Punxsutawny Phil’s Prognostications
February 7th, 2006 | by Ed |I guess Punxsutawny Phil was right…winter isn’t over yet.
Since 1887, folks have been gathering at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawny, Pennsylvania to forecast the weather (using the latest technology). Over the last 119 years, Punxsutawny Phil has been right 38% of the time. In other words, about as reliable as a human weather forecaster!
Speaking of faulty forecasting and poor prognosticating, here are some of my favorite forecasting faux pas:
“I think there is a world market for about five computors” (Tom Watson, chairman of the board of IBM).
“We don’t like their sound. Besides groups with guitars are on their way out” (Executive for Decca Records, 1962, after turning down the Beatles).
“Who would want to hear actors talk?” (H. M. Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927).
“With 50 foreign cars already on sale here, the Japanese auto industry isn’t likely to carve out a big slice of the US market” (business Week, 1968).
“Everything that can be invented has been invented” (Charles H. Duell, Office of Patents, 1899).