From the editor
Let’s start with the obvious: it is cold. Not “grab-a-jacket” cold — but the kind of cold that makes you question your life choices every time you step outside. The wind stings your face, your car needs a pep talk to start and winter at this point seems personal.
Then, right on schedule, Punxsutawney Phil popped out of the ground and delivered the news no one wanted. Shadow seen. Six more weeks of winter. Again. Tradition, they say. Comforting, they say. Personally, I find it impressive that a groundhog with a roughly 39% accuracy rate still commands this much national attention. But here we are. Freezing. Complaining. And counting the days until something — anything — changes.
That change may already be underway. Rowan University recently “replaced” the famous groundhog and introduced a new weather prognosticator: Tomothy the box turtle. With a reputation for warmer forecasts and a calmer demeanor, Tomothy may be exactly the kind of leader this season needs. Read more about Rowan’s new approach to weather prediction on page 14.
Thankfully, winter also gives us one of its few redeeming qualities: the Super Bowl. This Sunday, the cold becomes background noise. The weather can do its worst outside, while inside we gather around televisions, snack tables and share strong opinions about commercials and halftime performances.
Even people who “don’t really watch football” somehow become deeply invested in the celebration, focusing more on the wings and gathering of friends and family. Although our favorite team isn’t there this year, it is still a big deal and a nice distraction from the winter blues.
Ultimately, Super Bowl Sunday is less about the score and more about the ritual — gathering, eating too much and passionately debating things that really don’t matter. You’ll find tips for planning a Super Bowl gathering on page 16.
There’s comfort in having a couple reliable events to break up the coldest stretch of the year. January drags. February teases. Spring feels theoretical. But the Super Bowl shows up right on time, reminding us that we can hang on a little longer.
So we lean into it, yell at the TV, watch it at your favorite establishment and celebrate like we’re on the field.
When the game ends, we’re still cold. Phil is still standing by his shadow. But Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, offering plenty of reasons to turn up the heat. Start planning now and check out page 45 for some great ideas to show your person how much you care.
If February has one redeeming quality, it’s that it’s short. Before we know it, we’ll be flipping the calendar to March — and that alone brings a glimmer of hope.
Until then, we bundle up and take comfort where we can find it — preferably near a television, a plate of wings and on a couch with friends and family.
Thank you for reading Shore Local Newsmagazine. Stay warm and enjoy the game.
Peace & Love, Cindy
