Big Shot Birthdays and Special Events for the weekend ahead:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 _ Jane Seymour (Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman) is 74 • Lynn Whitfield (Madea’s Family Reunion) is 72 • Cartoonist Matt Groening (The Simpsons) is 71 • Alex Borstein (Susie Myerson in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Lois Griffin on Family Guy) is 54 • Omarosa Manigault (The Apprentice, spent time in the White House) is 51 • Producers/Writers/Directors Ross and Matt Duffer aka The Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things) is 41 • Amber Riley (Glee, Dancing with the Stars winner) is 39 • Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is 30
SPECIAL EVENTS _ Gumdrop Day • Hippo Day • I Want Butterscotch Day • Remember the Maine Day • Singles Awareness Day • Susan B. Anthony Day • Clementine Day • Hippo Day • World Wale Day
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 _ William Katt (Greatest American Hero) is 74 • LeVar Burton is 68 • Rapper-actor Ice-T is 67 • Sarah Clarke (Twilight) is 47 • Mahershala Ali (Oscars for Moonlight and Green Book) is 51 • Elizabeth Olsen (Marvel films) is 36
SPECIAL EVENTS _ Do a Grouch a Favor Day • Tartar Sauce Day • Friday Fish Fry Day • Caregivers Day • Women’s Heart Day • Almond Day • Innovation Day
MANY OF US FAIL AT VALENTINE’S DAY _ With Valentine’s Day just under a week away, it seems many Americans may be heading for failure. A survey found nearly 60 percent of people gave their partner an F grade when it came to bringing the romance on February 14. The survey, which looked into gift expectations and plans surrounding the annual day of love, uncovered that the average person rated their partner at just 52 percent — an F-grade equivalent — when it came to the effort they put into Valentine’s Day. Just 15 percent of those surveyed graded their partner an A. 70 percent of people said getting a Valentine’s Day gift was still very important to them. The survey found that men were surprisingly more demanding than women when it comes to Valentine’s Day expectations. More than half of the men polled admitted that they expect their partner to make a maximum effort in getting them a Valentine’s Day gift compared to just 36 percent of women who expect the same amount of effort.
THREE QUICK COMEBACKS THAT KEEP YOUR INTEGRITY _ We’ve all been in situations where someone says something hurtful or inappropriate. Instead of responding with anger or sinking to their level, here are three powerful responses that help you maintain your dignity while addressing the issue:
1. “How do you feel when you say that?” This simple question is particularly effective when someone makes an insulting or hurtful comment. It causes them to reflect on their own words and emotional state, often leading to self-awareness.
2. “I’m surprised you said that out loud.” Perfect for those moments when someone crosses a line or brings up inappropriate topics. This response clearly communicates your boundaries while remaining professional.
3. “Did you mean for that to sound…?” Whether you complete it with “hurtful,” “offensive,” or another descriptor, this gives the other person a chance to clarify their intent or reconsider their words. It’s incredibly versatile and opens the door for either clarification or correction.
