OK, first an apology to those hopeless romantics out there who think that Feb. 14th is just THE day of the year.  But, having been inundated worse than usual with all the commercials--and now, of course, with networking sites, all the special little tags, Superpokes, etc.--the Scrooge of Valentine's Day must make a few observations.

Why am I a Scrooge? some may ask.  Well, suffice it to say that I've found the day intensely hypocritical since the mandatory card exchanges ceased in the transition from grade school to middle school, I did not receive a single card.  Not one!  Now, I've been told that my intelligence intimidates a lot of women.  Really?  Oh, well, get over it.  I'm not about to dumb down for anyone; please do me the same courtesy, and either let your own intelligence shine through or let me encourage you to learn so that the IQ comes up (yes, IQ IS something which can improve).  At any rate, I view it as a complete and utter hypocrisy based on my admittedly twisted and cynical experience.

Rant done, a couple of observations about the day.  First, is it any coincidence that the initials of the day are V.D.?  I think not.  ;-)

Second, speaking as someone originally from the city of Chicago:  I have yet to see Valentine's candies which represent the TRUE historical significance of the day.  I don't know about any of you, but I have yet to see any candies shaped like Thompson submachine guns or well-dressed corpses in front of brick walls.....


Just a little tartness to take away some of the sickly sweetness of the day....  I find that helps the palate appreciate the sugar more, don't you??  ;-)