Sunday, February 17, 2008

Feb 14 weird 'n wacky holidays

What's your favorite carnival ride? Mine is actually the Tilt-A-Whirl, but I also like the ferris wheel. Ferris Wheel Day whirls into fashion in honor of George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., a civil engineer who designed the ferris wheel. Some interesting history of the Ferris wheel mentions that the ride first circled high above the Chicago World Fair in 1893.

The League of Women Voters was founded on this day in 1920. I always vote when there is an election. It is a civic duty that unfortunately, not many people take the time to do. I'm still uncertain about the Nebraska Democratic Caucus this year. I've read many positive comments; however, I've also heard several horror stories about long lines to register and people actually getting upset with the process and leaving before the caucus began.

Unmarried and not dating? Single and proud? Good for you. Take the day off and focus on you and your personal life in honor of National Call in Single Day.

Some sources say today is Race Relations Day, but a Google search shows that it should be celebrated in March. Isn't it sad that a special day needs to be decreed so people learn to get along? Like my mom always says: People need to play nice in the sandbox!

Still single and alone on Valentine's Day? Have no fear. Perhaps you are a quirkyalone. A quirkyalone is a person who enjoys being single but doesn't rule out the possibility of a relationship and usually prefers being alone rather than dating for the sake of being a "couple." I understand completely. I didn't mind being single after Patrick passed away, but I wasn't ruling out the possibility of a relationship. I really figured I would never find anyone who made a significant impact on my life. Well, what's the saying, when you least expect it, someone comes along, or something to that effect. And I'm certainly glad he showed up. :) But honestly, the quirkyalone bunch looks like they have a great time!

And if you are in love, today is Valentine's Day. It's the biggest day for flower sales and chocolate eating. The History Channel sums up everything about love, including a history of the holiday, a survival guide, and history's romantics.

To coincide with the day of love, the American Social Health Association recognizes National Condom (Awareness) Day. Practicing safe sex has never been more important. According to the association's website, despite hundreds of millions of tax dollars being spent on abstinence-only sex education, approximately 19 million new cases of STDs are reported each year, with many new cases reported in the 15 - 24 age group. How many go unreported?

And to celebrate the month of love's symbolic color - red - join forces with the National Institute of Health and learn how heart disease affects women. National Women's Heart Day offers awareness and education concerning women and heart disease, the number one killer of women. One in four women will die from heart disease.

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