We all have heard the term fake news. Probably it has been said too much. To some extent all news is fake and all is true. It depends on the opinion of the outlet producing the news. Opinions differ. News reported via straight facts is of a higher caliber.
I remember sitting in my grad class, “Politics and Public Opinion” at CUNY-Brooklyn College. The professor used several examples, abortion and gun control were his key ones. He went on to discuss how the NRA, the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life groups have the ability to shape public opinion. We had a discussion about what most Americans probably feel about these topics. Then he discussed how these groups use their finances, survey data and other items to shape public opinion. At the same time, I was taking this class, I was taking, “Statistical Concepts.” We learned how surveys are created and how the survey takers choose the audience it polls. That being said, all news can be fake or real.
I will leave you to make your choice on what news to follow and how you will ingest it. Now let’s discuss how fake news or “Hollywood news” ruins a major holiday. About a week ago we had the opportunity to celebrate Groundhog Day, the holiday that sparked a hilarious movie starring Bill Murray, which subsequently was turned into a Broadway play.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been celebrating this grand day for several decades. I grew up on Staten Island, home of Chuck G. Hogg, NYC’s only groundhog and America’s most accurate prognosticator. I love ‘ya Punxsutawney Phil. But you’re second to Chuck.
For years, I went to the Staten Island Zoo to celebrate in person and wait for Chuck to make his prediction. The zoo was quite festive. We had donuts, hot chocolate, bagels, etc. The local news stations came to record the prediction. What could be better? Nothing. Years ago, I moved. Now I watch the prediction on the Zoo’s website.
Sadly, my current borough Queens doesn’t have one. In the 90s former Queens Borough President Claire Schulman said it did. It was a prairie dog. SI BP Guy V. Molinari came out swinging for Chuck. A few cute news stories ran. Chuck garnered more attention.
Chuck has had his share of controversy. One year he bit former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The next year Hizzoner returned wearing thick gloves. All was well. A few years later, Mayor DeBlasio dropped the groundhog. It passed away shortly after.
This year, we suffered a blizzard the day before. For the first time in years, most of the city was closed due to snow. Now due to COVID-19, the festivities were supposed to be virtual. Meaning zoo officials would wait for Chuck to come out of his slumber and tell us if he saw his shadow.
At 8 a.m. I logged onto the Zoo’s website and was treated to a wonderful display of historical facts about our beloved groundhog and his holiday. The video went on to talk about other attractions at the zoo, which is open. Then did a countdown to going live to the prediction. To me, this was more exciting than the countdown on New Year’s Eve.
The zoo claimed it went live. Anyone watching could tell it was pre-recorded. There was no snow on the ground. We had over a foot the day before. The zookeepers and the sponsor of the event were dressed for spring. They were already holding an early spring sign before Chuck emerged from his burrow.
It was very sad. There were many comments on the Zoo’s social media pages. Several media outlets penned stories. The Zoo declined to comment. How will we ever know what Chuck said?
2-2-21 Snow?
Mitchell's thoughts, photos, etc. 