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?

[Alberta's Child]

G'Night, Victoria. It was good to see ya here tonight!

[TheresaKett]

Yes, this has been a very warm winter...not like they ever are bad though, compared to elsewhere.

My roses are very confused. They were pruned around Nov, but came right back.

We were joking on Ground Hog day, when we were all in shorts, etc, that they had to be kidding about 6 more weeks of winter.

I even took my son to the beach last weekend. It was gorgeous there.

[RockinRight]

Has it been dry, too?

[TheresaKett]

Yes, we don't have much humidity.

[motormouth]

I will be very cautious! :o)

[RockinRight]

I mean, isn't the rainy season usually in winter?

[TheresaKett]

We dont get much rain here either, last year had more than usual, but honestly, I can not remember the last time it rained.

[motormouth]

Living in the Northeast all my life, I guess Im used to it. I dont even mind driving in it usually, but with it being a blizzard, it makes it a bit hairy.

[motormouth]

I know the feeling.

My two boys arent babies anymore, but I do have a seven month old God daughter, who has been like a saving grace for me. They are certainly precious gifts. :o)

[RockinRight]

Looks like it's just the three of us. Pcottraux must have gone to sleep, and I think Hoodlum91's power went out (due to snow).

[RockinRight]

You still lurking about, P?

[TheresaKett]

sent you FReepmail

[pcottraux]

Still lurking about, LOL

Just figured I'd wait till a new post was made to me.

[RockinRight]

Well here ya go!

I think Hoodlum's power went out. So it's just us two guys...and those two girls...

[RockinRight]

Got it, Freepmailed back.

[TheresaKett]

Who was the last character in your toons yesterday? (the one you wanted us to guess)

[TheresaKett]

I really want some chocolate. Do you think its okay to take M&Ms from a 4 year old that he got from a friend?...LOL

[RockinRight]

I won't tell if you won't!

[pcottraux]

Jack Klugman, from "THe Odd Couple."

[TheresaKett]

Good, I already ate most of the little tube. Guess I will have to get him some more.