After nearly eight years as leader of the largest religious organisation on the face of the earth, Pope Benedict XVI has tendered his resignation in an announcement last Monday that startled the world. With his resignation set to occur on February 28, 2013, a new pope will soon afterward be selected by a conclave of Roman Catholic cardinals assembled at the Vatican in Rome. Observers are wondering what this unexpected and monumental change will mean for Roman Catholicism, and for the struggling European Union.

In late November 2012, an outbreak of “red tide” closed beaches along Australia’s Southeast coast.  Photos show the bright, blood-red color of the algae bloom (The Australian, November 28, 2012).  The “perfect storm” of conditions occurred off the Sydney coast and fostered the explosive growth of red tide algae. This algae thrives in high water temperatures and an abundant food supply.

Gentlemen, if you are thinking about doing something nice for a loved one for Valentine’s Day, I have one word of advice: Fuhggedaboutit! Why? The answer may surprise you.

Please understand; we should do nice things for our loved ones more often than we probably do. Every husband ought to give his wife an abundance of love, affection and attention! Treating your spouse to a meal at a nice restaurant, or giving a gift of flowers—these are good and welcome gifts.

Since France and Germany signed the Elysee Treaty in 1963, the former enemies have developed a “common defense and security council, a financial and economic council and councils devoted to culture and environment” (Deutsche Welle, January 22, 2013).  They also have joint military efforts.

The presidential inauguration address on January 21, 2013 contained a phrase that should send a shudder of dismay to everyone who has any understanding of the Bible. Before a rapt audience, reported to be at least a million people on the Mall in Washington DC, and with millions more watching worldwide, President Obama declared: “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like everyone else under the law—for if we are to be truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”