Swingin' singles

Who needs a Valentine? Here are some ways to celebrate your singlehood.

by Colleen Ehrle assistant arts & entertainment editor

Whether you are strolling around the mall, reading your favorite magazine or flipping on the TV, you cannot escape the capitalists of Valentine's Day. They are sure to comer you.

What if you happen to be without a significant other on this Valentine's Day? Of course you feel left out. Do you wonder if it is really worth all the hype?

Yes, it is that time again. And every year it is met with two strong opposing reactions from the public.

While it is a sentimental ritual for some, it is annoying to those who view it as a reminder of being single.

1. Go to Structure and blow $100.

2. Go and get a massage from someone who does not want one back.

3. Buy season tickets to the Flyers.

4. Buy a membership to your nearest health club.

5. Get yourself the love, companionship and trust of a dog.

6. Take a nice long bubble bath.

7. Get a body pillow as a bed mate.

8. Spend a cozy evening with you, your new dog and "Sleepless in Seattle."

9 .. Get drunk, feel sorry for yourself and curse the rest of the world.

10. Go to Club Med for the weekend.

You belong to the single crowd. You are sick and tired of all the red and white everywhere you go. Well, do not just sit back and wallow in your self-pity.

Go out and celebrate your independence. You can have just as much fun, if not more, being single by going out with your friends on Valentine's Day weekend.

Who needs to belong to a merry little couple?

Get a group of single friends and enjoy the following activities:

.A.Eat out at one of your favorite hang-out restaurants (Bennigan's, T.G.I Fridays) and have a paranoia-free feast.

.A. There are so many fresh flicks on the big screen that do not require a couple prerequisite. Go and check out the new "Star Wars", "Hamlet" or "Gridlock'd."

A Maybe music is more your style. Catch a live show. There are many local artists playing every night, starting between 9-10 p.m., at the following spots: Upstairs at Nick's, 16 S. Second St., Phila.; Grape Street Pub, Grape and Main Streets, Manayunk; The

Rusty Nail, 2580 Haverford Road, Ardmore; Mighty Firenze, 11th and Cherry Streets, Phila.; The Middle East, 126 Chestnut St., Phila., usually all-ages shows.

A Move your body down to the club scene. These hot spots feature the best DJs and coverbands the area has to offer: Club 111, 111 S. Fourth St., Phila.; Egypt, 520 N. Delaware Ave., Phila.,special all-ages nights; Fubar, 38th and Chestnut Streets Phila.,special all-ages nights; Margarita's, 200 Spring Lane, West Chester; Sapphire Nightclub, 624 W. Main St., Norristown, special all-ages nights. Do not forget to celebrate the pros of being single-freedom and flirtation. This is an area where you will be the envy of all your committed friends.

You can scope out anyom you want without an ounce ol guilt. You can also make plani without the hassle of receivin~ the OK from your other half.

Maybe it seems all you1 friends are in so-called relation• ships. This is the perfect time tc pamper yourself.

Take advantage of all the dis• count Valentine's Day prices at .your favorite salon or department store.

Treat yourself and save at the following:

A The Beaute Salon (nail and skin care), 737 Walnut St., Phila.

A The Tanning Barn, Inc., 242 N. Third St., Phila.

A Take a stroll through the King of Prussia mall. The majority of these shops and stores are having great sales.

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