Pope Benedict in shock resignation  —  The Pope is to resign at the end of this month in an entirely unexpected development, the Vatican has confirmed.  —  The 85-year-old became Pope Benedict XVI in April 2005 following the death of John Paul II.  —  The reasons behind the head …

Obama's State of the Union: Aggressive  —  President Barack Obama's State of the Union speech will be less a presidential olive branch than a congressional cattle prod.  —  Emboldened by electoral victory and convinced the GOP is unwilling to cut deals, Obama plans to use his big prime …

The Absentee Commander in Chief  —  The Defense secretary told the president that Americans in Benghazi were under attack.  Then: nothing.  —  We've both had the honor to work in the White House.  We've seen presidents, vice presidents, chiefs of staff and national security advisers during moments of international crisis.

Man hunt for ex-soldier who shot police chief's daughter and killed policeman  —  POLICE plan to use spy drones in the hunt for a Rambo-style ex-soldier and policeman who has murdered three people and vowed to kill again.  —  Christopher Dorner is thought to be hiding in California's snow-capped San Bernardino mountain

Dishonoring the Corps; Marines in inaugural parade had bolts removed from their rifles … David Codrea has revealed that President Obama has so little regard for the United States Marines risking their lives under his command life that they were forced to dismantle their already empty parade rifles for his second inauguration parade.

Nicolle Wallace: GOP Needs Rubio Because ‘He Knows Who Tupac Is’  —  Republican strategist Nicolle Wallace said Sunday that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is good for the Republican Party because, as one of many attributes, Rubio “knows who Tupac is.”  —  “He's everything we need and more,” …

Sen. Inhofe threatens filibuster to block Hagel  —  Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) on Sunday threatened to filibuster former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.)'s nomination for Defense secretary, if necessary to prevent his confirmation.  —  “I want a 60-vote margin and you don't have to filibuster to get that …

Officials: Obama coming to Israel to prevent strike on Iran  —  The reason behind the urgency of the US president's trip to Israel in spring - a time flagged by Netanyahu as significant in the Iranian nuclear program - is to tell him to leave the matter to the US, officials tell Army Radio.

Disruptions: Where Apple and Dick Tracy May Converge  —  Dick Tracy and James Bond had watches that served as computers.  Tim Cook of Apple wears a Nike FuelBand, which tracks his physical activity.  —  Dick Tracy had one.  As did Inspector Gadget and James Bond.

Obama Prepares To Screw His Base  —  Young people re-elected the president.  Now they get to pay disproportionately for ObamaCare.  —  President Obama talks with college students while waiting for an order of fries at OMG Burgers in Coral Gables, Florida last September.  —  Image by C.W. Griffin/Miami Herald/MCT

Menendez Discouraged Giving Port Security Equipment to Dominicans  —  WASHINGTON — Senator Robert Menendez sought to discourage any plan by the United States government to donate port security equipment to the Dominican Republic, citing concern that the advanced screening gear might undermine efforts …