Dishing out spicy liberal social commentary and critical thinking news analysis on America, world politics, the news, fun political humor, cartoons - and a little poetry by Independent journalist blogger Denny Lyon.
The Swamp House at New Orleans Audubon Zoo that houses T-Boy Nutria, the Groundhog Day prognosticator - Image via Wikipedia
From Denny: Groundhog Day contenders are popping up all over America. Groundhogs are not native to Louisiana (because it's too hot) but we didn't allow a little factoid like that to stop us. Louisiana likes its holidays so what effort was it to rustle up another creative idea than to draft the swamp rat nutria into the Groundhog Day?
Up in the northern part of America it's considered really bad news when a groundhog sees its shadow, foretelling another miserable six weeks of winter. But here in Louisiana it means a spring that is shorter than usual.
A short spring means summer's grueling heat and drippy humidity will return sooner than desired. So, you see, burrow-loving animals can come in handy to predict the weather both in the chilly North and the hottie Deep South.
From Denny: Predicting the end of winter is serious business in America. We take our groundhog psychics seriously, so seriously that several other cities are promoting their own prognosticators. Watch the media attention grow and the dollars flow in for tourism.
Punxsutawney Phil
The psychic rodent best known is Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania. His fan club, The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, keeps those all important statistics.
Their groundhog Phil has seen his shadow 99 times, which means winter will continue another six weeks. He has not seen his shadow only 16 times. Only nine years are not accounted for since they have been keeping records since 1887. FYI, it isn't the exact same rodent for the past century.
From Mike Johnston, Vice President of the Inner Circle of Punxsutawney Phil, he says that Phil "has never been wrong. Phil can't err because he never applies his prognostication to a specific place. I guarantee you someone's going to have six more weeks of winter." I bet he winks every time after dishing out that boat load of wisdom.
From Denny: This little pampered groundhog is a cute little guy. Every year he gets trotted out for a brief celebrity appearance to make his prediction about whether we will have another six weeks of winter or enjoy an early Spring. Last year Phil accurately predicted a longer winter. This year the little cutie is predicting an early Spring.
Be sure to check out the funny link at the end of this post for last year's post about Phil. There is a recipe for Groundhog Cookies and plenty of Groundhog Phil Trivia to enjoy too! Phil's official site is overwhelmed this year.
How convenient I already posted his information last year. Maybe some of Phil's psychic ability rubbed off on me? After all, obviously I "knew" last year to put up Phil's important information. You see, I "knew" a whole year ahead of time that the winter snow storms would be bad, everyone would be online at the same time, and that Phil's site would be overwhelmed. As a loyal fan of Phil's I "knew" it was my duty to promote his wonderful cheeky self to the world. Knock yourselves out and enjoy the Groundhog Phil trivia! :)
From Phil's Royal Court who make a big deal out of the occasion:
Groundhog Day, February 2, 2011
Punxsutawney Phil was raised from his burrow
By the call of President Bill Deeley.
He greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths.
After casting an inquisitive eye towards thousands of his faithful followers,
He proclaimed that the Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!
Back to the business at hand...
He surveyed his surroundings carefully and found that there was no shadow around,
So, an early spring it will be."
Here's the link with all the funny Phil trivia, history, groundhog society, funny photos and a cookie recipe:
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