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One prominent blog claimed the two tech companies were again discussing a takeover deal, others said it just isn't happening.

Please make it stop. Yahoo's annual meeting can't come soon enough for tech industry observers.

One might think this would be a perfect time for Microsoft to come back and try to scoop up Yahoo, for far more favorable terms than Yahoo allegedly wanted before Microsoft said "no thanks" and walked away.

TechCrunch claimed sources from both companies said talks restarted between the two sides. With Yahoo shares hovering in the $20 range yesterday, it seemed like an opportune time for Steve Ballmer and company to step back into the picture.

The rumor isn't holding up, as All Things D said the same little sources simply could not be verified. "Those sources at both Yahoo and Microsoft, who certainly can spin like dervishes when need be, emphatically went out of their way yesterday - which is not so typical - to deny any talks were going on," Kara Swisher wrote.

Something may be up. Silicon Alley Insider debunked the talk rumors, but couldn't confirm if any kind of discussion was or was not taking place.

It's like the groundhog of the Internet popped its head up, saw its shadow (caused by a bank of server and router lights in the datacenter), and decided there would be about six more weeks of wild speculation about Yahoo's future. Someone bring us a gas grill and a marinade recommendation for seared groundhog, please.