I GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS OF FILLING OUT A BRACKET

There have been some warm days recently which account for the early blossoms. The National Park Service announced peak bloom for the cherry trees on the Mall (predominantly but not exclusively of the Yoshino variety) to be March 18-23 which is earlier than average (April 4). I would only be guessing as to which cherry cultivar these specimens belong, but they are beauties. 

The argument that any Republican would be better than any Democrat is a depressing reflection of irrational partisanship. Mr. Priebus and everyone else “leading” the GOP are Americans before they are Republicans. They should act like it.

–Washington Post Editorial Board 2/22/2016