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?

[Hoodlum91]

We have about an inch or two now. The worst is supposed to happen after midnight. I've seen everything from 4-12, depending on which source you check.

[rightwingintelligentsia]

I think New England should get the brunt of it.

Last night everyone in Pittsburgh must have rushed to the grocery store to stock up on toilet paper and milk, but as it turns out we're probably only going to get an inch or two.

[carlr]

That only took 10 minutes to load,sometimes really hate dial up.

[Hoodlum91]

Most reports are about 8 inches. I'm from Boston so that doesn't seem like a lot to me, but for the DC area its paralyzing.

We could get thunder snow too!

[RockinRight]

Just in case you get cold...

[beaureguard]

good evening, everyone

[RockinRight]

Good evening.

[pcottraux]

Hello.

[rightwingintelligentsia]

Bon soir.

[pcottraux]

Oooh...French. I know a little of that.

[Hoodlum91]

"Oooh...French. I know a little of that."

I know what counts ;-)

[Hoodlum91]

PERFECT.

I am a little chilled.

[RockinRight]

OK, where did everyone go?

[rightwingintelligentsia]

C'est la langue d'amour, n'est-ce pas?

[apackof2]

Hey, y'all

[pcottraux]

I guess we're all waiting for someone to make the next post.

[RockinRight]

Good! Sit down by the fire, and I'll pour us a little champagne.

[RockinRight]

Je parle un peu francais.

[pcottraux]

Oui, tres beaucoup. Je parle la langue un peu.

[pcottraux]

Et moi.