> Apparently, it was a public relations stunt that succeded beyond its creators' wildest dreams, and
> has no actual ritual, religious, or historical meaning. Check out
>
> http://users.penn.com/~mweimer/history.html

...which says that you're not quite right.
The reason Groundhog Day is so famous, and the origin of the big event at Punxsutawney, was a public relations thingy; but it was inspired by the legend about the groundhog's shadow that had already existed for some time.

> Tom "has anyone else noticed I'm the only person around here whoever uses their last name?" Schmidt

I probably would have used my last name, but by the time the Forum started up I'd already appeared in the Journal as Paul A., and I figured it would be better to be consistent.

Paul