By Laurie Baron
SAN DIEGO―The Sochi Winter Olympics ended Sunday. Russia won the most medals, but lost a valuable ally. In a related story, Russia accused the new interim Ukrainian government of using “terrorist methods” to intimidate the Russian speaking minority in the Ukraine. Discerning something familiar in the Russian condemnation, fact checkers found the same condemnation in a 1938 diplomatic communiqué regarding German speakers in the Sudetenland.
*
The US Department of Defense announced massive cuts to its budget including reductions in the number of active duty soldiers and scrapping entire types of jets. In keeping with fiscal belt-tightening, the Pentagon will rebuild its iconic headquarters as a triangle.
*
Two men in upstate New York were accused of sexually abusing cows. Although their names have not been disclosed pending notification of next of herd, it has been confirmed that neither of man is named Ben or Jerry.
*
Comedic actor Harold Ramis died today. In his will he requested that he be buried in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania next February 2nd so he can relive his memorial service and correct all the tributes delivered at it.
*
The Arizona legislature passed a bill that will allow owners of businesses to discriminate against customers if serving them violates their own religious beliefs. Most observers think the law provides legal cover to deny services to people on the basis of their sexual orientation, but there are other groups that may suffer if it is approved by Governor Jan Brewer. Chabad Lubavitch, for example, has approached real estate agents with putting their many Chabad Houses on the market if the bill becomes law.
*
Baron is professor emeritus of history at San Diego State University. He may be contacted at lawrence.baron@sdjewishworld.com
*
San Diego Jewish World seeks sponsorships to be placed, as this notice is, just below articles that appear on our site. This is an ideal opportunity for your corporate message or to personally remember a loved one’s contributions to our community. To inquire, call editor Donald H. Harrison at (619) 265-0808 or contact him via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com