The Independent Collegian

When asked, some women admit to little-girl dreams of being a bride - fantasies filled with billowy dresses, long veils and their version of Prince Charming waiting to sweep them off their feet. Fulfillment of such dreams comes sooner for some women than for others, and occasionally couples will take the proverbial plunge into matrimony while one or both partners is still in college.

Now is the time to pull those rubbers out of a back pocket and wave them with pride. This week is National Condom Week, which promotes awareness and celebrates the innovative efforts of the condom industry - and also showcases changing technology. The tradition began about 15 years ago by students at Berkeley and was continued by graduates at the Condom Research Center in California.

Valentine's Day is approaching rapidly. As rapidly as extinction-level-event-causing stellar bodies hurtle toward the earth in sci-fi disaster movies. It seems a sure thing that I'll be spending the day alone. For once, this does not depress me. I spent last Valentine's Day in love.