“Italy has promised to give over 20,000 Tunisian refugees temporary visas allowing them to travel freely in the border-free Schengen zone, which covers all EU countries except Britain and Ireland.” In response this week, “Germany warned Italy that it will not accept the migrants and that Berlin will tear up the EU’s border-free travel arrangements to stop them.” Such an action would reverse the free-travel agreement that has been in place throughout the EU since 1995.

Most people are familiar with British author Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Many are also familiar with the children's song, "Here comes Peter Cottontail." It's part of the Easter holiday celebrations. Where did Easter come from, and what does the rabbit have to do with Easter celebrations? Surprisingly, more than meets the eye!

Earthquakes, droughts and floods, Middle East violence, impending food shortages, and a lingering Japanese nuclear disaster—the news is bleak! Will our children and future generations survive the coming years? Is there hope for our children and for future generations? Yes, there is good news ahead!

From the Ivory Coast and Morocco to Saudi Arabia and Syria and Iraq, the nations of North Africa and the Middle East are in some type of, or are threatened by, civil and/or governmental upheaval.

The sobering and shattering scenes of the tsunami swallowing up the land, the cars, the buildings, the nuclear reactors, and the precious lives of so many people in Japan brings to all of us a sense of incredible loss and sorrow and heartbreak.