the 'Valentine's Day is a cheap Hallmark money-making scheme' thread by cowofpain

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the 'Valentine's Day is a cheap Hallmark money-making scheme' thread

POSTED BY: COWOFPAIN
UPDATED: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 13:34
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Sunday, February 12, 2006 4:29 PM

Destination for all the togetherness-impaired who might wanna vent.

Cause if we're all alone together, we're not really alone, are we? Still kinda pathetic, but not alone! And that's all that matters...right?

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Sunday, February 12, 2006 4:52 PM

DAVESHAYNE

And lets get this started with a bit of music,

Since I still appreciate you,
Let's find love while we may.
Because I know I'll hate you
When you are old and gray.

So say you love me here and now,
I'll make the most of that.
Say you love and trust me,
For I know you'll disgust me
When you're old and getting fat.

An awful debility,
A lessened utility,
A loss of mobility
Is a strong possibility.
In all probability
I'll lose my virility
And you your fertility
And desirability,
And this liability
Of total sterility
Will lead to hostility
And a sense of futility,
So let's act with agility
While we still have facility,
For we'll soon reach senility
And lose the ability.

Your teeth will start to go, dear,
Your waist will start to spread.
In twenty years or so, dear,
I'll wish that you were dead.

I'll never love you then at all
The way I do today.
So please remember,
When I leave in December,
I told you so in May

Tom Lehr - When You Are Old and Gray

David

You wanna go, Little Man?
Only if it's someplace with candle light.

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Sunday, February 12, 2006 8:51 PM

DRAGONMASTERZERO

been around 17 years on this gorram planet, still dont have a Valentine.

They need to make a holiday where Single people can be happy....wait I think we already have it, its called St.Patricks Day

"I wanted to give you, what you deserve, and I got it. They put the spark in me, now all it does is burn" - Spike S7 "Beneath You"

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Sunday, February 12, 2006 9:04 PM

SINGATE

As if birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas weren't enough; they had to make up an entire day to guilt men into spending even more money.

Bastards!

At least it falls on a Tuesday, that oughta make it inconvenient for the "true" romantics out there.

Is that bitter enough for you.

_________________________________________________

We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.

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Sunday, February 12, 2006 10:23 PM

VIOLETRIX

i'm not togetherness impaired, but it really is a stupid capitalist, money-generating scheme. it's not even a holiday for f

k's sake! the f

ing neighbors have a huge inflatable "valentine's bear" in their yard. when did we start decorating for fake holidays?

http://violetrix.blogspot.com
if i ever kill you, you'll be awake, you'll be facing me, and you'll be armed.

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Sunday, February 12, 2006 10:38 PM

MELAM

Well I could put out my own lovely long rant about how much I despise this "holiday", but I'm sure I'd be preaching to the chior. Hell even last year when I was in a relationship I threatened physical harm if he were to buy me anything for VD. (Perhaps I was a bit too Zoe-like for the poor boy and that's why we are no longer together.)

All I can say is that the only good thing I've seen come out of this holiday for a long time are TCM's Valentine's.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 4:08 AM

GRIZWALD

Hate it. Stooopid excuse for whining, hurt feelings and overextension of credit.

I forbade Mr. Grizwald to bring me anything whatsoever. And he knows I mean it.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 4:27 AM

XENOPROBE

Yep. Hate it too.

Valentine's has always been a source of ridiculousness. My friends were all moaning about how their husbands never really rise to the occasion. I piped in that maybe their expectations were the issue. I mean, as women, we're 'trained' to want the diamond, the chocolates, the grand act of romance.

It's all bogus! Romance doesn't exist that way. I think it is far more romantic to sit by a loved one through sickness, to volunteer together for a charity or even to mutually ignore Valentine's Day!

The most 'romantic' thing to happen to me in my adulthood was to be reminded by a once good friend that I was attractive. I felt particularly low and unappealing and he held up a mirror to my face, ordered me to look at myself and told me he saw a bright, intelligent and beautiful woman.

If more of this went on (both by others and by ourselves) we wouldn't be waxing about VD and all its trappings.

I do wish you all a fine holiday, because I have love for anyone who feels as I do about Joss and Firefly!

Shiny.

~*~*~*~*~

Ching-wah TSAO duh liou mahng. Shiny.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 4:34 AM

1978

Mmmm togetherness impaired I am but it is not for lack of trying.

Just have not found that right togetherness person yet. Hope I will soonanyways.

I do have "Date" I am planning on spending my "Valentine's Day" with Cpt. Malcolm Reynolds after I spend some time with Jethro Leroy Gibbs and company. So that kinda takes the edge off. Lots of junk food, some ice cream and Cpt. Reynolds.

Valentines Day is like New Years Eve either it is really, really good or it sucks like no other. My only problem is I love all the red and the chocolate candy and that is just what gets me.

I also like to send cards to my nieces which thanks to my BD Move to a new apartment I did not have the money for. So, I like "Valentines Day" for may family giving cards and stuff to then. But on the relationship front if you need a specially designated day to say the special stuff to you significant other you need help.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 4:52 AM

GRIZWALD

Quote:
Originally posted by xenoprobe:
...I think it is far more romantic to sit by a loved one through sickness, to volunteer together for a charity....

Well put!

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Monday, February 13, 2006 5:05 AM

ELOISA

*sighs* You're not exactly making me feel better. I'm 25 and I've only had one Valentine in my life, and that was from a creepy stalker who married a Russian mail-order-bride two years later at the age of 21. I intend to spend tomorrow night eating an entire tub of ice cream and watching TV sport and Firefly... well, I'll actually end up spending a chunk of it measuring for new carpets, but intentions are good and there is a lot of evening left after Carpetright shuts.

Is it me or are nice, intelligent, amusing, SF-fanatical heterosexual men getting harder and harder to find nowadays?

And to top off my complete romantic ineptitude, I'm getting a chest infection. Now even if anyone held a sprig of late mistletoe over my head, I couldn't stop coughing for long enough to respond. I think I might cry.

***
http://forums.ffonline.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19
Creative Writing

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Monday, February 13, 2006 5:14 AM

FREELANCEPILOT

Not necessarily. But something that our Geekdom does have is a lack of care for our own physical appearance.
I love me some geeks, my brother married a geek. She made anime music videos! That is two levels of geek over me. but to be honest, many of us don't take care of ourselves.
Which is something i don't understand. I mean, am i the only one who does push ups while watching out of Gas?
Hehe.
That's why people should throw Singles Shindigs.
Anyone want to throw one in austin texas?

Wash: Yeah, but psychic? That sounds like science fiction.
Zoë: You live on a spaceship, dear.
Wash: So?

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Monday, February 13, 2006 5:20 AM

ZISKER

Even physical care isn't enough to get over the social divide - but I've got geek goodness, so what do I care? I speak Geek.

Besides, I love Valentine's Day! Who cares if you don't have anyone to spend it with? It's better than going nuts mid-January and hooking up with anyone just so you'll have someone to spend one meal of mediocre conversation in a over-crowded resteraunt.

Plus, all the roommates are elsewhere thereby leaving the TV free for a change - which means more Firefly time (without their running commentary of "Are you watching that AGAIN?!). And, of course, the best part: DISCOUNT CHOCOLATE FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS! If you have no shame (and Lord knows I don't) you can stock up enough at Halloween and Valentine's to last you the whole year through.

So look on the bright side, everyone! If Hallmark is going to play you, play Hallmark! Those shredded discount cards make for create hamster-cage lining

In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and is widely regarded as a bad move. - Douglas Adams

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Monday, February 13, 2006 5:23 AM

1978

Man I think that I found my thread. You guys are pretty cool, single and you know the pit falls that happen to singles out in the world. Well, some are married but everyone seems to be groven on the same shiny thing.

I take care of myself I go to the singletons church (The Gym Cathedral as I call it) I try not to look like a rolly polly girl. I still like Ice Cream and Chocolate.

So what if I like Firefly and am a Geek there are people out threw with worse hang ups like crack and Meth habits. So what if what I happen to be addicted to is a TV show. I mean who cares if I have some of them memorized. I like being a geek…nerd…whatever sometimes.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 5:54 AM

QUEENOFTHENORTH

Quote:
Originally posted by Eloisa:

Is it me or are nice, intelligent, amusing, SF-fanatical heterosexual men getting harder and harder to find nowadays?

No, it's not just you. I also have a very difficult time finding these men.

Yup, Valentine's is a very depressing holiday for me. All it is is a reminder each and every year that I don't have anybody. Not to mention it fills the stores with chocolate that I really don't need but desperately want, and as I am already depressed, it's hard to resist. SIGH.

"I'm having one of those things - a headache with pictures."

"Of course I'm right. And if I'm not, may we all be horribly crushed from above somehow."

Like books? Go to this thread: http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=14862
to find out how to buy mine!

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Monday, February 13, 2006 6:03 AM

UNREGISTEREDCOMPANION

If you hate the capitalism aspect, you can always use it as a day to donate blood.

For myself, any day that increase the odds of me getting chocolate is fine by me!

~~~~~
"Funny and sexy. You have no idea. And you never will."

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Monday, February 13, 2006 6:08 AM

GRIZWALD

Ya know... Now that I think about it, Mr. Grizwald works with a very nice, intelligent, heterosexual, hygienic single geek who keeps the Firefly boxset within arms reach in his cubicle at all times.

Here's the page from the company website that introduces him to the world. Guess since it's a public page there should be no problem posting it:

http://ovationmarketing.com/OurPeople/ChrisHaas.asp

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Monday, February 13, 2006 6:28 AM

1978

That is thought: Fireflyfans.net dating area on the web page. We could find our true love on our favorite site.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 6:53 AM

DAVESHAYNE

Quote:
Originally posted by 1978:
That is thought: Fireflyfans.net dating area on the web page. We could find our true love on our favorite site.

I can see it all now:

Wash seeking Zoe for frolic on naked beach. Poetry optional.

SWF good with machines seeking educated professional for seriously recreational engineering. If you'll be my Simon I'll be your Kaylee.

Mal seeks Inara for verbal abuse and dancing around commitment. My last gf was a real Reaver please help restore my faith in the 'Verse.

David

You wanna go, Little Man?
Only if it's someplace with candle light.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 7:42 AM

GRIZWALD

Quote:
Originally posted by daveshayne:
My last gf was a real Reaver please help restore my faith in the 'Verse.

Hahahahahaha! Cute!

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Monday, February 13, 2006 8:29 AM

DIAVO

I have always disliked V-day (aka Single Awareness Day); the cause of isolation for 24 hrs for some, the mushiness, the consumerism.
And why should 1 day be set aside for love? If you truly love someone you should let them know *every* day!

But look up the origins of the holiday! Here, I did it for you:
http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/history_of_valentine.htm
Hallmark didn't invent it! (But yes they reap it.)

--Diavo

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Monday, February 13, 2006 9:08 AM

ELOISA

Quote:
Originally posted by daveshayne:
Quote:
Originally posted by 1978:
That is thought: Fireflyfans.net dating area on the web page. We could find our true love on our favorite site.

I can see it all now:

Wash seeking Zoe for frolic on naked beach. Poetry optional.

SWF good with machines seeking educated professional for seriously recreational engineering. If you'll be my Simon I'll be your Kaylee.

Mal seeks Inara for verbal abuse and dancing around commitment. My last gf was a real Reaver please help restore my faith in the 'Verse.

Um... my real name is Zoë...

***
http://forums.ffonline.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19
Creative Writing

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Monday, February 13, 2006 9:32 AM

DAVESHAYNE

Quote:
Originally posted by Eloisa:
Um... my real name is Zoë...

Hey what a coincidence my Avatar is Wash. :D Sadly where I'm at it's a little cold for to frolic naked. Probably just as well though since doing something mushy and romantic in the middle of a hide from valentines thread is probably in poor taste.

Seriously though Zoe is a pretty name.

David

You wanna go, Little Man?
Only if it's someplace with candle light.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 9:42 AM

RIVER6213

Valentine's Day should be a day marked on every terrorists calendar as a good day to attack all major cities.

Thats how I feel about Valentine's day

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Monday, February 13, 2006 9:51 AM

DAVESHAYNE

Quote:
Originally posted by RiveR6213:
Valentine's Day should be a day marked on every terrorists calendar as a good day to attack all major cities.

Thats how I feel about Valentine's day

Well you certainly have the spirit of the thread.

David

You wanna go, Little Man?
Only if it's someplace with candle light.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 10:27 AM

COWOFPAIN

For the most part(River6213 notwithstanding) you guys aren't nearly as bitter and hostile as I intended. I want angry,drunken rants,horror stories of stalkers(and stalking),and trash talkin exes(incriminating photos?)Not reasonable people solving their problems with talking!

Embrace the rage.(and anonymity!) If anyone can read this thread and remain optimistic concerning humans,there's something(else) wrong with us.

Remember, it's the misery of others that allows the rest of us to find a modicum of happiness.(gee,wonder why I'm alone)

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Monday, February 13, 2006 10:32 AM

DAVESHAYNE

Quote:
Originally posted by cowofpain:
Embrace the rage.(and anonymity!) If anyone can read this thread and remain optimistic concerning humans,there's something(else) wrong with us.

Remember, it's the misery of others that allows the rest of us to find a modicum of happiness.(gee,wonder why I'm alone)

Sorry. I'm not sure what's wrong with me this year. Usually I'm as bitter as the next guy with absolutely no romantic entanglements come v-d day. (you youngsters prolly won't get that.) So anyway, up the romantics!

David

You wanna go, Little Man?
Only if it's someplace with candle light.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 11:41 AM

ERRHEAD

there's a beautiful noncommercial response to valentines day

http://www.steakandbjday.com/

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Monday, February 13, 2006 2:44 PM

DRAGONMASTERZERO

I'm gonna do what I've done for every other valentines day. Play video games and watch entertaining TV Shows (Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Family Guy, Simpsons, South Park)

And for everyone who's pondered "Why does s/he go out with that person that treats them like gorram dirt"
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/130172
FYI I didnt make it, just found it.

"I wanted to give you, what you deserve, and I got it. They put the spark in me, now all it does is burn" - Spike S7 "Beneath You"

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Monday, February 13, 2006 2:56 PM

RIVER6213

You don't give a Valentine to a Cylon.

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Monday, February 13, 2006 4:04 PM

KIZYR

Quote:
Originally posted by RiveR6213:
You don't give a Valentine to a Cylon.

Because St. Valentine doesn't answer the prayers of toasters.

I don't like Valentine's for two reasons. One is the entire deal that commercialism's sapped every ounce of romanticism out of it--what's the fun in doing something you're expected (if not outright forced) to do? It's like rewarding someone for making their own bed and flushing the toilet. But, well, it's a Hallmark holiday, so it's supposed to be that way.

The other reason I don't like it is because it's so gorram unbalanced. The guy is supposed to handle everything: plan the night, buy the gifts. The girl gets nothing, no big deal; the guy does nothing, he's liable to get dumped. The guy does something and it turns out badly, he's liable to get dumped. And the girl's obligation is just to sit back and act pleased.

Mind you, I'm not generalizing. I'm saying that this is simply the baseline expectation. Anything above and beyond this is like extra credit.

I don't have a 'Valentine', of course, but then again my rules on dating are a bit... complicated. I did, once, but wasn't anything none too special, and it was a long while back. KF

~KF

Lord, I'm walking your way. Let me in, for my feet are sore, my clothes are ragged.
Look in my eyes, Lord, and my sins will play out on them as on a screen. Read them all.
Forgive what you can and send me on my path. I will walk on until you bid me rest.
~Haven Prayer

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Monday, February 13, 2006 4:10 PM

NCBROWNCOAT

Was feeling a little down myself about Valentine's Day until I started reading this thread and started laughing.

Bf waxes and wanes like Mal and we're currently sorta in the middle. So I'll ohhh and awhhhh when the girls at the office get their flowers tomorrow. I'll eat my half gallon of chocolate ice cream with the crew of Serenity and be tickled pink of bf comes through with anything.

I did get a postcard from a recent week long business trip so I'm ever hopeful.

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Tuesday, February 14, 2006 6:00 AM

DIAVO

Quote:
Originally posted by Kizyr:
I don't like Valentine's for two reasons. One is the entire deal that commercialism's sapped every ounce of romanticism out of it--what's the fun in doing something you're expected (if not outright forced) to do? It's like rewarding someone for making their own bed and flushing the toilet. But, well, it's a Hallmark holiday, so it's supposed to be that way.

The other reason I don't like it is because it's so gorram unbalanced. The guy is supposed to handle everything: plan the night, buy the gifts. The girl gets nothing, no big deal; the guy does nothing, he's liable to get dumped. The guy does something and it turns out badly, he's liable to get dumped. And the girl's obligation is just to sit back and act pleased.

Agreed. Plus I have a problem with anyone telling me what to do, especially society. (That why I identify w/ Mal so much!) So don't tell ME today I HAVE TO do this, lemme do it on my own, my own way.

--Diavo

P.S.> -Did anyone actually read the link I posted just a few above?!

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Tuesday, February 14, 2006 8:22 AM

NEVERED

HAPPY SINGLES AWARENESS DAY, EVERYONE!!!

If Hallmark can invent a holiday for couples, we can invent a holiday for singles.

February 14 isn't valentines's day: it's Singles Awareness Day!

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Tuesday, February 14, 2006 8:29 AM

DIAVO

http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/history_of_valentine.htm
Sheesh.

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Tuesday, February 14, 2006 1:20 PM

KIZYR

Quote:
Originally posted by Diavo:
http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/history_of_valentine.htm
Sheesh.

You don't gotta reference it thrice...

In any case, Valentine's Day is as much Hallmark-created as Easter is manufactured. I'm talking about the typical Easter, like I talk about the typical expectations on Valentine's day, not the 'real' Easter that's supposed to be about the Resurrection.

Well, unless somehow a bunny rabbit laying chocolate eggs is actually related to the resurrection of Christ... But I got my doubts as to that {^^}. KF

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Tuesday, February 14, 2006 1:34 PM

ELOISA

Quote:
Originally posted by Kizyr
The other reason I don't like it is because it's so gorram unbalanced. The guy is supposed to handle everything: plan the night, buy the gifts. The girl gets nothing, no big deal; the guy does nothing, he's liable to get dumped. The guy does something and it turns out badly, he's liable to get dumped. And the girl's obligation is just to sit back and act pleased.

OK, but how many guys like teddy bears, flowers and boxes of Thorntons Eden chocolates? Valentines is like that because it's easy to market - taking us back to over-commercialisation. Whereas if I had a partner over Valentines I'd - I don't know - pay for the cinema, or cook a recipe full of cream and saffron and other fancy things, or do something that'd be appreciated a heck of a lot more than having Interflora deliver to his office and that wouldn't have anything to do with any predictable big business.

***
http://forums.ffonline.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19
Creative Writing

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