‘APPY VALENTINE’S DAY

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The Poetry App hits 100k downloads as Brits burst with love for romantic poems to recite on Valentine’s Day

 

Tech-loving Casanovas are searching for romance in the lines of poetry, with help from The Poetry App, to woo their loved ones this Valentine’s Day. The app has been receiving 900 downloads a day in the run up to February 14.

 

With February 14 a few hours away lines from W.H. Auden’s O Tell Me The Truth About Love, are proving the most popular with the app’s 100,000 users.

 

Great delivery really gets to the heart of poetry and tongue tied romantics can hear Auden’s famous poem read aloud on the app by actors Ralph Fiennes and Julian Glover.

 

Other popular romantic love lines on the app include ‘What is all this sweet work worth, If thou kiss me not?’ from Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Love’s Philosophy and ‘All that’s best of dark and bright, Meet in her aspect and her eyes’ from Lord Byron’s She Walks in Beauty. Along with a host of others, Brits can be sure to make sure ‘love’ is the word on everyone’s lips.

 

Actor Dan Stevens, who reads work by Kipling on the app, said: “I cannot think of a better way to fall in love with the majesty of poetry.”

 

Users can compile their favourite poems into an online anthology to fill their digital bookcase. If they’re suffering from writer’s block, the app allows users to take inspiration from the great poets via collections of words which feature in their poetic masterpieces.

 

The Poetry App, created by The Josephine Hart Poetry Foundation, includes a collection of 115 poems from 16 well-known poets from Keats and Shelley, to Plath and Larkin read on the app by over 30 great British actors and actresses including Bafta winner Dominic West of The Wire and The Hour, Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens, Silent Witness’ Emilia Fox and Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons.

 

Users can read, listen and even write their own poetry on the app.  The app is available now for free download on Android, iPad and iPhone devices and features in the Top 40 book category on the iTunes App store.

 

Valentine’s Day For Dummies | Book Review

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Valentine’s Day is, by far, the most romantically anticipated day of the year, but there is no need to panic! For those in search of a potential partner, to those wanting to get their relationship back on track For Dummies has published a number of guides which will help make this Valentine’s Day a great success. Frost Magazine’s writers got their head in a book to review the guides. Check out what they thought below.

Flirting For Dummies

Elizabeth Clark

Our writer says:

“I have never been good at flirting. I just do not know how to do it and envy people who can. I read the book as soon as it arrives and I started putting it into practice when I could. I have been single for nearly a year and was dreading Valentine’s Day.

The first chapter is about the making of a successful flirt. It teaches you the fundamentals, spotting signals and avoiding pitfalls. I immediately start to realise what I am doing wrong.

Chapter three moves into overcoming a fear of rejection. Something that has become a problem. I had quite a bad break up and the thought of another man hurting me was hard to cope with.

After finishing the book I do become much better at flirting. I find it easier to start dating when I have the tools and knowledge to know how to flirt. I have started dating again and I am very positive about my flirting future. I also love the ten ways unwanted admirers can strike in the back. This is a fun, witty book.

£12.99

There is still time for the unlucky in love to brush up on their flirting skills and bag themselves a date this Valentine’s day. Flirting For Dummies provides readers with the know-how and confidence to getting it right when it comes to flirting effectively and without embarrassment.  Exploring key areas including listening and communication skills, body language and self-image, Flirting For Dummies has all the tools needed to boost self-confidence and engage with people in a natural and charming way.

 

 Body Language For Dummies

Elizabeth Kuhnke

Our writer says:

“I love body language. I think it is very underrated and I have read a few books on the subject. Sometimes it can be hard to read the opposite sex so I was hoping this book would help.

This book covers all aspects of body language. It has handy pictures and is very easy to read. As all of the Dummies guide are.  It tells you all about body language and how to use your own to get what you want. I noticed that sometime when I say things people take it the wrong way, now I put the tips in the book into practice and it has made a difference. I really liked this book. It is a great body language book. I even use it with my partner. Good book. ”

 

£15.99

Having an insight into body language can be a great asset when trying to interpret the signals of the opposite sex.  This title explains how the body reveals what people really mean guiding readers on how it can be used to make a positive impact and explaining why we give off certain signals.  Elizabeth Kuhnke explains how to read the most common expressions and use body language to transform both personal and professional relationships.

 

Confidence For Dummies

Kate Burton & Brinley N. Platts

Our writer says:

“I was not sure how someone could write an entire book on confidence until I opened the book. Generally I thought confidence was something that some people has in abundance that could not really be placed, but pardon my ignorance, I was completely wrong. This book has let me know that confidence is something that is manageable and attainable. Sometimes confidence is  just taking things one step at a time, knowing that it will all be okay in the end.

This book lets you recognise your strengths and believe in yourself. When I started reading it I could not put it down. I have been single for a while and have found it hard to put myself out there, but this book has let me know that I actually do have it within me to put myself out there.

I love the techniques and the exercises too. I feel that I know myself a lot better after reading this book. I know this sounds like I am being over enthusiastic, but I already feel it has improved my life.”

£12.99

Self-confidence is important in all areas of life particularly when it comes to dating and relationships.  Lack of confidence is common amongst those who are unlucky in love.    This guide identifies the wide range of strengths, skills, abilities and strategies readers can utilise, providing tips and techniques to build on these and gain extra confidence.

 

Dating For Dummies (3rd Edition)

Joy Browne

Our writer says:

“Dating is hard. Really hard. Sometimes I feel like I find it harder than everyone else. But I really want to start dating again and get better at it. Dating for Dummies suits me perfectly.

This book tackles even the most modern parts of dating, like social networking and online dating. It helps you figure out what you want in a partner and how to break up with people. It really does cover every aspect of dating and even covers age differences. It really is a brilliant book that covers everything and it is impossible not to find helpful information. I just finished the book, but I reckon it will improve my love life dramatically. I already feel more comfortable.

£15.99

Dating For Dummies guides readers on how to meet potential romantic partners for life, how to avoid common dating mistakes, overcome disappointments, deal with difference and how to date safely in the social media world.  Joy Browne gives readers the confidence boost they need to help meet, date and start a relationship as well as prepare for dates and have a great time. Whatever the dating dilemma Dating For Dummies has it covered.

 

 

Improving Your Relationship For Dummies

Paula Hall

Our writer says:

“I have been with my boyfriend for two years now. I love him, but sometimes I find the relationship hard. Or we get into a negative arguing cycle and never resolve the main problem. I felt at a loss about what to do so I was very eager to review this book. I have heard of Paula Hall and have read some of the articles she has written.

The book itself is broken down into handy sections and goes over everything from sex to boosting your relationship, knowing when to break up and how to break an arguing cycle. The latter of which I was very interested in.

I found this book to be a bit of a revelation. I just had not thought of a lot of the tips and advice. Some of it in hindsight seems obvious, but you just never think of it. The advice on communication is excellent and the idea of treating your relationship like a bank is very smart – basically you have to put effort and love into your relationship and not just take things out of it.

All in all I found the book helpful. I have even got my boyfriend involved and he even want to read it now I have finished. I recommend this book for anyone in a relationship, is has just really done what it says on the cover: improves your relationship.

 

£15.99

Valentine’s Day can be a time when couples take stock of their relationship and make effective changes for the future.    Paula Hall offers expert advice for those who want to work through tiresome niggles, address potential issues before taking the next step, cope with serious problems or simply strengthen a partnership. An essential guide for anyone wanting to improve their relationship, covering issues including cohabitation, overcoming anger and jealousy, trust, dealing with an affair, managing change and reigniting passion.

 

Emotional Healing For Dummies

David Beales and Helen Whitten

Our writer says:

“I think in life we do not pay enough attention to our emotions, and I know I have run into trouble because of it. We really do not take enough care of our emotional health. Everything in life affects us in some ways. I was already thinking that I had to pay more attention and care more about my emotional health.

The thing I liked most about this book is that it tells you about the connection between emotion and health, and emotion and food. It has ways to boost your immune system against stress and fatigue. It also has tips on enhancing emotional intelligence.

This book would be amazing for anyone who has been through anything traumatic. You really understand emotion healing, emotions. You learn how to deal with your emotions and be happier. I loved this book and I can really recommend it. This book reminded me of the saying that you have to love yourself before anyone else will. This book will help. ”

£15.99

For those who are suffering from a broken heart this Valentine’s Day Emotional Healing For Dummies can help ease the pain.  We’re a nation that bottles things up, dismissing anger, frustration, hatred and guilt as largely insignificant to our minds and bodies. But powerful emotions like these do affect us in a long-term way, not only mentally but also physically, and it’s important to know how to get them under control.   This easy to follow guide provides a toolkit of strategies to help heal emotional upset so that readers begin to feel like themselves once again after a difficult breakup.

 

For Dummies guides are available where all books and e-books are sold. Including Amazon UK, WH Smith and Selfridges.

 

 

Small Business Entrepreneurs: 5 Steps for Running Your Own HR Department

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Turning a small business venture into a successful, profitable machine is a difficult thing to achieve.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 34 percent of new business ventures fail within two years and 56 percent fail within 4 years.  Assuming a business venture is properly planned and funded, the single biggest error that small business owners make is neglecting management.

Things like managing payroll, hiring employees and tracking their performance, taking the proper steps prior to terminating employees and complying with local, state and federal laws may seem like tasks better suited for large companies.  But if entrepreneurs wish to become big business owners, they should act like a big business owner from the outset.

1. Create an Employee Handbook

An employee handbook is one of the employer’s best tools to inform employees regarding workplace policies and procedures, prohibited conduct, potential grounds for termination, clarification of employee status and handling of grievances.  Small business entrepreneurs may have rules in mind, and they may even have conversations with employees regarding workplace rules.

Without a handbook, however, employees could argue that they were never properly informed of policies and procedures, making it more difficult for employers to justify discipline or termination based on violation of the rules.  Small business entrepreneurs should strive to create an employee handbook, regardless of the size of their workforce.

2. Don’t Hire Bad People

This seems straightforward enough, but many small business entrepreneurs are unfamiliar with the tools at their disposal to identify candidates with skeletons in their closets.  Employee background checks are essential toward bringing the right people into the company.

These checks may include a review of an applicant’s criminal history, credit history and references.  In so doing, however, business owners must comply with a litany of federal and state laws controlling how such checks should be performed and what information is permissible for them to acquire and use in the decision-making process.

3. Set Up an Employee Training and Discipline Program

While entrepreneurs need to hire the right candidates, they also need to retain the right employees and discipline the right employees. Proper training initiatives can result in increased productivity and retention, reduced turnover and the need to spend valuable time and money hiring replacements.

Similarly, performance improvement plans, applied fairly and consistently to employees, can produce positive outcomes or, where employees are unsalvageable, lay the groundwork for lawful discipline or termination.

4. Manage Payroll Like an Accountant…with a Law Degree

This is a complex area of the law, but the complexity is no excuse, even for inexperienced entrepreneurs.  Employers are obligated to pay their employees in a timely manner, deduct and remit the proper taxes to local, state and federal authorities, report accurate information and account for benefits.  Thankfully, automated payroll systems exist to take much of the guess work out of this process, but small business entrepreneurs must familiarize themselves with the regulations and take steps to implement procedures to comply with the law.

5. Don’t Act in Haste; Build a Case

Inevitably, employers will need to take action against problematic employees, whether the action is warning, suspension or termination.  In some cases, however, a hasty response can create additional problems for the employer, resulting in costly, time-consuming litigation.  To guard against this possibility, employers must fully and contemporaneously document all instances of employee misconduct, warnings, progressive discipline and the results of internal investigations.

When employers have built up evidence to substantiate a decision to warn, suspend or terminate, they must still be cognizant of state and federal laws that protect employees from discrimination or retaliation.  Only after employers have reviewed the evidence and the law should they take action.

LFW Survival tips

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With only a matter of days before the infamous London Fashion Week, preparations must be made. Wardrobe dilemma is upon us and it is important that we are fully equipped with a few essentials to get us though this week of flamboyance, opulence and heaps of glamour. Having attended last year for the entire week, I found myself wishing I had put those certain essentials into my handbag so here are my top tips;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scholl Party Feet;

If you must wear a heel, don’t let it shred your feet.

 

A great Notebook;

I recommend this Pantone notebook. Available in Selfridges

A Camera;

iPhone camera works a treat but if you’re looking for great quality images for an article or blog I recommend a good SLR like this one.

 

A brolly;

Lets face it, you WILL need it. I suggest this mini compact Fulton umbrella available in Selfridges.

Lastly… If you are lucky enough to have bagged that exclusive Press Pass, make sure you check out the various pamper lounges dotted around to refresh and revive yourself. Get your hair and make up done courtesy of Mac and Toni and Guy.

Keshini Misha x

@Keshinibeeny

Women Won’t Move In With Messy Men

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Frost has a series of posts on how to get your relationship on track or how to find the love of your life just in time for Valentine’s Day. We found the following information very interesting. If you want someone to move in, for the night or forever, then read this.

·      1 in 3 women have turned down a night of passion because of clutter in the bedroom

·       41% won’t move in with their partner because of their clutter crimes

·       2.4 million UK couples already living together argue over clutter up to 154 times a year

·       20% of women would rather their man de-cluttered the house than buy them a bunch of roses this Valentine’s Day


 With the nation’s hoarding habits on the increase, it’s no wonder clutter is causing conflict amongst co-habiting couples. But, with 1 in 3 women admitting they’ve turned down a night of passion because the bedroom’s been left in a state – and 41% saying they won’t even move in with their partner if they’re guilty of clutter crimes, IKEA is urging the nation to clean up their act if they want to be in a healthy relationship.


 

As newer UK homes are being built smaller, some having the smallest floor space in Europe (on average 83sqm1or less), it’s becoming increasingly tough for couples to make room for their love lives. However, with 20% of women admitting they want a clutter-free house over a bunch of roses this Valentine’s Day, men will need to clean up their act and pull more than just a romantic gesture out of the bag to please their partners this month.


 

With the bedroom now a key secondary living space, over a third (33%2) of people say it’s where they like to relax. But with almost half (42%2) of Brits admitting it’s where they hoard most of their junk, it’s now become a clutter hotspot for couples; and that’s what’s turning the bedroom cold.


 

2.4 million UK couples admit they already argue up to twice a week about their clutter gripes in the bedroom – that’s a staggering 154 times a year – and with almost 20% of men thinking it’s still a woman’s work to de-clutter the household, their opinion seems to be fuelling a different kind of fire in the home.


 

But what are people’s biggest gripes? When asked about the opposite sex, men and women picked out these top clutter crimes:

 

Men on Women:

·       Too many beauty products and toiletries (19%)

·       Too many clothes and shoes! (17%)

·       Paperwork in the bedroom (10%)

Women on Men:

·      Piles of dirty clothes left on the floor (36%)

·      They’re hoarders – they just have too much stuff! (25%)

·      Their treasured hobby takes up too much space (17%)

Stelios Kiosses, popular TV psychotherapist and expert on the emotional effects of clutter, comments on IKEA’s findings:  “The results highlight one of the most common problems in relationships due to clutter – a lack of communication.  For most women, clutter symbolises that her partner doesn’t care about how she feels. Women tend to express this by increasing the amount they complain about clutter, but men misinterpret this and tend to take it as a remark meant to make them feel incompetent.


 

Clutter then becomes a barrier between the couple, creating feelings of resentment. Few couples realise the importance of dealing with it until it is way out of control – piles of stuff in every room may affect the couples ability to think clearly, relax, and enjoy their living space so it’s important to have storage space for every item to prevent more pile-ups.”

 


So how do couples try and manage their clutter under one small roof? 33% of women say they’ll do the tidying themselves to try to save arguing (compared to 21% of men), while another 16% say they have to resort to nagging to get their other half to tidy up.

 


29% even admit to ‘accidentally on purpose’ throwing their partner’s belongings out, while a cunning 9% of women will use an ‘early night’ as a bargaining tool when it comes to de-cluttering the house.



Looking for the Perfect Proposal? Date for Two Years then Pop the Question on Valentine’s Day

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Looking for the Perfect Proposal? Date for Two Years then Pop the Question on Valentine’s Day on a Deserted Beach (with a Ring You Chose Together)

  • Two years into relationship best time to pop the question
  • Perfect proposal combines element of surprise, deserted beach and expensive ring
  • Women start losing patience after two years – half would dump a man who hadn’t proposed after five
  • One in four say they’re ‘Proposal Pushers’ who’ll coerce their man into doing the deed, one in ten are POPOs – ‘Propose or Push Offs’
  • Another quarter say marriage is still the ultimate commitment – ahead of having a child

As Valentine’s Day approaches, they’re the questions plaguing many a nervous boyfriend.

You want to ask her to marry you but how do you create the perfect proposal? And when is the right time to do it?

According to a major new courtship survey the ideal way combines old and new traditions and comes after you’ve spent exactly two happy years together.

The research, commissioned by leading drinks brand Lambrini found that one in four women  think a man should be popping the question 24 months into the relationship, with just 15 per cent happy to wait three years.

If you haven’t got round to proposing after five years then don’t bother – almost half (49 per cent) of all those quizzed said if they had to wait that long they’d dump their other half and move on.

Another one in four women (27 per cent) think if you haven’t got engaged by that stage you’re probably never going to, while another one in four (26 per cent) think a man who hasn’t asked is a commitment-phobe.

When it came to popping the question, a deserted beach was the perfect place for proposal – named by almost one in four women (22 per cent) and although it might be considered corny by some, Valentine’s Day is still seen as the most appropriate time to ask for someone’s hand, along with a woman’s birthday (both chosen by nine per cent of women).

An element of surprise (32 per cent), a romantic setting (21 per cent) and getting down on one knee (20 per cent) were also considered crucial, while one in ten women wanted their partner to get their father’s permission.

Just one in ten said having an expensive ring was the important thing and only 30 per cent expected the man to have chosen it for them, with 62 per cent opting to select one together.

People had strong opinions about what makes for a happy engagement too.

Most people – 21 per cent – thought it was important to have had three previous partners before you settle down, while eight per cent said more than ten was more realistic.

Sharing three dates a week and at least two holidays were also essential according to a third of those quizzed, along with surviving a couple of family Christmases (37 per cent) and at least two romantic surprises a year (23 per cent).

But for those who are still waiting, taking a pro-active approach in the run up to Valentine’s Day could pay dividends.

According to the Lambrini Romance Report one in four women identified themselves as ‘Proposal Pushers’ – women who’ll actively engineer a proposal.

As well as dropping heavy hints, they admitted taking their other half to look at rings in the hope of prompting a declaration of love.

One in ten (11 per cent) were less accepting. Calling themselves the POPOs – Propose or Push Offs – they said they’d issue an ultimatum if a partner didn’t seem ready to commit, while one in twenty would end the relationship for good.

Another, more stoical one in ten (11 per cent) said they didn’t care either way.

And despite constant debates about the value of marriage, it seems that British women are still romantics at heart, seeing a proposal it as the ultimate statement of love.

One in four say it is the biggest commitment you can make – on a par with having a child together.

And although co-habiting is popular, it is still seen as less binding, with only 24 per cent saying it was the most important way to validate their relationship.

Even fewer people (5 per cent) thought renting together constituted any kind of commitment.

The research also identified potential problem areas that couples must discuss before deciding to get married.

Topping the list was the desire – or not – to have children, cited by 78 per cent of those quizzed as an essential discussion point.

Where to live (56 per cent), career plans (41 per cent), health issues (40 per cent) and joint bank accounts (38 per cent) were also significant, while almost a third (30 per cent) said ironing out any issues around pets was important too.

Reflecting the changing face of marriage, an overwhelming majority said the most important preparation for getting hitched was living together first.

Almost half of those asked (46 per cent) said a couple needed to co-habit before they tied the knot, followed by enjoying a loved-up ‘honeymoon period’ (46 per cent) and winning over the in-laws (41 per cent).

At the same time people had strong reasons for not marrying – one in five wouldn’t walk down the aisle with someone their family hated and one in eight wouldn’t tie the knot with someone their mates didn’t like.

Speaking about the Lambrini Romance Report findings, brand manager, Lorna Tweed, said: “As we get ready to embrace Valentine’s Day it seems that romance is very much alive and well in the UK.

“At the same time it’s clear that British women know what they want when it comes to relationships, proposals and marriage.

“They want love, surprises and a wedding – and they want it sooner rather than later.

“Women are looking for commitment and loyalty, partnerships that can stand the trials and tribulations of modern life; if a man can provide those then he’s in with a chance.”

Win World Without End DVD or Blu Ray

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Frost have copies of World Without End to giveaway on DVD or Blu-Ray. The excellent sequel to The Pillars Of The Earth is out on Monday. To win follow @Frostmag on Twitter or Frost’s editor, @Balavage. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter.

 

From Tandem Communications & Scott Free, Creators of The Pillars of the Earth,
Comes the 8-Hour, Mini-Series Adaptation of Ken Follett’s Global Bestseller

WORLD WITHOUT END

Conspiracies Will Be Exposed, Secrets Will Be Revealed

On Blu-ray™ and DVD February 18

Includes In-Depth Featurette: The Making of Ken Follett’s World Without End

Ken Follett takes viewers back to his fictitious town of Kingsbridge, but 200 years later and with all new characters for fans to fall in love with. Experience the romance, tragedy and victory in the $46 million, eight-hour epic miniseries WORLD WITHOUT END, which will air on Channel 4 January 2013 and debuts on Blu-ray™ and DVD on February 18 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Best-selling Welsh author Ken Follett has sold more than 130 million copies of his books worldwide. Eye of the Needle, Key To Rebecca, On Wings of Eagles and The Pillars of the Earth are among his numerous, critically acclaimed suspense and historical novels that have been adapted into films and TV mini-series, capturing top ratings, as well as Emmy Awards® and Golden Globe® nominations.

 

The hit miniseries from Tandem Communications and Ridley & Tony Scott’s Scott Free Films stars an internationally acclaimed cast including two-time Emmy Award® winner Cynthia Nixon (Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, “Sex in the City,” 2004; Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 2008), two-time Academy Award® nominee Miranda Richardson  (Best Supporting Actress, Damage, 1992; Best Actress, Tom & Viv, 1994), Ben Chaplin (The Thin Red Line, Murder by Numbers), Oliver Jackson-Cohen (Faster, Going the Distance), Academy Award® nominee          Peter Firth (Best Supporting Actor, Equus, 1977), Charlotte Riley (Easy Virtue), Rupert Evans (Hellboy),  and Sarah Gadon (Cosmopolis).

 

In WORLD WITHOUT END, times are tougher than ever in England as the country is on the brink of war with France and the citizens are facing The Plague that will eventually decimate one-third of its population.  A feisty young woman (Riley) inspires her medieval town to confront the most powerful forces of her time — namely the Church and the Crown — as they fight to save their town from ruin, and ultimately usher in a new era of freedom, innovation and enlightenment.

 

The DVD also includes a behind-the-scenes featurette, “The Making of Ken Follett’s World Without End,” providing a look at the making of the film.

 

© 2012 Tandem Productions GmbH, World Without End (T5) Productions Inc. and World Without End (Quebec) Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

Astounding Gig World Records Revealed by StubHub UK

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These are record-breaking times for live music, with the world’s biggest artists regularly selling more tickets faster than ever for their smash global tours and concerts. Here at StubHub, we love nothing more than a record-breaker – which is why we’ve compiled the ten most impressive records ever set in the live music industry on one handy infographic. Ever wondered whose tours sell out the fastest? Or who pulls in the biggest crowds? What about the deepest ever concert – or highest in the sky? It’s all in here, along with a clutch of facts guarantee you’ll never have heard before, all courtesy of the good people at Guinness World Records.

Many of the artists you know and love are featured on this ingenious infographic, from pop legends like Robbie Williams to rock goliaths the Stone Roses and 30 Seconds to Mars. With 2013 set to be a huge year for live music, we’re looking forward to seeing these records and more broken by today’s top artists – be sure to share, like and retweet our infographic with your fellow gig-going friends!

Don’t forget to keep checking StubHub UK for all the latest concert listings and tickets for your favourite artists. As all tickets bought and sold with us are covered by our FanProtect Guarantee, you can always be sure that your ticket purchases are fully protected.