unproductive, but we'll forgive you!

2) Reconcile: Admit it--you let a few friendships wither a bit due to political reasons. Now that the election is over, you can resume normal communication. Invite that dumbass who voted for XYZ for lunch. And be cordial. Presidential terms last four years; good friends last forever.

3) Movie Time: Here's how the cycle works-summer is for blockbuster popcorn flicks like Iron Man and The Dark Knight. Fall is usually the dead zone where the studios dump all the crap that's left at the bottom of the barrel on us. However, winter is when the good stuff comes out. Expect a great Pixar movie and all the "prestige" films that are gunning for Academy Awards in February. Grab your local listings and check out a good movie.

4) Uh, Eight at Eight? Hello!: You knew this was coming, right? The Holidays are quicky approaching, which means lots of travel and shopping and parties. Have some you time before this hullaballoo starts in earnest. Plus, you might meet someone intriguing to take to the Holiday parties at work.

5) Volunteer: Thanksgiving is busy time at our local homeless shelters. How about give something back this season? Yeah, its time consuming, but it beats watching five consecutive episodes of "Gray's Anatomy" while eating pizza, no?

Dating Horror Stories

Special Halloween Edition!

As was I sitting in the office sucking down all the mini-Snickers that were supposed to be for trick-or-treaters, I began to get in the Halloween spirit. I started contemplating all the usual Halloween topics--favorite scary movies, best costumes, old school ghost stories, etc. This got me thinking: what about dating horror stories. We all have them, and, being that this a dating blog, it certainly would be apropos. I remembered this little gem from The San Francisco Chronicle that appeared a few years ago about the foibles on online dating. Take a look. It's funny stuff!

I'll be sticking with this theme for the duration of the month, tossing out bits of Halloween-themed tidbits. I love Halloween -- maybe its the devil in me.

Love Songs, Etc.

It's a dreary, rainy day here at the office. A disc jockey at a local radio station commented that this gray mess is perfect "love makin'" weather. I don't take issue with his correlation of "nookie" and rainy days. What I do have a problem with is the song choice that followed. I'm sure you've guessed it already-- Marvin Gaye, "Let's Get It On." It's a certified classic, no arguments here, but its time to retire it. Its a cliche of itself. Boring white septuagenarian dentists can sing every word. Not to mention, there are far better (and sexier) songs in the Marvin Gaye oeuvre. A staw poll here at the office reveals a stronger preference for "You're All I Need to Get By" and "Sexual Healing."

All of this discussion brought us to this: what other sacred cows in the love song genre need to taked down, or, perhaps, just out of rotation for a few years. Here are a few tired songs and our suggested replacements. Feel free to chime in. (You're right... we do a whole lot of goofing off at work.)

Get rid of it: "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin
Substitute: "I'll Be Your Lover Too" by Van Morisson

Get rid of it: "Every Breath You Take" by The Police
Substitute: "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak

Get rid of it: Anything by Sade
Substitute: Anything by Maxwell

Get rid of it: "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
Substitute: "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker

Get rid of it: "A Groovy Kind of Love" by Phil Collins
Substitute: "I've Got Dreams to Remember" by Otis Redding.

No arguing:
"At Last" by Etta James
"Bring It On Home to Me" by Sam Cooke
"Your Song" by Elton John

Let us know what you think. This has prompted a rather heated discussion here at Eight at Eight Headquaters! And here's hoping that the weather improves. If it doesn't, well... I'm sure you can find something to occupy your time.

Dating Etiquette During Election Season

I know, I know: when vetting potential partners, you need to know about their political views. I get that. However, there is a time and a place! More than a few otherwise charming and adorable singles have been written off due to their political fervor that is, quite frankly, off putting. To that end, we've brainstormed this idea at the office and came up with some do's and do-not's until you pull the election lever.

1) Never assume someone shares your opinion.
Example: "Can you believe that [candidate x] wants to [insert controversial proposal here]? I mean, the nerve, right?

2) Asking someone's party affiliation might not fly until after the 1st month milestone.
If your conversations with potential matches go something like this, you may be in trouble.

You: Hi, I'm Karen.
Him: I'm David.
You: Nice to meet you, David. What do you do?
Him: I'm an investment banker.
You: Oh, yeah? That's interesting.
Him: What about y---
You: (interrupting) Democrat or Republican?
Him: Wow, I was just...
You: (interrupting) Answer the question, flip-flopper!

3) As a rule, politics and religion make poor conversation fodder.
Yeah, I get it: the weather is dull. But you know what? Dull has never offended anyone, either. Politics might fly a little better on odd-numbered years, but during election season, everyone is a bit more inclined to tear your head off. Think about it: the pundits on cable news can't even speak in a civil manner about elections, so how can two strangers, particularly when after the second pinot noir?

4) Opposites attract, so don't shut the door on those who disagree with you.
Think: Carville and Matalin. Political differences can be overcome, but don't make that the first hurdle. Focus on someone's personality, their manners, hell, their looks! In general, its tough to seek only those who match you perfectly on ever idea and hobby. Imagine the difficulty of finding a lapse-Catholic, rock-climbing, vegan, Libertarian, Harley-enthusist, competitive video gaming, scrapbooking attorney who has a 401(k) and loves dogs, but not cats. Good luck with that...

As always, we return to our mantra of sorts: be yourself, relax, extend others some courtesy, and you'll be fine. And maybe you should consider leaving the Obama or McCain "flair" at home.

We Love Our Job....Unsolicited Success Stories

"I had lunch yesterday with a nice girl who just moved to town from NYC. She said her friend met her husband through 8 at 8!"

Cute as a Button!

Our office enjoys getting to hear feedback after the dinner party. One thing we've been hearing more and more is how fantastic our hostesses are! The New York hostess, Ashley, has gotten lots of great accolades recently. Hear more of what our clients are saying....

"I went to the dinner event last night. The restaurant was fantastic. Good group of people. Ashley was a great hostess."

"I was really kind of nervous (this was my first dinner) but Ashley made all the difference! She was so warm and welcoming ~ I very much enjoyed all of my dinner companions and the restaurant was great as well. Thanks for a marvelous evening!"

"Ashley is a nice hostess and very friendly."

"Still think Ashley is cute as a button; the friendliest and most comfortable of the 8@8 greeters I've met. "

"I also wanted to mention how wonderful our hostess, Ashley, was ~ she made us all feel so comfortable in what could have been an awkward, uncomfortable situation!"

Eight at Eight Loves THE REGULAR GUYS!

Ok, I'm totally obsessed with Atlanta's favorite Rock Station 100.5. The Regular Guys in the morning are the coolest dudes on the radio. I'm smitten. Here are some pics from my most recent visit.

Photo #1 - Larry Wachs

Photo #2 - Tim Andrews - Producer and Gary Lewis - General Manager.