Thursday: Middle East Winter, Australia Gay Marriage, MP Staffer Rules and more

Tonight:

"Discontent" doesn't begin to cover it. For millions of refugees from Syria in the Middle East, now is the winter of their deepest fears -- and a terrible storm may be just a harbinger of worse to come.

Extra, extra -- redact all about it. If you work for a Canadian MP, there's a form the Board of Internal Economy wants you to sign. No big deal -- it's just a lifetime gag order.

Much "I do" about nothing. When a court overturns a law allowing same-sex marriage in the Australian Capital Territory, dozens of couples are suddenly unwed.

Black's shades of grey. Yesterday, Carol spoke with Conrad Black -- and after her talk with the Lord about his talk with Ford, some thought she scored, and some thought it untoward . . . but no one was bored.

Polar opposites. When wildlife scientist Charles Monnett saw drowned polar bears in 2004, he told the world -- and started a lengthy, painful legal battle with his employer, which happened to be the American government.

And . . . gone in a flash. A new study suggests that an everyday item can interfere with your memory -- which is distressing, because the item is -- you know, it's -- give me a minute . . . it's small, you take pictures with it -- man, this is going to drive me crazy.

As It Happens, the Thursday edition. Radio that lacks focus.