On the lighter side (of love) ...
The Census bureau released some fun facts today on Valentine's Day and consumption of related gifts and treats.
By the numbers:
$13.9 billion = Total value of 2004 shipments for firms producing chocolate and cocoa products.
3,467 = Number of U.S. candy and nut stores in 2004.
25.7 pounds = American consumption of candy, per person, in 2005.
$39 million = The combined wholesale value of domestic cut roses in 2005 for all businesses with sales of $100,000 or more.
28,772 = The number of U.S. jewelry stores in 2004.
$2.6 billion = Sales recorded by the nation's jewelry stores last February.