Think Fast

"Outgoing Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker said yesterday that the increase of 17,500 Army combat troops in Iraq represents only the 'tip of the iceberg' and will potentially require thousands of additional support troops and trainers, as well as equipment -- further eroding the Army’s readiness to respond to other world contingencies."

Tim Griffin, the former Karl Rove aide whose appointment as U.S. Attorney in Arkansas helped spark an outcry over the politicization of federal prosecutors, has announced he will not accept the position.

"It may be cold comfort during a frigid February, but last month was by far the hottest January ever. The broken record was fueled by a waning El Nino and a gradually warming world."

54: The percentage of Americans would vote to cut off funding for escalation if they were in Congress, according to a new Fox News poll.

In the first speech President Bush "has devoted to Afghanistan during his second term," he warned yesterday that he expected "fierce fighting" to flare in Afghanistan this spring, and called on NATO allies to send more troops.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) yesterday "strongly endorsed binding legislation requiring Bush to seek congressional authorization before any military strike on Iran."

A House committee this week unanimously passed strong new whistle blower protections, ensuring court reviews of whistle blower complaints and extending protection "for the first time to the F.B.I. and to intelligence agencies where wastefulness is draped in secrecy."

Hundreds of New Orleans' "best and brightest" are making "wrenching decision to leave." "Their reasons include high crime, high rents, soaring insurance premiums and what many call a lack of leadership, competence, money and progress. In other words: yes, it is still bad down here."

The Office of Personnel Management's inspector general has been investigating allegations that Special Counsel Scott Bloch retaliated against underlings who "disagreed with his policies -- by, among other means, transferring them out of state -- and tossed out legitimate whistle-blower cases."

And finally: A voice of conscience...from the urinal? "In a novel move to curb drunk driving, New Mexico is using talking urinals to remind drinkers to not get behind the wheel when drunk." "Hey big guy, having a few drinks? Then listen up!" a voice from the urinal says. "Think you had one too many? Then it’s time to call a cab or call a sober friend for a ride home."