Roger Meyer

Most people are familiar with British author Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Many are also familiar with the children's song, "Here comes Peter Cottontail." It's part of the Easter holiday celebrations. Where did Easter come from, and what does the rabbit have to do with Easter celebrations? Surprisingly, more than meets the eye!

Most of us get a little anxious and complain about tax time each year. How much will our taxes be? How much must we “render unto Caesar”? Why do we have to pay taxes?

Rioting is in the news, but is sadly nothing new in one sense. Throughout history, hunger, oppression, injustice, or even drunken celebrations run amok have often sparked civil disturbances. Race and rice, war and whiskey, blackouts and beer, sports and sugar, prisons and politics—have all caused riots. But what is the real reason for riots?

Earthquakes are always in the news. On Friday, March 11, 2011, an earthquake of magnitude 9.0 struck in Japan, generating a devastating tsunami. Thousands are reported killed. Why are we having these devastating earthquakes, seemingly one right after another?

We've all heard the public apologies of company spokespersons, sports figures, politicians, movie stars or celebrities. We can usually tell whether they mean it or if they're just reading a carefully worded script. When we've been wronged, we expect an apology. But it may be hard for us to apologize when we have wronged someone. Why is apology so important in human relations?