That February: It’s a tiny month that sure packs a wallop.
Let us count the ways. Feb. 1, we began celebrating Black History Month. Feb. 2, Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil and his fellow prognosticating groundhogs did not see their shadows, forecasting an early spring. (And if you haven’t seen the Bill Murray movie of the same name, it’s a charmer.) Feb. 8 marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year. This year is not only the Year of the Monkey but of the Fire Monkey. Those born this year are destined to be charismatic, ambitious and adventurous but will have to learn to temper their passions to be truly happy.
Chinese New Year also inaugurates what should be called “Holiday Fortnight.” On Feb. 9, we have Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, a time to party before the ascetic Christian season of Lent, which begins the next day with Ash Wednesday (Feb. 10). Rest up on Feb. 11, because then you have Lincoln’s birthday (Happy 207th, Abe) on Feb. 12; Valentine’s Day (look for WAG Weekly’s big salute next week) on Feb. 14, of course; and Presidents’ Day (hail to the chiefs), which this year falls on Feb. 15. On Feb. 22, you can salute the Father of Our Country, (Happy 284th, George Washington) and then take in the Oscars on Feb. 28.
The hectic month draws to a close with an added attraction this year – Leap Day, Feb. 29, the day when women are particularly free to propose to men. And if the guys refuse, they have to give the ladies money, dresses or gloves (to hide the fact that they didn’t get an engagement ring) depending on the customs of different countries. So watch it, men.
But no, we didn’t forget. We know what February date you are all longing for this weekend – the 7th, Super Duper Bowl Sunday. Will the traditional pocket passing of Peyton Manning prevail, along with his Denver Broncos’ vaunted defense? Or will the explosive running game of Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton ignite his team’s offense once again?
Super Bowl 50 takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., home to the San Francisco 49ers. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m., with Beyoncé and Coldplay as the halftime headliners.
We are, however, in the midst of Super Bowl Week, which includes the fifth annual “NFL Honors” show – the league’s answer to the Academy Awards – 9 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 on CBS. Among the nominees is the New York Football Giants’ quarterback and (November 2013 WAG cover-guy) Eli Manning, http://www.wagmag.com/the-quiet-man/ who’s up for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his many charitable contributions. They include his work as perennial host of the Guiding Eyes for the Blind golf tournament each June at the Mount Kisco and Fairview country clubs.
The Yorktown Heights-based organization provides free guide dogs to the visually impaired and children with autism. So we have fingers and paws crossed for Eli’s success. – Georgette Gouveia
