"Even, educated fleas do it. . . "

Happy Valentines Day.

I like the idea of a holiday devoted to love. I think perhaps less emphasis on romantic love and more on "loving thy neighbor" might improve the holiday, but, I'll take baby steps.

In honor of V Day, I want to comment on Kissing. There is an article in the NY Times about kissing. Very interesting. It seems that east Indians are being blamed for the invention of kissing. There are all sorts of notions as to why kissing became such a human act -- one idea being that it is actually sniffing out our loved ones. I'll buy that -- you humans seemed to have lost your sense of smell over the many generations, so it only follows that you would substitute tonsil hockey for sniffin'. There is also the theory that kissing is left over from the days when mommies had to pre-chew and feed babies food because Gerber hadn't been born yet. That also makes sense. Although, I can see more than a few of you shuddering in revulsion because you just hate being reminded of your animal roots.

For you shudderers out there -- look around you -- see what animals do in way of greeting/loving. Many animals mutually groom each other - monkeys, cats, etc. Most animals have some sort of greeting for each other -- and, just like how it use to be for ya'll, it generally involves sniffing.

On the flip side, there are cultures out there who dislike kissing because it too closely resembles cannibalism. Didn't think of that one, did you? Ya'll could be a blood vial away from being Billy Bob and Angelina.

Changing gears completely, I want to recommend a read. I've said before that when I do recommend, or advertise, something in this blog, it will be something I myself would or do use. Read Jimmy Carter's newest book, Our Endangered Values. It is a great read. I'm only about a third the way through it and I already know I'll be reading it again and possibly even putting myself on "the grid" by writing Mr. Carter a letter expressing my agreement and appreciation. He discusses the rise of fundamentalism in our society and others - and spells out why this isn't good for us, democracy, or religion.

Advertisement over. Everyone go out, buy that big box of candy - even if it's for yourself, rent a couple of sappy movies, turn down the lights and have a lovey-dovey valentines.