[Ice Man]

I'm in Punxutawney for Feb 2nd, and was just curious if TWC still sends crews over there like they have in the past. It'd be cool to actually see them for once.

[TWCZach]

I would expect them to be covering it this year unless NBCU doesn't find it important.

[LocalOnThe8s]

I never understood Groundhog Day coverage. It;s a pointless holiday to me IMO but that's just me

[Mike]

Groundhog Day is a popular tradition. In the TV world, live coverage is probably good for getting people to tune in for ratings.

[Ice Man]

LocalOnThe8s, on 31 January 2010 - 05:23 PM, said:

I never understood Groundhog Day coverage. It;s a pointless holiday to me IMO but that's just me

It has the same purpose as most holidays.. to have fun. ;)

[LocalOnThe8s]

Mike, on 31 January 2010 - 07:14 PM, said:

Groundhog Day is a popular tradition. In the TV world, live coverage is probably good for getting people to tune in for ratings.

I see the logic and fun, but will winter really end 6 weeks early if Punxatawney Phil comes out of the hole?

[Mike]

LocalOnThe8s, on 31 January 2010 - 08:27 PM, said:

will winter really end 6 weeks early if Punxatawney Phil comes out of the hole?

Nah, winter will end when it does. It's folklore. It's snowed here before in the middle of April with leaves budding on the trees. Might be related to the fact that in six weeks we'll be a few days shy of the spring solstice and by that time day to day temps start getting gradually warmer.

[Ice Man]

Mike, on 01 February 2010 - 06:44 AM, said:

LocalOnThe8s, on 31 January 2010 - 08:27 PM, said:

will winter really end 6 weeks early if Punxatawney Phil comes out of the hole?

Nah, winter will end when it does. It's folklore. It's snowed here before in the middle of April with leaves budding on the trees. Might be related to the fact that in six weeks we'll be a few days shy of the spring solstice and by that time day to day temps start getting gradually warmer.

The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May..."

[Mike]

Ice Man, on 01 February 2010 - 03:48 PM, said:

The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day

On Candlemas Day (Feb 2nd - halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox) the belief was if the weather was fair it meant the 2nd half of winter would be cold & stormy. Animals were observed to see if they cast a shadow. Early German settlers who introduced the tradition would watch a badger which was replaced by a groundhog after settling in Punxsutawney, PA. Delaware Indians who settled there before them considered the groundhog to be an honorable ancestor. PA's first official celebration started on Feb 2nd, 1886.

[Ice Man]

Well I didn't find anyone there, but I did see somebody waving a "Jim Cantore, Marry Me" sign.

[Mike]

Ice Man, on 03 February 2010 - 11:20 AM, said:

Well I didn't find anyone there, but I did see somebody waving a "Jim Cantore, Marry Me" sign.

TWC showed a video clip of that.

[LocalOnThe8s]

Ice Man, did ya see the Punxatawny XL by any chance?

[Ice Man]

LocalOnThe8s, on 04 February 2010 - 04:07 PM, said:

Ice Man, did ya see the Punxatawny XL by any chance?

Afraid not. The hotel's TV channel selection was very 1980.

[LocalOnThe8s]

Ice Man, on 04 February 2010 - 07:05 PM, said:

LocalOnThe8s, on 04 February 2010 - 04:07 PM, said:

Ice Man, did ya see the Punxatawny XL by any chance?

Afraid not. The hotel's TV channel selection was very 1980.

Oh ok sorry to hear that. I hope they still use it