theareaweb212

© S J Pinkney

Artist R. Luke DuBois has created some unique maps of the New York City singles scene. Using data from online dating profiles, DuBois has put together national and local maps to show how people represent themselves online. He made the New York City map by sifting through 5 million words from 413,872 singles and then breaking them down by zip code, with some interesting results.

For example, one of the interesting facts is that very few singles profiles in the city are boilerplate. Everyone has a unique way of writing, specific activities they write about, favorite restaurants, trips, etc. But the words that match up with zip codes do seem to reinforce some amusing stereotypes. For example, Breezy Point (Sexist), Far Rockaway (Unyielding), Murray Hill (Debutante, Fund), Roosevelt Island (Escape), and SoHo (Cowardice, Gentrification).

© it's a foot!

Every bride wants to look and feel like a princess, but Kate Middleton actually became a princess last month on April 29th. 'Stunning' is one word that can be used to describe Middleton's dress. A lot of thought, time and effort were put in by the dress designer Sarah Burton for Middleton's wedding dress.

People say that her dress would go down in history and would inspire future brides. Kate's hair and makeup were also something for future brides to follow. Andrew Barton, a celebrity hairdresser, said that Kate's wedding hairstyle would bring about the "death of the straightening iron" and heated roller will be girls' new "best friend".
Robb Young, British fashion writer, said that Kate's dress was sleek, flattering, thoroughly modern and romantic, that is what most brides want these days. He believes it will be a trendsetter for brides.

© Nick Douglas

The leading online dating site Match.com has made an offer for the excellent shares of French dating site Meetic. Being a large share holder of Meetic, Match.com wants to find its way in Europe. The dating site Match.com sold its European operations to Meetic in 2009 in return for a 27 percent stake in the company. Before this deal, Match.com didn't succeed in growing on its own.

The online dating player Match.com will offer €15 (US$21) in cash for each Meetic share, a premium of about 11.6 percent on Friday's closing price. The transaction values Meetic at about €347 million. Match.com manages online dating sites in 25 countries, while Meetic operates in 16, all in Europe. Match.com hopes to enhance expansion at its U.S. operations.