SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:51 P.M. ET: 

HILLARY HOLDS IN S.C.? – From the New York Post:   WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton’s southern firewall seems intact — for now.  Clinton leads Bernie Sanders 59-40 percent in South Carolina, which has narrowed only slightly in the last month, according to the new CBS Battleground Tracker poll.  The former Secretary of State had retained her popularity among African American voters who support her 73-26 percent, despite a huge loss in New Hampshire last week to Sanders.  Sanders has been increasing his outreach to minorities in upcoming states and is buoyed by his perception among voters as being honest and trustworthy.  The CBS poll is an online poll, where accuracy is a bit wobbly, in my view.  Also, although the South Carolina Republican primary is Saturday, the Democratic primary in the state is a week later, giving Sanders an additional week to make progress.  I don't think Hillary has it put away yet.  The Dems have caucuses in Nevada this coming Saturday.  If Hillary loses there, it could have a negative impact on South Carolina. 

I CAN'T WAIT – From Britain's Independent:   Super skyscrapers, underwater cities and 3D-printed homes will all be a reality in 100 years' time, according to a new report on life in the future.  The SmartThings Future Living Report, which was commissioned by Samsung-owned internet of things firm SmartThings, was created by a group of academics and futurologists who suggest that in a century's time humans will be able to live in 'Earth-scrapers', which will go up to 25 storeys underground.  The academics, which include future architects and urbanists as well as lecturers from the University of Westminster, suggest that 'bubble cities' will be created underwater making the depths habitable for humans.They also believe personal drones will become a staple mode of transport, as well as being used as futuristic “mules” to carry entire homes around the world for holidays.  Those bubble cities sound terrific.  Open the drapes and look out on...water.  And if a window cracks...well, you can't live forever.  I'll take a cottage in a small American town.

SCALIA – As usual, nothing goes well.  The Washington Post is reporting that Justice Antonin Scalia did not die of a heart attack, as originally reported, that he was declared dead by a justice of the peace based on a telephoned description, that the justice of the peace never saw the body, and that Scalia did not receive an autopsy.  It was also reported that Justice Scalia was found with a pillow over his head.  I don't make any claims of special knowledge, but this is outrageous.  Here in New York an autopsy would be required in the case of anyone who doesn't die in a hospital or in the presence of qualified medical personnel, or who dies under suspicious circumstances.  Families can object on religious grounds, but objections can be rejected.  It's being reported that Scalia's family did not want an autopsy, but the public interest is not being served.  The man was revered, however his opinions were controversial, and he died alone, away from home.  I'm uneasy.

February 14,  2016