A couple of athletic observances -- and Purim

Most of the Northern Hemisphere is still in winter's icy grip. We can't fathom, therefore, why so many of the Usual Suspects proclaim Saturday, February 23 as Play Tennis Day. Really? Tennis? Outside?

No, February 23 strikes us more as more a day to celebrate winter sports, and so we weren't terribly surprised to learn that Saturday is also Curling is Cool Day. The image selected for this post is taken from the website of the Chicago Curling Club -- and demonstrates that, even though the sport of curling is played on ice, some people are smart enough to bring the game indoors.

Perhaps some of you have access to full-size indoor tennis courts as well. But there can't be that many of you -- and if you should happen to be one of the Grey Pouponers reading this post, please feel free to shower us with large gifts of spare cash.

The Jewish holiday of Purim begins Saturday night at sundown. Wikipedia tells us that Purim "commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from destruction in the wake of a plot by Haman, a story recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther." Purim may not be the most important Jewish holiday, but it may be just about the happiest. Happy Purim to all those who observe it.