Whether we like to admit it or not, dating can make us feel like we're back in high school: wondering if they'll call, playing hard-to-get, feeling giddy after a great first date, and, hopefully, falling head over heels in love. So for this year's Top Singles, we wanted to reflect back on those high school days with a Breakfast Club-themed package. See how our bachelors and bachelorettes measure up to their high school yearbook superlatives. See who we cast in our Breakfast Club poster recreation (left). And see if all that high school game playing still exists as our Singles sit down for a tell-all He's Just Not That Into You roundtable. As always, you can meet our Singles (and even bid on one of them!) at our Catch party on February 6 at Mosaic Lounge. Or chat with them via e-mail at baltimoremagazine.net. Hopefully, you'll click with one of these 20 strangers and—as they say in The Breakfast Club—they will change your life forever.
Left to right: Kara Redman, Diego Molano, Matt Vensel, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Holly Burkett
Brendan Ragan, 24
Actor and residency coordinator; single, no kids
Favorite book: Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk. Favorite film: Dumb & Dumber, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Favorite TV Show: The Wire, Weeds. Favorite website: During the election, fivethirtyeight.com. Favorite music: Everything. I hate that answer but it's true. Celebrity dream date? Giada De Laurentiis. Celebrity lookalike? The only thing I've ever gotten more than once is a "young Hugh Laurie," and I'm not entirely sure they meant it as a compliment. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? I'd split it down the middle, and we'd use our half to go buy ingredients for a dinner we'll make for each other. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose?Jon Stewart, Bill Clinton, and Jessica Biel. Last concert you went to? The Roots. Do you have a Facebook page? No way. Okay, yes. Where do you get your news from? Locally, City Paper. Nationally, CNN.com. Dogs or cats? Dogs. Loyalty over 'tude. Beach or mountains? Mountains. I'm originally from Colorado so I'm incredibly biased. Name one way you've gone green. I walk to work, baby. What was your favorite Olympics moment? When Matthias Steiner, the weight lifter from Germany, won the gold. Favorite presidential campaign moment? I have to go with that rally where the old McCain supporter with the crazy cat lady hair rambled on about Obama being an Arab. What is your signature dish? I make a wicked cheesecake. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? I just realized I always take every visitor to the Papermoon Diner. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. Brendan is great and Brendan is nice/If you can be sugar, he can be spice/Give him a chance and he'll make a bet/It'll be one day that you'll never forget/You'll laugh hard and say you were smitten/And wooed by this, the worst poem ever written. Valentine's Day is…an invention of The Man!
Brendon Ayanbadejo, 32
Baltimore Ravens linebacker; single, one kid, Anaya, 3
Favorite book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. Favorite film: Anything and everything Star Wars. Favorite TV Show: Anything that runs on the Discovery Channel. Favorite website:MySpace.com. Favorite music: Kanye West. Celebrity dream date? Jessica Biel or Halle Berry. I'm torn. Celebrity look-alike? Muhammad Ali. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? I would rent a couple of bikes and go riding along the harbor. I would finish the date with smoothies from Whole Foods. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, and Bill Maher. Last concert you went to? Pussycat Dolls…haha. Do you have a Facebook page?MySpace! Where do you get your news from? CNN HD. It's my favorite channel. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? More or less. I like to stay in the know. Dogs or cats? Cats. Beach or mountains? Beach. Coffee or tea? Tea. Baths or showers? Showers. Have you scaled back in this economy? I was going to waste a good chunk of money on a super car. But, I decided not to buy it. Thus, my heart was broken. Name one way you've gone green. I'm from a hippie town, Santa Cruz, California. I grew up green.What do you do to stay fit? What don't I do? Besides playing football and lifting weights, I like to ride bikes, body surf, and rollerblade. Favorite presidential campaign moment?The day Barack Obama won the election. It was an amazing day in American history. What is your signature dish? I can cook a mean filet mignon. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? A Ravens win every Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you.People come into your life/Reasons, seasons, lifetime/Make it a memorable cause. (My haiku attempt) Valentine's Day is…every day!
James "Brian" Oates, 33
Insurance executive; single, no kids
Favorite book: Don't know if have one but if I have to list one, 1984. Favorite film: Caddyshack. Favorite TV Show: 24, Seinfeld, and Entourage. Favorite website: Yahoo.com.Favorite music: All kinds, nothing particular. Celebrity dream date? Jessica Biel. Celebrity lookalike? Matt Damon. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it?Since $50 doesn't go that far these days, I would use some of it for flowers for my date and put the rest toward dinner and drinks. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Michael Jordan, Mark Cuban, and Hugh Hefner. Last concert you went to? Dave Matthews. Do you have a Facebook page? Yes. Where do you get your news from? Internet, newspaper, and television. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? No. Dogs or cats? Dogs. Beach or mountains? Beach. Coffee or tea? Neither. Baths or showers? Showers. Have you scaled back in this economy? Not really. If anything I have tried to use less electricity by not being as greedy with air conditioning and heat. Name one way you've gone green. Recycle paper, cans, and glass. What do you do to stay fit? Working out regularly, jogging, and going to sports clubs.What was your favorite Olympics moment? When Phelps broke the gold medal record. Favorite presidential campaign moment? None. What is your signature dish? Crab dip, if you consider that a dish. When it comes to dating, are you a game-player or pretty straightforward? Pretty straightforward. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. I am genuine and nice/ask me to do something/you will not have to ask twice. Valentine's Day is…a day to show your true love, though you should show it every day.
Britt Wittelsberger, 26
Public relations and special events coordinator; single, no kids
Favorite book: Twilight series. Favorite film: Tombstone. Favorite TV Show: The Office and The Soup. Favorite website: Pandora.com. Favorite music: Pearl Jam, U2, Muse, Led Zeppelin, and Dave Matthews. Celebrity dream date? Johnny Depp dipped in dark chocolate. Celebrity look-alike? I get Elaine Benes from Seinfeld all the time. I do not, however, dance like her. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? I'd grab a bottle of wine, some Dixie cups, and play the best out of five in duckpin bowling. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Bono, Anthony Bourdain, and Deepak Chopra. Last concert you went to? The Black Crowes. Do you have a Facebook page? Yes, and I openly admit to stalking. Where do you get your news from? The Daily Show and, most importantly, Perez Hilton. Dogs or cats? Dogs. I'm extremely allergic to cats. Coffee or tea? Green tea. Baths or showers? Showers unless the bath is a romantic cliché and involves candles and bubbles. Have you scaled back in this economy? Not really. I've actually been sucked in by the amazing sales. Name one way you've gone green. I've been shopping with reusable totes and using Tupperware containers instead of plastic bags for lunch. What do you do to stay fit? Chasing the hoodlums in my neighborhood mixed with yoga, kickboxing, walking, and weights. What was your favorite Olympics moment? I really enjoyed the opening ceremony and the lip-synching Chinese children. Favorite presidential campaign moment? Tina Fey impersonating Sarah Palin, hands down. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. I don't talk politics, sex, or religion on the first date/However, the second time, all is fair game/I'm a playful, witty, and feisty mate/Who loves adventure and mystery all the same. Valentine's Day is…a chance to share the lover's special at the local Mexican restaurant with my girlfriends.
Left to right: Holly Shiver, Igor Yuzefovich, Carrie Trecker, Brian Oates
Carrie Trecker, 27
Research coordinator at Hopkins; single, no kids
Favorite book: 7 Types of Ambiguity. Favorite film: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Favorite TV Show: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Favorite website: Okcupid.com.Favorite music: Depends on mood, favorite album would be Joni Mitchell's Blue. Celebrity dream date? Eric Bana. Celebrity lookalike? Scarlett Johansson. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? Dinner at my favorite restaurant, which must include diet soda and cheese. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Conan O'Brien, Tina Fey, and Will Ferrell. Last concert you went to? Okkervil River. Do you have a Facebook page? No. Where do you get your news from? Always online…MSN, CNN, AOL, etc. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? No, I have not made the jump to the crackberry. Dogs or cats? Dogs. Beach or mountains?Beach. Coffee or tea? Tea. Baths or showers? Showers. Have you scaled back in this economy? No, but I am a rather frugal person. Name one way you've gone green.Always been an avid recycler. What do you do to stay fit? Eat well. What was your favorite Olympics moment? Rafael Nadal winning the gold for men's tennis. What is your signature dish? Some sort of easy stir-fry…cooking is not my forté. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? The waterfront and Thames Street. When it comes to dating, are you a game-player or pretty straightforward? Completely straightforward. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. The best date ever/Smiling and kissing and/Lots of laughs and fun. Valentine's Day is…for suckers (unless someone wants to get me flowers).
Casey Jenkins, 40
Executive chef/owner of Darker Than Blue Café; never been married, two kids, Ashley, 20, Samuel, 16
Favorite book: Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco.Favorite film: Wall Street. Favorite TV Show: Lost. Favorite website: Bizbuysell.com. Favorite music: Smooth jazz.Celebrity dream date? Gabrielle Union. Celebrity lookalike? Dwayne Wayne (from A Different World). If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? Put $200 more with it and go out to dinner and get roses. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Barack Obama, Mark Cuban, and Larry Ellison. Last concert you went to? Guru at Sonar. Do you have a Facebook page? Yes. Where do you get your news from? The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Baltimore magazine, of course. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? No. Dogs or cats? Cat (my bro Jericho). Beach or mountains? Mountains. Coffee or tea? Tea. Baths or showers?Shower. Have you scaled back in this economy? I was already broke. Name one way you've gone green. Less paper. What do you do to stay fit? Fit? Who said I was fit? What was your favorite Olympics moment? The original Dream Team with the gold, baby! Favorite presidential campaign moment? Barack Obama accepting the nomination for the party. What is your signature dish? Blackened tilapia with a Louisiana style cream sauce. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? The Great Blacks in Wax Museum. When it comes to dating, are you a game-player or pretty straightforward? If I were a game player, I would say straightforward. Valentine's Day is…my busiest day of the year. I own a restaurant!
Diego Molano, 26
Visual artist; single, no kids
Favorite book: Crooked Little Vein by Warren Ellis. Favorite film: Vengo. Favorite TV Show: Futurama. Favorite website: Drawn.ca. Favorite music: Cuban. Celebrity dream date? Alicia Keys. Celebrity lookalike? Gael García Bernal. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Warren Ellis, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Robert Rodriguez. Last concert you went to? Motörhead. Do you have a Facebook page? No. Where do you get your news from? Elpais.com/espana. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? No. Dogs or cats? A mix. Beach or mountains? Beach. Coffee or tea? I drink neither. Baths or showers? Bath. Have you scaled back in this economy? No, not yet. Name one way you've gone green. Recycling paper by drawing on discarded stuff. What do you do to stay fit? Play basketball and go to Gold's Gym. What was your favorite Olympics moment? It has to be the opening ceremony, particularly the people raising and lowering the boxes to create undulating shapes. Favorite presidential campaign moment? Fist bump by the Obamas. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School session.Valentine's Day is…sweet.
Fiorella Guevara, 26
Teacher at Hebbville Elementary School; single, no kids
Favorite book: One Hundred Years of Solitude. Favorite film: The Motorcycle Diaries. Favorite TV Show: The Pick Up Artist. Favorite website: Kayak.com. Favorite music: The Kooks, Guster, M.I.A., The Killers, Shakira. Celebrity dream date? Jake Gyllenhaal. Celebrity lookalike? Rachael Ray with a Latina twist. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? Peruvian chicken. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Barack Obama, Britney Spears, and Vince Noir because I just think that conversation would be hilarious. Last concert you went to? We Are Scientists. Do you have a Facebook page? Yes. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? Nope and I secretly despise everyone who is. Dogs or cats? Dogs. Beach or mountains? Beach. Coffee or tea? Coffee. Baths or showers? Showers. Name one way you've gone green. I try to unplug my computer when I leave my house. What do you do to stay fit? Tango, hike, run, and play basketball. What was your favorite Olympics moment?Opening ceremonies. Favorite presidential campaign moment? Obama's speech in Baltimore.What is your signature dish? Fajitas. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? Chicken Rico in Highlandtown. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. Date Fi for fun times/So you think you can dance, eh?/Fi will teach you moves. Valentine's Day is…a day I used to love when I was a kid because it's just another excuse to eat candy.
Left to right: Marc Broady, Britt Wittelsberger, Jonathan Pindrik, Fiorella Guevara
Holly Burkett, 38
Project manager; widowed, one kid, Nick, 11
Favorite book: The Count of Monte Cristo or Then We Came to the End. Favorite film: Little Miss Sunshine. Favorite TV Show: The Office. Favorite website: I've lately become hooked on Facebook! Favorite music: Depends on my mood. Celebrity dream date? Hugh Jackman, he's just all-around yummy! Celebrity lookalike? I've been told I look like Téa Leoni when I'm a blond and Liz Hurley when I'm a brunette. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? I'd pack a picnic and a bottle of wine and head to AVAM for Flicks from the Hill. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Paula Coelho, Tina Fey, and maybe George W. Bush—to see what he's been thinking these last eight years. Last concert you went to? Violent Femmes.Where do you get your news from? Internet, mostly. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? God no. Dogs or cats? Both, but currently I have just a dog as she thinks cats are chew toys. Coffee or tea? Coffee to get me going and tea to warm me up. What do you do to stay fit? Life with an 11-year-old boy! Hiking, biking, being dragged by the dog, and dancing around the living room. Favorite presidential campaign moment? Amy Poehler doing the Palin rap on SNL! What is your signature dish? Fudge, my family can't get enough of it. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. There is a gal in Baltimore/Pretty, witty, and assured/She catches hearts/With charm and smarts/And a plethora of smiles in store. Valentine's Day is…an excuse for me to eat lots of good chocolate.
Holly Shiver, 25
Director of marketing & public relations, Bratt Decor Inc., Founder of BartendHER Inc.; single, no kids
Favorite book: White Oleander. Favorite film: Requiem for a Dream. Favorite TV Show: House. Favorite website: Marthastewart.com. Favorite music: Anything good. Celebrity dream date? Lenny Kravitz. Celebrity lookalike? Beyoncé. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? I would get my hair done in preparation for the date. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Barack Obama, Beyoncé, and Ellen DeGeneres. Last concert you went to? Madonna. Do you have a Facebook page? Yes. Where do you get your news from? The Today Show, CNN. Dogs or cats? I currently have a cat but I don't like her much… Beach or mountains? Beach.Coffee or tea? Chai tea. Baths or showers? Showers. Name one way you've gone green. I recycle and use a water filter. Oh and I have one of those trendy reusable shopping bags! What do you do to stay fit? Run and do strip aerobics. What was your favorite Olympics moment? I really enjoyed watching the women's marathon. Favorite presidential campaign moment? Watching people's reactions when Obama was announced as the next President. I was amongst a mixed crowd, but everyone there rejoiced. What is your signature dish? Rosemary fried chicken that has been marinated in buttermilk, yum! When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? It depends on the friend, but I love taking people to the Inner Harbor, walking out on the pier, and showing off the city lights. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. Her elegance is amazing/Her style unique/Her charm irresistible/She makes men weak/Summer envies her shine/Spring can't touch her breeze/It's cold as winter out/Once you fall you'll never want to leave. Valentine's Day is…very commercial.
Igor Yuzefovich, 29
BSO assistant concert master; single, no kids
Favorite book: Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon. Favorite film: Pretty much anything with Al Pacino or Robert De Niro. Favorite TV Show: 24. Favorite website:Facebook.com. Favorite music: I'm a musician—I like all sorts of music! Celebrity dream date? Audrey Hepburn in her early years.Celebrity lookalike? Jude Law. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? I would probably tip the waiter with it. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Bill Clinton, Richard Branson, and Angelina Jolie. Last concert you went to? BSO at the Meyerhoff. Do you have a Facebook page? Yes. Where do you get your news from? I read all sorts of newspapers. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? Hang on, let me check my iPhone... Dogs or cats? Dogs. Beach or mountains? Mountains next to an ocean.Coffee or tea? Tea. Baths or showers? Baths. Have you scaled back in this economy? No. Name one way you've gone green. I've bought more green shirts. What do you do to stay fit? I pretend that I use my gym membership and try not to get fat. What was your favorite Olympics moment? Closing ceremony of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, when the mascot of the games, The Olympic Bear, was released into the air. Favorite presidential campaign moment? "I can see Russia from my house!" What is your signature dish?An omelet at 3:30 a.m. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? The city skyline at sunset viewed from the harbor or my sailboat. When it comes to dating, are you a game-player or pretty straightforward? Straightforward. Valentine's Day is…February 14.
Jonathan Pindrik, 27
Neurosurgery resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital; single, no kids
Favorite book: Catch 22. Favorite film: The Shawshank Redemption, Dumb & Dumber, and Batman Begins. Favorite TV Show: Pardon the Interruption. Favorite website: ESPN.com.Favorite music: Hard rock. Celebrity dream date? Jessica Alba. Celebrity lookalike? Tom Everett Scott. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? Flowers, $10; Drinks, $20; Walk along the water or in the city, free; Dessert, $20. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Cal Ripken Jr., Michael Jordan, and Mike Myers. Last concert you went to? Ben Folds. Do you have a Facebook page? Yes. Where do you get your news from? Internet. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? Often, not always. Dogs or cats? Not yet—but would like to have dog in the future. Beach or mountains? Mountains. Coffee or tea? Neither. Baths or showers? Showers. Name one way you've gone green. Recycling. What do you do to stay fit? Run frequently, lift weights, and eat healthy. What was your favorite Olympics moment? In the past, 1992 USA Basketball Dream Team dominating the competition. Last year, 2008 USA Basketball Redeem Team reclaiming gold. Favorite presidential campaign moment? Governor Sarah Palin saying "Obama and O'Biden." What is your signature dish? Chicken, vegetables, and pasta. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? Down by the water or Camden Yards. When it comes to dating, are you a game-player or pretty straightforward? A little bit of both, but lean toward straightforward. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. For endless good times and laughter/And for a guy full of character/Whose wit, humility, and charm/Will likely set off any alarm/Of a girl looking for a good time/And something possibly more sublime. Valentine's Day is…overrated for a single guy.
Left to right: Brendan Ragan, Kellie O'Toole, Casey Jenkins, Rachel Wojnar
Kara Redman, 28
Executive assistant, stem-cell research company; single, one kid, Garrett, 9
Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird. Favorite film: Natural Born Killers. Favorite TV Show: The Flight of the Conchords. Favorite website: Facebook.com! Favorite music: Classic rock. Celebrity dream date? Christopher Walken. Celebrity lookalike? Sandra Bullock, Angie Harmon. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? Flying trapeze at the Inner Harbor followed by a local show at the 8x10. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Gwen Stefani, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ricky Gervais. Last concert you went to? NOFX. Do you have a Facebook page? Of course. Where do you get your news from? CNN news feeds, Stephen Colbert, and The Onion. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? Absolutely. Dogs or cats? Dogs. Beach or mountains? Both! Coffee or tea? Water. Baths or showers? Baths alone, showers with a friend. Have you scaled back in this economy? Carpooling to work is greener and a great way to meet people. Name one way you've gone green. Went vegan! What do you do to stay fit? Tennis, biking, running, rock climbing, and exploring my city on foot. Favorite presidential campaign moment? Final tally in Obama's favor followed by an inspirational speech by our new leader. Coming in at a close second is Tina Fey's amazing Palin impression. What is your signature dish? Vegan macaroni and cheese. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? The explosive nightlife. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. That drink must be mine/because one hand is empty/I can't find my pants. Valentine's Day is…just another excuse to celebrate!
Kellie O'Toole, 26
Real estate agent; single, no kids
Favorite book: Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. Favorite film: A Christmas Story. Favorite TV Show: Obsessed with HGTV and Food Network. Favorite website:Bankofamerica.com. Favorite music: Anything I can dance to. Celebrity dream date? Jude Law. Celebrity lookalike? My father thinks I look like Kelly Ripa. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? Dining on tapas and wine at an outdoor table on a late summer evening. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Will Ferrell to make me laugh, Sandra Bullock to reminisce about our old stomping grounds at college, and Donald Trump to talk real estate tips. Last concert you went to?Jenny Lewis at a random synagogue in D.C. Do you have a Facebook page? Who doesn't these days? Where do you get your news from? CNN News and Money on XM radio. Dogs or cats? A dog's unconditional love is priceless. Beach or mountains? Beach will always be my number one love. Coffee or tea? I have an addiction to Starbucks in the morning and hot tea before bed. Baths or showers? Showers with an occasional mid-week bubble bath. Name one way you've gone green. Reusable grocery tote bags. What do you do to stay fit? Merritt Express every morning. What was your favorite Olympics moment? So general but have to say it, the success of Michael Phelps. Favorite presidential campaign moment? SNL skits, especially the one with McCain mindlessly wandering around the background of Obama's rebuttals. What is your signature dish? Molten chocolate lava cake.When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? A case of beer and a bushel of steamy Maryland crabs. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. Roses are red/Violets are blue/Date me, and I'll make out with you. Valentine's Day is…mandatory fresh flowers day even if I have to buy them for myself!
Kimberly Collins, 32
Teacher at Park School; single, no kids
Favorite book: Black, White & Jewish: Autobiography of a Shifting Self. Favorite film: Bringing Up Baby. Favorite TV Show: Cagney & Lacey. Favorite website: The University of York, United Kingdom, my graduate school alma mater. Favorite music: Broadway showtunes, R&B, jazz, standards, folk, soul, classical, and Big Band. Celebrity dream date? Cary Grant. Celebrity lookalike? If you are standing in a very dimly lit room with both of your eyes nearly shut, I look exactly like Diahann Carroll. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? I would drive to Atlantic City, and we would turn $50 into a fortune. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Gloria Steinem, Mel Brooks, and Diahann Carroll. Do you have a Facebook page? I'm too scared to. Where do you get your news from? NPR, BBC World, and The New York Times. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? No. It's impolite to be constantly plugged-in. Dogs or cats? Dogs! Beach or mountains? Mountains. The hiking is better. Coffee or tea? Tea. Baths or showers? Showers. Have you scaled back in this economy? I am now doing a lot more measuring of purchases in terms of "really want" versus "really need."What do you do to stay fit? Run, bike, swim, lift weights, and, above all, hit the gym regularly. What was your favorite Olympics moment? Watching Paula Radcliffe run the marathon with an injury. Favorite presidential campaign moment? Watching Barack Obama's electoral votes suddenly skyrocket past the "needed amount" once the western polls closed. What is your signature dish? Glazed ginger salmon, orzo with garlic, and spinach salad. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them?Clipper Mill. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. Him: Worldly, kind, wise, funny, Renaissance Man/Me: Emotionally Yours. Valentine's Day is…a great day for finding sales on chocolate.
Marc Broady, 28
CitiStat analyst, Office of the Mayor; single, no kids
Favorite book: The Tipping Point. Favorite film: Forrest Gump. Favorite TV Show: Real Time with Bill Maher. Favorite website: Dictionary.com. Favorite music: Hip-hop. Celebrity dream date? Halle Berry. Celebrity lookalike? Roger Guenveur Smith. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? Theater tickets, food, and drink. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Barack Obama, Halle Berry, and Cornel West. Last concert you went to? Artscape. Do you have a Facebook page?Yes. Where do you get your news from? The New York Times, The Sun, and BBC. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? Not so much. I need to be for work, but don't necessarily want to be. Dogs or cats? Dogs. Beach or mountains? Beach…with mountains in sight! Coffee or tea? Coffee. Baths or showers? Showers. Have you scaled back in this economy? More efficient grocery shopping and less take-out. Bike more, less dry cleaning, fewer plane rides. Name one way you've gone green. Cut down on phantom energy use. What do you do to stay fit? Bike, weight train, eat healthy, and yoga. What was your favorite Olympics moment? The Jamaican guy who ran so fast it looked like the others were walking! Favorite presidential campaign moment? When McCain and Palin began to fight publicly. What is your signature dish? Chicken fajitas. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? The Inner Harbor area. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. The moments we share will be entertaining and rare/Extraordinarily giving family makes it easy to care/I have style and flare, of the books and streets I am aware/Talents are many, interests are plenty/Handsome face, class and grace/This guy is first place. Valentine's Day is…an unpleasant time to be single!
Left to right: Kimberly Collins (standing), Vaishali Dharmadhikari, Ron Santo
Matt Vensel, 26
Journalist for b; single, no kids
Favorite book: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Favorite film: Vanilla Sky. Favorite TV Show: Family Guy. Favorite website: CNNSI.com. Favorite music: Kanye West. Celebrity dream date? Charlize Theron. Celebrity lookalike? Val Kilmer, before he got fat. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? Take her to Arby's and pocket the rest. OK, just kidding. I swear. We'd go to a nice dinner then grab coffee or go bowling. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Mario Lemieux, Bill Simmons, and Kanye West. Last concert you went to? Virgin Fest. Do you have a Facebook page? Yes. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? Nah. I always have my phone with me, but I'm not usually on it. I'm not a big phone guy. Dogs or cats? Cats are evil. Beach or mountains? Beach. I'll take sun and sand over skis and snow any day. Coffee or tea? Coffee in the morning, tea at night. Baths or showers? Showers. Have you scaled back in this economy? Not really, outside of looking for cheaper drink specials at the bar. Name one way you've gone green. Putting cans and bottles in the recycling bin is about as green as I get. What do you do to stay fit? I play hockey three or four days a week. What was your favorite Olympics moment? Singing "Real American" (Hulk Hogan's theme song) with a friend at the top of our lungs at a local bar. Don't ask.Favorite presidential campaign moment? The election finally being over. What is your signature dish? Spicy vodka pasta. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. Might not be perfect/Crooked wit and crooked nose/I'm still a catch, though. Valentine's Day is…my least favorite holiday. I've always been a big believer that when you're in a relationship, you should be romantic and thoughtful every day.
Rachel Wojnar, 31
Clinical social worker; single, no kids
Favorite book: Life of Pi. Favorite film: Little Miss Sunshine. Favorite TV Show: Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. Favorite website: Perezhilton.com. Favorite music: Any soundtrack from a Molly Ringwald movie. Celebrity dream date? Anthony Bourdain. Celebrity lookalike? Parker Posey mixed with Selma Blair. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? A good date would be a Sunday at Boordy Vineyards for their soups in the cellar or fondue. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Bill Maher, Dave Chappelle and Billary Clinton. (wait is that 4?) Last concert you went to? The Police! Do you have a Facebook page? Yes, but embarrassed to admit it! Where do you get your news from? My coworkers. Dogs or cats? Dogs! Beach or mountains? Beach. Coffee or tea? Coffee…cream, light on the sugar. Baths or showers?Showers. Have you scaled back in this economy? A girl can only scale back so far. Name one way you've gone green. I've been forced to clean up my green act (my roommate is the sustainability coordinator for Baltimore City). What do you do to stay fit? Surfing and texting. What was your favorite Olympics moment? I happened to be at Mother's when Michael Phelps was swimming…the whole bar was insane! Favorite presidential campaign moment? Ashley Todd and her backwards "B." What is your signature dish? Buffalo chicken chili and any dessert I can make with my torch. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? I live in Federal Hill, so I like to do Cross Street Market. When it comes to dating, are you a game-player or pretty straightforward? I have no problem telling it like it is! Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. Rachel is a dish/Like crème brûlée her favorite/Sweet, but with an edge. Valentine's Day is…overrated (but I still want a little something!)
Ron Santo, 30
MBA Candidate, University of Maryland; single, no kids
Favorite book: The Great Gatsby. Favorite film: Dumb & Dumber. Favorite TV Show: Frontline. Favorite website: Google News. Favorite music: Wilco, The Strokes, Kanye West.Celebrity dream date? Heidi Klum would take me out to go see a jam band that plays an occasional Grateful Dead cover. We'd get some light fare and do some dancing. Celebrity lookalike? Matt Davis from Legally Blonde. If we gave you $50 for a date, how would you spend it? Sunday brunch, then grab some coffees to go and walk around the city. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? Colin Powell, Ann Curry, and Neil Young. Last concert you went to? R.E.M., The National, and Modest Mouse. Do you have a Facebook page? Yes. Do you feel the need to be constantly plugged-in? Yes, because e-mail is the way I stay in touch with friends. Dogs or cats? Dogs.Beach or mountains? The mountains, as long there is a lake. Coffee or tea? Coffee. Baths or showers? Showers. Have you scaled back in this economy? I've cut back on eating! Name one way you've gone green. I turn off lights and lower the heat when I leave for work in the morning. What do you do to stay fit? I run four miles a day almost every day. Favorite presidential campaign moment? John McCain vowing to take Joe the Plumber to Washington. What is your signature dish? Pad Thai! When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? I would take them to Camden Pub for drinks before an Orioles game. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. Honest and loyal/Treats people like he wants to be treated/Happy, laughs at inopportune times. Valentine's Day is…a good excuse to get dressed up and spend too much on dinner.
Vaishali Dharmadhikari, 27
Teacher at Southwest Baltimore Charter School; single, no kids
Favorite book: My Antonia by Willa Cather and Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss. Favorite film: Sixteen Candles. Favorite TV Show: Law and Order: Criminal Intent. Favorite website: Google.com. Favorite music: Anything I can sing along to. Celebrity dream date? Jake Gyllenhaal. Celebrity lookalike? Since I'm Indian, my closest celebrity resemblance is the Bollywood starlet, Karisma Kapoor. If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would you choose? The Dalai Lama, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Cecilia Bartoli. Last concert you went to? Does performing in one count? I'm a singer in a band so every few weeks I've got a show! Do you have a Facebook page? Yes, and I'm proud to say it! Dogs or cats? Dogs. Beach or mountains? Beach. Coffee or tea? A good cup of coffee always makes me happy in the morning. Baths or showers? Showers. Name one way you've gone green. I drive a fabulous, fuel-efficient car. What do you do to stay fit? Of all the physical activities I partake in, my favorite would be kickboxing. What was your favorite Olympics moment? The opening ceremonies when the athletes were parading. Favorite presidential campaign moment? I had the privilege of hearing Barack Obama speak at 1st Mariner Arena. What is your signature dish? My guacamole has been requested on numerous occasions. When your friends visit Baltimore, what's your favorite thing to show them? Climbing to the top of the Washington Monument. Write a short poem or haiku describing why people should date you. On a date with Vaishali you're bound to explore/Entertainment, adventure, and excitement galore/She'll charm you with song/And you'll see before long/That this girl is one you can't help but adore. Valentine's Day is…the most fun when I spend it with my awesome girlfriends!
