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The number of years a Spanish civil servant failed to turn up for work before anyone noticed. His absence was only discovered when he was considered for an award for loyal service. Joaquin Garcia’s job — paying about $60,000 a year — was to oversee the bu

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend in North America and other places, but not everywhere. Remember this if you plan to get romantic in Iran anytime soon.

Q WHY SHOULD YOU THINK TWICE ABOUT SENDING CHOCOLATES TO LOVED ONES IN IRAN TOMORROW?

A Because Iran is cracking down on Valentine’s Day celebrations and shops engaging in them will be guilty of a crime. Iranian news outlets reported the police directive Friday, warning retailers against promoting “decadent Western culture through Valentine’s Day rituals.” Police informed Tehran’s coffee and ice cream shops trade union to avoid any gatherings in which boys and girls exchange Valentine’s Day gifts.

Q WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE SO OFFENSIVE ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY?

A The creeping Western influence in the country, apparently. The annual Feb. 14 homage to romance, which tradition says is named after an early Christian martyr, has become popular in recent years in Iran and other Middle East countries. The backlash in the Islamic Republic is part of a drive against the spread of Western culture. Saudi Arabia has also sought to stamp out Valentine’s Day but it’s celebrated widely in nearby places like Dubai.