Philly's snow woes get sympathy from a Skywalker

Journalism offers a lot of perks. You get to write interesting stories, interview fascinating people and, occasionally, write something that makes a difference. This is not a story about accomplishing any of those things. There are also rewards far less important but still a thrill, like getting a thumbs up from your childhood hero.

SEPTA announced Sunday morning regional rail would remain suspended until Monday morning. I looked out my window at the city iced over, and thought about all the people who would be stuck in the city, or in the suburbs, for another night. We needed some new transportation options in Philadelphia, and being a massive Star Wars fan one mode in particular bounded to mind.

I was curious if the tweet could get the attention of Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, so I tweeted it to him.

A little later I was having brunch with friends at Cafe Lift and cheered so loudly I startled them when I saw this...

So, thanks Mark Hamill for making Luke my hero when I was a kid, for giving me something fun to write about nearly 40 years later, and for showing Philly some love as we dig ourselves out of this Hoth-like landscape. Hopes are high we won't run into any Wampas in the process.