“Groundhog Day… Seriously?!”

February 4, 2010  
Filed under Humor, News

By Luther Buhr

On February 1^st, a day earlier than most years, our good old buddy Punxsutawney Phil was released from his cage for his annual “I’m going to predict the future” appearance. To many, this is a great excuse to gather on the edge of our seats around the television wondering whether or not there will be six more weeks of winter or not. It’s determined on whether or not this oversized rodent “sees” its shadow or not.

As the large man in the goofy hat lifts up this massive groundhog, we all get our superstitious hopes up. Even though 99 out the past 114 groundhog days Phil has “seen” his shadow we hold our faith in that 13 percent chance.

It is peculiar that hundreds of people frantically gather to see, in person, their hopes shot down by a mammal a tenth of their size. As if his shadow doesn’t come from the hundreds of camera flashes, as everyone scrambles to get the exact same picture as the person standing next to them.

Even if the groundhog saw otherwise, we couldn’t possibly have spring in the middle of February here in Minnesota. To us, this Groundhog Day ordeal is merely just a waste of time.

Even when Punxy predicts the coming spring arrival, he is only right 39% of the time. Ask any teacher here at Como what grade you will receive with 39%, and you will indefinitely hear that a big fat N is imminent.

So, what really is the point of Groundhog Day? An excuse to bring in the big bucks? Just a pointless holiday to help us pick ourselves up as we get bored of our new Christmas presents?

Really, I would say the only reason this holiday has any point at all is because it’s mildly fun for the little gullible kids. Whether or not that’s a good enough reason to spend all the cash used to advertise and compile the whole ordeal, is your decision to make.

So, I hope you enjoy your next month and a half of Minnesota winter!

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