By Sherri Simmons, President and CEO

Interestingly, two of Duffey Communications' top ten February news stories involve our Cold War nemesis, Russia.

On the heels of the 2014 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony in Sochi, Russia’s President Putin ordered military drills in an area bordering Ukraine and the conflict there continues to escalate by the hour.

And while Sochi was panned for many deficiencies and a missing Olympic Ring, the 2014 Winter Olympics were a thrill to watch. The news of athletes adopting puppies definitely touched our hearts.

Syria is engaged in a civil war of historic proportions – and Syrian refugees are set to replace Afghans as the largest refugee population. Photos from this terrible war can’t begin to reflect the horrors inflicted upon its people.

Heroin also made the front pages in February. Actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s death due to a massive overdose of a deadly mixture that included heroin, cocaine and other drugs grabbed headlines – as did Vermont Governor Peter Shumin’s declaration that his state is in a full-blown heroin crisis.

The snow, sleet and freezing rain came – and this time Atlanta was ready.  However, it did result in the cancellation of Valentine's Day by Oconee County's Sheriff. 

Can you believe it was only 26 days ago when the Seattle Seahawks destroyed the Denver Broncos in the 2014 Super Bowl?

It looks like Mizzou’s Defensive End Michael Sam will be the first openly-gay player in the NFL once the NFL draft takes place in April. Of note, Sam was named the SEC’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year. And Jason Collins became the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of four major North American pro sports leagues after he signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent, After his first game, the NBA made his No. 98 jersey available at their official store in New York and online at NBA.com. It quickly became the day’s best-selling jersey.

Arizona'a Governor Jan Brewer vetoed the controversial legislation that would have enabled business owners and their employees to discriminate against people based upon their sexual orientation.

Did you know that selfies actually help boost a teen's self-esteem?  On the flip side, they may also be boosting head lice.

And in the automotive world, GM announced it will follow Ford’s lead by working toward a largely aluminum-bodied pickup truck. BTW, GM debuted its 'Find New Roads' tagline, while Ford announced it will maintain its historic 35-year tag, 'Built Ford Tough.'