Conflicting Predictions . . .

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) - A new pair of hands pulled Punxsutawney Phil from his stump this year, so it was only fitting that the groundhog offered a new prediction.

Phil did not see his shadow on Friday, which, according to German folklore, means folks can expect an early spring instead of six more weeks of winter.

Since 1886, Phil has seen his shadow 96 times, hasn't seen it 15 times and there are no records for nine years, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The last time Phil failed to see his shadow was in 1999.

More than 15,000 revelers milled about in a misty snow waiting for the prediction, as fireworks exploded overhead and the "Pennsylvania Polka" and other music blared in the background.

EAST BERLIN, PA (DD News) - It took almost a full bag of kibbled dog food and 1/2 pint of Jameson Irish Whiskey to lure East Berlin Belch out of his den behind my garage this morning. I had a hell of a time rousting his fat furry ass out of the den. Since 1999, Belch has been wrong 100% of the time! He did see his shadow as a result of my trucks headlights! I guess we'll know in 6 weeks or so if the little shit gets it right this year!