Meteorite Hits: What appears to be a meteorite has hit western Siberia, injuring more than 700 people, most by breaking glass. At least several witnesses captured the event on video, which included a loud “boom” as the burning object struck.   

National: Senate Republicans are filibustering to prevent a confirmation vote on Chuck Hegel to become Secretary of Defense … ironic because Hegel is a former Republican senator. Democrats have failed to get the 60 votes necessary for a super majority … ironic because Senate Democrats recently blocked an attempt to do away with the 60-vote rule.

 Congress left town yesterday for a 10-day recess, as the automatic budget cuts known as “sequestration” approach March 1.  

• The oldest member of the Senate, 89-year-old Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, announced he will retire at the end of his current term, two years from now. Lautenberg was first elected in 1982, left the Senate in 2000 and came back in 2002.
• Former San Diego Mayor Maureen O’Connor is charged with embezzling $2 million from her late husband’s charity, after gambling away her $40-50 million fortune. O’Connor, who was Mayor of San Diego from 1986-92, was married to Jack-in-the-Box founder Robert O. Peterson. O’Connor blames her loss of judgment and gambling habit on a brain tumor. In all, O’Connor is believed to have won, lost, won, and lost a billion dollars.  
• The Miss America Pageant is returning to its original home, Atlantic City, NJ. It’s expected to be an economic boost to Ventnor Ave., Marvin Gardens and Baltic.

Boise Blues: The NCAA has voted to prevent Boise State from wearing all blue uniforms on its all-blue football field. They say it gives the home team an unfair advantage, as if they were wearing camouflage.

Kill the Messenger: The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that 70 journalists around the world were killed on the job last year, up 45% from 2011. They also report that 232 reporters were imprisoned.

From The Poop Deck: Some passengers kissed the ground in Mobile, AL. after the crippled Carnival Cruise ship Triumph was finally nudged into port by tugboats late last night. It took hours to disgorge its beleaguered 4200 passengers and crew. Relieved tourists said that failure of the ship’s electrical systems knocked out the plumbing. They described conditions in which sewage dripped down walls and puddled in the hallways. Rooms were so hot and smelly that passengers slept on deck, they said.

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