February 07, 2006

More Cranky Valentine's Day Sighting Shots

If you haven't figured it out yet, I am no fan of Valentine's Day. While I don't much go in for conspiracy theories as a rule, I see this as nothing more than a plot by the Hallmark-FTD-Kay Jewelers' Axis of Evil and all their hangers-on to hoover our wallets.

But what really gets me is when we Llamas get dragged into things. This report, sent in by Dorkafork and longtime commenter RBJ, now puts us in the Lake District:

A charity with the slogan "get calmer with a llama" is offering romantic country strolls for the lovelorn, leading a llama together around the picturesque Lake District in north-western England.

"Chatting over a llama is certainly a novel way to meet people in a relaxed environment, and participants can enjoy a romantic picnic afterwards - carried by the ever obliging llamas in their backpacks," said owner Mary Walker.

Ms. Walker evidently is living in the Bizarro World:

Walker, whose Lakeland Llamas charity helps the disabled, is keen to assure lonely hearts that contrary to their bad press, the South American relatives of the camel do not habitually spit at or bite people but are in fact friendly and docile.

Yeah, right. Toss a wicker basket on my back in the name of a massive consumer shakedown smothered in ersatz romanticism and see what happens.

UPDATE: Professor Chaos sends in the same article, hoping for citation credit. You want a link? Dance, my friend! Dance!

Posted by Robert at February 7, 2006 02:35 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Oh, the visual! LMAO!

I'm sorry, Your Crankiness. I couldn't help it.

Posted by: Margi at February 7, 2006 03:16 PM

"get calmer with a llama"

You just can't expect to have a lockdown on the llama-lovin'. It's an ugly business, but if left unregulated...

Posted by: tee bee at February 7, 2006 03:53 PM

you're not the only one who casts a jaundiced eye towards the "holiday." Or at least what it's become.

had I a gun, I would have shot my television over the "pajamagram" ad with the schmoozy guy basically telling guys that if they want to get laid this valentine's day, they should send their "lady" pajamas.

I have nothing against romance but I do have something against romance being used cynically.

I also wonder about the buy-your-loved-one-a-car, or the expensive jewelry ads: being a Bitter Single Girl, maybe I don't know whereof I speak, but don't married couples (and some live-together couples) generally pool their incomes? So, if you bought your sweetie a diamond necklace, some of the money going to that would be out of her paycheck? And why is going into consumer debt romantic anyway?

Posted by: ricki at February 8, 2006 01:10 PM

Yeah, the Missus quickly put the kybosh on $60 dozens of roses once she started balancing the checkbook.

Posted by: Robbo the LB at February 8, 2006 01:39 PM

One of the joys of being single, no falling into the Madison Avenue made up 'holidays' tar pit. From my vantage point, it seems to suck all the joy out of being with someone: did I get her the right gift, is it expensive enough, but not too expensive, gee do I have to get her a diamond necklace every year for Valentines, and then what about her birthday, anniversary, Christmas. . .


FWIW, my dog would freak out by being near a llama.

Posted by: rbj at February 8, 2006 03:47 PM