which part of the south? New Orleans is in the mid 60s-high 70s this week.

Conversely, though, there were a few weeks up there this past summer that you all were hitting higher temps than us consistently. I remember this because I was planning a visit shortly after all that nonsense, so I was paying close attention to the weather.

It don't matter though, I love the weather here. If it gets cold (like 40s-50s) it's still better than below freezing and sub zero and snow and slush and ice.

I'd say not tragic, but still sad. A life completed, for sure.

I agree with this. The world was a better place with him in it.

I'm catching up on an episode of Scandal from October. The one where the politician is accused of killing his mistress, but his wife did it instead. It would have been a better episode if that twist hadn't been done a million times before.

RIP, Nelson Mandela. What a life, what a legacy.

Theodosia, that's funny about Jim Cantore! It's true. He's like the warning harbinger of bad weather.

Jim Cantore, AKA The Oncoming Storm.

My Arkansas cousins are bracing for Icepocalypse, apparently.

I made air-popped popcorn! With the ancient but barely-used popper I inherited. I think I like the pan better.

My one true popcorn is Alton Brown's homemade microwave popcorn.

Oh god the new microwave doesn't get here until next week.

I think they'll cancel school tomorrow - the forecast is for freezing rain at AM commute, turning to sleet, turning to snow. But I don't think my work will close (mr. flea is very flexible so can stay home if he needs to), so I am anticipating a tedious, messy and cold commute.

Does anything stick to it when you make it like that, amych? He uses no oil at all, right?

Amy, he uses oil -- about a tablespoon or so; way less than you'd use popping it in a pan, but enough to help the salt or whatever else you toss in for flavor to stick. I've seen variants that don't use any oil at all but that just seems blah to me.