ENGLISH EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD

SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

ROLLER COASTER DAY

In 1884, LaMarcus A. Thompson built a ride at New York's Coney Island to bring people out of the local beer gardens. The tracks carried individual cars that climbed 15 feet in the air and zoomed along at 4 miles per hour. People swarmed to Coney Island to try this novelty for a nickel a ride. Today, the fastest roller coaster is the Alpengeist at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA. It goes 67 mph - and it probably costs more than a nickel.