On  V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls, founded by Tony Award-winning playwright and activist, Eve Ensler, announced the launch of a new global campaign: One Billion Rising.

This year-long campaign, V-Day’s most ambitious yet, will culminate on February 14, 2013, V-Day’s 15th anniversary, when women, activists and concerned citizens across the world will organize community gatherings to express their outrage, demand change, strike, and dance in defiance of the injustices they have suffered.

Beginning on V-Day, activists launched the campaign at over 5,800 colleges and community events across the world.  From Zambia to Poland to Malaysia, local V-Day activists will have ignited and spread the message of One Billion Rising.

“More than 1 out of every 3 women on this planet will experience violence during her lifetime. With 7 billion people on the planet, that’s one billion women.  Stopping this violence is as crucial as addressing the issues of disease, hunger, and climate change,” said Eve Ensler.

“One Billion Rising is a global strike, a call to refuse to participate until rape and rape culture ends.  It’s a solidarity reach, a new refusal, and a new way of being.” Over the past 14 years V-Day has mobilized activists from more than 140 countries and worked tirelessly on a grassroots level to demand an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.

In the face of resistance V-Day activists have raised consciousness, changed laws, funded rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters (often keeping the doors open), educated their communities, and raised over $85 million for groups doing the essential work of ending violence and serving survivors. Still, violence against women and girls persists and takes atrocious new forms. One Billion Rising is an ultimate protest, a battle cry, an inspiration, and a global call to action.

One Billion Rising activists are encouraged to focus on local issues affecting women and girls including work places, home life, laws and legislators, media that supports violence against women and girls, and governments or religious institutions that have not done enough to stop it.  Some may even decide to stop working or participating until the violence culture ends.

As part of this outreach, V-Day will provide a monologue called “Over It,” written by Eve Ensler, to be read at productions of The Vagina Monologues and other V-Day events.  They will challenge its college and community organizers to mobilize their friends, families, and networks to commit to rising up on February 14, 2013 to express their outrage about what they are “over” in relation to the prevalence of violence against women and girls.

Activists are also encouraged to write their own Over It monologues to give voice to their outrage.  V-Girls activists will also play a vital role in the “Over It” campaign. The announcement of One Billion Rising kicks off V-Day’s 2012 season of events and campaigns.  Over 1,850 colleges and communities will host V-Day benefit events raising funds and awareness locally, spotlighting the women and girls of Haiti, and beginning their One Billion Rising initiatives.

Events center around Ensler’s seminal play The Vagina Monologues, but include readings of V-Day’s anthology A Memory, Monologue, A Rant, and a Prayer and Any One of Us: Words from Prison, documentary film screenings of V-Day: Until The Violence Stops and What I Want My Words To Do To You, and Congo and Haiti Campaign teach-ins and house parties.

For the second year in a row, each event will highlight Haiti, shining a global spotlight on the issues facing women and girls in the region post-earthquake, and V-Day’s campaign to end the violence.

On February 14, 2013, together V-Day activists will move the earth, activating women and men to dance across every country. The celebration of One Billion Rising will be a worldwide happening.

The article Global Call to Challenge and Shatter Violence Against Women appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

On Valentines Day there are those of us, myself included, who are dreading the day. While I respect the idea of a day to celebrate love, my past and current experiences are that it is simply a reminder of how single I am. So what are those of us without a special someone to do? If you’re looking to watch scary movies at home and gorge yourself on sweets, please look no further.

While cookie dough is one of my favorite options, it is also not the safest. I’m not exactly ready to trade in sweets for worms and health problems. Luckily, I happened to come across these recipes at Willow Bird Baking and I have selected them as my Valentines Day relief. Allow me to introduce you to three different egg-less cookie dough recipes.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (a few people have found this to be too much; if you want, just add a pinch and increase to taste. I add the full 1/2 teaspoon and enjoy it!)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (again, you might want to add this a teaspoon at a time to taste. I add the full tablespoon and enjoy it!)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• water

Directions:

Sugar Cookie Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Cake Batter Cookie Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup yellow cake mix
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons sprinkles
• 4-8 tablespoons water

Directions:

There you have it, three recipes to help you get through what may be your longest day of the year. Please note however, that while eggs are not included, raw flour has also been linked to carrying E. Coli, just as any produce could. The risk is very small, but you should be wary anyways. Enjoy!

The article Food Experiments: Valentines Day Blues 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!.

In advance of one of the busiest dining holidays of the year, a new survey by OpenTable, a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants, reveals that diners are planning to fill seats at romantic restaurant hot spots early this year, with 53 percent of respondents saying they plan to make reservations more than a week before this Valentine’s Day.

An infographic from OpenTable that showcases additional 2012 Valentine’s Day trends may be viewed by clicking here. ”With this Valentine’s Day falling on a Tuesday, we are going to see two spikes in restaurant reservations,” said Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer for OpenTable.

“About half of diners surveyed anticipate booking a romantic evening on the 14th, while another 26 percent are choosing to celebrate on Saturday night, February 11. Regardless of which night diners plan to celebrate, Valentine’s Day promises to be a bustling day for romantic hot spots.”

The economy doesn’t seem to be a factor as OpenTable diners are looking to enjoy an evening out with 93 percent planning to match last year’s tab or step up the spending, which is 3 percent more than spending plans in 2011. Additionally, 54 percent of OpenTable diners plan to spend $101 to $200, while 10 percent expect to shell out more than $200 on dining.

One city famous for its high rollers is preparing to up the ante this year with 20 percent of diners in Las Vegas planning to spend more than $200, a claim to spend they share only with the sandy, sunny city of Miami. Not surprisingly, New York City dwellers follow closely behind as 19 percent also will be dropping the big bucks with their sweetheart.

The love-driven lavishness when dining, however, stops just short of gifts with 86 percent of respondents admitting that they do not exchange gifts at the table. In fact, 15 percent of OpenTable diners believe a gift exchange is much better suited for a private venue, finding swapping gifts in a restaurant to be inappropriate and bordering on obnoxious.

A few cupid-happy cities firmly stand by the age old idiom that money can’t buy love and hope to scale down spending entirely this year. Seattle respondents lead the pack on shifting Valentine’s Day spending down a notch with 16 percent of diners saying they will drop fewer dollars celebrating this year, with Atlanta (15 percent) and Los Angeles (10 percent) diners following this trend close behind.

One item the OpenTable survey respondents couldn’t quite agree on was what type of restaurant they find most romantic in dining with that special someone. While 35 percent of diners find it most amorous to stick to a traditional Italian cuisine for Valentine’s Day, other diners seek a different type of taste for a romantic rendezvous:

• 25 percent find French cuisine to be the most romantic
• 11 percent find American cuisine to be the most romantic
• 8 percent find fondue to be the most romantic
• 7 percent find tapas to be the most romantic

Even if there is no special someone this year, OpenTable diners still are committed to dining out. Three out of 4 survey respondents said they have dined out with friends on Valentine’s Day or if they have not yet, they certainly would.

For diners still searching for the right restaurant, OpenTable.com provides Diners’ Choice Top Ten Most Romantic Restaurants lists for each metro region and access to specials and menu details for February 14. For more information, please visit www.opentable.com/valentines. Diners can also find more tips and trends regarding Valentine’s Day on OpenTable Chief Dining Officer Caroline Potter’s “Dining Check” blog at OpenTable.

The article 2012 Valentine’s Day: Lovers Plan Ahead appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.