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Making peace with V-Day Students voice opinions on holiday of love BY MANDI DAWKINS THE GAMECOCK With Valentine’s Day steadily ap proaching, there are a few things we can be sure to stumble across: flowers invad ing South Tower’s front desk; restaurants filled to capacity; cheesy love songs pouring through radios and computer speakers campuswide; and, of course, a plethora of “romance” articles in The Gamecock. So, why do we do this and where does it all come from? What makes Feb. 14 so spe cial? According to the History Channel, it all began in Rome during the third cen tury when Emperor Claudius II forbade young men to marry because HP he thought single men made better soldiers than those with wives and children. Luckily for lovers, a priest saw this as a ter rible injustice, and se cretly performed mar riages. This priest was none other than Saint Valentine. Sadly, when Valentine’s actions were dis covered, the emperor sentenced him to death. It’s hard to believe that all of the hustle ♦ OPINIONS, SEE PAGE 7 m /^)aht»i Ballroom m ^ , Pakci Stop to sfm I X Learn the Dances of your choice: Sa/stf, S/?ag & More It’s fun, easy & can be enjoyed forever. 2732 Devine Street Columbia, SC 29205 (803) 799-2080 Gift Certificates Available . Ashley's Alley A Full Service Salon 915 Lady Street Columbia, S.C. 29201 Located in the Vista Bring a friend and split the cost of highlights! $30.00 each! call to make your appointment. Call Marcy Price for an appointment @ 779-7561, ext 214 Visit straightasstring@aol.com How About 50% OFF • BBQ Sandwiches, • BBQ Baskets, • and, BBQ Dinners throughout ^Fehruan 1 i Penny Weights now offers engraving. We have a great selection of Valentines giftsfor Women and Men. 707 Harden St. 806-8882