1.   Conversation hearts, those little pastel, almost tasteless, candy hearts with a message, are made by the New England Confectionary Co., better known as Necco.

2.   Cut into squares, top with candy hearts.

3.   Most are suitable neither for candy hearts nor a family newspaper.

4.   The company sent bald men dressed as Cupids onto the streets of three cities to give away Necco candy hearts and discount coupons.

5.   The postage-meter stamp on the outer envelope had bled to a soft, blurred pink, like the lettering on a candy conversation heart.