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?

[Issaquahking]

I can't get the video on my machine...

[TheresaKett]

I had to try several times before it would work on mine.

[Kate of Spice Island]

My son is and it has just been the field day...

We have the domineering ex-M-I-L that is running the show, so the kids won't have the quiet little courthouse ceremony by themselves and a little family picnic over the weekend...

Meanwhile, I am trying to recover from surgery, deal with moving and trying to complete a family video that is suitable so that when everyone is at the ex-M-I-L's house afterwards we have something that everyone will enjoy...(And everyone knows about the video except her, so it should be fun watching the surprise at the quality and the number of kleenex she goes through. Everyone else is already expecting the need for tissue...they saw the Christmas rough draft that should be killer by this next Christmas...as I will have time to do much more editing and remixing and such...

[DollyCali]

Hope this catches you before you leave Rosie..God speed & prayers for the move/trip. It can be fun (if the blessed car doesn't break down).. traveling w/cats is fun! Let us know when you stop over for night "wherever".

I guess I missed past posts.. you are moving from Colorado to __________?

noted on your homepage you moved to Colorado from Vermont..

[DollyCali]

Oh my!

You get the prize for best "day from Hell" award

[carlr]

Missed all the good stuff again,no sooner go to bed and all the ladies start smooching.LOL.

[RosieCotton]

Got your note! Just checking in for the last time before packing up the 'puter.

I'm moving from Colorado to Washington - I have family there and a place to go and some promising opportunities. This past year has been an adventure...kind of a mixed blessing. Hopefully this next stage will be smoother!

[DollyCali]

the state of washington? DC?

some good FReepers in both places.

God speed to you dear!

[ozarkgirl]

Any more news on the shooting? I'm sure the town is talking. Hope you're the type to go to the cafe and drink coffee in the morning, that's where you hear all the good stuff in small towns.

I mapped where it was, almost on the Arizona border. I always think drug runners and illegals down in that area. May have nothing to do with it, someone said something about a dog?

[Goodgirlinred]

Ah, I was so late getting there that you guys were off and running without me. :( Too late for me to catch up. I missed you all, though.

[Goodgirlinred]

Thank you so much. That made me cry. You are very sweet. :)

[Goodgirlinred]

LOL! We have not been able to "hook up" with the trainer yet. However, we had 6-8" of snow in the past 24 hours, so my baby has been wild with joy. He woke me up every couple of hours last night just to go out and run through the snow as it was falling. What a guy, huh? Yawn....

[Goodgirlinred]

Oh, that Blurblogger, what a romantic guy. I have not received a rose on Valentine's Day in forever, until carlr sent me a bouquet! Roses are my favorite flowers. :)

[ozarkgirl]

He's built for snow isn't he? I'm glad he enjoyed it.

We got about an inch yesterday. You must be in that big blast that hit. I guess the east coast got hit pretty good. This is the first snow that stuck all year. Just the one inch but it finally feels like winter.

Have a great week! Hope you can make it earlier next weekend.

[pcottraux]

Hello...????

Didn't you get the ping in post number 682? Your name is in there.

[Theresawithanh]

"Burt's an acquaintance of mine..."

If you ever get the chance, please tell him how much I appreciated his column, and readng through his archives. He writes in a very humerous and very heart-touching manner.

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Yay! Random (and non-random) acts of kindness and romance are very cool.

[Goodgirlinred]

Yes, my baby is built for snow. He really loved it. We got about 6" here in my part of Virginia.

Well, 1" is better than nothing. I love winter.

Next week end, if nothing happens, I will be driving to Birmingham, finally, to visit my daughter and her family. I was supposed to have gone the past two week ends, but something has happened each time.

[Goodgirlinred]

Oh, P. No, I did not see that ping! How very beautiful! Thank you so much for including me in your list. Those were lovely. :)

[Issaquahking]

Heaven forbid, that's to close for comfort...