Perhaps someone can phone South Bend on Monday to verify, but I think the result was intended to fisk us going into the weekend. The "thrill" from posting fake Yale notices is gone.
Seems too early for ND. One thing is for sure. This site should definitely move toward required registration for the results page -- perhaps even .edu verifed, such as the system PoliSciJobRumors had going.
I have heard some fleeting scuttlebutt that the endowed chair hire is a senior theorist at Emory. Take it with a huge grain of salt.
I think whether or not the M.A. program is competitive isn't too relevant, in fact it may work in your favor if it isn't -- much easier to distinguish yourself to some great professors.
I think you may well need to stay up until Thursday. We may be in a Freddy Krueger type of situation, where the moment you fall asleep, you get a rejection email.
This is a disturbing, chilling story you tell. Many professors may be compelled to wheedle students into the UC system, knowing full well they will get out of dodge at moment's notice. Visiting weekend at some of these places will be very macabre.