On Tuesday, up to a dozen tornadoes ripped through the Dallas, Texas area, injuring 17 people, damaging 650 homes and another 300 structures, and throwing 7-ton tractor-trailers around like toys.  At the international airport, more than 100 planes were damaged, grounding 500 flights on Wednesday.  Thousands were left without power (Reuters, April 4, 2012; USA Today, April 4, 2012). 2012 has already seen about double the number of tornadoes of a typical year in this country.

For most people, 72 hours is a nice three-day weekend, or maybe a short getaway or vacation. It is enjoyable, but often quickly forgotten. After all, it is only three days and nights. What could be the importance of such a short time in the larger scheme of things? If one has the eyes to see, the significance of 72 hours becomes very clear.

The sixth annual World Water Forum meeting in Marseille, France, heard a proposal for establishing a global water fund under the control of the U.N.

The benefits of male circumcision (MC) have been contested by many including medical professionals in recent decades.  But evidence supporting the practice has grown steadily.  Last month, the most definitive study yet was published in a professional medical journal.

Who is a friend in need? There are few things as satisfying in life as a good friendship. Children crave friendships intensely, and we continue to cherish our friendships through life’s waning years. The “texting” shorthand “BFF”—“Best Friend Forever”—speaks to a heartfelt desire that is almost universally felt. Who would not want a friend with whom we can share our days of happiness and joy, who will also be there for us when things are not going so well?