Valentine’s Day Edition

The Bentonian

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.So love the people who treat you right,

Forget about the ones who don’t, And believe that everything

happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said that it’d be easy. They just promised it

would be worth it.

5655 S. 4th Street, Saint Joseph, Mo. 64504 (816) 671-4030

The History of Valentine’s Dayby Devyn Auxier

According  to  some,  Valentine’s  Day  got  its  of6icial  holiday  date  from  the  Christian  church’s  feasting  that  took  place  in  the  middle  of  February.  This  is  said  to  be  done  as  an  effort  of  “Christianizing”  certain  festivities.  Another  theory  says  that  Valentine’s  Day  is  in  February  because  that  is  the  month  that  spring  of6icially  begins.  It’s  unknown  the  origins  of  St.  Valentine,  but  archaeologists  do  know  he  existed  and,  after  being  executed  as  a  martyr  on  February  14,  Pope  Gelasius  declared  February  14  a  day  of  celebration  in  honor  of  St.  Valentine’s  martyrdom.  

Although  there  may  be  debates  over  how  Valentine’s  Day  came  about,  there  is  no  question  that  the  holiday  is  highly  celebrated.  The  observance  of  Valentine’s  Day  began  around  the  1600’s  in  Great  Britain.  It  was  not  long  before  it  became  a  regular  celebration  for  friends  and  signi6icant  others  to  swap  little  notes  or  presents.  Valentine’s  Day  was  brought  to  the  United  States  in  1629  by  the  Puritans.  The  holiday  was  protested  by  churches,  but  eventually,  Valentine’s  Day  became  so  widespread  that  there  was  nothing  the  church  could  do  about  it.  By  the  1800’s,  printers  began  to  make  cards  for  the  holiday,  which  were  then  exchanged  instead  of  notes.  In  2010,  a  survey  given  to  U.S.  consumers  showed  that  the  average  person  spends  about  $103  on  Valentine’s  gifts;  a  big  step  up  from  trading  simple  cards  and  humble  gifts.

Even  hundreds  of  years  after  the  creation  of  the  holiday,  it’s  still  going  strong  across  the  world;  Mexico,  Canada,  United  Kingdom,  France,  and  Australia  all  celebrate  as  well.  “According  to  the  Greeting  Card  Association,  an  estimated  one  billion  valentine  cards  are  sent  each  year,  making  Valentine’s  Day  the  second  largest  card-­‐sending  holiday  of  the  year.”  On  top  of  the  traditional  cards,  gifts  are  exchanged,  dates  are  made,  and  6lowers  are  given.  

Google ImagesGoogle Images

How Much is Too Much?by Keegan CunninghamThey say that diamonds are a girls best friend. They tell us it’s the small things that count. Some say that love is just enough.Sophomore Matt Peek says, “I think that just a simple, small, thoughtful gift is just enough for Valentine’s day.” When (grade) Sidney Keith was asked what she thought was too much for a Valentine’s day gift, she said, “Expensive jewelry is too much. Flowers and a cute teddy bear would be fine.”When deciding what to give someone for Valentine’s Day, remember not to go over the top crazy on a gift.Valentine’s Day is a simple holiday meant to celebrate love, being in love, and loving the one you’re with. So instead of showering your loved one with gifts this Valentine’s Day, get him or her something small, and spend the day just enjoying being around the one you love.

Hallmark sells 188 million Valentine’s Day cards a year, not counting the classroom

cards that we are all guilty of exchanging in elementary school!

About 189 million stems of roses are sold in the United States every Valentine's Day!

15 percent of women buy themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day to make them feel better

about not having someone to share this holiday with.

In the United States, 1 billion dollars worth of chocolate is purchased on Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day Superstitions

It is said that the kind of bird a woman watches on Valentine’s Day predicts her future lover.

Sparrow: A poor man

Owl: Remain spinster

Bluebird: A happy man

Blackbird: A priest or clergyman

Crossbill: An argumentative man

Top 10 Valentine’s Day Moviesby  Tabatha  Ellis

1.)  Casablanca2.)  Sleepless  in  Seattle3.)  Shakespeare  in  Love

4.)  Serendipity5.)  The  Princess  Bride6.)  Some  Like  it  Hot

7.)  Breakfast  at  Tiffany’s8.)  Annie  Hall

9.)  Love  Actually10.)  When  Harry  Met  Sally

Fun Statistics from Valentine’s Day’s PastWe  all  love  candy  on  Valentine’s  Day,  but  according  to  a  

study  done  by  the  census  bureau,  American  manufacturers  put  out  $12.2  billion  worth  of  chocolate  and  cocoa  products  in  a  

year  and  $7.1  billion  worth  of  other  kinds  of  candy.

There  are  over  26,683  jewelry  stores  in  this  country  and  in  February’s  sales  alone,  over  $2.4  billion  dollars  were  racked  in  

2011.  

According  to  the  Greeting  Card  Association,  190  million  Valentine's  Day  cards  are  exchanged  annually,  making  

Valentine's  Day  the  second  most  popular  greeting  card–giving  occasion,  after  Christmas.

The  average  U.S.  consumer  spent  around  $102  on  Valentine's  Day  gifts,  meals  and  entertainment  in  2009,  

according  to  an  annual  U.S.  National  Retail  Federation  survey.  Roughly  92  percent  of  married  Americans  with  children  will  spend  most  of  that  money  (about  $67)  on  their  spouse;  the  rest  goes  to  Valentine's  Day  gifts  for  kids,  friends,  coworkers  

and  even  pets.  

In  the  United  States,  64%  of  men  do  not  make  plans  in  advance  for  a  romantic  Valentine's  Day  with  

their  sweethearts.

About  3%  of  pet  owners  will  give  Valentine's  Day  gifts  to  their  pets.

15%  of  U.S.  women  send  themselves  alowers  on  Valentine's  Day

53%  of  American  girlfriends  would  kick  their  boyfriends  to  the  curb  if  they  didn't  get  something  for  Valentine's  Day

Here  are  some  percentages  of  commonly  purchased  items  on  Valentine’s  Day.

Candy  -­  47.5%          

Gift  Cards  -­  12.6%  

Cards  -­  52.1%      

Dining/Evening  Out  -­  34.6%

Clothing  -­  14.4%

Flowers  -­  34.3%

Jewelry  -­  17.3%

Other  Gifts  -­  11.2%

Who is Cupid?by  Jered  Ross

Cupid  is  the  god  of  desire  and  love.  He  is  said  to  be  the  son  of  the  love  god,  Venus,  who  lived  in  the  Roman  mythological  time  period.  Cupid  is  also  known  in  Latin  as  “armor”  meaning  love.  He  is  a  naked  little  boy  with  wings  and  a  bow  and  arrow.  The  arrow  is  said  to  strike  a  man  or  woman  and  cause  them  to  fall  in  love  with  one  another.  Cupid  can  strike  you  at  anytime.  He  can  turn  hate  into  love  and  possibly  make  that  special  person  your  true  love  for  life.  

Top 10 Love Songs1.)  My  Love

by  Justin  Timberlake  2.)    With  or  Without  You

by  U23.)  Cupid’s  Chokeholdby  Gym  Class  Heroes4.)  Love  Storyby  Taylor  Swift5.)  Crazy  in  Love

by  Beyoncé6.)  7  Thingsby  Miley  Cyrus7.)  Lucky

by  Jason  Mraz8.)  Such  Great  Heightsby  The  Postal  Service

9.)  No  Oneby  Alicia  Keys10.)  Lovebug

by  Jonas  Brothers

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Valentine’s Day Recipesby Kailie BrissettAs  we  all  rush  around  and  stress  out  about  what  to  get  our  special  someone  for  Valentine’s  Day,  where  to  eat  is  always  a  big  concern.  For  that  special  Valentine’s  evening,  why  not  surprise  that  special  someone  a  special  meal  at  home.  Show  him  or  her  how  much  you  care  by  creating  something  yourself.  Besides,  it’s  much  better  than  6ighting  the  crowds  at  restaurants,  anyway.  Here  are  some  great  recipes  you  could  use  to  wow  your  date.

Be-­My-­Valentine  Pizza  Recipe1 tube (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza crust.

1/4 cup shredded Italian cheese blend. 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.

2 slices provolone cheese, cut in half.1/4 cup pizza sauce.18 slices pepperoni.

1/4 cup chopped onion. 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives

Unroll pizza dough onto a greased baking sheet; flatten dough. With kitchen scissors, cut into a10-in. heart. (Use dough trimmings to make breadsticks if desired.) Bake at 425° for 8 minutes.Combine the Italian and mozzarella cheeses; set aside. Arrange provolone cheese over crust towithin 1/2 in. of edges. Spread with pizza sauce. Layer with the pepperoni, onion, olives andcheese mixture. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Strawberry  Valentine  Cookies  Recipe2/3 cup butter, softened. 2/3 cup sugar. 1 egg. 1 tablespoon lemon juice. 2 cups all-purpose flour.1/3 cup strawberry drink mix. 2 teaspoons baking powder. 1/2 teaspoon salt. GLAZE: 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips. 1 teaspoon shortening. FROSTING: 1/3 cup butter, softened.2 tablespoons strawberry drink mix. 1/8 teaspoon salt. 3 cups confectioners' sugar. 3 to 5 tablespoons 2% milk

In  a  small  bowl,  cream  butter  and  sugar  until  light  and  6luffy.  Beat  in  egg  and  lemon  juice.Combine  the  6lour,  drink  mix,  baking  powder  and  salt;  gradually  add  to  creamed  mixture  and  mixwell.  On  a  lightly  6loured  surface,  roll  out  dough  to  1/4-­‐in.  thickness.  Cut  with  a  6loured  2-­‐1/2-­‐  to3-­‐in.  heart-­‐shaped  cookie  cutter.  Place  2  in.  apart  on  ungreased  baking  sheets.  Bake  at  350°  for8-­‐10  minutes  or  until  set  and  edges  begin  to  brown.  Cool  for  2  minutes  before  removing  to  wireracks  to  cool  completely..  In  a  microwave,  melt  chocolate  chips  and  shortening;  stir  until  smooth.Spread  over  cookies;  let  stand  until  set..  n  a  small  bowl,  beat  the  butter,  drink  mix  and  salt  until  blended.  Gradually  beat  inconfectioners'  sugar.  Add  enough  milk  to  achieve  desired  consistency.  Decorate  cookies.

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed1 tablespoon cinnamon-sugar

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips1/4 teaspoon shortening.

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon clear vanilla extract 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Strawberry  Towers  Recipe

On  a  lightly  6loured  surface,  roll  pastry  sheet  into  a  14-­‐in.  x  10-­‐in.  rectangle.  Using  threedifferent  sizes  of  heart-­‐shaped  cookie  cutters  (3-­‐1/2  in.,  3  in.  and  1  in.),  cut  out  12  hearts,  four  ofeach  size  (discard  scraps).  Place  2  in.  apart  on  a  greased  baking  sheet.  Sprinkle  with  cinnamon-­‐sugar.Bake  at  400°  for  8-­‐10  minutes  or  until  golden  brown;  remove  smallest  hearts  to  a  wirerack.  Bake  medium  and  large  hearts  2  minutes  longer;  remove  to  a  wire  rack.  In  a  smallmicrowave-­‐safe  bowl,  melt  chocolate  chips  and  shortening;  stir  until  smooth.  Transfer  mixture  toa  small  resealable  plastic  bag;  cut  a  small  hole  in  a  corner  of  bag.  In  a  small  bowl,  beat  creamuntil  it  begins  to  thicken.  Add  sugar  and  vanilla;  beat  until  stiff  peaks  form.  To  assemble,  placelarge  pastry  hearts  on  dessert  plates;  top  with  a  third  of  the  whipped  cream  and  half  of  thestrawberries.  Drizzle  with  chocolate.  Top  with  medium  hearts,  another  third  of  the  whippedcream  and  remaining  strawberries.  Drizzle  with  chocolate.  Dollop  with  remaining  whippedcream.  Pipe  chocolate  around  edge  of  small  hearts;  insert  into  whipped  cream  at  top  of  tower.

Best V-Day Giftsby Tabatha Ellis

1. Two dozenRoses

2. PersonalizedCandy

3. RomanticFortune Cookies

4. BelgianChocolate

5. ValentinesGames

6. RomanticJewelry

7. FriendshipBracelets

8. A stuffedAnimal With

A Cheesy Quote9. Romantic Love

Tokens.10. Love Letter

Valentine’s Day Traditionsby Emily Cox

All over the world people celebrate Valentine's Day by expressing love to sweethearts, spouses and special people in their life. However, customs and traditions of celebrating the festival vary by countries due to social and cultural differences. Valentine’s Day in some countries is similar to Valentine’s Day here in the U.S., but in some countries Valentine’s Day is at a different time and in a different way when it comes to celebrating it. Giving chocolates, gifts, cards, roses, or going out with your “sweetheart”, is the best-known way of celebrating Valentine’s Day all around the world, but in some countries celebrating being in love is a bit different. For example, in Vietnam, couples wear the same style and/or color of clothes as their loved one. Japan has its own interesting way as well. For them, there are two Valentine’s Days. On February 14, girls give dark chocolate to the boys they like. On March 14, boys give cookies or white chocolate to the girls they like. In countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and India, not everyone is allowed to celebrate this day. People who attend college are free to celebrate the way they want to. But high school students aren’t normally allowed to celebrate the day of love. Regardless of the rules, some kids look for a way to give notes to their lovers. If the student gets caught passing their note, though, they receive a warning and their parents get notified of their romance. In some parts of the Dominican Republic and El Salvador, friends and family play games together. The game played in the Dominican Republic is called “Angelito”. Dominicans rip pieces of paper apart and write on it the name of another person, either girl or boy. Then, each player gives his/her “angelito” a present. In El Salvador it is played the same way, but with a different name. The Salvadorian game is called “Amigo Secreto” (Secret Friend).  In Spain, only people in love get and give presents. Friends or family don’t exchange notes or presents. Some countries don’t celebrate the holiday at all. Most Ethiopian and Chinese people don’t know what Valentine’s Day is until they’ve been to the U.S. and see the way we celebrate. Valentine's Day means different things to different people at different stages of their lives, but in the end Valentine's Day to us is about the search for everlasting love and companionship.

Worst  V-­Day  Giftsby  Tabatha  Ellis

10.The  Sweetheart  Sweatshirt-­(A  sweatshirt  built  for  two)

9.  Smittens

8.  A  cigarette  holder  built  for  two

7.His  and  hers  furniture

6.  Bad  jewelry  such  as  cheesy  sayings  on  a  necklace  or  key  chain

5.  Homemade  coupons  (“Good  for  one  hug”,  “Get  out  of  doing  the  dishes  for  a  week”,  and  so  on)

4.  Any  kind  of  animal

3.  Gas  station  alowers.

2.  Anything  with  hearts  on  it  (Socks,  ties,  shirts,  mouse  pads,  coffee  mugs)

And  the  number  one  worst  thing  that  you  can  get  for  someone  on

Valentine’s  Day  is...

1.  Anything  weight  loss  related!!

February 14th Valentine’s Events in

St. Joseph  Mystery  Dinner  Theatre:  Murder  to  Die  

For

7:30  pm  @  Robidoux  Resident  Theatre

Down  Home  Country  Band

7  pm  @  JRP  Senior  Center

$5.00

Valentine’s Shout Outs

To: Amber Cox

Oh I you, best friend!

~Engasha

Travis McClatchey,

I you!

~Ryleigh Burks

Dear Lindsay (Williams), “I hate your stinking guts. You

make me vomit. You’re scum between my toes.” (Just kidding.

You’re the best!)Love, Matthew Sharp

Dear Devyn,

Valentine’s Day reminds me of the smile I smile every time I

think of you. The emotional lift I feel at the sound of your

name. Valentine’s Day reminds me of the strength and comfort

I get from knowing there are people like you in my life. Everything good about

Valentine’s Day reminds me of you! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love, Matthew Sharp

Devyn,

Not only are you a good student, but you are quite the

salesperson. I had no intention of buying one of these

messages, but apparently constant asking pays off.

GREAT JOB!

~Mr. Hendrix

Stephen (Glenn),

You look nice today.

From, Kulu

Sydney (Hawkins),

You’re my best friend and I love

you.

~Kulu

From the Benton Journalism class, we with everyone a Happy Valentine’s

Day!