The Talker: Bacon-scented roses, 5-foot bouquets for your Valentine
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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Valentine's Day festivities will be bigger, gaudier, and filled with more bacon than ever.
The National Retail Federation says people in America will spend $18.6 billion for Valentine's Day -- a slight uptick from last year. $4.4 billion of that will be for jewelry and $1.9 billion is for flowers.
Men are said to be spending $176 on Valentine's Day, women spend $89, and $815 million is the total being spent on Valentine's gifts for our pets.
On the extreme side of floral spending, 1-800-Flowers.com has an arrangement of 100 long-stem roses for $430, including a vase. Its competition, FTD is selling a 5-foot-tall black vase of roses costing $299.99.
A company called J&D's in Seattle is selling bacon-scented roses made of wood. It's not clear how the bacon smell gets in there, but it's said to last for months.
The website Bacon Today has a recipe for making a bouquet of actual bacon roses, using a muffin pan and a drill to make holes for grease draining.
The prospect of sex used to be implied in some Valentine's Day advertising. Have you noticed it's gotten more explicit?
One crass website claims to have determined how much money men need to spend in order to get intimate with their dates.
Then, there's the not-so-subtle advertising of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company.
"Guys, this Valentine's Day, size really does matter," the ad begins. "If you want the big reaction and the big reward, get her the Big Hunk of Love Bear from Vermont Teddy Bear."
What's your take on Valentine's Day? Like it? Hate it? Is it important? Overrated? Do anything special? How much will you spend? Tell us your thoughts on our Facebook Page.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:42 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:42:45 GMT
Controversial magazine covers have been happening a lot lately as publishers are struggling and controversy often sells. But, the June issue of Allure magazine is a different case.
Controversial magazine covers have been happening a lot lately as publishers are struggling and controversy often sells. But, the June issue of Allure magazine is a different case.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-05-15 02:59:10 GMT
The New York Post reports wealthy Manhattan families on spring break found a slimy way to get on rides at Disney World with no wait: by hiring someone who is disabled.
The New York Post reports wealthy Manhattan families on spring break found a slimy way to get on rides at Disney World with no wait: by hiring someone who is disabled.
Beauty used to be in the eye of the beholder. Nowadays, a phone-app is making some of the judgments. More than 5 million people have bought the "Ugly-Meter" app. Here's how it works: You take a photo,
Beauty used to be in the eye of the beholder. Nowadays, a phone-app is making some of the judgments. More than 5 million people have bought the "Ugly-Meter" app.
There's debate about how a school in Georgia -- and the local police department -- handled a 6- year- old who apparently threw a violent temper tantrum.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:47 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:47:16 GMT
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:18:43 GMT
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:42:49 GMT
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:40:07 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:38 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:38:56 GMT
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:20:38 GMT
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
