But our focus is on moving quickly with intensity and determination -- collegiality and optimism -- to reach an agreement -- (laughter) -- no seriously, to reach an agreement in the negotiations being led by the Vice President on deficit reduction and dealing with our long-term debt.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Hope floated on Wednesday with news that the NFL and the NFLPA were meeting for two days, following up their vow of intensity after the Super Bowl to reach a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by the expiration of the existing one on March 4.

FORBES: Reasons To Have Faith In the NFL's Labor Talks

All the same, if there are substantial and eye-catching changes to the convention text, or if (as seems quite likely) the inter-governmental conference simply fails to reach agreement on time next month, there will be much hand-wringing in Brussels, Paris and Berlin.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

Also, with the election behind us, much of the political interference that consumed Washington (and the market) in 2011, should be less prevalent as our elected officials work to reach an agreement.

FORBES: Around the Cliff and Through the Woods