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More than 6.5 million children die from malnutrition and hunger-related diseases each year. About 925 million humans suffer malnourishment (wfp.org, Fact Sheet: Hunger, 2011). In February 2011, food costs increased "the most in two and a half years" and "more food and gas price increases are in the pipeline" (New York Times, March 17, 2011).  In the face of these grim realities, many do not realize just how close the world is to unprecedented global famine. Many are not prepared for the ride of the black horse.

The most influential book ever written in English marks its 400th anniversary this year. In 1611, a monumental project came to completion that had engaged more than 50 of England's finest scholars for seven years—an English-language Bible translation that remains widely treasured as a masterpiece of scholarship, clarity and beauty of expression.

It was not the front page headline of that day's Wall Street Journal, but its message deserves the attention of all Americans who currently enjoy their way of life.  In Kelly Evans' small column deep within that paper on February 17, 2011, the title concisely explained what most Americans do not yet understand: "A Standard-of-Living Shock Is the Danger."

Frustration, humiliation­—then desperation. Mohamed Bouazizi was trying to support his family as a street vendor when Tunisian police confiscated his vegetable cart and produce. They claimed he lacked a permit. When Bouazizi complained, he reportedly was slapped and humiliated by a female municipal official. In protest, on December 17, 2010, he burned himself to death in an act of self-immolation that sparked a wave of protests—leading to the toppling of Tunisia's 26-year-old Ben Ali regime.

In recent years, Germany has developed the strongest economy in Europe and the fourth largest economy in the world.