Friday, February 13, 1998
Love Bugs
VALENTINE’S DAY: Whether you’ve been bitten or you’re just
annoyed with the whole holiday,
A&E has suggestions
for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day
The "Belieeeeve Me,
It’s Not a Date" Date
Last year’s Feb. 14 was spent holding a seance and tribal dance
ceremony in celebration of burning that ex-significant other’s
photos, praising the freedom of singledom. The year before was
spent cuddled up to a lovely black permanent marker, drawing X’s on
all your roommates frilly foo-foo hearts she received while she was
out on a date – you cursed the oppression of singledom.
So this year, instead of churning out all the reasons
Valentine’s Day is actually the day of the devil (fiery red
everywhere, some demented half human-half bird shooting arrows,
etc.), just go easy. This date involves "hanging out" not "going
out," grabbing a "bite to eat" instead of a "romantic dinner" and a
good firm handshake at the night’s end. Phew, no sweaty palms here.
Worry not. "Platonic" will be written all over your forehead.
Nerissa Pacio
The Artsy-Fartsy Date
Another valentine, another day to exploit the Los Angeles art
and culture scene. What? Art in Los Angeles? Yes there is such a
thing as an art scene in Los Angeles. So for all y’all arm-chair
culture-loving couples, lets turn this mutha out.
This day of love and rosy promises starts off with a cornucopia
of artsy stuff. Quincy Jones is in the house (the Wadsworth
Theater, that is) for a tribute to himself. Watch as jazz people
come play jazz music for Q and witness him enjoy it.
After a busy day bouncing around town, possibly to the Getty
Center or catching the latest theatrical production from the
Actor’s Gang in West Hollywood, a hearty and romantic dinner is in
order. A restaurant like McDonald’s, Wendy’s or any other eatery
that can capture the pure essence of Americana. Getting immersed in
the bright orange, red and yellow decors and observing the
distinctive clientele of one of these restaurants is a peek into
American culture in its most naked and grossly obese environment.
Trinh Bui
The Crusader Date
Do you two pick up the leaflets that fly from the Daily Bruin
and recycle them? Are you the ones stopping every five minutes to
give change to the charity solicitors that line Bruin Walk? Then go
on a "Socially Conscious Date" this Valentine’s Day, combining
romance with your compassionate, caring and surely 100-percent
all-natural lifestyle. Instead of frivolously wasting time on a
picnic, be the morally right ones who pick up the trash left by
those careless picnickers. (Be sure to shoot meaningful,
reproachful glances at them as you do so.) Feel the sparks fly as
your hands accidentally brush against each other as you both reach
for that moldy banana peel.
Next, attend a protest. Who cares if you become hoarse
screaming? You two can communicate through looks of love. Or donate
blood together, just like Brenda and Dylan on that very special
episode of "90210."
The sharing and giving can last all the way through dinner.
Snack while dishing out food at a homeless shelter and let the
leftovers be your second course – it’s free! (Did I mention this is
also known as the "El Cheapo" date?)
Still feel like spreading some more goodness to the world? Then
attend an all-night vigil to save the
trees/children/bread-that-might-not-be-moldy. Whatever. Everything
always seems more romantic by candlelight. If you don’t mind
spending a little dough, try saving something that really needs
your help while fighting the destructive force of big companies and
the evils of commercialism. Be a friend to the little guy and forgo
the trip to Disneyland – spend the day at Knott’s Berry Farm
instead. Jammie Salagubang