Well. I now believe in global warming. Punxsutawney Phil

[slj0101]

didn't see his shadow this morning.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GROUNDHOG_DAY?SITE=PAPIT&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=home.htm

[InvisibleTouch]

1. I always wondered how they could tell.

The way I heard it as a kid, if he sees his shadow, he gets scared, and darts back into his burrow for 6 more weeks. If he doesn't, he stays out for an early spring. It's counterintuitive, though, because if there's a shadow to be seen, that means the sun is out, and presumably you have warmer conditions than if it's cloudy.

It's all silly and in good fun, of course, like reading your horoscope in the newspaper.

Ever since seeing the movie "Groundhog Day," I thought it would be fun to visit the town and attend the ceremony. Maybe some year.

[slj0101]

2. I passed through Punxsutawney once.

The whole damn town revolves around that groundhog, who lives the high life inside the local library.