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Sarah McNamara
Citizen
Username: Smcnamara
Post Number: 51
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 5, 2005 - 4:11 pm: | 
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Mem,
Thanks again for posting this. It must have been the same guy, (all that huffing and puffing and asking if it was good, regardless of your your response that it wasn't.). I didn't think it could be worse than it was, but thankfully, I said I didn't want the hot stones. I also just went in on a whim for a neck and shoulder release, and got talked into a full body massage. Hopefully others will now see this and never go there for a massage. (At that time, the same guy was also giving pedicures.) |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 2134
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 5, 2005 - 4:52 pm: |
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Oooh goody.
My husband got me a gift cert. for a Spa Pedicure at Kim's as part of my Christmas gift (goes well with my birthday socks  ) so maybe I'll trade up for the butt massage instead.
Not exactly what he had in mind, I'm sure! |
Reflective
Citizen
Username: Reflective
Post Number: 726
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 5, 2005 - 9:42 pm: |
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Thanks Mem, what a story.
Maybe you will write Maplewood Place. It would be a bestseller.
Dave this thread should be an all time classic.
Consider, one more category, All Time Classics. |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 1751
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 5, 2005 - 10:01 pm: |
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I was going to ask if anyone knew about Heavenly Hands...Handpainted sign, cheesy blinking Christmas lights in the window. If this place is legit, I hope they decide to present themselves more professionally.
And people... take greenetree's & shh's stories to heart - before you sign up for a massage with anyone - ask to see their license. If they're not an LMT - go someplace else. |
Hank Zona
Citizen
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 1986
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, February 6, 2005 - 1:02 pm: |
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does anyone have pictures or video to support their stories? |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3469
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 6, 2005 - 1:59 pm: |
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I wouldn't be surprised at all if old "Hot Rocks" the butt man was taking a few video's for himself...
Hank, I don't doubt a word of what has been said. However, maybe someone should contact Sara Wallace, at Channel 7 News to do an undercover story.
I think SoOrlady is on the right track, "Before you sign up for a massage with anyone - ask to see their license."
Hey, maybe the ladies should be going to a female for their almost naked message. FWIW, I'd want a lot more information before some dude was pulling down my wifes panties and putting his hot rocks on her butt...
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jeffl
Supporter
Username: Jeffl
Post Number: 971
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 6, 2005 - 2:01 pm: |
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That settles it, I'm not going to give any massage therapist money if they tell me that they're going to shove hot lava rocks up my butt, then place them under my arms and into my hands. Now, if they'll do it for free, that's another story. Bring on the magma!! |
Hank Zona
Citizen
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 1987
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, February 6, 2005 - 2:09 pm: |
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Art,
Knowing all three women who voiced their stories..I have no doubt either about the validity. All are credible and sincere women. I dont know if I want to see video though of Sara Lawrence and some inserted rocks.
Jeff,
I dont want to see pictures of you either, with all due respect. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2503
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 6, 2005 - 2:24 pm: |
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Mem: You have now officially replaced Marie as worthy of the designation "hot".
-s.
BTW: I'm zo gled to heah zet ze guy vis ze agscent vinally gut ees rocks uff
...you. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2504
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 6, 2005 - 2:27 pm: |
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Ahlzo: |
Sarah McNamara
Citizen
Username: Smcnamara
Post Number: 52
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 7, 2005 - 2:25 pm: |
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AJC and SoOrLady, FWIW, he made a big deal of showing me his numerous licences, which are posted on the wall.
Hank, what's your real question vis a vis photos? Could you be suggesting that this shouldn't be an undercover investigation from the media, but a more local authority? |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3825
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 7, 2005 - 2:34 pm: |
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Hot rocks are considered to be therapuetic in some Zen, near-eastern way. And just because someone is licensed doesn't mean that they are good at what they do.
And just because they are not good at what they do doesn't mean that they are doing something illegal or worthy of a TV expose.
SOLady - I've seen the Healing Hands sign and think it is more granola-earthy than unprofessional. Art- that's a pretty bold and irresponsible statement to suggest that the guy is filming. Especially since Kim's is a competitor of your wife's.
I got the "free" shoulder massage at Kim's awhile back and it made up my mind that I would never go there for another massage. The guy was horrible. But I don't think he was doing anything illegal. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 2140
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 7, 2005 - 3:03 pm: |
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I think Hank was joking about the photos! |
Redheadgirl
Citizen
Username: Redheadgirl
Post Number: 31
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 7, 2005 - 3:26 pm: |
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mem, did you tip the man? Also, does anyone know where I can buy these hot rocks? |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3474
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 7, 2005 - 10:18 pm: |
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Greentree, I'm insulted by your comment but you're probably right about it being a bold thing to say, and I apologize.
I guess I just got caught up in the butt stories and I never thought of it that way... I find this whole thread upsetting, what with this guy pulling down panties and beating up on our local women's butts and all...
On the other hand, the idea that my wife's Beauty Salon's one manicurist is competition to Kim's Nail Salon is quite flattering. Thank you.
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MCC
Citizen
Username: Mcheeksstags
Post Number: 13
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 9:41 pm: |
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I had the same terrible experience as Mem did 2 years ago - it was right after Kim's did the 2nd floor renovation. I posted my heartfelt concerns on this board and Dave (the MOL moderator) pulled my post within hours saying that I should report my violating massage to the police and that I could potentially put a credible business under with such a harsh review of their massage services.
Mem, sorry you had to endure that horrible massage - maybe if Dave kept my post up 2 years ago I could have saved you the trouble!
By the way, it was so bad that when my husband picked me up I told him the story and he went in and confronted the owners. We did not pay for the "service" at all and they kept apologizing and did not put up a fight about the non-payment - leading me to believe that I was not the first person to complain. I have never stepped foot in there again. |
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5225
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 9:53 pm: |
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I do remember that and in hindsight I regret it.
Moderating is a dispersed activity. I rely a lot on people e-mailing me "alerts" about posts. Frequently I don't read an entire thread before acting on a particular post. It's selective and subjective and is far from perfect. |
Nikki Wells
Citizen
Username: Archangel
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 10:41 pm: |
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(Using my Better 90%’s Log-on with her permission ‘till my own comes through…)
As a massage therapist, I am angered by unprofessional actions of the operator who was the genesis of this thread. Through his actions, he not only has set back the acceptance of massage-- Mem did note “It will be a while before I go for any massage, if ever I guess…”-- he has also made it more difficult for other male therapists working in this town to do their job. A therapist needs to be absolute in respecting the trust a client imparts in them when seeking massage. As a therapist, my job is to make the client as comfortable as possible. This means more than padding and pillows- it means going out of the way to use secure draping (the sheet) throughout the massage, discussing what will be done during the session, encouraging feedback from the client as I work, checking in regarding pressure, etc.. If there is a need to work in a sensitive area, using what is called “informed consent”- explaining the benefit of what I plan to do before I proceed in a way that empowers the client with the choice to say no at any time. The client must be able to feel they have the absolute right to voice their opinion at all times, or they will simply not be at ease.
I am a male therapist. I work independently (see www.WellnessContinuum.com listing on this website). I also work by appointment at The Chelsea Set. I have eschewed spa and salon work as I don’t wish to sell something I don’t find value in-- those famed “hot stones” are essentially sources of damp heat which can be replicated by a hydrocolator pack… Regarding Shh’s thought that “Nail place= bad massage”, I was in a nail place in South Orange when a customer noted the sign advertising massage and scheduled one. I was amazed when the nail person pulled out a large massager that appeared to come from Bed, Bath and Beyond and pointed to the chair! I feel that The Chelsea Set’s family-like atmosphere and positioning is special in Maplewood, and is just the place to offer a massage of the quality rivaling that which can be gotten at the Short Hills Hilton. At The Chelsea Set, I have my name on all literature so I am accountable to the owners and The American Massage Therapy Association. As a member I am obliged to provide massage consistent with the highest AMTA standards.
--Nate Cimmino
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3484
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 11:46 pm: |
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... he has also made it more difficult for other male therapists working in this town to do their job. A therapist needs to be absolute in respecting the trust a client imparts in them when seeking massage.
You make a excellent point. I suspect some of the men reading this thread had to be thinking about their wife going through what Mem and others have experienced. Your post cleared up some questions I had about massage.
BTW, thank you for the plug for the Chelsea Set, that was an unexpected surprise... |
buzzsaw
Citizen
Username: Buzzsaw
Post Number: 1613
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 10:15 am: |
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Has anyone said anything to this guy in town w/ the hot rocks and the questionable placement of said rocks? My wifey wants to get a massage and I am really not into it. Though Mr. Cimmino's post is positive. |
kmk
Supporter
Username: Kmk
Post Number: 432
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 11:33 am: |
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MCC,
Was your experience the one that mentioned the guys belt-buckle or something? I read it...and remembered.
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mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 4615
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 12:00 pm: |
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MCC,
Can you post your experience again please? I would like to know if it's the same guy. Thanks for speaking up as well. |
jennie
Citizen
Username: Jennie
Post Number: 34
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 12:05 pm: |
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quality rivaling that which can be gotten at the Short Hills Hilton
speaking of the short hills hilton
From the 2/4 Star Ledger
MILLBURN:
A massage therapist at a massage parlor at the Short Hills Hilton was charged with sexual assault for inappropriately touching a 34-year-old client, police said.
Michael Aponte, 35, is accused of touching the woman in certain parts of her body against her will five minutes into the massage, said Police Capt. David Barber.
The incident took place on Jan. 22 and was reported to police, who then consulted the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. The office advised that charges be filed and Aponte, a Teaneck resident, turned himself in to police and was arrested Tuesday.
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Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 175
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 1:30 pm: |
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Wow, this is just gross. Thank goodness I've never gone for the message at Kim's. Now, maybe I'll never go there for anything else either.
There has to be something that can be done about this. It just doesn't sound right.
Can't it be reported to the police as a form of sexual assault or harrasment? Something needs to be done. This can't be allowed to go on. I'm sure there lots of people who never "visit" MOL and will not have the advantage of having this information, and may be subjected to this horrible treatment.
What an awful position to find yourself in. I'm curious as to why mem didn't just jump up off the table at the first sign of trouble and smack the guy. I think I'd be sick if he kept going on about how "good" it was.
It seems several ladies here have suffered this abuse. Why can't you all get together and go to the police. I can't help but think I would have done so if it were me. But, it wasn't me. And I'm so sorry for those of you who were subjected to this.
FYI: I have also been to Bio Skin Care for facials and messages and they have been wonderful. Perhaps you ladies who have suffered at the hands of this creep should book an appointment with any of the reputable people mentioned above, and enjoy a message. Get back in the proverbial saddle, so to speak. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 176
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 1:33 pm: |
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Well, after rereading jennies post, it seems charges can be filed. If I'm wrong to think these ladies should file charges, I stand corrected. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3485
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 1:50 pm: |
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Mem, what have you started here? What is this story becoming? Is it a mystery,
a comedy, or some kind of documentary?
I see it all now. It's Shakespeare! "To be, or not to be..." Will old “Hot Rocks” find true love
on the massage table, or will he turn up dead from a poison sword wound on the floor of
the Short Hills Hilton?  |
Nikki Wells
Citizen
Username: Archangel
Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 2:15 pm: |
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(Still waiting on my log-in to come through…)
Jennie, I’m sure you know that’s not what I meant… I used the Short Hills Hilton comparison based on the glowing review given by Zoesky1 (now in the Through January 31 Archive) to delineate a level of expected quality (at their price level you would expect substantial ability. Simply stated, defined boundaries agreed on by therapist and client are important. I strive to make my clients, both male and female feel SAFE.} To this end I address the boundaries I work under on the FAQ’s and Policies pages on my website (mentioned in my last post), so my clients have a working understanding of what to expect with my services. I must note that the school I trained at (The Swedish Institute), in New York City, the litigation capital of the world, did it’s best to identify and remove students that had problems keeping boundaries, as well as offering extensive course depth in ETHICS (some of us really apply that concept to our practices). Hope this continues to enlighten….
--Nate Cimmino |
Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 917
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 4:04 pm: |
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Massage therapists are like hair cutters - there's a huge range of professionalism and training. A license on the wall is just a license, it's probably best to go to a massage therapist recommended by a friend you trust.
I had a pedicure at a certain local nail salon that violated at least 3 major things. The most dangerous was a massage where the pedicurist whomped on my shin bone repeatedly with her fists. Applying hard direct pressure to the shin is such a no-no, it's one of the first things you learn never to do in massage and cosmetology school.
Caveat emptor with nail places with too many hand written signs and off-brands like "sparkle-pretty spa lotion" for sale.
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themp
Supporter
Username: Themp
Post Number: 1461
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 4:20 pm: |
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All paid massage is nasty. |
MCC
Citizen
Username: Mcheeksstags
Post Number: 14
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 8:22 am: |
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Mem - I went into Kim's for a massage (against my better judgment) after hearing 2 other women talking about the new massage therapist they just got and how great he was. So the day I got the massage was right when they opened up the 2nd floor area. It also happened to be a day that there was a blackout so there were NO LIGHTS on the 2nd floor and I went for my massage at dusk.
I, too, have had many TRULY professional massages at reputable places with REAL massage therapists so I knew that something was really OFF with this guy. In a nutshell, here is how it went: he kept adjusting my already low-enough underwear to access my butt (like you said mem), kind of swiped at the side of my upper torso unnecessarily and yes, attacked me with those rocks. He kept asking "Is good, no?" and I literally kept saying "No, not good" but the language barrier was a HUGE issue.
I was not comfortable getting up or yelling (but I didn't think these were outlandish ideas at the time) because I was the only person on the second floor area during a blackout so I felt trapped. In all honesty, I was more freaked out that I was unable to communicate with this guy than that I was in any real danger.
So, I endured the rocks and the beating of my back - at one point he actually "mounted" me on the table and sat on my butt while pummeling my back with his fists.
Finally, I told him that I had to go and he bent down and whispered in my ear, "flip over - 15 minutes free" - I am not kidding!
Like I said, I was out of there like a bat out of hell. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 4619
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 11:47 am: |
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MCC - Wow! He actually propositioned you! Though he didn't actually proposition me, it must be the same guy. He acted like he was some kind of stud - ugh.
Meandtheboys, I didn't jump off the table right away but I did cut the massage short. I went in there so psyched for a pleasant and relaxing experience, and I was so blindsided by how absurd and revolting it was that I was a bit numb from the shock. Then I tried to look at the humorous side, and that worked for a while until he scrubbed my butt with the rocks. And like MCC, I got caught up with the communication barrier. It wasn't until I left that I fully realized what had happened - it was just so unreal!
My friend had a massage there once, and when we compared notes she said yes, he spent a bit of time on her butt, but she figured it was an Asian belief to get the butt centered, and he did it through the sheet. When I told her my experience she said hers was nothing like that and she had the hot rocks too. So, maybe it was a different guy or same guy in a different mood, whatever.
Everytime I pass that place I shudder.
MCC, I'm sorry your experience was worse than mine. I totally know how you feel. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 183
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 12:31 pm: |
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IMHO, I really believe all you ladies should go talk to the police. There's no reason why you should put up with this crap. And there's no reason why this guy should be allowed to continue. If they can't solicit prostitution at Sunflower Spa, then there should be no inappropriate touching at Kim's nails. If you felt violated, you were.
After all: "A massage therapist at a massage parlor at the Short Hills Hilton was charged with sexual assault for inappropriately touching a 34-year-old client, police said."
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