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Post by stevemacdonald on Feb 2, 2008 0:02:16 GMT
On Saturday, February 2nd, we in the States will be celebrating Groundhog Day -- an annual folk holiday honoring the extraordinary ability of groundhogs to predict the weather. It's also a day we set aside to be in touch with wildlife, to marvel at Nature's diversity and to sense our place in the great scheme of creation.
And the perfect music for this sublime occasion? I recommend "Listen to the Wind", "The Mummer's Dance" and "Both Sides Now".
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Joe
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Supporting Hayley since 2003!
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Post by Joe on Feb 2, 2008 5:05:37 GMT
On Saturday, February 2nd, we in the States will be celebrating Groundhog Day Hi Steve, Most people in Europe will know February 2nd as Candlemas Day. But speaking of Groundhog Day, here in Pennsylvania in the town of Punxsutawney, a groundhog called Phil will emerge from his burrow just after sunrise. If he sees his shadow, he pops back inside for another six weeks' nap. This forecasts more cold and snow. This event in Punxsutawney is a MAJOR event...and draws perhaps 5000 people. You can watch the two-hour celebrations live, starting at 11:00 GMT today...on Pennsylvanie Cable Network.
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Joe
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Post by Joe on Feb 2, 2008 17:58:41 GMT
From the International Herald Tribune : Groundhog sees shadow in Pennsylvania, a prediction of more winter in northern US Read the entire article HERE Don't put that snow shovel away yet ! Joe
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Post by donna on Feb 2, 2008 18:43:52 GMT
Ah....but here in Canada we have Wiarton Willie and he DID NOT see his shadow so it is an early spring for us!!! Donna
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Post by Nordly on Feb 3, 2008 13:05:44 GMT
I don't know whether to laugh or to cry... I live in Canada...but not according to most people...AHH!!!!
Edit: I'll go with Canada and laugh! We have spring soon! Yay! Too bad most people don't think I live in Canada. I'M CANADIAN!!!! GO SPRING!!!! ESP. IN CANADA!
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Post by stevemacdonald on Feb 2, 2009 17:47:37 GMT
Ah, Groundhog Day again! Any good recipes? I heard cream of groundhog soup is making a comeback.
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Post by postscript on Feb 2, 2009 18:13:36 GMT
Ah, Groundhog Day again! Any good recipes? I heard cream of groundhog soup is making a comeback. Now Steve, my American friends have explained (tried to) Groundhog Day. For the benefit of other nonAmericans as well as me, would you like to try and explain it, please? Peter S.
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Post by Andrew on Feb 2, 2009 18:16:03 GMT
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Joe
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Supporting Hayley since 2003!
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Post by Joe on Feb 3, 2009 3:32:15 GMT
Basically it revolved around folk lore of a groundhog emerging from hibernation. If he sees his shadow, it's six more weeks of winter. The small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania hosts the official Punxy Phil the Groundhog forecast. At 6 AM the party starts, and is a major draw for young and old alike. There is music, dancing, fireworks, etc. At sunrise at 7:30, Phil is brought out of his burrow, looks for his shadow, and points to a scroll containing his prediction. Here's a video from last year's celebration, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Cable Network.
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Post by postscript on Feb 3, 2009 10:05:03 GMT
Thank you, Joe. A superb simple explanation most graphically presented. NOW I understand it. Peter S.
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