SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 10:56 A.M. ET: 

HOW COLD IS IT? – The classic Johnny Carson question is answered by Green Bay.  From Greenbaypressgazette.com:  "Its not a good winter to be a weather record in Wisconsin. Or anything else, for that matter.  A pair of records fell within hours of each other in Green Bay early Friday.  At midnight, Green Bay made it 49 days with subzero temperatures, the most in a winter. The previous record, 48 days, was set in 1976-77.  Just before 4 a.m., the temperature was minus 18, breaking the previous record of minus 17 set in 1962. The mercury continued to fall to minus 21 just before 5 a.m., according to the National Weather Service office in Ashwaubenon."  Al Gore is rushing a supply of blankets.

OBAMA WARNS RUSSIA – President Obama warned Russia that there would be consequences if Moscow intervened militarily in the Ukraine.  Of course, he didn't say what the consequences would be, but the president not known as Old Ironsides did vigorously threaten to consult with the 'international community' to arrive at a proper response.  Vladimir Putin must be shaking...probably with laughter.  Obama devoted three minutes to his statement on Ukraine, and did not take questions.  What an impact.

RUSSIA PUSHES IT – From CNS:  "At a time of escalated tensions with the West over Ukraine, Russia says it is negotiating with eight governments around the world for access to military facilities, to enable it to extend its long-range naval and strategic bomber capabilities.  Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday the military was engaged in talks with Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Algeria, Cyprus, the Seychelles, Vietnam and Singapore."  At the same time, we are cutting our defenses.  Hats off to Field Marshal Obama and Sergeant Minor Hagel.

HILLARY'S HEALTH – I don't know if this is a story or non-story.  Most of you have probably seen the speculative stories around the internet today suggesting that Hillary Clinton is "sicker" than advertised and that health may prevent her from running in 2016.  I've not found any real evidence so far to back this up.  The stories seem to be based on theories, guesses, and the fact that Ms. Clinton has been looking a bit haggard.  But she's in her late sixties and maintains a heavy schedule.  You can get to look haggard in that situation.  I'll be on the lookout for any real information, but I haven't seen it thus far.

February 28, 2014