SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:04 P.M. ET: 

WEIRDNESS – From Breitbart:  "During the February 9 airing of This Week With George Stephanopoulos, Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) said the loss of work hours due to Obamacare could actually be a good thing because Americans work too much anyway, compared to people in other industrialized countries."  Yeah, let's hear it for unemployment, and a special cheer for full-time jobs being turned into part-time jobs.

OLYMPICS – Watching the games tonight, where the Russians won gold in the team figure-skating competition, a new event.  I had the uncomfortable sense that the arena was packed - FOS - full of Soviets.  Incredible home-court advantage from the cheering crowds.  Maybe it's just that Sochi hasn't attracted that many international visitors, but the fans weren't only cheering Russian skaters, they were cheering Russian composers as well.  I mean, when's the last time you heard a mighty shout-out for "Swan Lake"?  It ain't fair.  Let's hear it for Irving Berlin.

ANOTHER STELLER OBAMA APPOINTMENT – From London's Daily Mail:  "In the latest blunder for an Obama administration ambassadorial nominee, prolific Democratic campaign fundraiser Noah Mamet admitted Thursday that he has never been to Argentina – the nation where he wants to represent U.S. interests as America's top diplomat.  The White House has tapped him to be the U.S. ambassador to the South American country.  'Mr. Mamet have you been to Argentina,' asked Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio during the Californian's confirmation hearing.   'I haven't had the opportunity yet to be there,' he admitted, ashen-faced.  'I've traveled pretty extensively around the world, but I haven't yet had the chance.'"  I guess this is the hope and change we were promised.

February 9,  2014