Raf

Weird. To look at the map, we should not be affected at all over here, yet I just woke up (4:25 a.m.) because of a vicious squall accompanied by lightning and thunder. Let this be over with soon...

The raise is substantial but not overwhelming (upper single digit percentage). No byline, which means I'll have to find some other outlet for that skill (and I will: oh, yes, I will). And yes, it makes me very happy. It's odd: I remember this one time I edited a story that got on the front page, and I was proud of it, even though I had not written the story. That's when I knew. Cindy! ... I still be Raf.

That beats the alternative: RafACE, which is way too close to Ratface, which is not very Jon Lovitz-like at all!

Oh, that won't go to my head at all!

Especially without believing without a doubt that such a blessing will occur.

Yup. In fact, that's exactly what the job is called.

I know what you're thinking... what promotion? Well, I am no longer a reporter for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. My new title is Assistant City Editor. I kept the application under my hat, as I wasn't really expecting to get the job (take that, law of believing fanatics!), but I just got the offer a few minutes ago. Best of all, it doesn't change my schedule at all, so I can continue to teach. Best of both worlds! Wish me luck! (This does mean I'll be checking in here less often, but I'll be far from absent).

What's your record for most questions in a row? Uncle Buck

I looked it up. This one's pretty obscure, I think.

The series is nonsense. It's the original miniseries and 2/3 of the follow-up miniseries I was referring to.

V was better. Independence Day was worse.

Well, for some reason Aunt Petunia knows a lot more about the wizard world than she's been letting on. What that means is... well, I don't know what that means.

It is finished.

Hmm. I give up. :)-->

Oh, like you didn't think of it first. Hmm, water that doesn't do what is claimed when tested despite the best anecdotal evidence of unnamed scientists... Nope, I don't see any parallels here. You see any parallels here, Steve?

In the second book, the people who are petrified are all half-bloods (except Hermione, who I believe is pure Muggle born). So it could easily be... Colin Creevey!

Ah. Then I'll agree with Finnegan.

A half-muggle, half-witch whose identity as a prince would be a surprise? Piece of cake: Neville Longbottom. I thought he had a line like that in the first movie, but come to think of it, it may have been Finnegan. I have to go back to the first book when I have the inclination to see who really does speak that line.

I don't think I've seen this movie. These are not Blazing Saddles or South Park quotes, two movies that could well qualify as "funniest R rated movie."

How! did! I! miss! this!? Happy! Birthday! Steve!

Okay, Raising Helen... Kate Hudson Almost Famous Philip Symour Hoffman

LIIIIIINDYYYYYYYYY!!!! OH LIIIIIIIINDYYYYYYY!!!!!

I like Where is God When Bad Things Happen? and God is Relevant, both by Luis Palau.

Not to be confused with the Tigger of Cindy!