Early Spring, S.I. Chuck says Goodbye Winter

[Dubya91]

http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=1&aid=56782

Staten Island Groundhog Predicts Early Spring


Six more weeks of winter or an early spring? It was a big day for Staten Island's Chuck as the furry weather forecaster took the spotlight for Groundhog Day. NY1's Roger Clark filed the following report on what Richmond County's favorite rodent had to say.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Chuck did not see his shadow, get out your shorts and t-shirts, spring is coming quickly," said one Chuck speaking for another as New York Senator Charles Schumer announced Staten Island Chuck's prediction.

It was the first prediction for Charles G. Hogg VI, the newest in a line of prognosticators at the Staten Island Zoo.

?This is his premiere. He did really, really well,? said Chuck?s trainer Douglas Schwartz. ?You have an exceptionally happy groundhog and he said spring is coming, so I mean, you can see just by looking at him he's obviously dead-on in his game. He's a good boy."

The 10-pound rodent made his debut in front of hundreds of fans, taking over for Chuck V who retired last year after getting it wrong when he also called for an early spring.

Still, the zoo says over 25 years of predictions, the Chucks have an 85 percent accuracy rate. So the stakes are high.

Adding to the pressure, Chuck's competitor and veteran weather marmot Punxatwaney Phil saw his shadow in Pennsylvania, and called for six more weeks of winter. Staten Islanders at the zoo say it's Chuck who will be on target this year.

"It has been very hot, so yes, I think he is right," says one Staten Islander.

"Twenty out of twenty five predictions, I think he is going to be right," adds another.

Jessica Davies made a sign for the occasion that says right or wrong, Chuck Rocks.

"Not a lot of people think Staten Island is really big, so Chuck is something we can call our own," she says.

In case you're wondering what my prediction is, early spring and Steelers by three.

- Roger Clark

[coastermom]

YEAH SI CHUCK !! HE is much better then that other one in PA. At least ours is forcasting an early spring . 

[Dubya91]

I didnt know it became Winter?

[Bubba Z]

And here I thought this thread was about Rider117 and being hot out in Texas

[coastersue]

And here I thought this thread was about Rider117 and being hot out in Texas

That's what I thought too!

[GADVwow]

Well, hopefully the Texas Chuck didn't see his shadow yesterday! 

[SilverBullet]

The one in PA says more Winter, so I go with the one in PA!