One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, gonorrhea, has once again morphed into a more powerful foe.  Reuters soberly reports, “The new strain of the sexually transmitted disease—called H041—cannot be killed by any currently recommended treatments for gonorrhea, leaving doctors with no other option than to try medicines so far untested against the disease.”  The new strain was identified in Japan—where most new gonorrhea strains are discovered.  One infectious disease expert predicts that it should become globally transmissible in the next 10-20 years.

Nations, kingdoms and empires come and go. The new nation of South Sudan just came into existence in Africa on July 9, 2011. Will it be like so many other nations over time that have come and gone? Why do nations rise and fall? Is there a reason?

While there were the congratulatory speeches in Israel last week surrounding the fifth anniversary of Israel’s second Lebanon War, Lebanon received delivery of advanced ballistic missiles from Syria.  These missiles have the range to reach Israel, Jordan, and parts of Turkey. (DEBKA, July 20, 2011).

Sometimes, colloquial expressions—those well-worn, time-honored phrases that have come into common use—are passed from generation to generation as a part of the culture. Hokey? Yes, they can be, but these pithy expressions can convey some wisdom if one actually listens and gives them some thought.

For three years, Muslim prayer services have taken place in a Toronto public school during school hours—catering to the student majority who are Muslim.  Because of the press generated by the situation, an examination of Ottawa schools recently revealed that about a dozen other public schools also allow Muslim prayer services during the school day.