Events

First run

Russian president Vladimir Putin asserted yesterday that Ukraine doesn't exist, reasoning that Russia created the territory sometime in the past and therefore it remains part of Russia today. This raises some questions: If that were the case, how can Russia now recognize two "independent republics" with governments legally authorized to request Russian "peacekeepers?" Should New York send troops into its breakaway region in Vermont, and Massachusetts take back its former territory of Maine? How...

A massive fire destroyed the brewery and two other businesses last night: The fire broke out about 3:30 a.m. in a multi-unit residential building in the 4300 block of North Richmond, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Neighbors said the fire started in a three-story building on the corner and quickly spread to the Twisted Hippo brewpub, 2925 W. Montrose Ave. and the Ultimate Ninjas Gym. About 150 firefighters were on the scene battling the blaze. As of 8:30 a.m., crews had the fire under control....

First run

It's 8.6°C according to the thermometer here at IDTWHQ, so guess who's about to get a walk?

I mean, this:

I don't understand why Russian figure-skating coaches have such a bad reputation: One of the joys of watching the Olympics is seeing moments like this, dreams realized. I have indelible memories of such celebrations. In 1998, Tara Lipinski leapt into the air and released a series of ear-splitting shrieks when she found out she won, embracing her coaches in pure joy. In 2002, Sarah Hughes fell to the ground in shock backstage, laughing and smiling in disbelief, her coach grabbing her face and exclaiming...

Enjoy this great photo from the GOES-East satellite showing the band of snow that fell yesterday: And if you look closely at the animated version, you can see the snow melting along the edges.