Deeply loved by his fans, Michael Jackson was nevertheless a polarizing figure. Will he be remembered for the wide-eyed exuberance he showed as a pre-teen sensation in The Jackson 5? Will he be lauded for "We Are the World" and its charitable outreach to starving Africa? Or will he simply be "Wacko Jacko"—a confused narcissist and alleged pedophile who literally seemed uncomfortable in his own skin, who by the end of his life had become a walking advertisement for the dangers of too much plastic surgery?

The median US home price has fallen over 21% from its peak in 2007 – that is, on average, more than $56,000 per home. Simultaneously, the value of the US dollar has fallen against many world currencies, prompting more than one nation to voice the observation, "America is for sale!"

Bernard Madoff, a name once connected with integrity, wealth, admiration and opportunity, is now sullied; the now-infamous Wall Street swindler having been convicted for a fraud so massive, words fail to do it justice.

For thousands of years, mankind has been fascinated with the roles of real or imagined conspiracies in the lives of individuals and societies. It's no different today.

Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama gave a key policy address in Cairo, Egypt, addressing many concerns of the world's Muslims. Some of what he said shocked observers. With Islam on the rise around the world, how do the President's comments relate to prophesied end-time events?