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Northeast Winter Storm Disrupts Holiday Travel, Thousands of Flights Affected

  A powerful mix of snow and ice sweeping across the U.S. Northeast has caused major travel disruptions, leading to thousands of flight delays and cancellations across the region. The storm, which hit early Saturday, prompted states of emergency in New York and New Jersey and forced officials to warn residents to stay off treacherous roads. Airports in the New York metropolitan area—including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty —were among the hardest hit, with airlines struggling to manage the post‑holiday travel surge. According to flight‑tracking data, more than 5,580 flights were delayed and at least 860 were canceled as of Saturday afternoon. Snowfall totals ranged from 15 to 25 centimeters across parts of New York, Connecticut, and Long Island, with New York City recording 2 to 4 inches in Central Park. Crews worked through the morning to de‑ice aircraft and clear runways as passengers faced long waits and rebooking challenges. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized...
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Valentine's Day: A Timeless Celebration of Love

 

Every February 14, hearts flutter and red roses bloom as people around the world mark a day dedicated to love. While today’s festivities often revolve around exchanging cards, chocolates, and flowers, the origins of Valentine’s Day weave a rich tapestry of history, myth, and transformation.

The roots of the holiday trace back to ancient Rome, where the raucous festival of Lupercalia celebrated fertility with rituals that included animal sacrifices and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, these pagan customs began to fade. In the late 5th century, the Catholic Church, seeking to offer a more pious alternative, established a feast day in honor of Saint Valentine—a clergyman martyred for defying the emperor’s ban on marriages for soldiers. According to legend, while imprisoned, Valentine miraculously restored the sight of his jailer’s daughter and sent her a parting note signed “from your Valentine,” a sentiment that echoes in today’s love letters and cards.

The medieval period further transformed the holiday’s meaning. English poet Geoffrey Chaucer famously linked February 14 to the beginning of birds’ mating season in his poem "The Parlement of Foules," thus cementing the association between Valentine’s Day and romance. Over the centuries, what started as a somber memorial for a martyr evolved into a vibrant celebration of all forms of love—from romantic partnerships to heartfelt friendships. Today, many cultures add their own unique twists: in Japan, for example, women gift chocolates to men (with the favor returned on White Day), while in the Philippines, mass weddings are held as an expression of communal love. 

Modern Valentine's Day is as much about personal expression as it is about tradition. Beyond the commercial bustle of gift shops and florists, the day invites us to celebrate the people who enrich our lives—be they partners, friends, or family. Whether you're crafting a handmade card, planning a quiet dinner, or even treating yourself to a moment of self-love, Valentine’s Day reminds us that love, in all its forms, remains a timeless and universal language.

Happy Valentine’s Day—may your day be filled with warmth, connection, and a little bit of magic!

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