For The love Of..

So tomorrow's St. Valentine's Day. Probably the worst example of a 'Hallmark Holiday' known to man. Well, after all, it's main target is us men.

If we men don't observe this coporately-imposed romantic occasion, then we're 'for it' -- or so we've all been programmed to believe.

So who was St. Valentine? A mysterious early catholic martyr -- and a relatively minor one at that. There were two, possibly three St. Valentines, btw. Oh, how relevant. Anyone for St. Ida of Boulogne? St. Methodius? Or that perennial crowd-pleaser, St. Tarcisius -- the persecuted 12-year-old acolyte mangled by the Romans in the third century?

No, this particular saint is important -- important enough to make some real money from. And that's just it. It's the fact that a global greetings card corporation -- in addition to all the other adjunct businesses chocolate, flower, ladies' apparel sellers, restaurants et al -- have decreed that I must think and act and *spend* romantically that really bugs me.

I like to consider myself as caring and conisderate of my beloved as the next man -- oftentimes more so. I'm always trying to be giving and spontanious.

But I just don't need a made-up, once a year 'holiday' to demonstrate my affection. Frankly, I find it offensive that Hallmark and friends seek to exploit our relationships to make a buck.

So this year I'm going on strike. I'm not buying a gift of chocolates or smellies. I'm not buying flowers. I'm not arranging a romantic dinner. I'm just not going to acknowledge it.

..D'j-ya right. Nice thought you deluded little revolutionary. Anyone know if Interflora deliver 24 hours?