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Okay, first of all, WTF? Second of all... WTF?
Popular folklore suggests that the groundhog seeing its shadow can predict how much longer the cold weather will last. Even if one were to believe this, it would be about whether the sun was out, not what the rodent thinks.
And, as a third WTF?, since I don't buy it, why would I care whether it saw its shadow?
On top of that, I don't much care about how long winter is supposed to last. Weather happens.
Okay, first of all, WTF? Second of all... WTF?
Popular folklore suggests that the groundhog seeing its shadow can predict how much longer the cold weather will last. Even if one were to believe this, it would be about whether the sun was out, not what the rodent thinks.
And, as a third WTF?, since I don't buy it, why would I care whether it saw its shadow?
On top of that, I don't much care about how long winter is supposed to last. Weather happens.
no subject
Date: 2010-02-03 03:52 am (UTC)From:But then, since it's superstition, it'd be better to go with whatever science and the best educated guesses you have handy, and if times are that tough, to make woodchuck pie...
no subject
Date: 2010-02-03 04:51 am (UTC)From:It could have... if state of clouds in the sky on a certain day of the year were any reflection on the general seasonal weather. It could have been, I suppose, if, for instance, cloudiness meant it would stay cool longer.
I place my money on people trying to remain optimistic. "Look kids! The sun is out! Isn't it a lovely day? Cheer up - spring will be here soon, I'm sure of it!"
As for Phil, from Wikipedia:
Of these 114 predictions on record so far, Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring 14 times (12%). As to his accuracy, according to the StormFax Weather Almanac and records kept since 1887, Phil's predictions have been correct just 39% of the time.[8]
I think those things are just the right size for pie.