CYBER LOVE: NOTFOR THE FAINT OF HEART

by Dave Jurkiewicz assistantperspectiveseditor

No one ever said technology and romance were mutually exclusive. In fact, in this day and age, technology has become a primary vehicle for the romantic to express his or her deepest feelings. So for Valentine's Day, why not make use of the most indispensable part of the modern world of communication, the Internet.

One good place to start your journey on the interface of love should be Aphrodite's Love Palace at www.purple.co.uk. This is a multimedia mini-mall for Valentine's necessities. You can find poems, create cards, get the perfect gift suggestion or get advice on the best way to ask a special question. Also, the palace has links to other Valentine's sites.

For the man who wants to provide a gift of a more intimate kind, the Panty of the Month Club at www.panty.com has~ special gift package this month In fact, ~tis ~e only o the year when you can purse a package without becoming a member of the club. But do not ta1cemy word for it. After all, their slogan is, "Because lingerie is the gift that touches her when you can't."

For a gift that is truly stellar, check out the International Star Registry at www.imall.com. You can, for a relatively small fee, have a star named after that special someone. You will receive a framed certificate of authenticity and a star chart so you can find your loved one's corner of the sky.

Take a trip to the Gerber/Hart Library at www.gerberhart.org for the update on gay and lesbian Valentine's Day events including the play ''Paris is for Lovers." You can also get a calendar of events and links to support groups and chat rooms. No one should have to be alone on Valentine's Day.

If you want to get a quick and easy Valentine, contact the Disney Store at www.disney.com. :niey are now offering a •

Pooh Gram. It is a 12-inch Pooh bear, sporting a tuxedo and holding a heart that says, "I Love You!"

Lastly, for the man or woman who does not have a good grasp on the language of love despite the burning passion inside, Cyrano is online. Check out www.nando.net, which is the home of the Cyrano server.

All you have to do is type in your name, the name of a loved one and just a few words describing the relationship. Within minutes, you will receive a personalized, original letter which you can either print out or send through e-mail. Fine, it is not quite as good as the Cyrano with the big nose, but he is dead. This will have to do.

Remember, there are only 24 hours until the big day, so it is time to get on the ball and beat the clock. Valentine's Day is the best time to say "I love you." The only difference is, instead of saying it face to face, you can do it on your interface