If you are in the habit of telling lies, then your “pants on fire” may not be your only problem. So says researcher Susan Guibert. Research from the University of Notre Dame was presented at the 2012 American Psychological Association’s annual convention, revealing that people who were able to reduce the number of lies they told over a period of ten weeks experienced “significantly improved physical and mental health.” Interesting?

 Miley Cyrus’ vulgar and obscenely sexualized performance at MTV’s Video Music Awards—in front of more than 10 million viewers, in a program marketed to pre-teens, teens and young adults—has been widely criticized as degrading both the performer and the audience that watched it. But, in reality, the real story is that so much of what was celebrated at the awards ceremony generated little commentary at all, let alone outrage.  

Jesus Christ loved children. Knowing how precious and valued they are, He said: “‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:14–16).

When my youngest son was about six years old, he said to me, “Dad, I need a word!” Puzzled, I asked, “What kind of word?” “Well,” he said, “something I can say when things go wrong on the playground or when I get mad.” Amused, I asked, “What do you have in mind?”  To my surprise, he said with feeling, “I don’t care, as long as it sounds like…” then he finished his sentence with a vulgar expletive.

Sometimes, seemingly dull details can be very important. Like bond markets—who notices them? In case you haven’t been watching, big movements are occurring in the bond markets that could have big implications for the U.S. economy, the U.S. government and even the world economy.