The ***OFFICIAL*** Friday/Saturday Night Singles' Thread <BR>Feb. 10 and 11, 2006

2.10.06 | apackof2

[apackof2]

The ***OFFICIAL*** Friday/Saturday Night Singles' Thread

Feb. 10 and 11, 2006

Pitch hitting for Scott tonight and Ok, ok I know, it early but what the heck!

The History of Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Did You Know?

- 192 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. (This total excludes packaged kids valentines for classroom exchanges.) (Source: Hallmark research)

- Nearly 60 percent of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine’s Day a procrastinator’s delight. (Source: Hallmark research)

- There are 120 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) who are in their 20s for every 100 single women of the same ages.

- There are 33 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) age 65 or older for every 100 single women of the same ages.

2.2 million marriages take place in the United States annually.
That breaks down to more than 6,000 a day.

- 145,800 marriages are performed in Nevada during 2004.
So many couples “tie the knot” in the Silver State that it ranked fourth nationally in marriages, even though its total population that year among states was 35th.

U.S. Census Bureau

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

But how ya gonna keep ‘em down on the farm after they’ve seen Paree?

FOR DISCUSSION ONLY

Remember:

This is a thread for singles, not a thread about the misery of singleness --
no moping allowed! :-)

Favorite romantic song, movie, poem, photo, story?

[RockinRight]

At least nobody's laughing at your answers...

[Hoodlum91]

I think that's between me and pcottraux. ;-)

[Hoodlum91]

You are VERY bad!

[pcottraux]

Will you thump your leg when she does it?

You bet I will.

[RockinRight]

He'll tell me later. ;-)

[RockinRight]

Actually, I think I'm pretty good! Am I not?

[pcottraux]

I'm wondering if I should try to argue with them. I found a great website refuting the conspiracy theories:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/defense/1227842.html?page=1&c=y

Although in classic conspiracy fashion, they probably would say the website was planted their by the government to "hide the truth."

[Hoodlum91]

Sometimes there is no arguing with them.

[RockinRight]

+

[pcottraux]

It's a cheap way of getting out of a real argument. You just blame EVERYthing on the conspiracy, then you don't have to deal with the facts.

Okay, maybe I got it out of my system. We can't let it interfere with all the other stuff going on here.

[Khepera]

Ah yes another evening home alone. Well I guess I should be used to it by now.

[RockinRight]

It's usually pointless. They have "Bush is Evil" firmly implanted in their brains, and their tinfoil hats firmly on their heads.

[Hoodlum91]

Don't be sad.

Join us!!! What's your favorite romantic anything? We won't even laugh (we only laugh at RockinRight)

[najida]

There's a thread question?!?

Dang, I need to pay attention....

Favorite romantic song- Humor me, but it's something that translates into "Please Be Kind, My Heart's Been Broken" (the music is gorgeous, the video stunning and I always end up teary at the end).

Movie- Last of the Mohicans, Far and Away, Bridget Jones

Poem- Erm, anything by John Donne?

Story- Scarlet Pimpernel or Gabaldon's Outlanders

Picture-

[pcottraux]

But seeing them squirm in pain as the facts are presented...

Or when you send an e-mail and they never respond, that's even more satisfying. You feel like you blew them up or something.

[pcottraux]

Um...

Know what? I don't know if I have any favorite romantic things. I can't think of any.

[Hoodlum91]

Oh! I love the picture!

Agree with Bridget Jones too. I think I AM Bridget Jones (and Colin Firth is not bad at all!)

[carlr]

Probably pointless to argue with them.If you get face to face just say "Yeah okay" and give them that sideways look like you would someone talking about UFOs.

[najida]

Ah hun,
You have us. (as unusual as we all are :) )

[Hoodlum91]

But the UFOs are real!