It is COLD today in NY. I am a New Englander by birth, so I know cold, but I still shiver when I think about the wind whipping off the Charles River in Boston as I tried to make my way to class in college. I think that same wind just found me in Manhattan. After an afternoon spent drinking tea at my desk while scouring news sites, I’m finally thawed out enough to get this blog written. (Yes, that is my excuse for getting this to you a bit late today.)

There is nothing like international politics to put the U.S. political scene in perspective. Here on 360°, we’ve brought you more than one international dust-up from the hallowed halls of parliament in Asia or Europe. But this gem from Russia offers a new take. After a recent debate, one presidential candidate attacked his rival’s campaign manager. Truth be told, neither one of these guys has much of a chance – it’s pretty much a done deal that outgoing Pres Vladimir Putin’s pick will win Sunday’s election. Some say this is the most excitement Russia’s presidential race has seen so far.

A different tiff has put a Nazi treasure hunt on hold. Not sure if you’ve been following this one, but a few of us on the 360° team were talking about it the other day. (FULL STORY)

Here’s the condensed version: a treasure hunter said geological surveys recently revealed an underground chamber where he believes the Nazis may have stashed valuables, including clues to the whereabouts of the Amber Room, which remain a mystery. If you’re not familiar with the Amber Room, it was a room made of amber and gold in a St. Petersburg palace, looted by the Nazis at the beginning of WWII.

Anywho, long story short, this treasure hunter and the mayor of the German town where he was digging got in a “disagreement” with the mayor when said burgermeister wanted to bring in some scientists to make the expedition more credible. Can’t imagine why that would upset the treasure hunter… 

Also on my radar, Bob Knight heading to ESPN as an analyst. I’m not a huge sports fan, but I have always enjoyed college basketball. I grew up in UConn Husky territory; my husband is a Hoosier, so you can bet any story about the former IU basketball coach is going to make me stop. I’m curious to see just how blunt he’ll be, this man known as much for his record (winningest coach in NCAA D-1 men’s basketball) as for his on-court antics. He’s not one to hold back. We won’t need to wait very long to find out – he’ll begin the new gig two weeks from now, just before the start of March Madness (read: your chance to win the office bracket pool). Stay tuned for that – but only when you’re not watching 360°.