Vote For Punxsutawney Phil! «

Vote For Punxsutawney Phil!

February 2, 2008 by QuoinMonkey

forget politics
cast your vote for the real deal
Punxsutawney Phil

-posted on red Ravine, Saturday, February 2nd, 2008, Groundhog Day

Posted in Animals & Critters, Art of Rebellion, Bodies Of Water, Haiku, Holidays, Laughing, Photography, Place, Politics | Tagged famous Pennsylvanians, get out and vote, Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil, Smith Lake Jake, the politics of groundhogs | 109 Comments

109 Responses to “Vote For Punxsutawney Phil!”

on February 2, 2008 at 2:57 pm1 TRM

Hear about Phil’s Florida relative here
http://tinyurl.com/2p6h2n
on February 2, 2008 at 3:27 pm2 QuoinMonkey

diddy, Gus sounds like a likely candidate. I’m adding a LINK here to your Comment 33 on Gus, the Lotto Guy.

From diddy - her vote goes to Gus:

“Gus” the 2nd most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania (25 delegates)! My vote would be for Gus (the underhog) & his slogan would be “Keep on scratchin’!”

TRM, I’m thinking Funxsutawney in Florida is out of the race. No more votes for that poor guy.

Here are some other famous groundhogs on the ballot this year:

Buckeye Chuck- Ohio (5 delegates)
A February tradition for many years, the Ohio General Assembly declared ‘Buckeye Chuck’ from Marion, OH, the official State Groundhog in 1979.

General Beauregard Lee - Georgia (12 delegates)
The official weather prognosticating groundhog from the state of Georgia makes his home at the Yellow River Game Ranch.

Shubenacadie Sam - Nova Scotia (3 delegates)
This Canadian groundhog makes his home at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park in Nova Scotia and makes one of the earliest Groundhog Day predictions.

Smith Lake Jake - Alabama (4 delegates)
Jake, the groundhog, lives at the Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham, Alabama, where he makes his annual weather-predicting appearance at 10 am on Saturday, February 2. Southern groundhogs like to sleep in late!

Staten Island Chuck - New York (15 delegates)
The Staten Island Zoo is home to groundhog Staten Island Chuck who makes his official Groundhog Day prediction each year at 7:30 a.m. on February 2nd.

Sir Walter Wally - North Carolina (14 delegates)
This southern groundhog and his friends at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences invite you to participate in the annual statewide celebration of Groundhog Day to see Sir Walter Wally emerge from his winter digs.

Wiarton Willie - Ottawa, Canada (13 delegates)
Canada’s answer to Punxsutawney Phil, Wiarton Willie is a groundhog living on the South Bruce Peninsula.
on February 2, 2008 at 5:31 pm3 ombudsben

I Go Pogo!
http://www.igopogo.com/pogo_for_pres.htm
on February 2, 2008 at 5:53 pm4 QuoinMonkey

Great POGO campaign buttons at that link. I like the 1968 button: POGO will NOT play possum in the White House! He’s only been running since 1952. Do you think he has a chance against Punxsutawney Phil? He’s been running in Punxsutawney since 1886!

History of Groundhog Day (LINK)
on February 2, 2008 at 6:20 pm5 alittlediddy

Thanks, QM! This post gave me quite a chuckle! I have to admit that my admiration for “Gus” is because my youngest brother is an auditor for the PA State Lottery & he & his wife have three children to raise! (Although I have to admit I rarely play anymore) The funny part is that his wife is an auditor for the IRS! Thanks for this post! I truly needed an uplift today! Also, all the other candidates you mention! I’m “still scratchin’!”, my head that is! D
on February 2, 2008 at 6:22 pm6 alittlediddy

QM, I forgot to mention the photo! The islands in the background! My 2nd home! It gives me something to look forward to! Thanks again! Love, D
on February 2, 2008 at 11:35 pm7 oliverowl

Oh, Obudsben, thank you so very much for the link to Pogo! I put it in my “Favorites” list, so I can always have it…Bless you! It was one of my all-time favorite comic strips.
Thanks, QM for the post…lightens up the politics…someone needed to hand shovels to Obama & Clinton…their “making nice” act was gettin’ it pretty deep!!
I nominate Gus for Prez with Howland Owl for Vice!
D, I hope you got the uplift you needed…sorry to hear you needed one!
on February 3, 2008 at 12:05 am8 ybonesy

I think NM is missing something. Do we even have a groundhog? If we did, chances would be 98% that he’d see his shadow and we’d be stuck with 6 more weeks of winter. That’s probably why he’s banned from showing up here.

And then I found out that Groundhog Day screenwriter, Danny Rubin (LINK), who is credited for inventing Punxsutawney Phil, teaches in NM at the College of Santa Fe. How ironic is that!?

And then I found this article (LINK) (which is cached not live, apparently, so I hope it comes through) about a group of activists who last year worked to create a “Western take on an Eastern tradition”: Prairie Dog Day. How cool is that?
on February 3, 2008 at 10:12 am9 alittlediddy

YB, I think if we threw a Prairie Dog into the mix of candidates, it could prove to be an interesting election! We need change. Phil has been predicting for way too long! I must add a PA native from Berks County into this election. It is a female groundhog & her name is Patty Pagoda! She DID NOT see her shadow, so the controversy continues! Mind you, she only has 3 years experience, so take a long hard look at all of the candidates before you decide! D
on February 3, 2008 at 10:14 am10 ybonesy

OMG, diddy, I hadn’t realized what you just called out. Duh! The Prairie Dog is the candidate of change! LOL!!!!
on February 3, 2008 at 11:10 pm11 OmbudsBen

Oliverowl — my pleasure! I’ve got a special spot for Pogo Possum, Howland Q. Owl, Churchy LaFemme, Mamselle Hepsibah, Albert Alligator, and Grundoon, too.

When I was very small I pulled the books out from my parents’ shelves and looked at the pictures. I was still learning how to read, so I didn’t know what they were saying. Then as I learned my letters I went back through and the comics helped me figure it out. Sort of. Or maybe this is why my spellings were all too often too, err, creative. Rowrbazzle!
on February 4, 2008 at 11:10 am12 alittlediddy

QM, I am wondering where you & Mom were when you took that photo! Both J & I have studied it & think we have an idea, but are not sure. Maybe I will give Mom a call today. I haven’t checked in with her lately. D
on February 4, 2008 at 11:19 am13 QuoinMonkey

diddy, we drove down to the very last dock where there was a large parking lot, then we walked a ways back to a second dock that was smaller. A woman who was, I’m guessing in her 70’s, was fishing there. She was really great and stopped to talk to us.

I have some longshots of this spot as well, looking both directions. Maybe I’ll post them in Flickr later and you can get a better idea. YES, these are the islands near your summer home! I had not thought of that. I love the Susquehanna.

Thanks to everyone for your comments on this post. A little political levity is well appreciated!

ybonesy, I’m always amazed at the connections between the states I’ve lived in and the things I write about to New Mexico. There are many links between the Midwest and the Southwest. I’m more and more surprised by them every day.
on February 4, 2008 at 1:05 pm14 alittlediddy

QM, I did in fact call Mom & she confirmed what I already thought was the spot. Thanks! She said you parked in the area where we launch our boat & walked to the smaller dock that I sort of thought was the dock in the photo. Let me know when you post the photos on Flickr. She also told me about the woman who was fishing that day. She said she was delightful! I too, love the Susquehanna. So peaceful there!
I obviously enjoyed this post & it certainly did lighten things up a bit! Love, D
on February 5, 2008 at 10:20 am15 alittlediddy

QM, about the photo. I am going to add a link to the post that probably should be added to the What is Your Totem Animal post instead. But it has to do with Eagles on the Susquehanna & is a very cool series of photos taken along a stretch of the river located in northeastern MD in Harford County (not really very far from us here) I hope you enjoy them & there is also a photo in there for oliverowl!D

http://www.woodyseagles.com/3.html
on February 5, 2008 at 4:07 pm16 QuoinMonkey

diddy, that’s a really cool link. Some of the best animated photos I’ve seen of the eagles. (Just a warning, if people are still on dial-up, and I know a few, the link will take a while to load.)

Looks like Eagle nesting begins this month, from February until July. Did you see that they lost one of the females somehow? Wonder what happened to her. Have you ever gone to that part of the Susquehanna, diddy?

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a bald eagle’s nest up close. It was in the forest on a hike in Montana. It’s hard to understand the scale of them, until you are actually standing under one. Magnificent.

Liz and I like to go down to Redwing, Minnesota and watch the bald eagles in winter. It looks similar to the shots he had of the eagles over the water. Thanks for the link!
on February 5, 2008 at 4:09 pm17 QuoinMonkey

Oh, I’m glad Mom remembers the fisherwoman. She had a baseball cap with pins and was hooking something on the end of her line as bait. Her line kept getting tangled though. I wonder if J. would like the ice fishing here in Minnesota? It’s HUGE this time of year. The ice houses look so cool at night. Just a warm orange glow on the blue ice.
on February 5, 2008 at 4:27 pm18 QuoinMonkey

Some other animals coming out in February to support the Groundhogs. This just in from our Nature Happenings newsletter. Some of these are surprising to me that they are happening so early in the year:

-Horned Larks migrating, Snow Buntings in open fields and roads

-Cardinals singing “what cheer, cheer, cheer”

-Chickadees courting, singing “phoebe” call

-Great Horned Owls nesting, incubating eggs

-Striped Skunks, Squirrels, and Red Fox mating

-Goldfinches yellowing into alternate mating plumage

-Cedar Waxwings eating remaining Crabapples, Bittersweet, and Mountain Ash berries

-Black Bear cubs being born, north
on February 5, 2008 at 4:45 pm19 alittlediddy

QM, yes for dial-up folks it will take a while for sure! I also wondered what happened to the female eagle. As far as spending time in that area, yes, I have been there many times. When I moved to the area many of my friends were from the Havre-de-Grace area in MD just a few miles from where these photos were taken. I had friends (a married couple) who bought hundreds of acres of land near there. Part of the land in PA & part in MD. (Gosh taxed in 2 states!)
For years my ex & I had a small Airstream camper that we kept at a campground just north of Harrisburg, where the Susquehanna & Juniata Rivers meet. There were groups of us that took many canoe trips on each of those rivers! Awesome! Some of these trips involved 12 plus hours, but never an overnight trip.
J says he would certainly enjoy an ice fishing day in MN, provided it involved a well heated hut! D
on February 5, 2008 at 4:57 pm20 QuoinMonkey

It’s hard to imagine owning land that crosses into 2 states! Yes, tell J. some of the ice fishing huts here are furnished better than my home! We’ll make sure he gets an ice condo.

I remember seeing somewhere this house completely made out of ice that people go to and check out a room for the night. I think it was in another country. Does anyone remember seeing that place? I was amazed that people wanted to do that.
on February 5, 2008 at 5:07 pm21 alittlediddy

J is all for the condo! A creature of comfort, that J!:)
I have heard of the ice house you speak of, but I thought it was a hotel & even the beds were made of ice! And it also brings to mind something I once saw about a restaurant (at least I think that’s what it was!) made out of sea salt! People would go there & actually lick the exterior! Something I would not suggest trying with the house made of ice! D
on February 5, 2008 at 5:35 pm22 QuoinMonkey

Wow, had not heard of the salty restaurant before. YES, the other was an ice hotel with ice beds, everything ice. I’ll have to come back and post a link if I run into it again.

I once watched a documentary on the old fashioned way they used to cut ice from the lakes with these huge saws and picked them up with equally large tongs. It was an art form to cut a block of ice and transport it to the ice house or ice box.

We have the Winter Carnival here in St. Paul, Minnesota and there is a castle made of ice and tons of sculptures. I saw something this year about how they are having a hard time finding volunteers. It used to be a huge thing here in winters. Not sure what’s going on this year.
on February 5, 2008 at 9:43 pm23 alittlediddy

I wonder about the food served at the ice hotel? I would hope that a nutty buddy would be on the room service menu! Goodnight! D
on February 6, 2008 at 8:23 am24 QuoinMonkey

diddy, a nutty buddy is indeed in order. Found some info on the ice hotel and a link. Every year they build it. Every year it melts away. A real lesson in impermanence and letting go.

Here’s the link. Stunning photographs there, too. Any takers for a stay?

ICEHOTEL (LINK) is situated in the village Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden. The heart and backbone is the River Torne flowing freely through the unspoilt wilderness. Covered with a meter thick ice layer winter time the river is the source of all our art, architecture and design. The pure water and the steady movement of the river creates the clearest ice possible.

Ten thousand years ago, glaciers carved a riverbed and the Torne River was born. Since then, the crystal-clear, pure water of the Torne River has flowed freely along its 600-kilometer path through Lapland out to the sea in the southeast.

The entire ICEHOTEL is on loan from the mighty Torne River and is a place where time stands still. When the spring comes and then finally the summer, the entire creation will once again become part of the rushing rapids coursing toward the sea.
on February 6, 2008 at 10:21 pm25 oliverowl

D, I just viewed the eagle (plus owls) link…thanks, it was great! I sent the link to my sister & brothrt-in-law, as they are very fond of eagles!
No way would you catch me in an ice hotel, hut, etc. I like warm rooms and hot food!
I really liked the movie, “Ground Hog Day.” Such an
important life-lesson to be learned!
on February 6, 2008 at 10:37 pm26 alittlediddy

oliverowl, my pleasure! I’m glad you enjoyed the link! The owl was a plus & I was hoping you would enjoy! D
on February 11, 2008 at 11:52 am27 Carl lee

My vote is for “Smith Lake Jake”, because he wears a hat, and a groundhog that wears a hat, has to be a pretty cool dude.
on February 11, 2008 at 8:11 pm28 QuoinMonkey

Carl, good choice. But I wonder how you know Smith Lake Jake wears a hat?
on February 13, 2008 at 12:57 pm29 leea

I cast my vote for “Smith Lake Jake”.He is for sure the cutest groundhog in the world.
on February 13, 2008 at 1:04 pm30 carl lee

TYPE IN “SMITH LAKE JAKE”, AND YOU CAN SEE A PICTURE OF HIM WEARING HIS HAT. OR YOU CAN TYPE IN SMITH LAKE LIVING, AND SEE HIS PICTURE WEARING A HAT. I KNOW THAT HE WEARS A HAT, BECAUSE I SAW HIM ON T.V WEARING A HAT,AND AT THE SWEET POTATO FESTIVAL WEARING ONE. CHECK HIM OUT YOURSELF, REALLY COOL.
on February 13, 2008 at 6:17 pm31 QuoinMonkey

So that’s 2 votes for Smith Lake Jake from carl and leea, 1 vote for Gus from alittlediddty, and, yeah, I’m still voting for Punxsutawney Phil!

I did see your photo of Smith Lake Jake at Smith Lake Jake living. There’s also a YouTube video. But you have to make it through half the video and someone’s version of Coming ‘Round the Mountain to get a glimpse of the hat. He is awful cute though.

Groundhog Day at Birmingham Zoo (LINK TO VIDEO) - Smith Lake Jake at the Birmingham Zoo
on February 14, 2008 at 12:52 pm32 carl's better half Nancy

I have to vote for “SMITH LAKE JAKE” as well. I don’t always agree with carl but this time I do. “SMITH LAKE JAKE” makes you love to have a groundhog as a pet. I saw him at the festival also,and he really is adorable, and he does wear a hat, and he is very tame,and will give you kisses. There is the most adorable picture of him on smith lake living magazine wearing his hat with his name on it. I wish you would put it on your page. Yea “SMITH LAKE JAKE gets my vote too. Oh, and the blond lady in the video is his owner. He is a house groundhog, and has his own bed, so im told.
on February 14, 2008 at 7:08 pm33 Anne

I’ve seen Smith Lake Jake on numerous appearances (Fox 6 News on TV, the Birmingham Zoo, the Suzuki Man Show and Taylor Hicks’ parade) He is sooooo cute. I don’t think I’ve seem him without a hat. . . . so Smith Lake Jake gets my vote.
on February 15, 2008 at 10:00 am34 QuoinMonkey

Anne, welcome to red Ravine. And another vote for Smith Lake Jake, who at this point, is winning the election by a landslide!

And Nancy, Carl’s better half, thanks for the info. I didn’t know the woman in the video of Smith Lake Jake was his owner. She’s the one singing, Comin’ Round the Mountain! Or that SLJ is a well-kept house groundhog. So another vote from Nancy for Smith Lake Jake.

And for the readers who want to see Smith Lake Jake with his hat on, here’s the link to Smith Lake Living. You have to scroll down the page and he’s on the right:

Smith Lake Jake (with is hat) at Smith Lake Living (LINK)

How come no one’s voting for Buckeye Chuck?
on February 15, 2008 at 3:53 pm35 ybonesy

What I want to know is, why no caucus for the NM Prairie Dog??
on February 15, 2008 at 6:10 pm36 QuoinMonkey

LOL. Ah, ybonesy, I had to go back up to your Comment (#8) to remind myself about the little prairie dog candidate. I found a post that says that both prairie dogs and groundhogs are marmots. But there is a slight difference in the way they make their homes:

Groundhogs are solitary creatures preferring to keep company with family only, not gathering in small groups or societies

Prairie dogs share their burrow villages with owls and rattlesnakes.

Well, hmmmm. I guess the Prairie Dog really is the candidate of change! To read the rest of the story, anyone interested can go to:

Light-Science - Prairie Dogs and Groundhogs (LINK)

Seriously, though, I love the prairie dogs. I think the last time I saw a bunch of them was at the Minnesota Zoo. They remind me of a land version of the playful river otters we have here.

Hey what about the other candidate that diddy threw into the mix - the female groundhog named Patty Pagoda? Who’s fending for her? Oh, dear. I have to rethink my vote.
on February 16, 2008 at 9:38 am37 Tam

My vote is definately for Smith Lake Jake. He came to Missouri and visited my kids’ school. All the kids got their pictures taken with him and petted him, he’s so friendly. His owner kisses him right on the nose, sings groundhog songs and hands out groundhog books to the kids so they can learn about them … and he was wearing a hat (I think it was a top hat with his name on it). I also saw him at the Missouri State Fair riding a mechanical bull. That groundhog gets around, really travels the US to meet and greet folks! My vote is for him!!!! Go Smith Lake Jake!!!
on February 16, 2008 at 9:40 am38 Unit

My vote is for Smith Lake Jake, too!!! Gotta love the hats!! But, you can’t kiss a groundhog on the lips. Not only is that disgusting, but groundhogs don’t have lips. Only rims around their mouth.
on February 16, 2008 at 9:52 am39 QuoinMonkey

Tam, welcome to red Ravine. And another vote for the Southerner, Smith Lake Jake! That’s pretty cool that your kids got to see him in Missouri (I mean, isn’t he from Alabama?) It sounds like his campaign manager really knows how to get out there and work the audience and the Press! Well, I’ll keep tallying the votes as we roll along toward the November elections.
on February 16, 2008 at 10:16 am40 alittlediddy

QM, looks like Smith Lake Jake is running away with this election! Poor Gus! He dropped out today! I just heard the news & I am devastated!
I am seriously considering the Prairie dog. But he or she needs a name. YB, any suggestions?
Check out this link:

http://www.desertusa.com/dec96/du_pdogs.html

D
on February 16, 2008 at 10:21 am41 ybonesy

Good idea, diddy. How about Rio Grande Valley Rosa?
on February 16, 2008 at 11:06 am42 alittlediddy

YB, yes! Good name indeed! Count me in! I support Rio Grande Valley Rosa! D
on February 16, 2008 at 3:41 pm43 QuoinMonkey

Rio Grande Valley Rosa, nice name. Poor Gus. Well, I guess he’s so rich, it won’t matter. He’ll find something else to do.

diddy, what about Patty Pagoda, the PA native from Berks County? You’re jumping ship over to the NM Prairie Dog, Rio Grande Valley Rosa? And I forgot that Pogo’s got a couple of votes as well. Diverse race.
on February 16, 2008 at 5:29 pm44 alittlediddy

QM, I like Patty Pagoda , but she lacks experience. I kinda like the Prairie Dog, though their life span is very short. D
on February 18, 2008 at 5:08 am45 mommyrn3

Smith Lake Jake gets my vote! He is so cute and you have to love the hats. We live in the same town and he is in all the local parades. Hope he wins!
on February 18, 2008 at 5:41 am46 rick12

Vote for Smith Lake Jake!
on February 18, 2008 at 8:18 am47 ybonesy

Clearly Smith Lake Jake is gaining momentum. Rio Grande Rosa is going to have to win big these next few races. I’ll have to get the word out that she’s running.
on February 18, 2008 at 8:26 am48 QuoinMonkey

I had no idea Smith Lake Jake was so popular. And with people all over the country. You learn something new every day!

ybonesy, I’m thinking some signs might be in order for Rio Grande Rosa. Maybe a few doodles. It seems like Smith Lake Jake’s hat is enormously popular. Hmmm, we’ll have to noodle on that.
on February 18, 2008 at 6:16 pm49 ybonesy

Good idea, QM. I’ll start thinking about a doodle that might help move her campaign forward. I also need to ping some of the NM visitors to the site — Mimbres Man, bloomgal, my sister who never comments, my niece and nephew who never comment (guys — your vote matters!), and others. The time is now. Change is in the air.
on February 18, 2008 at 6:16 pm50 ybonesy

p.s., Yes We Can.
on February 19, 2008 at 12:46 pm51 Matthew

Prairie does are too cute, but only groundhog’s can predict, and we need a leader that can predict the future, as well as the weather. That is more then Clinton, Obama , and mccain can do. I was going to go with Buckeye Chuck, but when I looked at the picture here of Smith Lake Jake, and saw how distinguished he look’s, I have to go with Smith Lake Jake , Because a good leader should look distinguished.
on February 19, 2008 at 1:00 pm52 QuoinMonkey

Matthew, I like your reasoning. Predicting the future is a big plus. And a groundhog can rise to the occasion.

Hey, you reminded me that we’ve only got photo links to Smith Lake Jake, Rio Grande Rosa (well, I think that’s her in the photo link from diddy), Gus (who now has dropped out of the race), and Punxsutawney Phil. In fairness to the other candidates, we really need to find links to photographs of them.

A face is worth 1000 words. And people are incredibly visual. I think that (and that distinguished hat) is helping to give Smith Lake Jake the edge. He seems to have quite a following that has been with him over the long haul. Very loyal. I value that trait.
on February 19, 2008 at 1:08 pm53 ybonesy

Well, yes, it’s true that groundhogs make predictions — at least one — each year. But do we have data on how often their predictions come true? I’d have to see the data first before I could get behind a candidate who simply predicts.

As for distinguished looks…well, I don’t know about that one. At one point, we had what some would have called a pretty good-looking candidate on the slate. His hair was perfect, his smile — wholesome. And where is he now? History, kaput.

But, since we’re considering each candidate’s assets at this stage in the race, I would only ask that voters consider what we know about Prairie Dogs. Have you ever seen their villages? One thing is for sure — a Prairie Dog can build community.
on February 19, 2008 at 1:29 pm54 QuoinMonkey

ybonesy, well, those are all good points, too. Whew, now I really don’t know who to vote for. To be fair, I’m holding out to see photos of all the candidates, standing on their earthy platforms.

Barring that, I think I’m going for a composite candidate - the best of all of their attributes rolled into one candidate.

Perhaps their slogan would be - Yes We Can From Day One.
on February 19, 2008 at 2:02 pm55 ybonesy

Good one
on February 19, 2008 at 4:43 pm56 alittlediddy

YB, I couldn’t agree with you more. After doing some research on the Praire Dog, I have discoverved an admiration for them. Those little tiny ears say so much about how astute & protective they are. And yes, they are all about community! They sense danger & react. Not to be said of the groundhog. And anyone who lives with groundhogs in their yard (as we did at the farm) will understand how destructive they really are. They burrow holes in places that will begin the process of taking down buildings etc.. That is not something I can stand for nor admire. Let’s go Rio Grande Valley Rosa!!!! D
on February 19, 2008 at 6:05 pm57 ybonesy

Yeah, diddy! Hopefully Rosa will emerge from hibernation soon to start campaigning ; - ).
on February 20, 2008 at 12:53 pm58 Terry

It is hard to picture “Smith Lake Jake” riding a mechanical bull. That is funny!!! If “Smith Lake Jake” can ride a mechanical bull, then he’s got my vote.
on February 20, 2008 at 1:15 pm59 LANCE

MAKE NO MISTAKE VOTE “SMITH LAKE JAKE” Yea that groundhog really is popular down south, and I have petted him, at the fall festival in Birmingham. He gets my vote, and he’ll be a good president.
on February 20, 2008 at 4:17 pm60 ybonesy

Riding a mechanical bull? Is that the groundhog’s version of being a good commander-in-chief?

OK, I did look at Smith Lake Jake in his hat, and while I agree he looked dignified (it was an black top hat with shell and other decals), I am worried that he is too nice. Sounds like he does a lot of kissing and visiting schools, but can he make the hard decisions about our country’s future?

Also, I think the media is playing favorites with him, giving him lots of extra press coverage. Not that I don’t think he’s a wonderful groundhog, mind you, but CAN he be a wonderful president?
on February 24, 2008 at 12:05 pm61 Charlie

I vote for Smith Lake Jake. I think he is the most distinguished looking presidential candidate. I think Obama should take some of Smith Lake Jakes dress code and maybe a hat might help.
on February 24, 2008 at 12:20 pm62 Charlie

I just found out that Smith Lake Jake has his own website and HE ACTUALLY DID RIDE A MECHANICAL BULL. Check it out at this address http://www.easysite.com/smithlakejake
on February 24, 2008 at 12:34 pm63 QuoinMonkey

Wow, Smith Lake Jake is still the frontrunner. I had no idea he had his own website. Thanks for the link Charlie. Quite a few photos there and more press coverage for Smith Lake. I’ll have to start tallying up the delegates and see how far ahead he is. I think some of the other candidates have dropped out of the race as well.

I was hoping we would hear from someone who knew Shubenacadie Sam from Nova Scotia. Who would have thought Nova Scotia had groundhogs.
on February 24, 2008 at 7:36 pm64 Tam

Hi. Just saw this about Smith Lake Jake ( http://www.easysite.com/smithlakejake ). It’s got some pictures of him on it.
on February 24, 2008 at 7:37 pm65 Tam

Well … I guess I should have read up a bit first! Someone beat me to the punch! Smith Lake Jake really is a cutie. There’s a picture of him on that website as a baby. Too cute.
on February 27, 2008 at 5:26 pm66 Libby

Well this is really a fun page,Groundhogs running for president. I would really rather vote for one of our favorite groundhog’s then who we have running for president now, and I think I will. I like both Punxsutawney Phil, and Smith Lake Jake, but I think I will choose to vote Smith Lake Jake, because he kisses baby’s and He is looks fun loveing and smart. Yea he get’s my vote too! Maybe they both can be in office as a team.
on February 28, 2008 at 9:59 am67 QuoinMonkey

Tam, thanks for weighing in your vote for Jake! Welcome to red Ravine.

Libby, I like the idea of teamwork. Seems like a lost concept out in the real political world. But maybe it will work for Phil and Jake. I guess that remains to be seen. So another vote for Smith Lake Jake from you!
on March 2, 2008 at 9:03 am68 Crystal

My vote is for Smith Lake Jake because the owner, Ginger, is my aunt! So…Smith Lake Jake could be considered my cousin I guess, lol. PLUS HE’s ADORABLE!!! ^^
I think he’d be a rockin’ president!
(sweet! I feel a bit famous cause I’m realated to him. xD )
on March 2, 2008 at 9:05 am69 ybonesy

I know what you mean. I feel kind of famous for having had Smith Jake Lake’s cousin (is that your relation to the candidate himself?) comment on red Ravine!
on March 2, 2008 at 9:16 am70 Crystal

Well, obviosly, he’s not my blood cousin, but I figure that since my Aunt is the owner, and SLJ is her groundhog, that it could, in a way, be my cousin.
on March 2, 2008 at 11:20 am71 QuoinMonkey

Wow, another vote for Smith Lake Jake. I’m constantly amazed at how popular he is.

Crystal, I’m just curious - how old is Smith Lake Jake? He sounds like one of a kind. As a lot of my family lives in Pennsylvania, I had only heard mostly of Punxsutawney Phil. (And, honestly, I don’t know how old he is either.)

In the meantime, I’ll track up another vote for Jake in the tally!
on March 2, 2008 at 3:04 pm72 Crystal

Jake is two right now, but he turns three in May. Yes, he is one of a kind, he’s sweet and is VERY popular down in the south. He’s on the Suzuki Man in Birmingham TV show every day. When Jake has his little hat on his head, my AUnt will sing a song with him sometimes.
lol, he eats a bowl of Trix or Sugarsmacks cereal every morning with REAL vitamin D milk. xD
on March 2, 2008 at 10:30 pm73 ybonesy

Do you think your aunt might be open to becoming campaign manager for Rio Grande Rosa? She is a prairie dog, soon to be out of hibernation, and she will be in need of breakfast for champions. Or would that be a conflict of interest, working for two of the candidates?
on March 3, 2008 at 6:38 am74 alittlediddy

YB, perhaps Smith Lake Jake & Rio Grande Rosa could be running mates. Let’s face it, Looks like Jake has this election in the bag. The mix of groundhog & praire dog has great potential! I think the idea could unite our country! D
on March 3, 2008 at 11:36 am75 QuoinMonkey

Crystal, I started to think and wonder - okay, 2 years in Groundhog years - how many human years? Does it work the same as 6 or 7 years of dog or cat time for every 1 year as a human? I would have pegged Jake for an older groundhog. He seems so mature.

yb, breakfast of champions, perfect! I think Ginger would make a great campaign manager for Rosa. I wonder if she’s up for it? I think Jake’s being highly favored by the media is making a big difference.

diddy, I like the idea of them running together. Hey, Phil (who I originally did the post for), I don’t think anyone’s voted for him but me. And I thought HE was the popular one! I just don’t know if anyone can compete with Jake’s appearances on Suzuki Man in Birmingham.
on March 13, 2008 at 9:31 pm76 SMITH LAKE JAKE

I would like to thank all of my loyal fans for voting for me. If I, Smith Lake Jake, am elected president of the United States, I do here by promise to lower gas prices, lower taxes and put a stop to this war once and for all and bring all of our soldiers home. I will predict the weather every day with 100% accuracy, kiss babies And make groundhogs day a paid holiday, with a huge groundhog’s day parade, with banana sandwiches, and milo’s tea for everyone.
on March 13, 2008 at 10:02 pm77 SMITH LAKE JAKE

Oh yea! I would like to vote for myself,
on March 13, 2008 at 10:20 pm78 alittlediddy

OK, I think I just decided to vote for Smith Lake Jake! D
on March 14, 2008 at 12:25 pm79 QuoinMonkey

Smith Lake Jake, thanks for visiting us on your campaign trail! And thanks for adding our press release to your new website. I hope people will go and check you out at: Smith Lake Jake’s Official Site (LINK).

I can really get behind two of your campaign promises - Groundhog’s Day as a paid holiday and banana sandwiches. When I was growing up, we often had peanut butter and banana sandwiches and I loved those things. (In fact, I might go make one right now. If I recall correctly Mom also put mayo on them. I know it sounds weird, but that’s what I remember. It adds to the taste.)

But banana sandwiches aside, you just seem like such a nice guy. You stay out of all the fray, make friends and influence people simply with your kindness. I may have to do a write-in vote myself.
on March 14, 2008 at 7:20 pm80 SMITH LAKE JAKE

I like mayo on my banana sandwiches ! Peanut butter sticks to the roof of my mouth. Then a nice glass of cold real milk to wash it down.
on March 14, 2008 at 10:05 pm81 ybonesy

Mayo on banana sandwiches?!? That just lost a vote
on March 14, 2008 at 10:38 pm82 QuoinMonkey

Hard to believe, but the mayo makes the sandwich. I know, I know, it sounds strange. But there is something about that mix of flavors that just seems to work.

Oh, the old peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth. That’s true. And when you eat peanut butter with banana, the stick action is doubled. Does Smith Lake Jake really drink milk?
on March 15, 2008 at 2:40 pm83 Ginger

Smith Lake Jake loves milk but none of that 2% stuff, he likes the real deal. he also loves Milo’s tea, actually the Milo’s tea company called me and said that they read in a national magazine where Smith Lake Jake loved Milo’s tea. They sent Smith Lake Jake a package and a little Milo’s tea hat, for his little groundhog head. They said that they would like to do something with Smith Lake Jake. Smith Lake Jake loves Gummi Bears also. Smith Lake just loves to eat! Smith Lake Jake is a joy to be around. he is a sweet little boy, unless he can’t get his way, then look out! !! Smith Lake Jake will actually stand up and watch the Suzuki man show when it comes on t.v. He loves the Suzuki Man but he has taken a nip or two out of him before.{[funny} Some times I call him Jake and sometimes I call him Smitty {short for smith}. He is our baby and a spoiled little boy he is too.
on March 15, 2008 at 5:29 pm84 QuoinMonkey

Ginger, thanks for the details. Really interesting tidbits about Smith Lake Jake. He sounds like part of your family, kind of like we have Mr. Stripeypants, Kiev, and Chaco. And ybonesy has Otis & Sony (and ybonesy, your other dog’s name starts with an R doesn’t it?).

Milo’s tea and Gummi Bears…quite an unusual appetite for a groundhog. So wait, you mean Smith Lake Jake sometimes bites? I’m trying to imagine a groundhog’s teeth. I kind of like the name Smitty. That’s catchy.

Hey, ybonesy, now’s your chance to ask Ginger in person if she would consider being campaign manager for Rio Grande Rosa (see Comment 73) as well as Smitty. She seems excellent with the publicity. Kind, too!
on March 17, 2008 at 8:14 pm85 Crystal

Yes, Quoin, groundhogs DO bite. We were in teh car one day and I dunno…I was petting him and he just turned and SNAP bit me. THey have to big front teeth, and I’ve even got a small scar from it..but hey, I can show it off if Jakey wins. “Hey, Look at me! I was bit by the President!”
xD haha! That’d be funny.
And…I’m not sure about the whole…groundhog, human age thing. But maybe I’ll look into it if I have time. I’ve got a huge biography due in English soon, so I’m working on that, and getting on here when I get the chance.
on March 19, 2008 at 8:52 am86 QuoinMonkey

Crystal, ouch! Well, if it’s any consolation, Jake is ahead in this race. So you might well be able to show off that scar! Hey, good luck on your biography for English. I like biography and the context of how it relates to history. Yeah, if you find out how many groundhog years equals a human year, please let us know. We write about animals, critters, nature, the wild quite a bit on red Ravine. And Jake fits right in.
on March 26, 2008 at 9:57 pm87 Mangenta

I would also like to vote for Smith Lake Jack.I know his Mom & Dad Ginger and Heath.He has been raised to be a fine groundhog.We need a good man like him in office.
on March 26, 2008 at 11:57 pm88 QuoinMonkey

Mangenta, thanks for your vote for Smith Lake Jake. He’s cruising. Say Hi to SLJ’s family!
on March 29, 2008 at 12:33 pm89 alligator

Smith Lake Jake is just to cool ! gotta cast my vote for Smith Lake Jake too .
on March 29, 2008 at 12:35 pm90 mamagator

I HAVE TO AGREE, Smith LAKE jAKE GETS MINE TOO.
on March 29, 2008 at 11:59 pm91 QuoinMonkey

alligator & mamagator, thanks for voting for Smith Lake Jake!

Well, here’s the vote count so far. But the Pennsylvania primary is coming up in April. We’ll have to see if the hometown boy, Punxsutawney Phil, makes any headway in his own state! So far though, Jake’s got quite a lead.

SMITH LAKE JAKE - 21 votes (plus 1 vote for himself)
RIO GRANDE VALLEY ROSA - 2 votes
POGO - 2 votes
GUS - 1 vote
PATTY PAGODA - 1 vote
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL - 1 vote
on May 3, 2008 at 5:25 pm92 HEATH

Smith Lake Jake ,(SMITTIE) Gets my vote as well. He is my precious little boy.
on May 8, 2008 at 12:24 pm93 Nappshack

Right on— Smith Lake Jake is my man for President. and the best man for the job. He’s got my vote.
on May 8, 2008 at 12:32 pm94 QuoinMonkey

Heath and Nappshack, thanks for weighing in on the goundhog primaries. I’m adding your votes to the grand total. Every vote counts!
____________

SMITH LAKE JAKE - 24 votes (plus 1 vote for himself)
RIO GRANDE VALLEY ROSA - 2 votes
POGO - 2 votes
GUS - 1 vote
PATTY PAGODA - 1 vote
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL - 1 vote
on June 1, 2008 at 4:29 pm95 EARL

SMITH LAKE JAKE ALL THE WAY! HE GETS MY VOTE.
on June 4, 2008 at 1:02 am96 QuoinMonkey

Hey, thanks Earl. One more vote for Smith Lake Jake!
on July 8, 2008 at 12:17 pm97 maddien ma

“Smith Lake Jake’s my man! He wins my vote.
on July 8, 2008 at 12:30 pm98 QuoinMonkey

Thanks for your vote, maddien ma! Smittie is still out there goin’ strong. Has anyone rented a button maker to make campaign buttons for Smith Lake Jake yet?
on July 23, 2008 at 11:44 pm99 susquehanna haiku «

[...] to posts: haiku (one-a-day) , Out Of Chaos Comes Hope, and Vote For Punxsutawney Phil Possibly related posts: (automatically [...]
on July 27, 2008 at 8:46 pm100 ben

I love groundhogs, and I absolutely love all of the pictures and videos of Smith Lake Jake on his web site . My family wouldn’t miss groundhogs day, seeing Smith Lake Jake in his little hat. Smith Lake Jake gets a vote from me. I like Punxsutawney Phil too, but Smith Lake Jake is just soooo darn cute.
on July 28, 2008 at 1:18 pm101 QuoinMonkey

Thanks, ben. One more vote for Smith Lake Jake. And the votes keep coming in, even after all these months!
on August 3, 2008 at 2:41 pm102 posquailefingers

I’ll tell you what. I’d vote for Smith Lake Jake over who we have running for president of the U.S now. Heck I THINK i’LL WRITE OLE “SMITH LAKE JAKE IN” That would be a hoot to see a picture of McCain, and Obama and Smith Lake Jake . Someone should come up with one for the national inq. to print. SLJ HAS MY VOTE TOO!
on August 21, 2008 at 11:53 am103 Karra ann

Election day will soon be here, so I cast my vote for FOR “Smith Lake Jake”.
on August 21, 2008 at 12:43 pm104 QuoinMonkey

posquailefingers & Karra ann, thanks for casting your votes. I can see that Smith Lake Jake is still as popular as ever in his campaign race for the presidency. He might just get enough write-in votes. You just never know what’s going to happen.
on August 24, 2008 at 3:47 pm105 “Pants” For Obama! «

[...] I guess if humans are casting their votes (in record numbers) for the groundhog, Smith Lake Jake for President, then surely a cat like Mr. StripeyPants can vote for the human, Barack Obama. What more is there [...]
on September 18, 2008 at 3:07 pm106 laninal

Add my vote in for “Smith Lake Jake”
on September 19, 2008 at 8:54 am107 QuoinMonkey

Hey, thanks laninal. The race just seems to get tighter and tighter. I wonder what Jake’s view of the current economic situation is. Perhaps his world view is a little more “grounded” than politics as usual.
on October 4, 2008 at 11:30 am108 POLLS

I’m sure that Smith Lake Jake will make a fine President, He has my vote, and he just looks so fine in that hat. I saw the funnest picture of Smith Lake Jake and the Mayor of Graysville, Alabama. check it out! google in smith lake jake and dough brewer.
on October 5, 2008 at 12:27 pm109 QuoinMonkey

Oh, my gosh. POLLS (#108), at first, I couldn’t figure out if the person’s name was really “Dough Brewer,” then I saw the post. Okay, so Jake needs a spelling lesson.

Here’s the link to see a photo of Smith Lake Jake with Dough (Doug) Brewer, Mayor of Graysville, Alabama. (This short groundhog haiku post from last February continues to make me smile months later).

Photo: Smith Lake Jake predicts Dough will win! (LINK)