Got the feeling, power steering,
Pistons popping, aint no stopping now!
Panama, panama
Panama, panama

Now that the movie Superbad has revived Van Halen's song "Panama," it might be appropriate for Mayor Menino to upload the track to his iPod for his upcoming trip to Central America.

The Mayor has managed to finagle his way into a trip with Carlos Gutierrez, the nation's secretary of commerce, to explore business opportunities in the region. He will visit Peru, Colombia, and - of course - Panama. He is leaving this afternoon.

The Globe notes that Mayor Menino is the only "nonfederal official" going on the trip, and he will be representing mayors of "port cities." The only downside is that Representative Dennis Hastert will be along, and Menino will probably have to fight with him over food.

This will be a prime opportunity for the "Urban Mechanic" to loosen up and soak in the culture. He needs to pick up a Panama hat, but he should learn from Tim Cahill and steer clear of any fruit baskets.

Cover of Van Halen's "Panama" single from Wikipedia.