Blogs: Sci-Fi Religion; Restraining Order

Mother's Day may be the main moneymaker and meal ticket—literally—for restuarants in the Lower Hudson Valley, but Valentine's Day is a close second.

About one-quarter of the country's population dines out for the February holiday, notes Patch blogger Jerry Eimbinder, a number second only to Mother's Day. Eimbinder draws on research by the National Restaurant Association.

Another interesting stat Eimbinder unearths: "The research study conducted by the NRA also found that a restaurant gift card or certificate was the gift most desired by men on Valentine's Day, but not by women."

(Now, for those wholly dissatisfied with the paramours' holiday—read Brian Moloney's take, which includes asides about restraining orders and ill-timed edible underwear exploits.)

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In his essay "Holy Wormhole," blogger Philip Jenks explores the connection between Jesus, physics and science fiction.

"Heaven, like star systems millions of light years away, is unattainable without a special means of getting there," Jenks pens. "Jesus is the holy wormhole that makes the voyage possible. Hallelujah!"

His writing has kicked off a spirited discussion—join the din here.

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In beer news (yes, that's a category), the Captain Lawrence Tasting Room blogs notes it's not too early to begin prepping for St. Patrick's Day. So, a look inside the brewery:

"Scott Tobin, our resident Irish guy, told me he wanted to make green beer,” says Scott Vaccaro, Captain Lawrence founder. “I said, I’m not adding food coloring to beer.”

They found a compromise by adding the green nutritional supplement known as spirulina to the mix.

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If you're interested in blogging for Patch and sharing your story, insights, opinions or photos, email kevin@patch.com.