Solstice Moon is a poetry book full of imagery about love, relationships, life and death. Author Jessica Jimerson expresses the random but yet profound thoughts of a young woman. Through it’s thirty pages, the poems are divided into five parts which are accompanied with the author’s notes on some of the selections in the book.

The first four parts of the book are named for the four seasonal moon phases which occur throughout the year. In Vernal, the poetic theme is about the beginning of things and how one grows. The poem “Thy Self” not only expresses the statement of “Know Thy Self” but also shows that the writer is fine with being her self and that readers should be themselves. Jimerson knows who she is.

The cycle continues with Estival. The poems within this part of the book flow gently like the summer breeze. The poetic theme is being young and free. In the poem “Youth,” the writer states that “Time is short, make the best. Young years are not forever.” In the poem Summers Gift, the seeds of love continue to grow and expand.

Autumn falls upon us with the cycle of Autumnal. The theme of the poems within this part of the book deal with the beginning of the end of a relationship and life. In the poem “Who/What Are You?” there’s the questioning of the relationship, of who a person is. Are they the same person or have they changed?

The cycle concludes with Hibernal, when life and a relationship have finally come to an end. The poem “Life’s End” questions the reader as it asks “Are you happy with all the memories, you tend?” The poem reminds readers that life is precious and we must cherish it and not waste it. We must live everyday to the fullest as though it is our last. In the poem Perspective Change, the writer reflects on what has been and what she has learned from her experiences. Even though winter is the end of the cycle, we learn valuable lessons that help us as the new cycle begins anew.

In the fifth part of the book, entitled Synthesis Etymology, the writer reflects on her thoughts: though they are random they are profound. There is a deep philosophy to the questions that Jimerson asks about love, life and death. There is much wisdom to take away from the poems such as deep thought and considering the universe.

Solstice Moon is an excellent poetic book which expresses freely the lessons learned and wisdom gained from the seasonal cycle of love, life, and death.

The article Solstice Moon Speaks Volumes through Its Cycles of Expression appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The idea of sharing life with a highly successful person who makes lots of money, can afford the most luxurious trappings and has the ability to introduce their spouse to powerful, influential people just like them seems so appealing.

But anyone who follows the news knows that powerful people like celebrities, politicians and corporate CEOs who win at work can be losers – and cheaters – at home. Why is this so? Do they think rules don’t apply to them? And can they change?

Change Your Life, Not Your Wife: Marriage-Saving Advice for Success-Driven People (Heathrow Books; on sale May 14, 2012; ISBN 0985043407; $14.95) by licensed psychologist Dr. Tony Ferretti and physician Dr. Peter Weiss demystifies why highly successful individuals often fail at home as well as why the same character traits that drive career success can also destroy families. Using true-to-life examples, they outline the perils of being achievement or power-oriented in our intimate relationships.

“The good news is that relationships can get better,” counsels Ferretti. ”When couples are willing to work through their issues, dramatic improvement and healing are possible.”

Dr. Ferretti specializes in treating high-achieving, powerful people in his own practice – the kind of people we admire and wish we could be. We read and hear stories of powerful people caught up in messy divorces every day. As a culture we find it fascinating to talk about what went wrong in the latest celebrity couple break-up.

Change Your Life, Not Your Wife will:

• Reveal why emotional immaturity and self-absorption are common among the powerful.
• Share ways beneficial traits in the workplace — competitiveness, drive, perfectionism, control, and a critical eye – cause destruction at home.
• Offer actionable advice on turning around marriages on the brink of self-destruction.
• Discuss why you must first change your own behavior if you want to change your spouse’s.

Change Your Life, Not Your Wife can bring breakthrough changes to your marriage. This provocative message will challenge and encourage you as you get started on the road to improving your own personal relationships.

The article What are the Risks of Being Married to a Powerful and Successful Person? appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The DDB Life Style Study, the nation’s largest and longest-running annual consumer survey, has revealed insights on the differences between men and women’s perspectives about the significance of Valentine’s Day.

When asked ‘what would upset you more on Valentine’s Day? from a list of choices ranging from receiving a gift you didn’t like, receiving the same gift as last year, receiving a gift card, or receiving just a card, women were far more likely than men to say they would be upset if their spouse or romantic partner did not do anything to acknowledge the day.  Women were almost twice as likely to dwell on this as 51% of female respondents said they would be dismayed compared to only 26% of male respondents.

Moreover, the Life Style Study reveals that this gender difference in attitude also prevails regardless of marital or dating status. However, it appears that if you are married, acknowledging the day is not nearly as tantamount as it is if you are dating someone.

22% of married men vs. 32% of men living with someone in a relationship vs. 39% of men dating somebody but not living with them would be upset if their partner did not acknowledge the day at all.

47% of married women vs. 63% of women living with someone in a relationship vs. 66% of women dating somebody but not living with them would be upset if their partner did not acknowledge the day at all.

These statistics not only corroborate the finding that women place a greater emphasis on the significance of acknowledging Valentine’s day than men, but also that both genders view acknowledging the day as an important barometer of how their romantic partner feels about them.  Therefore, people in committed, long-term relationships view the holiday differently than those in newer, more casual relationships.

The Life Style Study also confirms that a similar sentiment holds true even for women who are not currently dating someone.  51% of non-dating women vs. 28% of non-dating men still feel that they would be upset if their future spouse or romantic partner didn’t do anything to acknowledge the day.

The article How do Men and Women View Valentine’s Day? appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

This Valentine’s Day, love struck Britons will boost the economy by GBP880 million on romantic gifts.

For decades, British men have suffered a bad rap for being less romantic than women but new research released on February 13 has revealed a new movement in the British male species. Findings from a study of 5,000 adults has identified in modern Britain, men are more romantic than women. Today’s British man is happy to lose some of his macho-ness for a more, softer, romantic approach when wooing women.

The study undertaken by UK budget hotel brand Travelodge [http://www.travelodge.co.uk ] to seek the nation’s views on love and romance found more men than women love the notion of Valentine’s Day. Over a third (36%) of British men think Valentine’s Day is romantic, whilst only 24% of women buy into it.

Research findings also revealed that despite the current strains on Britons’ finances, loved up Brits will be boosting the economy by GBP880 million[1] this Valentine’s Day on romantic themed purchases.

British men will be splashing more cash this year compared to 2011 on wooing their other half with romantic gifts. On average, males across the country will be spending twice the amount of money on presents than women this Valentine’s Day.

When questioned as to why men are spending more on a gift this Valentine’s day, 42% of respondents stated the last 12 months have been difficult financially as well as emotionally and Valentine’s Day offers the ideal opportunity for them to showcase their love for their partner.

On average 68% of men will be splashing GBP39.99 on Valentine’s gifts this year which is GBP4.41 more than the amount they spent in 2011. In comparison 45% of women on average will only be spending GBP20.25 on a gift for their partner which is GBP1.96 less than the amount they spent last year. (In total men will be spending approximately GBP611 million[2] and women will be spending approximately GBP269 million[3] in total)

The top ten gifts men and women will be purchasing for their Valentine this year are listed in the table below:

Ranking     Valentine gifts purchased by men          Valentine gifts purchased by women

1                  Flowers                                                         Chocolates

2                Chocolates                                                     A romantic meal

3              A romantic meal                                            Aftershave

4                  Perfume                                                         Bottle of Champagne / spirit

5               A cuddly toy                                                    Whisking partner to a hotel

6        Whisking partner to a hotel                              A game for console

7                 Lingerie                                                          Book / DVD

8      Whisking partner on a UK short break          A cuddly toy

9           A piece of jewellery                                          Underwear

10             Beauty treatment                                           Flowers

Further research findings revealed over a third (36%) of British men think it’s important to buy flowers for their other half on Valentine’s Day – as it’s the expected thing to do. Seventy eight per cent of male respondents did state in the research that they get annoyed that flower prices suddenly increase in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.

A fifth of male respondents reported this year they will purchase flowers well before Valentine’s Day to avoid the price increase and hide the flowers in their garage or in the boot of their car. Interestingly, nearly half of the women (48%) surveyed stated they are bored of receiving the same old tiresome Valentines gifts of flowers, champagne, chocolate and lingerie.

Four out of ten females said they would like to be whisked away on a short break and spend some quality time with their partner. One in ten women would like their lover to write them a love letter or poem declaring their love whilst 12% of females would like their other half to cook them a romantic meal from scratch and to wash up afterwards.

Relationship Psychologist, Corinne Sweet, said: “The high cost of romance is not surprising in today’s ‘easy buy/time poor’ culture. Many people, especially men, spend money to please or appease, when their partners would simply like to have more time, thought and appreciation from them.

It’s easy to click a button or flash a card to buy love, in comparison to spending some quality time together; cooking a meal, giving a massage or making a card. However, the personal touch, the little thoughtful gesture, is often more a sign of true love and commitment than extravagant, OTT romantic gestures.”

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said: “Our research highlights love may be priceless but romance doesn’t have to cost the earth. British men are certainly taking the lead in the game of love but they do need to be a bit more creative and thoughtful to really win over their beloved.

Most women want to be romanced and spend quality time with their man. Don’t be predictable with flowers and chocolates this year, for the same amount of money you could whisk your partner away for a romantic break and create some new magical memories.”

“We have seen a growing trend of cost conscious consumers choosing a Travelodge hotel as a romantic getaway in the last couple of years; as it helps their money go further. The pounds they save on accommodation, they can spend on eating out in a top restaurant or have fun visiting the local attractions.”

“In our recent GBP10 sale, rooms for February 14th were selling like hot cakes. Top destinations included coastal locations such as Brighton, Scarborough, Torquay and Blackpool. Rural hotspots, such as The Lake District, Cotswold, Yorkshire Dales; as well as historic cities which included: London, Edinburgh, Bath, Cambridge and Oxford.”

Further research findings revealed over two thirds of men reported they would like more romance in their lives. Seventy two per cent of males stated they take romantic inspiration from films and movies and one in ten men admitted to stealing ideas from their mates’ relationships. Male respondents voted Casablanca as their top all time most romantic movie.

The research identified the one thing both men and women both agree on is their most inspiring romantic couple ever is Romeo and Juliet. Further research findings are listed below:

On average a fifth of British men will tell their partner they love them five times during the day. A third of men will say the magic three words to their partner I love you every morning and evening. A fifth of British men feel disappointed by the effort their partner puts into making Valentine’s Day special for them

With 2012 also being a leap year 26% of single men would like their girlfriend to ask them to marry her whilst 36% of British men think it is a man’s job to propose to a woman.

The top ten all time most romantic couples as voted by Britons are:

1) Romeo & Juliet

2) Elizabeth & Darcy

3) Queen Victoria & Prince Albert

4) Prince William & Duchess of Cambridge

5) Heathcliff & Catherine

6) Jane Eyre & Mr Rochester

7) Anthony & Cleopatra

8) Shrek & Princess Fiona

9) Cinderella & Prince Charming

10) Homer & Marge Simpson

The survey was conducted in February 2012 with 5,000 British adults.

The article Valentine’s Day, British Men More Romantic Than Women appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Cupid’s arrows are ready to fly this Valentine’s Day, but a new survey reveals that some daters would benefit from dating etiquette classes. The survey, conducted by coupon site CouponCabin.com,reveals the biggest dating deal breakers, with poor hygiene, (e.g. body odor, bad teeth, and dirty hair) topping the list.

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin from January 17th -19th, 2012 among 2,415 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

While poor hygiene is the biggest dating deal breaker with 84 percent of U.S. adults, a variety of other dating missteps made the list:

• Using their mobile phone too much; constantly texting, checking email – 75 percent
• Being rude to a server or host/hostess – 73 percent
• Talking too much about an ex – 70 percent
• Flirting with the server or host/hostess – 61 percent
• Date drinking too much alcohol – 60 percent
• Aggressive driving – 49 percent
• Not offering to pay for the whole date, or at least to pay for their share – 33 percent
• Being too expensive of a date (e.g. ordering the most costly food and drink) – 31 percent
• Talking about a potential long-term future together – 30 percent
• Using websites or social media (e.g. Facebook) to find out information before the date – 26 percent

Women were significantly more likely than men to consider dating offenses deal breakers, in every case aside from being too expensive of a date, wherein men were significantly more likely (34 percent) to say that it was a deal breaker than women (28 percent).

The biggest discrepancies in opinion on what constitutes a deal breaker between women and men were for using a mobile phone too much during a date, at 82 percent and 68 percent, respectively, and being rude to a server or host/hostess, at 80 percent and 65 percent, respectively.

“Dating can have many hurdles, but don’t let the money issues get in the way of a potential love connection,” said Jackie Warrick, President and Chief Savings Officer at CouponCabin.com. “Many modern daters often offer to at least pay part of their share, and if not, are cognizant and order moderately priced items.

No matter what the situation, though, daters should strive for politeness and tact, especially when making that critical first impression.” First impressions aren’t the only difficult part of dating. Selecting the right Valentine’s Day gift can also be challenging ground in the land of courtship. When asked what was the worst Valentine’s Day gifts they’ve ever received, U.S. adults said the following:

• Bathroom scale
• Birthday card. Valentine’s Day is not my birthday.
• Pooper-scooper
• Dead butterfly mounted in a plastic case. It was our second date.
• Break-up text
• Card stating a donation was made in my name for a charity I don’t support.
• Laundry basket
• Pair of silk boxers that had someone else’s name on the gift tag.
• Stuffed animal that looked like it was won out of one of those claw games.
• Electric can opener
• Lottery tickets
• Tupperware
• Snowshoes

The article Poor Hygiene Named the Top Deal Breaker on a Date appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Emma Watson and Johnny Simmons may be the perfect match. Watson and Simmons are co-stars in the upcoming film, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”.

People magazine said that Watson was seen with his supposed lover dining together and sharing kisses before entering the restaurant. Despite sources in media and press confirm the two stars are romantically involved, Emma Watson insisted that every rumour is untrue.

“This is completely untrue and we have no idea where these rumours have stemmed from,” Watson said according to Celebuzz. Harry Potter’s star also affirmed she just had a good friendship with her co-worker.

The entire buzz came up since they were seen hiking together in the Pennsylvannia countryside.  Rumours began to increase while they were filming the movie “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky.

Sources on the website hollywoodlife.com stated that both co-stars were actually in love, and they have reported unnamed sources saying that Emma Watson and Johnny Simmons “have really fallen for one another and both aren’t dating anyone else.”

Furthermore, the same sources on hollywoodlife.com affirmed Emma was thinking of moving to Los Angeles. Press began to create stories about Watson’s relationship after she claimed her non-existent love life in an interview with the Sunday Times:

“I say to my friends, “Why hasn’t X called me? Why doesn’t anyone ever pursue me?They’re like, probably because they’re intimidated,” Watson said.

In another interview with Vogue magazine, Watson said she used to share love advice with Daniel Radcliff, her co-star in Harry Potter. “It must be the fame wall. It must be the circus that goes around me. Me, as a person, I find it hard to believe I would be intimidating,” Watson said.

It seems Watson has finally found a man “who isn’t terrified of her.” Johnny Simons and Emma Watson were spotted embracing in Los Angeles. Now there is no doubt the co-stars are involved as they were locked together in a romantic moment outside a restaurant in Santa Monica. More sources confirmed Johnny spent the night with Emma at the upmarket house in Santa Monica where she has been staying with friends.

A source said: “-‘they might have denied it before but they don’t seem to be trying to hide it now.”’-

Another friend of Watson’s said “Emma loves how down-to-earth and normal Johnny is. He’s very charming and sweet.”’-

Simmons has a past that is difficult to forget. He was arrested at 19 years old in May 2006 for going 80 mph in a 65 mph zone. Two days after that he was arrested again for being in a possession of alcohol below the legal age of 21. He received a lot of criticism when he played a drug addict in The Greatest.Despite this, a witness told The Daily Mail:

-“They were all over each other, kissing and hugging. It was very sweet to see. She looked utterly besotted. A girl recognised her and approached her.”-

-“Emma was polite and acknowledged her, but she just wanted to be with Johnny and was clearly under his spell. They’re obviously head-over-heels in love.”-

In spite of the rumours saying that Watson was thinking to move to Los Angeles, Harry Potter’s actress recently announced she will attend Oxford University this autumn in an exchange year from her studies at Brown University in the US.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/23489340@N04/

The article Emma Watson Has Found Her Love Match appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The NY Times posted an article in February about a recent trend among college students: getting married to save money on college tuition. It has sparked a heated debate that is still continuing four months later on a number of web sites. The most common objections to this practice are the trampling of the sanctity of marriage, and the loss of ethics. Despite the public interest in debating this topic, it is difficult to find people who are willing to openly discuss their own “paper marriages”.

The people interviewed in the NY Times article refused to be named, and it is for more than simply legal reasons. This article focuses on the legal and ethic ramifications of getting married for lowered tuition, but it ignores the emotions that are often involved in a situation such as this. Different expectations between the bride and groom, family expectations, and criticism from everyone from your friends to your coworkers can make this personal decision fodder for public gossip.

More than just enduring criticism from those around you, there are also the emotional ramifications. Unless you follow the advice of Rick Conley from whypaytuition.com by marrying a complete stranger and securing a prenup that costs thousands of dollars, there is always the danger of someone developing feelings of love or higher expectations than the other. Sure you saved $30,000 in tuition, but now your convenient money-saving technique has backfired. Your friend decides to fall in love with you, while you want to end the marriage as soon as you have your diploma. Even if it is only for financial reasons, getting married is a huge decision, and all possible repercussions should be considered before making this life-changing choice.

As someone who has done it, it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be, and a lot of unexpected things can happen.

Step back to the summer of 2007. After having to get a high interest loan from a private company to pay for my sophomore year of school, I complained to my ex-boyfriend that unless I got married or had a baby, I was going to end up paying a lot more in school loans than I wanted to. That’s when he suggested that I just go down with him to Las Vegas that winter while he saw his dad for a quick forty dollar ceremony. I wouldn’t even have to tell anyone about it. I agreed and we began to make plans for our winter excursion.

Then in October we got back together, I told my parents about us getting married, and things began to get complicated. My parents pushed for a real ceremony, even though they really wanted me to change my mind. I had started to want a real relationship and a real wedding since we had gotten back together, so I ended up agreeing to the ceremony. My groom dealt with this unpleasant surprise by limiting the guest list to as few people as possible. We spent about $200 total for everything, and got married with about 30 people in attendance.

We stayed with my mother-in-law for the first few months, and then moved into a cheap apartment. The first year we were married was hard on both of us. I wanted our marriage to be real, while he wasn’t ready to commit to staying together. It created a huge discord between us, resulting in tears and hurt feelings. It was only after I learned to not take things so personally, and he decided he really wanted to stay that our marriage began to get better. We were finally together for more than just money or convenience. It was for us, and it was for love.

For all of the pains that we endured, I only ended up getting one $2,000 grant that first year. Because my husband was working full-time at a place that paid $10 an hour, and I was working part-time at Walmart, our income was too high every year after that. If anyone decides to take the plunge and get married, whether it is because you are madly in love with each other, or because you want to get that coveted in-state tuition, make sure to think it over very thoroughly. If you don’t the results could be disastrous.

The article Is it Worth it to Get Married to Save on College Tuition? appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.