Should learn a little bit about wine

Things that are embarrassing: walking into the hip new wine shop in Adams Morgan and having absolutely NO idea what to say.

Things that are awesome: leaving with a 2005 Weinert Carrascal from Mendoza, Hot Sopressata Salami, Italian Speck, beets, and artichoke hearts...all for the price ($10) of a Groupon and and $4.41 cash.

A pseudo-international experience: eating the above delicacies with a glass of wine, and watching the Opening Ceremonies on TV. Vancouver makes me feel like home.

Best Holiday EVER

Without groundhogs, Alaska will celebrate Marmot Day (Anchorage Daily News)

The Associated Press

JUNEAU -- Alaska now has its own version of Groundhog Day.

Then-Gov.Sarah Palin signed a bill last year to make every Feb. 2 Marmot Day in Alaska. The bill was introduced by Sen. Linda Menard, a Wasilla Republican.

Because groundhogs are not common in Alaska, Menard says it made sense for the marmot to become Alaska's version of Punxsutawney Phil, the Pennsylvania groundhog famed for his winter weather forecasts.

Menard's bill didn't give marmots any weather forecasting duties, but she hopes the state will create educational activities around the animal.

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/1120178.html