by Whitney Mathews

And that's a wrap on my tenure as LJWorld.com's online editor.

Thanks for everything, guys. If you want to stay in touch, you can find me on Twitter @whitneymathews.

But it's my time to leave the island. Be good to the next set of candidates, my little smoke monsters.

LJWorld.com photographer Nick Krug is looking for a good home for one or both of his cats, Ollie and Moses.

Below are their pics. Here is Nick's description:

I don't think these photos accurately depict their usual behavior or their affection toward each other, however they are loving cats to their owners. The grey one is Ollie (6 years old) and the white one is Moses (five years old.) We're looking for a good home for one or both of them. More details for anyone interested.

You can email Nick for more info at nkrug@ljworld.com.

by Whitney Mathews

Aw, man. Today is my last day here at LJWorld.com, and it's making me a wee bit sad. The good people of our website have set up a farewell blog post, if you're in the mood for some giggles.

And now, for the last time, here are Thursday's most-viewed stories and most-commented items in the last 24 hours.

Most-viewed stories

1. Planned Parenthood says it will receive abortion license, expects to withdraw federal lawsuit
2. Town Talk: Self likely to donate $1 million for West Lawrence recreation center, sales tax dollars may fund rest; skatepark improvements, new East Lawrence playground on drawing board
3. KU athletic department IRS form shows women’s basketball coach Bonnie Henrickson paid almost $2 million in 2009
4. Deal near for KU Coach Bill Self to donate $1 million for new west Lawrence recreation center
5. Sheriff’s Department surveying roofs of county buildings from helicopter Friday

Most-commented items

1. Planned Parenthood says it will receive abortion license, expects to withdraw federal lawsuit
2. Papa Keno’s remains open as owner files for bankruptcy
3. OTS: What was the last thing you spent more than $100 on?
4. U.S. losing art of compromise
5. Blog: It's Been Good, It's Been Fun, It's Been Good Fun! Goodbye Whitney!

100-Degree Day Contest

OK, yesterday we missed hitting 100 degrees in Lawrence by a fraction of a degree. I spoke with the NWS office and they confirmed that it did not officially hit 100 degrees Thursday. So maybe today is your day! Here are today's possible winners in the 100-Degree Day Contest.

Roxanne Rachlin 11:57 a.m.
Jessica Mortinger 12:59 p.m.
Adam Kasson 1 p.m.
Lindsey Fry 1:10 p.m.
Jolene Born 1:16 p.m.
Synthia Somerhalder 1:43 p.m.
Leah Wewer 1:47 p.m.
Cindy Flippo 2:05 p.m.
Jan Wiebe 2:54 p.m.
Anna Egging 3 p.m.
Miah Cheatham 3 p.m.
Sarah Dinges 3:03 p.m.
Jessica Harris 3:30 p.m.
Brena Harrington 3:31 p.m.
Josh Hunt 3:44 p.m.
Benjamin Turner 4 p.m.
Lisa Hallberg 4:35 p.m.
Tom Morey 5 p.m.

Today's Friday Food War is popsicles vs. ice cream cones. Smart people will choose popsicles. I'm not biased. I'm just stating facts.

You can vote on Facebook and follow the smack talk on the #IceWars hashtag.

The National Weather Service has issued three (yes, three) heat-related alerts for Douglas County. Basically, it's going to be hot. Prepare yourself.

Here are Wednesday's most-viewed stories and most-commented items in the last 24 hours:

Most-viewed stories

1. Town Talk: Compton project at Ninth and N.H. recommended for incentives; Olive Garden project less clear; longtime insurer closes Lawrence office
2. Douglas County man transported to area hospitals after homemade firework explodes in hand
3. Federal investigator looking into explosion that led to hospitalization of Lawrence man
4. Fourth of July events and fireworks displays in Lawrence, Eudora, De Soto, McLouth and Ottawa
5. Tour emphasizes Masonic Temple’s uniqueness; caterer urges city to provide incentives for development

Most-commented items

1. OTS: If you could study abroad anywhere, where would you go and why?
2. Poll: Do you think the new regulations for Kansas abortion clinics are too strict?
3. Town Talk: Compton project at Ninth and N.H. recommended for incentives; Olive Garden project less clear; longtime insurer closes Lawrence office
4. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, county officials working on new election-fraud regulations
5. Tour emphasizes Masonic Temple’s uniqueness; caterer urges city to provide incentives for development

100-Degree Day Contest

The NWS forecast predicts the temperature in Lawrence will be just shy of triple digits today, but they could be wrong. So here are those of you who are eligible to win our 100-Degree Day Contest today:

Marlo Angell 12:55 p.m.
Judy Kasson 1 p.m.
Kelsey Oyler 1:01 p.m.
Lisa Carpenter 1:08 p.m.
Lindsey Fry 1:20 p.m.
Erika Weed 1:48 p.m.
Mary Lawson 1:55 p.m.
Karen Lowder 1:59 p.m.
Jill Kim 2 p.m.
Marcus DeMon 2 p.m.
Elena Auer 2:15 p.m.
Kristen Sanders 2:30 p.m.
Debbie Sack 2:45 p.m.
Paula Shaver 3 p.m.
Jeff Goodrick 3 p.m.
Julie Hansen 3:01 p.m.
Sarah Dinges 3:03 p.m.
Tina Tourtillott 3:12 p.m.
Lois Weldon 3:18 p.m.
Lisa Rasor 3:30 p.m.
Stacy Riggins 3:40 p.m.
Joshua Sestak 3:42 p.m.
Shayne Cassey 3:44 p.m.
Brenda Harrington 3:55 p.m.
Charly Edmonds 4:30 p.m.
Alex Fischer 4:30 p.m.
Kyle Kitson 4:45 p.m.
Lisa Hallberg 5:35 p.m.
Gary Hadl 6:15 p.m.

Since tomorrow is my last day here at LJWorld.com, I've been gradually cleaning out my desk and laptop bag. Some interesting items have surfaced. Here are some of the highlights:

• A ticket to the 2008 KU vs. MU Border Showdown at Arrowhead Stadium. It was sleeting/raining and I was miserable until the last 27 seconds. Reesing to Meyer on 4th and 6. Un-freaking believable.
• A huge bottle of Excedrin. Man, how did I not remember I had that?
• Two forks and two spoons. Jake and I had been wondering what was happening to our silverware. Surprise! It was in my laptop bag.
• Four pairs of earbuds. I clearly remember purchasing each set after I thought I'd lost the previous pair. Those little suckers are easy to lose.
• A pack of "Movie Theater Butter" microwave popcorn. That could still be edible. What is the shelf life on microwave popcorn?

Finally, I think someone may have "accidentally borrowed" my Pee-wee Herman bobblehead. I'm offering a reward of a 2/3-full bottle of hand sanitizer (also found in my desk drawer) for Pee-wee's safe return. I'd like him to live next to the Miller High Life delivery man and Andre the Giant bobbleheads we have at home.

I'm also willing to admit I may have moved Pee-wee on my own and can't remember what happened to him.

Well, we're not under an excessive heat watch yet, but it starts Thursday and is effective through Saturday. Make sure you know how to handle heat-related illnesses if you have to spend time outside.

Here are Tuesday's most-viewed stories and most-commented items in the last 24 hours:

Most-viewed stories

1. Police identify body found in wooded area near mobile home park
2. Town Talk: Farmland site likely to be cleaned by end of August; roadwork, roadwork roadwork, including a closure of 31st Street; a sellout for Joplin tornado victims
3. Good Samaritan pays for woman’s groceries after theft of her wallet at Dillons <-- posted June 7
4. Two KUPD officers sustain minor injuries in altercation near Summerfield Hall
5. Eudora man faces animal cruelty charge related to ‘shocking’ condition of pony’s hooves

Most-commented items in the last 24 hours

1. Blog: Monday's top stories and my last week at LJWorld.com
2. New state law removes cities’ ability to set their own fines for seat belt violations
3. Kansas abortion providers sue to stop new state rules
4. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, county officials working on new election-fraud regulations
5. Poll: Do you think the new regulations for Kansas abortion clinics are too strict?

Possible 100-Degree Day Contest winners

It's going to be hot today, but it doesn't look like it will reach 100 degrees. However, we could have a winner in our 100-Degree Day Contest as soon as Thursday.

Just in case it does reach 100 today, here are today's eligible winners.

Mercedes Anderegg 12:34 p.m.
Gina Riddle, 2 p.m.
Karen Lowder, 2 p.m.
Bruce Sands 2:05 p.m.
Virginia Musser 2:10 p.m.
Kelly Hannifan 2:13 p.m.
Angie Nordhus 2:15 p.m.
Karla Williams 2:30 p.m.
Wendee Anderson 2:39 p.m.
Travis Wales 3 p.m.
Claude Vance 3:09 p.m.
Eric Jorgensen 3:21 p.m.
Kendra Clouse 3:30 p.m.
Vickie Burggraf 3:31 p.m.
Barbara Burket 3:45 p.m.
Stephanie Confer 3:50 p.m.
Joel Grillot 3:57 p.m.
Jennifer Clark 4:05 p.m.
Stacy Riggins 4:10 p.m.
Deana Miller 4:25 p.m.
Elizabeth Christian 4:30 p.m.

Free food!

It's that time of year when LJWorld.com photographer Richard Gwin starts bringing us fruits and veggies from his giant garden. Today I got a bag full of sweet corn! I will miss Richard (not just because of the free food).

by Whitney Mathews

Happy Tuesday-leading-up-to-a-holiday-weekend! I'm sorry I didn't post yesterday. I've been busy wrapping up some loose ends. More on that below.

Here are your top stories for Monday, June 27, and the most-commented items in the last 24 hours. In case you're wondering, the most-viewed story from the weekend was about "True Blood."

Most-viewed stories

1. Power restored to more than 2,700 Westar Energy customers after outage in northwest Lawrence
2. Town Talk: Dillons still working on new design for South Mass store; speed cushions coming to streets near KU; seat belt fine to drop from $100 to $10
3. Officials still trying to identify body found in east Lawrence creek
4. Vandy transfer Andre Walker plans to visit KU basketball
5. Rural Lawrence man treated at hospital following moped accident

Most-commented items in the last 24 hours

1. Safety net is a moral obligation
2. Song Blog: Weed, Wine or Winston. What'll It Be Cowboy?
3. Gay rights group protests Brownback’s decision to attend Texas prayer rally
4. New state law removes cities’ ability to set their own fines for seat belt violations
5. OTS: What summer movie are you most looking forward to?

Adios, amigos

Well, it's been one of the worst-kept secrets of 2011, but it's time to officially announce that Friday, July 1, is my last day here at LJWorld.com.

I've accepted a position as a consultant at Digital Evolution Group in Overland Park.

Despite the 24/7 nature of this gig, I will miss interacting with you on a daily (and nightly and hourly) basis. I've enjoyed getting to know our online community, hearing your opinions and sharing laughs. And there were definitely some laughs. I've also learned a lot about the more somber details of community moderating. And as there are funny moments, there are serious ones, as well.

I'll continue moderating the site through Friday afternoon. If you need anything before then, I'm here for you. After that, Jonathan Kealing is your man.

Heyo! It's Friday!

Here are Thursday's top stories and the most-commented items in the past 24 hours.

Most-viewed stories

1. Town Talk: No Lowe’s plan but still talk; tavern slated for Sixth and Wakarusa; downtown vacancy at 13 percent, by one measure
2. Blog: Markieff, Marcus Morris drafted with 13th, 14th picks; Josh Selby taken 49th
3. Power restored to Westar Energy customers in south Lawrence after Thursday morning outage
4. Former KU student pleads guilty to battery after woman alleges she was sexually assaulted at fraternity house
5. Poll: According to 247wallst.com, these 10 brands are likely to disappear in 2012. Which one would you miss the most?

Most-commented items in the last 24 hours

1. Lost rights
2. Josh Selby missed his shot
3. OTS: Who is your all-time favorite movie character?
4. Poll: According to 247wallst.com, these 10 brands are likely to disappear in 2012. Which one would you miss the most?
5. Slow economic recovery weakens President Obama’s support

I'm trying to track down some special candles for my mom's 60th birthday party tonight, and I'm hoping you can help. Each candle is its own letter and they spell out H-A-P-P-Y B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y. Urban Outfitters used to sell them, but they don't anymore. I also called Hobby Lobby and they don't have them. Help? They look similar to these.

UPDATE: somedude20 suggested Party America on 23rd and they have them in stock! Woo!

by Whitney Mathews

Also, today's Friday Food War is already heating up. This week, we're battling over carnival classics. Vote in the Facebook poll and participate in smack talk on Twitter with the hashtag #CarnivalWars!

I obviously voted for "Anything fried on a stick," because corn dogs fall into that category.

Hello, Thursday! Isn't the weather gorgeous? A quote from the musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown comes to mind.

Some days I wake up early and watch the sun rise. And I think how beautiful it is. How my life lies before me. And I get very positive feeling about things. Like this morning for instance, the sky is so clear and the sun is so bright. How can anything go wrong on a day like this?

Well, I guess your power could go out.

Here are the most-viewed stories and most-commented items in the last 24 hours:

Most-viewed stories

1. Stock up, stock down: Morris twins soaring in NBA draft projections; Selby plummeting
2. Town Talk: Zarco expansion plans for Compressed Natural Gas station; Dunkin’ Donuts begins work on second location; Lawrence Perkins avoids closure
3. Lawrence leaders want to crack down on ‘unscrupulous’ landlords
4. Kansas’ quick implementation of new abortion rules may force clinics to shut down
5. Members of Lawrence’s First Baptist Church go to Haiti to help build foundation for school

Most-commented items in the last 24 hours

1. Kansas’ quick implementation of new abortion rules may force clinics to shut down
2. Stock up, stock down: Morris twins soaring in NBA draft projections; Selby plummeting
3. OTS: Who is your all-time favorite movie character?
4. Lost rights
5. What was the last vacation you took?

It's public knowledge that I'm a Harry Potter fan. I'm not the person you see decked out in costume at the midnight premiere, but I've read all the books and own the movies.

So, the 10-year-old Whitney would go bananas for Pottermore — an interactive gaming and reading hub set to launch this October.

Also, if you're a Girl Talk fan, this should interest you. In an interview with Vulture, the rocket scientist of music-mixing shares his ideal 154-track backyard barbecue mix.

Happy Wednesday. Marty McFly wants you to know that, despite the speed limit increase on some Kansas highways, he will always travel 88 mph when necessary.

Here are Tuesday's most-viewed stories and most-commented items in the past 24 hours.

Most-viewed stories

1. Baldwin City man reported missing after hiking at Clinton Lake with his collie found just before Monday night’s storm
2. Heard on the Hill: Retired KU professor’s really old website attracts attention; KU gets $4M for deferred maintenance; Twitter account details amusing problems girls face at KU
3. Speed limit on several highways — including Kansas Turnpike — to increase to 75 mph on July 1
4. Town Talk: First Watch to reopen July 1; glass recycling program recommended for city; rental regulations may stiffen
5. Topeka man sentenced to 17 years in prison for robbing Lawrence convenience store

Most-commented items in the last 24 hours

1. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback pushes faith mentors for state prison inmates
2. Speed limit on several highways — including Kansas Turnpike — to increase to 75 mph on July 1
3. Kansas’ quick implementation of new abortion rules may force clinics to shut down
4. Poll: Do you think it’s a good idea to increase the speed limit on some Kansas highways to 75 mph?
5. OTS: What was the last vacation you took?

Here is a TwitPic of what Sean Connery's keyboard should look like.

And this guy can remove "hiding in a portable toilet at a yoga festival" from his bucket list.

Good morning, everyone! I hope you don't find yourself on the wrong end of a beating over a honey bun today (or ever).

Here are Mondays's most-viewed stories and the most-commented items in the last 24 hours:

Most-viewed stories

1. Town Talk: Zarco looking to expand on Iowa Street; scenarios floated at City Hall to increase mill levy by more than 4 mills; funding cuts to social service agencies, streets and police also mentioned
2. Tornado watch canceled early in Douglas County, storms continue to roll through area
3. Perfect opportunity: Eudora grad eyes spot with Cirque du Soleil
4. Lawrence man accused of sexually abusing 5-year-old boy
5. Tornado watch issued for Jefferson, Shawnee and Osage counties

Most-commented items in the last 24 hours

1. Police requests
2. OTS: What is your preferred method of exercise?
3. Town Talk: Zarco looking to expand on Iowa Street; scenarios floated at City Hall to increase mill levy by more than 4 mills; funding cuts to social service agencies, streets and police also mentioned
4. Lawrence Mayor Aron Cromwell says property tax mill levy increase will be difficult to avoid
5. OTS: What do you do when you have trouble falling asleep?

I don't really have anything else to share today. I am debating registering the generic top-level domain .whitney. Does anyone have $186K I can borrow?