HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.

THE LEGEND OF ST. VALENTINE

The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

Did You Know?

Approximately 150 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.

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. 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.-read more

Polar bear gets fireman help.

For a dental examination Victor-18 year old ,80 stone polar bear and u.k s  oldest required the help of firefighters .The firefighters had the specialist  equipment to allow dentist to check a discoloured tooth and vets to x-ray and take blood samples for testing,Yorkshire wildlife park,donchester.

Badger -otter fossils found.

Fossils found in China were of badger-otter the size of wolves that roamed earth  6 million years ago.

V.C Found.

A medal found by an amateur treasure hunter may have belonged to Private John Byre who served in the Crimean War .The medal in question is a Victoria cross  and was 1 of 16 awarded after the Battle of Inkerman -november 5th 1854 and 1 of 2 inkerman v.c,s still unaccounted for .The problem is the v.c has date of battle but not recipients name on a suspender bar which is missing.

Betty the pole cat rescued after spending a whole DAY stuck on top of a pylon

A terrified cat was finally rescued after spending a whole day stuck on top of a 30ft electricity pole.

A whole street had to have their power switched off so that firefighters could stage the rescue operation.

Betty the black and white moggy managed to scale the wooden structure but found herself stranded on the top and unable to get back down.

The electricity pole was at the bottom of a neighbour’s garden and it took a full rescue crew, electricity supply workers and an RSPCA officer to carry out the rescue on Friday.

The lovable cat was stuck up the pole for 24 hours and only rescued after neighbours heard her cries for help.

Utility firm Western Power Distribution switched off the power supply to the whole street in Cam, Gloucestershire., as a precaution-read more

Britain's first NAKED workout classes launched by personal trainer

A personal trainer has launched the UK's first ever nude workout classes.

Ten participants bared all to take part in the first Nude-ercise class on Saturday night.

Former recruitment consultant Helen Smith, 35, led the circuits-style workout, which included jumping-jacks, sit-ups, push-ups and partner work.

The hour-long class, which costs £8, is described as "gentle boot-camp style exercise with partner games and teamwork" suitable for all fitness levels.

People aged between 33 and 70-years-old to part in the first class in Southampton, Hants., but Helen welcomes adults of all ages to try the activity-read more

Moths instead of mice .

I do not think this is a good news as dislike animal experiment and do not understand why still required.Scientists are thinking of using moth larae instead of mice,rats and rabbits for experiments .