The Nordic nations are discussing a possible alliance—between Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark—within the EU. These five nations share similarities in language, culture and geography. A major goal of Nordic leaders is to band together to access the untapped resources of the melting polar ice caps and challenge Russia’s claims to the region.

In June of 2009, Aplington-Parkersburg, Iowa head football coach and teacher Ed Thomas was shot and killed in the weight room of the school he coached at for 35 years by a former student/player. He had been trying to help the student overcome mental illness and drug usage.  It became a national story that touched the hearts of many people all over this country and the world.

China is employing eminent scientists from around the globe to help it advance on many fronts. One area that China seeks to make progress in is the realm of artificial intelligence—creating thinking computer-operated machines. One scientist, Dr. Hugo de Garis, will be advising the Chinese government to establish a national artificial intelligence agency in order to regulate and promote the development of intelligent computers. He notes that these “thinking computers” could be used not only in the homes of regular families, but also in military service.

Every news source has been covering the hot topic of the WikiLeaks exposure of government secrets. The leaks of diplomatic cables are of unflattering and insulting statements about leaders and politicians of other nations. The diplomatic face of the United States government is now blushing in embarrassment and fumbling for words to try to control the damage.

Why does our nation continue to trip and fall in front of the other nations of the world? Why did this happen?

Last month, Indian, Russian and Chinese officials met in central China to conduct talks aimed at increasing the cooperation between the three nations–two of which are the world’s most populous nations (India and China encompass more than 2 billion people).