SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 8:48 P.M. ET:

RETAIL SALES SLOW SHARPLY – U.S. retail sales slowed sharply in April, up only 0.1% over the March level.  Consumer spending represents about 70% of the American economy, so is closely watched as an economic indicator.  The economy appears to be slowing again, less than six months before a presidential election.  I somehow don't feel that same-sex marriage will solve this problem. 

SNOW IN BRITAIN – Well, of course it must be global warming.  There is snow in parts of Britain this May.  Hail and sleet hit the morning rush hour in Wolverhampton, West Mids, as well as Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and Durham.  There are news photos of sheep grazing in the snow.  Al Gore may have to be called in to investigate.  If only everyone owned a Chevy Volt, this never would have happened.

TRAYVON MARTIN CASE – ABC News has obtained a medical report compiled by George Zimmerman's physician, documenting the wounds suffered by Zimmerman the night he shot Trayvon Martin.  The wounds, including a broken nose, black eyes, head injuries, and a back injury, appear to be consistent with Zimmerman's story that he was beaten by Martin.  At the same time, it is reported that the FBI is looking into charging Zimmerman with a federal hate crime.  The FBI is under the jurisdiction of Attorney General Eric Holder. 

BUSH SORT OF ENDORSES ROMNEY – Former President George W. Bush, who has avoided politics since leaving office, gave a quick endorsement to Mitt Romney today, saying, "I'm for Mitt Romney."  And that was that.   It is expected that he will stay out of the presidential campaign, which he sees as the proper stance of a former president.  Bill Clinton, of course, is all over the place, apparently keeping the seat warm for his wife, whom many expect to resurrect her political career in 2016.

May 15, 2012