CNN Flubs an Easy One

 

Oh, I feel their pain.

I’ve done this: Turned in what I thought was a simple story I thought was just fine. Then, when it appeared in print, its flaws magically appeared.

CNN.com is taking a lot of guff today because of a flub in their report on Punxsutawney Phil (emphasis mine):

(CNN) -- Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his hovel Wednesday and saw his shadow, which -- according to tradition -- means that spring will come early this year.

Phil, whose first name comes from the Pennsylvania town where he lives, emerged at 7:20 a.m. ET and hung out with the well-dressed gentlemen presiding over the event without retreating inside.

Tuesday's Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney marked the town's 125 celebration of the annual event.

Phil's prediction is likely welcome news for residents in the path of a monster snow and ice storm stretching from Texas to New Hampshire.

Of course, anyone who’s familiar with groundhog weather predictions or the film “Groundhog Day” knows that when Phil sees his shadow, it’s six more weeks of winter (as verified by Phil himself).

Phil, of course, didn’t see his shadow this morning, meaning that spring will come early. CNN got it wrong. Oops.