Very cool near-realtime global windmap. Sorry, clicking on this image doesn't take you directly to the actual site. Gentlemint doesn't find images there. The direct URL is:

http://earth.nullschool.net/

If you left-click on "Earth", you can change dates, altitudes, and projections. Setting it for 05JAN14 and 500hPa lets you clearly see the recent "polar vortex" over the Midwest.