Monday, December 20, 2010

Courage

In writing Single 101, I discovered right from the start that I was really writing the book for myself. Making a decision that could impact the rest of my life, I needed the courage and strength to survive on my own. Even being my own coach and support system took courage, convincing myself that I had to keep believing in me.  Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, courage gets us through each day and night.

I know so many women who fear being alone and not exclusively after darkness falls. Many are accustomed to a house full of family members and when one finds herself solely responsible for keeping the home fires burning, it can be a daunting task.  “You’ll need courage for what?” ask both women and men.  The list can be overwhelming, so I’ll just mention a few:

Keeping your job and for as long as possible if you choose the single lifestyle permanently

Getting through the holidays if you have no family or close friends

Cooking for one and enjoying each meal in solitude

Accepting what life’s cards are dealt for you in sickness and in health

Being able to ask for help when you need it


Many of us singletons can be very stubborn mules with strong, independent spirits. Not only does it take courage for some of us to ask for help, it’s important to have the motivation to reach out and help others.  With so many people saving every penny and focused on their own immediate families, the spirit may not be knocking on your door this year.  If you feel like Christmasing, there couldn't be a better time than now to start a new tradition.  Reaching out as a volunteer, donating to a local charity or attending holiday events at places of worship can breathe new life into your world of flying solo.

Cheers to the brave and the bold! Best wishes for happiness through the holidays and peace in the new year . . . Celeste

Monday, December 6, 2010

Stocking Stuffer Party for Singles at Borders Books and Music!

Come in from the cold and snowy weather for a coffee or hot cocoa in the Borders music cafe this Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00.
Borders on Sawmill Rd. in Dublin, Ohio welcomes back local author and singer-songwriter Celeste Friedman for a Stocking Stuffer Party for Singles.  Celeste will open the event with live music from her one-woman show, "Single 101", followed by a signing of her book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single" and companion music CD, "Single 101".

"Single 101 is hilarious and will definitely cheer you up and get you through the holidays!"

                                                                                                       . . . Lisa Smith, Big Blend Magazine

Give the gift of music and books to your single friends or tuck a little something into your own stocking!
We'll see you at Borders.  Cheers to flying solo!
For more info call Borders at: 614.718.9099

Monday, November 29, 2010

Best Gifts for 2010

Gift buying and giving changes with the times and this season is exciting with new products in the electronics industry. No matter what your budget is for this year, even the simplest gifts convey the greatest meaning.
Here are Single 101’s Top 10 Best Gift Ideas for 2010:

1. Bookstore gift card

2. The gift of music

3. Kindle e-reader

3. Bed Bath and Beyond Gift Card

4. Cash

5. Homemade Cookies

6. Gift Basket of wine, cheese, chocolates, misc. goodies

7. Zen gift

8. Day spa gift certificate

9. Charging accessories for electronics

10. Dog or cat from your local animal shelter

http://PetFinder.com

http://TheAnimalRescueSite.com





Blatant self-promotional links:

“Single 101”- music CD from Celeste

http://cdbaby.com/cd/celestef7

“Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single” by Celeste Friedman

http://www.amazon.com/Single-101-Reasons-Celebrate-Being/dp/1451510519

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Giving Thanks

"Single 101", the music CD is a companion to my book and I'd like to thank ReviewYou.com for their kindness and support! Happy Thanksgiving!

Artist: Celeste Friedman

Album: Single 101
Review by Wildy Haskell

Pure Genius by Design
Celeste Friedman is a highly lauded singer/songwriter/composer whose work has been featured on Live! With Regis And Kelly; The Ghost Hunter; A Prairie Home Companion; National Public Radio; Music Choice and ESPN.  A 2005 GRAMMY nominee, Friedman can lay claim to a #1 album, a GrIndie Award, Indie Track Of The Year Award, and a nomination for Artist of the Year in the Netherlands.  Friedman is also a prolific author, with her most recent book, Single 101: 101 Reasons To Celebrate Being Single raising the curtain on her own life and the joys of going it alone.  Concurrently, Friedman has written a collection of songs, also entitled Single 101, which serve as a musical companion to the book.  Friedman digs deep into the emotions of joy and loss, using humor and insight to parse emotions and get to the simple truths that lay underneath. 

Single 101 opens with "The Dribble On My Pillow", an amusing little ode to night drool done in a cute, classic pop style complete with hand claps.  There's a certain cheese factor, but it's all tongue in cheek and entertaining.  "Gotta Get It Right, Gotta Get It Straight" is all about trying to get your bearings, even taking time out from a relationship to find your true north.  This is the proverbial foot out the door whose status as a relationship cliché doesn't mitigate its occasional truth.  Friedman celebrates reclaiming her bed as her own in the wake of a relationship with "Mattress, Sweet Mattress”, a bit of hokey fun that will hit home with most anyone newly single.

“I Can Change My Mind” underlines the classic line about a woman’s prerogative with a funky bass line and some of the best piano work you’ll hear in one of the best all-around tracks on the album. “My Bra And His Underwear” is a humorous take on the comingling of a couple’s undies in light of their fading shared libido. It’s a cute and funny bit of commentary in song that has the advantage of being informed by truth.

“Batteries Not Included” is an ode to the sort of products that make living on your own more bearable. In this funny little tune, Friedman explores the purchase of one such item from the internet, right down to getting dressed up for the delivery and the knowing grin from the UPS man. Everything comes together for Friedman on this number, from the vaguely nervous, almost Christine-Lavin style sense of humor to the musical arrangement. Friedman tackles such subjects as emotional eating (“I’m Pudding On Weight”) and the unintended side effects of garments from Victoria’s Secret (“Suddenly We’re All French”) before settling into a surprisingly serious love ballad entitled “This Time”. Here Friedman shows a bit of 1980’s pop/R&B pastiche in a tune that sounds like it should have charted twenty-five years ago.

“Three Little Words” is a bluesy number about a partner who just can’t say the right things, and leads into the woeful melancholy of “Taken Away”. It’s hard to discern exactly what Friedman’s intent is with this tune, but the musical approach is a bit off the beaten path and intriguing. Friedman slips her funny shoes back on with “Barbie’s Got The Blues”, projecting relationship troubles onto America’s favorite anatomically unlikely plaything. “Flying Solo” is a song of independence that throws off the shackles of expectation. Stylistically jazzy and fun, Friedman channels her inner Nellie McKay for one of the best turns on the album. Friedman closes with “Every Day Is Independence Day”, a song that touts the opportunities and possibilities made available by being single, delivered in a semi-big band style arrangement. It’s a nice closer that supports Friedman’s sense of celebration of singlehood.

Celeste Friedman mixes funny and serious moments on Single 101. As a stand-alone album Single 101 has enough light and dark to give a full reflection to the ups and downs of relationships and also of choosing to be on your own. As a soundtrack for Friedman’s book of the same name it is a sublime companion. The musical ups and downs on Single 101 are quite comparable to those found in life. If by design this is pure genius. If by accident then it is the sort of socio-musical accident that is the by-product of artistry. Either way, Single 101 is an entertaining farce that pauses to uncover some of the more serious truths that lay beneath its comical face.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

For the Love of Marriage

Do you agree that marriage is obsolete or have you fallen in love with marriage all over again at the announcement of the royal engagement? The results of a survey released in October of 2010 revealed that 39-40% of Americans believe that marriage is becoming obsolete.

We’re Saying that Marriage is Obsolete, but Still in Love with Marriage

Chatting by the water coolers, we’ve been sharing our reasons for choosing the single lifestyle vs. marriage, but find ourselves still mesmerized by the news reports of royal wedding plans. We wonder if Westminster Abbey will be the location to exchange the royal vows as we are blinded by the flashes from photographers, capturing the raven beauty Kate on the arm of Princess Diana’s first born. It is now being said that the college educated and financially secure may be the only classes that will plan for marriage in the future. Ironically, Wills and the woman who will be the future queen of England will be such role models in the spring of 2011, exploiting their treasure and global position on their wedding day.

On November 18, 2010 Julie Snider of USA Today reported that those aged 18 to 29, mostly single, made up 44% of the study compared to the 32% aged 65 and older. Studies such as this have arisen in the past after examining the decreasing numbers, when almost 95% of Americans were married in the 1950’s down to 54% in 2010. It’s also interesting to note that statistics have shown younger women who married in the fifties were more likely to divorce. The general consensus of the recent marriage study revealed that even though what makes a marriage may be changing rapidly, it is still family that is most important to all.

Half of the Population of London is Single

In the United Kingdom, half of the population of London proper is made up of singletons aged 20 to 59, with the widest difference between London and elsewhere in the UK among 45 to 60 year olds. British historians state that 350 years have passed since a blue blood married a commoner. The whimsy will captivate and you can bet that throngs of Brits will be lining up along the parade route to get a glimpse of the royal bride and her groom, cheering them on and waving their flags of the monarchy.

Believe Half of what You See and Nothing of what You Hear

It should be noted that only 2,691 Americans took the survey on the obsolescence of marriage, given by the Pew Research Center which is located in Washington, D.C. Their researchers, who usually conduct monthly studies on politics and evolving ideas are part of a nonpartisan, walking, talking encyclopedia of facts on the latest issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and our world. Just keep in mind that it’s only an opinion of talking heads and not literally 40% of 310,750,000 Americans. Will the naysayers lead us to believe their findings are true and will we follow suit?

However, studies like these are certainly not a waste of time and worth pondering as our world is constantly evolving. More single men and women are taking advantage of new opportunities to garner wealth and develop a career before getting married, hoping they choose wisely in all areas of their lives. It may become fashionable to stay single in Europe, where more of the focus is on wealth and status, but there’s a royal wedding to plan. You’d better buy your hat.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Honoring Our Heroes


Heard on the American Heroes Radio Network!

In honor of Veteran's Day, I'm so proud to announce the release of my single, "The Son of A Soldier", now available for digital download on CDBaby.

Dedicated to my father Leo Reichert, a Korean War Veteran, the inspiration for this song came from the discovery of a story in London's Daily Mail. When I read about the death of Sjt. Paul McAleese and saw the photo of his widow and baby son Charley, it broke my heart. I composed "The Son of A Soldier" for Charley and every son and daughter of our fallen heroes.  Sjt. McAleese, serving with the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, was killed trying to save a fellow comrade while on foot patrol in the Sanjin District of Afghanistan in 2009.


"I think your recording of The Son of a Soldier is quite outstanding. It certainly pulls at all the heart strings."          . . . John Poole-Warren, Regimental Secretary, The Rifles

Join me this evening for inspirational conversation and music on BlogTalkRadio with author and host Andrea Garrison beginning at 7:30pm EST:
www.BlogTalkRadio.com/OnlinewithAndrea

Saying a prayer for the world today.
Blessings,
Celeste




http://cdbaby.com/cd/celestefriedman

Friday, November 5, 2010

Celebrate with Celeste!

"Singles Night Out"

We are very excited to be celebrating the 2010 launch of Celeste's book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single" on Saturday, November 6th.  Owners Tom and Laura Noonan welcome all for an evening of music, fun and laughter at Vino Where You Live in Mount Vernon, Ohio, one of the coolest wine bars ever!


Opening the musical portion of the evening is local singer-songwriter Sarah Goslee Reed at 7:00pm. Celeste will take the stage at 7:30 and feature a one hour concert from her one-woman show, "Single 101".

Following the show, Celeste will be on hand to sign books and share the evening with our special guests. Both books and CD's will be available for purchase and signing.

For a sampling of Celeste's music, visit her CDBaby Single 101 page and listen to samples- http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/celestef7  The book and CD can also be purchased on Amazon.com.

Hope you can join us!

"Singles Night Out with Celeste Friedman"

Vino Where You Live- wine and coffee bar

6400 Newark Rd. (just 4 miles south of downtown Mount Vernon)

Mount Vernon, Ohio

Call to make your reservation at 740.397.VINO



Hope to see you there!
http://www.songsforcharliemusic.com/
http://single-101.webs.com/

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Creepy Blogoweenie~ What Would You Do?

Has this ever happened to you and if it did, what would you do?
Colleen orders from catalogs now and then and is accustomed to finding one or more shipments in her mailbox. In the area where she lives, even a typical brown cardboard box is wrapped in a plastic bag, so most of her packages look similar in general appearance.

She went to her mailbox the other day to find two packages. Like most of us, Colleen never double checks to see if what has been delivered has the correct address. She automatically assumed both packages were for her and proceeded to open them. However, inside the second package was a dildo named “Bubbles”.

Flabbergasted, Colleen checked the mailing address label and discovered that it was addressed to a neighbor down the street. By accident, the neighbor’s dirty little secret ended up in Colleen’s mailbox instead.

What would you do in this situation? Colleen and her husband debated whether to hand deliver it to the neighbor and admit their mistake of opening it or trying to re-seal it and leave it on the recipient's porch under the dark veil of night.

The incident has stirred up interesting discussion. Who is this neighbor they thought they knew pretty well and now feel they don’t know at all? Was the neighbor buying the sex toy for themselves or was it a gag gift for a friend? The invoice was also inside, revealing how much they paid for the product. So many questions and a mystery that will only be left to the imagination.

What do you think Colleen and her husband finally decided to do? We’d love to hear your comments!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Read Aloud at The Ohio State University

On Thursday, October 14th, I had the honor of being invited to read excerpts from my new book, “Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single” at the Thompson Library on the main campus of The Ohio State University.


What an extraordinary experience it was to share the same space where great authors have presented their works. Sitting in a comfy leather chair by the grand fireplace, I looked out into quite a diverse, global audience, as if the whole world was there listening to my stories. Panning across the room into everyone’s eyes, I could feel a joining of souls who appeared to be searching and hoping for the secret to happiness.

An oriental student named Yin asked if there was anything in the book about children and I sighted two vignettes where I write about women who were married, preparing to divorce their husbands, but waiting for the right time to exit in order to protect their children. Yin stated that his greatest concern about marriage is that children could possibly be the cause of a failed marriage or relationship.

Most of the students in the audience were perfect examples of current statistics that show more single people are developing their careers, building wealth and social status before committing to marriage. Closing the program with Reason #24, You Don’t Have to Be Afraid to Go It Alone, I sensed a peaceful feeling, noticing many audience members smiling with validation and courage in their eyes. As they exited the reading room, walking off into their future lives, I couldn’t help but wonder where life would take them and I wish them all great success.

What a wonderful afternoon of meeting new friends, stimulating conversation and smiles. Thanks to all of you for your interest and support of “Single 101”!

http://library.osu.edu/news/2010-fall-readaloud/listen-to-readaloud/

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Single 101 Author Commentary

My Single 101 Author Commentary is now live on YouTube.  I hope you have the chance to check it out, but first, take advantage of these last few warm days we have left.  Here in the Midwest, the signs of winter coming are evident.

The commentary was fun to do, sharing a little insight into the making of my new book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single".  Here's the link:
Looking forward to a great week with two author events:  The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County on Tuesday, October 12th, where I'll share the event with six other local authors and Thursday, October 14th at the main library on the campus of The Ohio State University for a "Read Aloud" from 3 to 4pm.

Hope to see you!
Celeste

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

We're Not Exactly Flying Solo!

October 5, 2010

For Immediate Release:

Nashville, TN- Flying Solo Publishing is proud to announce that we’re not totally flying solo in our efforts to promote “Single 101: 101 Reason to Celebrate Being Single”, by author and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Celeste Friedman.

Julie Schoerke and her team at JKS Communications has now joined Celeste in this exciting journey. Julie and her staff can be contacted at the following:

http://www.jkscommunications.com/

Nashville
6132 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 101
Nashville, TN 37215
615.476.1367

New York City
511 Avenue of the Americas, #317
New York, NY 10011
646.318.1193

Julie Schoerke, Principal
julie@jkscommunications.com
Twitter: @julieschoerke

Friday, September 17, 2010

There's No Place Like Home

September 17, 2010

For Immediate Release
Flying Solo Publishing
740.364.1223

Join the Single 101 Nation for a Live Celebration!

Newark, Ohio- The Licking County Public Library welcomes local author and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Celeste Friedman for a special evening of story and song.

Celeste will share highlights from her new book, “Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single” and a few songs from her one-woman show, "Single 101" on Thursday, September 30th at the Licking County Public Library, 101 West Main Street in Newark, Ohio.

Admission is free and open to the public, but seating reservations are encouraged. The evening begins at 7:00pm with a live performance before a hometown crowd, followed by a special book signing and an opportunity to meet the author.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Flying Solo Publishing at 740.364.1223 or email: FlyingSoloPublishing@yahoo.com

To reserve a seat, please contact Babette Wofter, The Licking County Library at 740.349.5500.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Between A Suspense Thriller and Sci Fi


“Single 101” came to rest on an author signing table this weekend in the middle of authors Ryan Keyser and Matthew Alexander. It has been interesting to observe the patrons of Borders Books looking across our table at such a diverse array of titles.

With their books delving into danger and the unknown, it did seem to serve relevance to my book on the single lifestyle, as there is definitely a risk and uncertainty about the choice to fly solo.

When you get a chance, check out their work and support these amazing young authors. Both are on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com:

“Mr. Fairbanks” by Ryan Keyser and “Withur We” by Matthew Alexander.

We also want to thank author Manuel Luiz Martinez for stopping in. You'll find his latest book, “Day of the Dead”, (Dia de los Muertos) on Amazon.com.

But hey, check out who I’m sitting next to on the Border’s shelf in the pic above!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Borders Welcomes Celeste and Celebrates Flying Solo




We're counting down the days to the Borders book-signing event this Saturday, September 4th from 1:00 to 3:00pm.  As we celebrate the Labor Day weekend, we also celebrate the liberties of being single.
I'll be signing my new book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single" at the Borders location at 6679 Sawmill Rd. in Columbus, Ohio.  For more info, please contact Sarah Crook at 614.718.9099.

When a holiday approaches, it's time to plan a little getaway and that reminds me of Reason #42- You Can Take a Vacation Anytime, Anywhere.  Forget that wardrobe wivestale that says you should never wear white after Labor Day- Reason #47- What You're Wearing is Up to YOU!

See you at Borders and don't forget to pick up something frothy and cool in the cafe!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Paragraphs Book Store Signing Event


Thanks once again to everyone who joined us at Paragraphs Book Store today.  In the photo with me above is owner Anne Storan and what a lovely book store she has in historic downtown Mount Vernon, Ohio.  Anne is holding my book in the photo.  She and her husband Hans set me up with delicious coffee and sweets and I thank them so much for their support and warm hospitality.  Check out their website at: http://www.paragraphsbookstore.com/

One of the coolest things about being there today on a sunny, summer Saturday morning was to be a part of the typical comings and goings of shoppers who come downtown and frequent the farmer's market on the square.  Unfortunately, I missed my chance to buy sweet corn, but word has it that you have to get there very early!

As I was signing my new book, "Single 101", I visited with life-long friends and met new friends and . . . oh, the stories of the single life and the not-so-single life!

Now, we're off to Westerville, Ohio for an appearance and signing event at The Westerville Public Library next Tuesday.  Hope to see you there!

Monday, August 16, 2010

The Single 101 Nation Hits the Road

It's time to pack the bags again and hit the road, as we prepare for the next twelve weeks of book signing events and one-woman shows. The next two months will be very special, as I hope to see old friends and classmates in my hometown and childhood stomping grounds of central Ohio.

We'll kick things off on Wednesday, August 18th at the Barnes and Noble Book Store, located on the Newark campus of The Ohio State University. I'll be joining two emerging authors, B.M. Green and J. Michael Demko for a fun book signing event from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The campus will be buzzing that day, as Orientation Day will also be underway on campus. Wear your scarlet and gray and join us!

Saturday, August 21st will be a great time in historic Mount Vernon, Ohio at The Paragraphs Book Store, just around the corner from the Farmer's Market. I'll be there from 10:00am to 1:00pm, signing books and hoping to see many friends from Knox County and meet new friends who are curious about the Single 101 Nation.

If you're in the Columbus area, come to The Westerville Public Library on the evening of Tuesday, August 24th. The evening will begin at 6:30 with a live musical performance, where I'll reveal a few tunes from the one-woman show, followed by a book signing.

For more details or to R.S.V.P. for any of these events, just email me at: flyingsolopublishing@yahoo.com I can't wait to see everyone!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Big Ben is Calling

Statistics show the majority of working age people who live in London are not married. Daniel Dorling, Professor of Human Geography at Sheffield University says, “There isn't another city, town or village like it". There is a higher proportion of single people living in London than anywhere else in the UK. Almost half the London population between 20 and 59 years are single and in many cases, three to four people share a flat where there used to be two.

The City of London is second only to Brighton in the percentage of same-sex couples according the most recent London Census returns. Nine percent of the population of London cohabitate with no children, where single parent households have become the fourth most common type of household in the UK and the most numerous in London.

Earlier this spring, AskMen.com rated London #5 on their list of the best cities in the world to live for single men. If you’re considering relocating a stone’s throw from Big Ben and packing light, you can buy what you need when you get there. London offers an unlimited amount of charity shops or second hand stores that sell crockery, utensils, linens or housewares for your new pad in the UK.

“Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single” is now available in the UK in paperback and in the UK Kindle Store. Just follow this link and download in seconds:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Single-101-Reasons-Celebrate-Being/dp/B003S3S06M

Check out Reason #100- “You Can Live Anywhere You Want”.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Single 101 Hits the Radio Airwaves from Coast to Coast

Hey Everybody,

I’m on the air Monday and Tuesday from coast to coast, sharing excerpts from the book and my take on Ali Fedotowsky, The Bachelorette.

Rumors have been hovering for a while that Ali will not choose anyone at all and stay single. That is my prediction as well. There are several reasons in my book, “Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single” that are relevant to the current bachelorette, but let’s just consider five of them:

# 63- You’re Not Desperate to Find A Mate- what is she doing on these reality shows? Does someone as lovely as Ali need to take this route to find a husband?

#57- You Don’t Have to Be in A Relationship to Feel Complete- we don’t live in a couple’s world. Those who believe that we do are delirious.

#7- No More Broken Hearts- Ali has had her heart broken enough throughout both the Bachelor and Bachelorette experiences.

#74- No Drama- especially after Justin and Frank. By the way, Justin may become the first contestant to be sued by ABC producers for breaking his confidentiality agreement.

#24- You Don’t Have to Be Afraid to Go it Alone- Ali appears to have it all together and definitely has the courage to survive on her own.


Wild Crazy Reasons Why Ali should stay single for a while longer:

#80- You Can Lick the Spoon

#14- Farting is Less Embarrassing

#12- No Toilet Lid Issues

#17- You Are the Keeper of the Remote

#28- You Know Where the Soap has Been


Throughout the season, Ali would mention or admit that she wasn’t sure if she was ready for marriage, primarily due to her doubts about the potential bachelors in the competition.  Intuitively, Ali sensed that Frank would disappoint her.

Roberto Martinez- many women are threatened by a gorgeous, to die for type of guy like Roberto, fearful of infidelity and abandonment issues.

Chris Lambton- may be the one that Ali truly felt secure with, but is that enough to convince herself that she’s in love with him and ready to be his wife?

The show has been on long enough for all to realize that not everyone is in it for love, just self-promotion. Even Ty who came close to the finals has a music career in Nashville. No one has pointed out yet where he was really coming from.

With all of that said, there is a new twist, as the new promos for the show that began airing last Thursday, unveil a potential problem with both bachelors, who appear to be apprehensive and not ready for engagement, let alone marriage.

Join me on the air live Monday morning, August 2nd with Monty Jett on 107.9FM The Coast, WLOW Radio during the 8 o’clock hour. Later that day, I’ll do a pre-taped interview with Don Bleu and co-host Trish of Don Bleu in the Morning on Clear Channel’s Star 101.3FM in San Francisco. Our interview will air on Tuesday morning after we’ve all seen The Bachelorette Finale and the “Final Rose” segment.

Thanks so much to Monty, Don and Trish for the dish! Check out these links:

http://1079thecoast.com/

http://www.1013.com/pages/morningshow

Friday, July 16, 2010

Keeping Your Body Healthy and Your Mind Sharp

Getting my daily fill of the New York Daily News this morning, I came across the following article published by Reuters:

“Researchers find link between weight gain and loss of mental skills”.

It’s focus was primarily on older women who they claim should maintain a low weight to keep their reasoning, memory and over-all mental skills high.  According to Dr. Diana Kerwin of Northwestern University in Chicago, she and her research team found that obesity in and of itself is “an independent risk factor for cognitive performance”.  Kerwin also stated, "Even if you do have normal blood pressure and you're not diabetic, it still should be something that's looked at as an independent risk factor for your brain health."

This reminded me of the “Nun Study”, where researchers gathered long-term data on over 600 nuns living in Minnesota. They found that 21 percent of the participants had lesions and plaques in their brains, which are key markings of memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease. However, they lived their lives with no outward signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia.  They also discovered that these nuns had happier and more positive outlooks on life, were better linguistics and had better dietary and exercise habits.

Now I'd like to see the same research conducted on obese men and aging priests.  In the meantime, lay low on those potato chips and sharpen your mind by eating healthy, staying active and empower yourself, focusing on your well-being.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Summer Sizzles and the Book is Hot

The Single 101 Nation is hot and getting hotter with the summer temps on the rise.  I want to send a shout out to everyone in Kansas City and thank dating expert and columnist Pamela E. Spencer for her review.  Just click on the link to Kiss and Tell-Single 101- http://www.inkkc.com/node/22144

This week we also want to thank Barnes and Noble for their add. You can purchase a copy of "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single" from their online catalog at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

If you live in Central Ohio, join us for any of my upcoming book signing events during August and September.  Paragraphs Book Store in Mount Vernon, The Westerville Library in Westerville and The Licking County Library in Newark are just a few stops along the way.  Visit http://www.songsforcharliemusic.com/ and click on "Touring Schedule" for all the details.

As Pamela writes in her Kiss and Tell review of Single 101, summertime is usually for lovers, strolling through a park, eating ice cream and date nights at the movies, but it's also a great season for singletons.  For the Single 101 Nation, summer is a time for peace and quiet, catching up on a good book you've been waiting to read while relaxing in your backyard hammock.  Since the AC is cranked high right now, it's wonderful to be the master of the thermostadt!

The list goes on- ice cream ready for you and you alone in your freezer, hanging around the house wearing next to nothing or nothing at all, heading to a travel destination of your choice, taking a summer class and getting ahead before the fall semester or joining me for a Single 101-one-woman show.  I'll save you a seat in the Single 101 Nation section!

When you think of summer, what's the best part of living the single lifestyle to you? Add your comment below, stay cool and enjoy this wonderful summer!
Celeste

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Bachelorette Needs to Join the Single 101 nation!

Uh oh, Jake and Vienna are not an item anymore and all of you Bachelorette followers are probably wondering what that means for Ali’s guys. Frank, Chris L., and Roberto seem to be the ones who will be the final contenders. Justin gets deep-sixed this week after Ali discovers he already has a girlfriend and they could all go home if Ali is still in love with Jake.

For those of you who have not been fans of ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, the current bachelorette looking for the man of her dreams was a former finalist in the last Bachelor episode, where Jake ditched Ali and chose Vienna.

Since Ali has coyly mentioned that she would rather remain solo until she finds her Mr. Right, I think she should read my book, “Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single”, even if it validates that she needs to patiently wait a while longer, instead of finding a husband and companion for life on a television dating reality show.

We’re celebrating the release of "Single 101" this month! Check out the links below to Amazon, The Kindle Store and the book trailer on YouTube.com. For a current schedule of author appearances, book signing events and my One-Woman Show, click o the touring schedule page at:
http://www.songsforcharliemusic.com/

I wish Ali all the best!
Celeste

Available on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Single-101-Reasons-Celebrate-Being/dp/1451510519
and other digital online retailers. You can find it in the Kindle Store, just follow this link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003S3S06M

Book Trailer Link:
http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=_B1Xsvulnj8

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Single 101 Press Release

June 16, 2010

For Immediate Release
Flying Solo Publishing
740.364.1223

"Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single" Celebrates Book Launch

Columbus, Ohio- Flying Solo Publishing is proud to announce the release of “Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single” by author and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Celeste Friedman. The book will launch on June 30, 2010 and will be available on Amazon.com and other digital online retailers. You can find it in the Kindle Store as of today, June 16, 2010, just follow this link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003S3S06M

In “Single 101”, Celeste opens a Pandora’s Box of what lives in the hearts of single men and women. Revealing funny truths, common principles and basic needs, she salutes those who enjoy their independence and fearlessly tread outside of the mainstream. Friedman gives allegiance and support to singles who are content living alone, unveiling the truth that not all single people are lonely, abandoned and desperate to find a mate.


“I’ll be the first to admit that it’s complicated to live with me”, says Friedman. “My passion for writing and composing consumes my days and nights; I don’t function in a messy environment; and I prefer the bed all to myself”.


Celeste claims that after two marriages and a few boyfriends who temporarily played the role of Mr. Right, she has been far more successful living alone. Since opting to fly solo, she has been nominated for a Grammy Award and two European Indie Artist of the Year Awards; scored for a Pulitzer Prize-nominated play; received several honors and citations in music and education; nominated for two Pat Weaver Awards for contributions in television; and her work has been featured in the Ottawa International Animation Film festival, as well as Festival de Cannes in 2008.


Empowerment . . . Freedom to Pursue Your Passion . . . No In-Laws . . . Spontaneity


“You’ll laugh, cry, smile and find “Single 101” to be very poignant, matter-of-fact and real. It’s an opportunity to look within, discovering an empowering tranquility”.
                                                                                . . . Author P. Emily McLaughlin


The writing of the book has also launched a musical ‘One-Woman Show’, sharing the celebration live on stage. Check out her blog at: www.Single-101.blogspot.com, filled with thoughts and musings on the single lifestyle. An official book launch, signing and performance will be announced soon.


In addition to the book,“Single 101” the music CD, which includes all the songs from her ‘One-Woman Show”, will soon be available on CDBaby and iTunes. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Flying Solo Publishing at 740.364.1223 or email: FlyingSoloPublishing@yahoo.com.


View Book Trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B1Xsvulnj8

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Reason #8: No More Maid Service

Every time I have found myself between relationships or when I was just divorced and on my own, the greatest feeling of relief has always been the fact that there is no more cleaning up after a man or roommate. I’m a fussy housekeeper and I would just like for the floor to stay clean for at least 30 minutes after I’ve scrubbed and waxed. Thirty minutes isn’t much to ask for, but if you’re living with a messy, inconsiderate person, they win, you lose.

I should have done a better job at paying attention to the signals early on in most of these relationships. My second husband’s apartment was abominable. Every item of clothing he had worn for two weeks was all over his bedroom floor. He didn’t care and said they got picked up when it was time to go to the Laundromat. Each morning, he would have a bowl of cereal and when he was finished, he would sit the bowl down anywhere in the apartment. There were plastic cereal bowls with spoons stuck in them everywhere.

You ask, “and you married this guy?” Well, yeah. Just another one of those relationships where you love someone so much, you convince yourself that they will change. Never in a million years!

Check out this reason and 100 more in my new book, “Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single”, available on Amazon at the end of June, 2010!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Top 10 Best Wines for Father's Day

Gayot.com has just released their Top 10 Father’s Day Wine List for 2010:


1. Sparkling Champagne de Venoge Blanc de Noirs

2. Gustave Lorentz Cremant d'Alsace Brut from the Alsace region of France

3. Fogdog 2007 Chardonnay, a California white wine

4. Les Vendanges du Domaine Rougie 2006 Viognier, white from the Rhone Valley of France

5. Beckmen Vineyards 2009 Purisima Mountain Vineyard Grenache Rosé from the Santa Ynez valley of Santa Barbara, California

6. Frank Family Vineyards 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a red wine, deep purple in color

7. Kamiak 2007 Rock Lake Red from the Columbia Valley in the State of Washington

8. Liberty School 2007 Cuvée from California’s Central Coast region of Paso Robles

9. Quivira 2008 Grenache, Wine Creek Ranch, Dry Creek Valley, another California red wine

10. Matanzas Creek Winery 2006 L'Ultime Red Dessert Wine. This is a Sonoma County dessert wine


Ranging from $12 to $66 per bottle, what a delightful way to toast to our fathers in the coming month of June.  Best wishes and a special toast to all of our single dads from the Single 101 Nation!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Single 101 Nation

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The Single 101 Nation is now on Twitter!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Best Cities in the World for Men

AskMen.com has just released their Top 29 cities in the world for men to live in.  They profiled cities where it’s easy to meet women, where professional opportunities abound and where you can enjoy life outdoors.
Their formula for men has ranked the best cities in which to live, work and party - based on data that includes vacation destinations, weather, unemployment rate, restaurants, nightlife and sports.

Ask Men’s lists are always intriguing and full of surprises. Just the mention of exotic cities like Barcelona, Shanghai or Lisbon will have you wanting to pack your bags. Where would you want to live, work or play?

Here is the Top 10 from their list:

10. San Francisco
9. Sydney
8. Buenos Aires
7. Miami
6. Cape Town
5. London
4. Madrid
3. Tokyo
2. Melbourne
1. New York City

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Summer of Broken Hearts

From my new book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single", consider
Reason # 7-  No More Broken Hearts


News from Stockholm says that it was supposed to be the Summer of Love in Sweden this year.
Princess Victoria, the eldest daughter of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, is engaged and plans to wed in June. The crown princess had already taken her fair share of criticism for her relationship with a commoner, Daniel Westling, her fiance. But now he looks like a prince compared to Victoria’s little sister's beau.

Princess Madeleine Therese Amelie Josephine, just called off her royal wedding due to rumors that her fiance, Jonas Bergstrom, a lawyer, had sex with a college student while he was engaged to the princess.

CNN reports that the couple have gone their separate ways.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

2010 Book Release!

It's coming! After seven years of research, writing, editing, procrastinating, saving enough money for publishing, etc., etc., the book is coming this summer!

"Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single" is set to be released in the summer of 2010.

Being single is my life, but not an obsession, as you can tell by my infrequent blogging.  With the release of the book and more, my blogs will become weekly, so I hope you check back often.

"Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single" will soon be available on Amazon.com and several digital outlets, where you'll be able to take a peek inside, as well as download it on your Kindle.

So, the word is out . . . there are now more than 101 reasons to celebrate!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Guilt-Free Gorging

As I write, the snow is continuing to fall on top of the 10 inches on the ground. The local meteorologists have already named this the Blizzard of 2010 and it isn’t through with us yet.

Our local post office has made the decision to break their “whether rain, snow, sleet or hail, the mail will get through” promise and postpone mail delivery until the first of next week. My road is impassable and the drifts are growing rapidly. A neighbor has just knocked at my door to see if I wanted my driveway ploughed, but he can’t do it for free. The price of regular gas yesterday was $3.29 per gallon, but my car can safely wait in the garage for a couple more days with the hope that the cost of filling the tank will decrease.

The cupboard and refrigerator are stocked, my Saturday gig has been canceled and why in the world do I even want to go out anyway? The blanket of snow, or I should say layers of comforters of snow in my yard, actually give me a warm feeling as I watch the flakes get larger, blowing aimlessly in the wind that swirls around my house.

This calls for cuddling up on the sofa with a bag of the latest chocolate/peanut butter chip cookies I discovered at the market. Once again, the benefits of being single come to the surface. It’s cold, I’m snowed in and the cookies are all mine!

Monday, January 4, 2010

You Can Flirt As Much As You Want

So, the here’s the question: Is flirting an art? Let’s take a look at what some experts say. They have actually created flirting tips:

Give Clear Signals
Since your intensions can be easily misconstrued, make sure that you are sincere and clear with who you choose to flirt with and be cautious of how far you’re going as you indulge in flirting just for fun, if you will.

Dress for Success
Your appearance will be the key to how successful your flirting attempts will be, whether it’s your hair, what you’re wearing or even your accessories. Some women say they carry something just to get noticed. Is that how the miniature dog, (pet) thing got started with Paris Hilton?

Keep Your Distance from Your Friends
If you’re planning on making serious moves on a certain someone, the experts say you’ll need to split from your friends or buddy. It’s that three’s a crowd principle.

Use Diplomacy
Maybe you thought he was cute at first. You made your move, said something cute and funny. Then he laughed like a pig and it scared you to death. How you politely walk away and hope that he doesn’t try to approach you later is the defining moment, especially if you have your sites set on someone else.

Use Your Best Voice
Guess this one goes without saying, (no pun intended). It would be interesting to find out if some women actually rehearse in the mirror or record their voice to see if it’s sexy enough.

After finding these tips from the experts of flirtation, it’s evident that yes, flirting is an art. Practice makes perfect!