Thanks Punxsutawney Phil

I've never quite understood the symbolism behind Groundhog's Day. I mean, I understand that if a groundhog comes out of its hole and sees it's shadow, we're supposedly in for 40 more days of blissful winter. But, does yanking a beady-eyed rodent from its hibernation REALLY help predict future weathercasts?

And who picked a groundhog? I've read all the stories, folklores and fables. It's a tale originating in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania...in the SIXTH century. The story goes that Germans began trying to predict how long winter would continue based on the hibernation patterns of bears in the later part of winter. But, when certain Germans settled in Pennsylvania, they switched the mascot of the 40 days after Christmas from bears to groundhogs - which I learned hibernate too. Damn Germans!

Why the switch? Probably because yanking a bear from hibernation is a tad more life-threatening than tugging a glorified sewer rat from his hiding place.

But whether it's a bear or a groundhog, some don't like the ritual, calling it inhumane. In a statement made on Monday, a spokesperson for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says it's 'unfair to keep the animal in captivity and subject him to the huge crowds and bright lights that accompany tens of thousands of revelers each February 2'. Their suggestion? Using an animatronic model.

I don't think PETA understands or cares about tradition. Unless you are a rodent worshiper and REALLY believe that Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather, you HAVE to know that technology has changed since the 6th century. We have these individuals called meteorologists who make a living predicting the weather. They have maps, radar, cool gadgets that I don't even know the name of. (Of course there are some weather people in certain markets that probably DO rely on good 'ol Phil to do their job for them).

Groundhog's Day is a tradition. Something for us to celebrate - or complain about if, in fact, Phil predicts 40 more days of bitter cold. It's like Valentine's Day. (Anyone raising a stink over the treatment of candy hearts? Spending all year in hiding until they are able to be reshelved at local grocery stores?) Or Easter (Where's PETA for the Easter Bunny? Do they not have HIS back?). Or Christmas.

These are holidays based on tradition. There are a lot of conventions of disbeliefs in all holidays. But, do you want to be the spoil sport that ruins it for everyone else? This year, we didn't need any help from PETA to bring down the spirit of Groundhog's Day...Punxsutawney Phil did that all on his own.

Thanks for seeing your shadow Punx! My winter coat is really comfy!