All,
   Quick entry here as I'm about to plant my face in my breakfast.  The new winter update from the NWS Climate Prediction Center is available here.  The main change was to shift the confident axis of warmth slightly southward.  Still, for much of the country the chances for a warmer than normal winter are high, especially in the Ozarks and Midwest.  The Ozarks are also favored to see more rain than normal.  This outlook, even if it were to pan out completely, says nothing about snow here in MN or down in IL.  Remember, it only takes one or two big snowstorms to have huge impacts and push the amounts way up there.  A warmer than normal winter in Minnesota may actually favor a few more bigger snowstorms here.  But that's hand-waving still.  One side note that I think could fall out of a winter pattern such as the one predicted is potentially more severe weather in the southeast U.S.  And that of course is my soapbox, the true Tornado Alley is that part of the country and starting in the winter time and all that you've heard many times from me.  But I know nAHthing.  Speaking of southern tornadoes at night, Dr. Ashley at NIU was interviewed by the Weather Channel on Monday about that very topic which he has done statistical research on.  At least that's according to my sis.  And she's a college student, so she knows all.
    Not much else.  Going to the Celtics vs. Timberwolves basketball game this evening. The game probably won't be close, but it will be a packed house and a booyah time.  On the 7 degree drive to home this morning, I definitely jammed to a little "I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus" and "Felice Navidad".  I have to admit, Christmas tunes before Thanksgiving are the way to go!

Stay warm from the 'Sota to the 'Dota,
MTF