Zahra, 20, is among a handful of boys and girls who were glancing at flowers inside a flower shop in downtown Kabul on Wednesday to select her favorite rose for her beloved one to mark the Valentine's Day. "In expressing our love, we should be fearless to show our love to anyone we love," Zahra whispered to Xinhua. Selecting a rose and carrying in hand with joy, Zahra said with cheerfulness that "Valentine's Day is a great day." The Valentine's Day is a new terminology in Afghanistan where its inhabitants largely believe in old traditions. But today, the popular Flower Selling Street in downtown Kabul is a hustle and bustle as scores of couples, boys and girls visiting the flower shops to buy bunches of flowers for their beloved ones to express their love. "The prolonged war and civil strife have deprived us from all happiness. Today is the Valentine's Day and this great day gives us the chance to be happy, to celebrate our love and above all, the … [Read more...] about Feature: Marking Valentine’s Day in Afghanistan
Valentines day break
Summer sings for Valentine’s Day
Summer sings for Valentine's Day (13-02-2009) Eclectic sounds of love by request in HCM City. Unique sound: Singer Summer Mencher. — VNS File Photo HCM CITY — California native Summer Mencher will bring diverse influences into her rendering of special Valentine's Day songs to regale lovers tomorrow at the Park Hyatt Sai Gon hotel in HCM City. The day will be dedicated to songs of love and romance including My Funny Valentine; Back at One; At Last; Close to You; Fly Me to the Moon; Top of the World; Unchained Melody; and Wonderful Tonight. Guests will be allowed to request a song to be dedicated to their Valentine, says Mencher. Mencher who describes her music as a mix of Incubus and Tori Amos, with her own twists, also brings in Middle Eastern tones in a way that is both unconventional and familiar. As the winner of the first place in the Evolve Singer/Songwriter Competition 2008, Mencher has performed at such large events as Rainbow Fest and the AIDS walk. … [Read more...] about Summer sings for Valentine’s Day
Couples face off in Valentine’s Day ordeal
Lips locked at all times -- including for bathroom breaks and meals -- is the less than romantic challenge facing Thai couples trying for the kiss to blow away all kisses at a Valentine's Day marathon. Seven couples have brought their lips together in the Thai beach resort of Pattaya, some 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Bangkok, hoping to break the world record for longest continuous kiss - which currently stands at nearly two days. The marathon kicked off on Sunday and will go through Valentine's Day, with prizes and glory for the pair that manages to hold out longer than 46 hours, 24 minutes and nine seconds. That record was set in 2011 by Lakkana Tiranarat, 31, and her husband, both back this year for another go. "We'll try to do better than last year but maybe just for a little longer. We'll see how tough the other competitors are but we'll do our best," Lakkana said. Each couple has a space of 1 square metre (yard) to prove their affection for each other. Food and drink … [Read more...] about Couples face off in Valentine’s Day ordeal
‘Fifty Shades’ steamy tale sets record for Valentine’s Day
"Fifty Shades of Grey," an erotic film criticized by reviewers, drew eager fans of the steamy novel it’s based on and set box-office records for Valentine’s Day and the Presidents Day weekend. The R-rated picture, from Comcast Corp.’s Universal Pictures, opened with sales of $81.7 million from Friday to Sunday in the U.S. and Canada, researcher Rentrak Corp. said in an e-mailed statement. Forecasters say it may reach $95 million over the extended Presidents Day weekend. "Fifty Shades" benefited from Valentine’s Day falling over a holiday weekend, along with deft marketing and reviews that, while criticizing its sadomasochistic theme, stoked the interest of moviegoers. It’s already the fastest-selling R-rated film, according to ticket seller Fandango.com, and is boosting prospects for a record-breaking 2015 for cinema owners. "Controversy sells," Paul Dergarabedian, senior analyst at Rentrak, said in a telephone interview. "Everyone was talking about this … [Read more...] about ‘Fifty Shades’ steamy tale sets record for Valentine’s Day
Where to celebrate your Valentine’s Day
Caravelle Hotel Valentine's high tea at Lobby Lounge promotes an array of finger food and sweet treats including mini lover hearts filled with raspberry mousse, homemade pink marshmallows and orange blossom crème brulee. Valentine's eight-course set dinner at Reflections Restaurant features with candle and live piano music. Valentine's buffet dinner at Restaurant Nineteen includes a spread of international gourmet cuisine, an oyster bar together with fresh seafood, barbeque and action stations will take center stage among a plethora of favorite Asian and Western mains, appetizers, soups, salads, cheeses and 21 indulgent desserts. … [Read more...] about Where to celebrate your Valentine’s Day