I tried to avoid it. I wash my hands almost obsessively, but it seems it didn’t help. I still came down with a nasty cold complete with cough and sore throat. Perhaps I will have to join the Blessing of the Throats ceremony on Feb. 3. Two candles are tied together, lit and touched to the necks of people suffering from sore throats on St. Blaise's Day. The saint saved a child from choking to death on a fishbone and became the patron saint of throat sufferers. 

If I heal quickly enough, I can travel over to Cornwall for the Hurling of the Silver Ball. This ancient handball game takes place at St. Ives on Feb. 6. The game is played in the town's streets and on the beach starting at 10:30 a.m. The person holding the silver ball at noon wins a crown piece.

Another saint’s day falls on Feb. 14, St. Valentine’s Day. I don’t know what you will be buying your sweetheart, but I find chocolate is almost always welcome. Read In a Nutshell for fun facts and statistics on this favourite sweet. Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself from “phisher”men.  

Next, visit Treehouse Games to find February words. Then, if you are feeling romantic or need to get in the mood, read about a wonderful love story in Treehouse Trivia. 

As we gear up for another year, PineCone Research would like to ask for your help in maintaining security. While everyone likes to discuss what’s going on in their lives, talking about your work with PineCone can quickly become a security issue. Please limit your survey and product testing experiences as a panelist to your immediate household members. This includes posting information like our registration link in Internet chat rooms or on message boards. We appreciate your assistance in this matter. 

And if you have a question, problem or a comment of any kind to make – about the research you participate in or our newsletter, you can let us know what you think by e-mailing me at Scott@PineConeResearch.co.uk. Thanks for your interest and CONFIDENTIAL participation in PineCone Research. . . .where we value you, your time, your privacy and your opinions.