In a recent study conducted for the BBC by GlobeScan and PIPA, more than 26,000 people in nations around the globe were interviewed to learn about their views of other nations (BBC, May 23, 2013).  This has been a recurring study since 2005.  Of the 22 nations asked about in the survey, interviewees reported seeing Germany in the most positive light.

“Scientists using NASA’s Kepler space telescope have found the best candidates yet for habitable worlds beyond the solar system, including a pair of potentially life-friendly planets orbiting the same star” (Reuters, April 18, 2013).  These planets, 1,200 light years from earth, are believed to be located in the “habitable zone” of the star, where temperatures are warm enough and cool enough for liquid water.

The Indonesian island of Bali is known as a tropical island paradise.  But not far from the beaches, mentally ill human beings are kept in chains or locked up in small huts. They “cower next to trees, lie in shacks, and are abused and sometimes forgotten.

According to a recent European Pew survey, “France has seen the steepest confidence drop in the EU and in national politicians alike, with the same sour mood in Italy, Spain and Greece” (EU Observer, May 14, 2013).  “The EU is disliked by 58 percent compared to 40 percent in 2012, while 77 percent of French people believe European economic integration has made things worse for France… Concerns about unemployment are almost as high in France as they are in Spain, Italy and Greece.

Melting ice in the Arctic has fueled global lusts for energy and natural resources. Many nations are lining up to join the Arctic Council to exploit these new resources. “... China, India, Japan and South Korea are seeking permanent observer status….