Monday, February 14, 2005

 

Spotlight: In Roman mythology, Cupid is the god of love. He is particularly busy on Valentine's Day, celebrated today in America and Europe. Today is also one of the busiest days of the year for vendors of greeting cards, flowers, and chocolates.

Quote: "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind." -- William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Word of the day: truffle -- an edible fungus that grows underground, on or around the roots of certain trees. A delicacy, the white and black truffles have been long thought to be an aphrodisiac. Chocolate truffles -- not to be confused with the fungi -- are usually made with chopped nuts, rolled into a ball and coated with cocoa powder. (© )

Holiday: Valentine's Day

Today's News:

• Sarah Scantlin -- brain damaged woman speaks after 20 years (story)
• Purchase College -- to offer 'Relationships 101' (story)
• AFC -- wins Pro Bowl (story)

Today's History:

• The Importance of Being Earnest: Oscar Wilde's last play opened in London (1895)
• St. Valentine's Day Massacre: Al Capone's gang guns down 7 rivals (1929)
• Jacqueline Kennedy: led a televised tour of the White House (1962)

Today's Birthdays:

• Jack Benny: comedian famed for his stinginess (1894-1974)
• Michael Bloomberg: Mayor of New York City (63)
• Carl Bernstein: award-winning investigative journalist (61)