6 more weeks of winter??

Not that it really matters in Singapore, where all we do is sweat, and where it's eternally the Endless Summer, except when it's raining, and even then we're sweating. It's always flip-flop weather here, always time for a swim, or a mango smoothie. Things actually move slower here, I think, because you're constantly walking through a wall of thick jungle humidity, breathing through a sponge, stopping to wipe your brow. There's something beautiful about being in a place that's so wild and exotic that you need an umbrella both for the rain and the sun, something about the pace that gets to you in a way that's healthy and real, making you take the time to cool off when you come inside... making you appreciate a cool glass of water.

But, I digress from this appreciation of Singapore, as I'm curious about two things at this time of year: Will Punxsy Phil see his shadow? And Will the Steelers Win the Superbowl? The beginning of February makes me nostalgic for Pittsburgh, thirsty for Yuengling, and reminds me of the time I went to Gobbler's Knob way out in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to see what this whole magic Groundhog thing was all about.



My best friend Josh's family has a place out in Punxsutawney, where we escaped many weekends in high school to play drinking games and get in all sorts of trouble in the cornfields. The Coopers, if you didn't already know, really know how to party, and considering their uncle is the President of the Inner Circle, it's usually a really good time. The Inner Circle is that collection of old white guys in top hats and long coats who are the caretakers of not only Phil the Groundhog (aka: "Prognosticator of Prognosticators"), but this strange and wonderful ceremony either designed to relieve winter bound folks from the delusions of cabin fever, or to communicate with the gods to help the farmers know when to plant the first seed (Harrison Ford, eat your heart out).

Either way, the night is not one to be missed on a list of bizarrely inspiring things to see in America before you die, not to mention a tradition that's over 120 years old. The all-night entertainment (pink unitard hula hoopers and a peppy MC who leads numerous renditions of the Hokey Pokey or the Polka, can't remember which), literally in the middle of nowhereville, USA. The celebration is followed by fireworks shooting off on the night sky while the sun comes up on the other side of the horizon and the PA system blasts the theme of Star Wars to ring in the dawn. It was just about enough to bring me to tears (well, that or the lack of sleep and copious beers consumed over the course of the evening). What a strange and wonderful place in Pennsylvania. Here's a video of the ceremony that can maybe even inspire you.

And as for the Steelers, lets just say - IRON CURTAIN BABY! DOUBLE YOIY!!! Here's a link to an article in the NYTimes.com about the legend of the Terrible Towel, and a video to get you PUMPED UP!!! I hear we're being called the Yankees of Football. Must be all dem Primanti sammiches yinz guys are eatin dahn 'ehr N@!!!!