AS EVERYONE but a groundhog may know, today is Super Bowl Sunday and the Steelers aren't in it. What a difference a year makes! Last year, the region had a strong incentive to watch the game and subsequently celebrate, but this year the biggest attraction for local fans may be the ads. No. 43 Troy Polamalu is back in a Super Bowl ad, this time cast as a Punxsutawney Phil fill-in, on a Mini-Me scale, which at least should please PETA. The ad is a promotion for "NFL Full Contact," a TV show that promises a behind-the-scenes view of pro football (they have groundhogs behind the scenes?). Not to spoil things, but Punxsutawney Polamalu does see his shadow, which may predict six more weeks of football without any good reason to discuss the Steelers.

PITTSBURGH wasn't always such a football town, but it was long known as a shot and a beer town, which makes the Historic Review Commission's unanimous decision last week to approve landmark status for the Iron City Brewing Co. in Lawrenceville all the more fitting. Since last year, Iron City beer has been brewed in Latrobe, but the company's owners supported the Lawrenceville Stakeholders' historic-status nomination. Some of the buildings on the site are originals from the 1860s (a building of recent vintage has already been approved for demolition). The hope is to develop the complex for retail and residential use. The matter now moves to the planning commission and a public hearing Feb. 16.

FORMER HOUSE speaker and Democratic leader Bill DeWeese, who has represented Greene and Fayette counties for 34 years, should find a quiet burrow, have a beer and consider a future outside politics. Instead, Mr. DeWeese, famous for his expansive vocabulary, couldn't summon up the word "retirement" last week as he announced his plans. Despite being recently charged by the state attorney general with six criminal counts alleging the use of public money to fund politically related work, Mr. DeWeese said he will seek another two-year term. Mr. DeWeese, who denies the charges, is, ostensibly, doing it for his constituents, who still have "so much at stake." But it is always better to quit while you are ahead. If it's vindication he really seeks, the voters' opinion on his continuing fitness to serve is irrelevant. Vindication here can come only from a jury.