The Russians seem intent on reminding us (yet again--if you see what I mean) that they are not our friends, that our interests are not theirs, and that their desire to project power politically runs counter to our desire to keep unstable and unpredictable countries like Iran away from nuclear weapons.

Sergei Shmatko, head of Atomstroyexport, Russia’s state nuclear fuel exporter, said last week that preparations to send fuel to Iran would start next month and the first consignment was expected to reach the Islamic republic in early spring.

The announcement, at a time when Russia is asserting itself as an energy power, has caused anxiety in western countries which are trying to convince the Kremlin to end its nuclear co-operation with Tehran.

I’m beginning to bore myself with (and, yeah, probably y’all) with the talk about Russia, so I’ll try to stop. The truth is, though, that Russia very obviously--like France--wants to be a balance to US power. That’s worth watching.

On a happier note, the Broncos seemed intent on reminding us that they still want to win the occasional football game. It was against the Cardinals, so it’s a little limited in actual meaning, but the Broncos played well for the first time in weeks. The defense was solid, special teams play was improved (if not spectacular), and the running game was solid. Even better, though, Jay Cutler looked confident and well-prepared and his receivers helped tremendously.

The Broncos needed a game like this to get back into their season. Next, though, is the Bengals game which will probably prove to be a much harder test.

None of which explains why I have a tree up with pretty, twinkling lights, but haven’t yet managed to get ornaments nestled in the branches.

I’m such a bum.