At some time or another, we have all been temporarily lost—turned around, going the wrong way, on the wrong road or at the wrong address. Perhaps we received bad directions, saw a misleading road sign or missed a turn, or encountered unforeseen obstacles in our path. How do we get to where we are trying to go?

At some time or another, we have all been temporarily lost—turned around, going the wrong way, on the wrong road, or at the wrong address. Perhaps we received bad directions, saw a misleading road sign or missed a turn, or encountered unforeseen obstacles in our path. How do we get to where we are trying to go?

Losing our way may be only a minor, temporary irritation, with the only real consequence being the loss of time spent backtracking or driving farther, which may make us late. Once we make the necessary corrections, we are not lost anymore.

For years, scientists have warned about the growing strength and drug resistance of bacteria.  In Europe, nations are reporting drug resistance of up to 50% with some bacterial infections.  This means that antibiotics used to treat certain bacterial infections are failing half of the time.  Experts cite overprescribing and misuse as major reasons that antibiotics are failing (Reuters, November 17, 2011).

As the European financial crisis continues, rhetoric becomes more pointed and possibilities become more interesting.  A German news source, Der Spiegel, recently proclaimed, “The old EU is Finished.”  The author went on to summarize an interview with Joschka Fischer, former German foreign minister.  Mr. Fischer “wants to see a resolute political body consisting of the leaders of euro-zone countries.

The once close relationship between Syria and Turkey has rapidly deteriorated due to Syria’s continued violence toward its own protesting citizens.  This week, “Turkey… suspended its joint oil exploration projects with Damascus and threatened to cut off electricity supplies to its neighbor in response to the continued violent suppression of Syria’s popular uprising” (Deutche Welle, November 16, 2011).  The Arab Spring has slipped out of view of some media sources, but civil unrest and violent government crackdowns are still ripe in Syria.