The ending begins at midnight

8:15 PM EDT Thu 7/14/2011 | In the north central states and along the Southeast coast, storms will fire overnight as moisture navigates around the front and back side of the eastern U.S. high pressure ridge.  Despite these areas of disturbed weather, the next 24 hours for most will be tranquil for some, but searing hot for those in the Midwest. with a low risk of a severe outbreak, our forecasters prepared this special "fusion" report from the weather wizards among us: 

Crystal clear skies and brilliant sunshine across the East today belied what awaits at midnight for those brave enough to venture back to Hogwarts. A silver moon and cool temperatures may give you some confidence for the journey, but Muggles be warned that attempting to recapture the Elder Wand from those who shall not be named, will be a deathly task at best. 

By nightfall, in the south and beyond, that from above which will affect your path, may change ...it would be wise to return to this place, and consult the Headmaster before venturing out. You have been warned... 

(Professor Foot, Wizards Diandre and Evan, H.S.W.W.)

"I bless the rains down in Africa..."

- Lyrics from the 1982 single Africa by Toto (Youtube link)

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8:00 AM EDT Thu 7/14/2011 - As the singers of Toto aptly say in today's headline, when it comes to getting more rain where we need it, "there's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do." The large scale significance of our current rain stricken situation in North America extends far beyond U.S. shores. Having visited central Costa Rica in June as a graduate student with Towson University's Study Abroad program, my colleagues and I were struck to learn a month of the "rainy season" had elapsed, yet relatively little rain had fallen. In fact, an entire week spent in the Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Preserve, yielded a total of 2 hours of rain - and only at night. Technically, we never even got rained on while hiking a rainforest. We and the life-long residents agreed: Something is not right.

Surely someone needs to get down on their knees and bless the rain in Africa.  Thus far in this dry summer, the noticeable lack of tropical activity in the Caribbean and along the trade wind routes of the Atlantic suggests the drought masters are using Toto's song to tell us "It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you.  If unfamiliar with the song, look over and listen to the lyrics. Let us know in the comments what meanings you draw from the words. 

If you're not a fan of 80's music, take heart... the next lead story will probably be headlined by something unexpected like Shakespeare, Maya Angelou or maybe a line from Disney's "Tangled." Drink water and enjoy your day everyone... at least there are no tornadoes, hurricanes or blizzards.

(Lead Advisor Mr. Foot - Baltimore, MD)