During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Dutch speed skater Sven Kramer was heavily favored in the long-distance track, already being a world champion in all the events in which he would compete.  He raced to a world record time in the 10,000 meter event.  Unfortunately, his coach accidentally told him to change lanes at the wrong time during the course of the race, which got Kramer disqualified.

Words can be powerful things. With so many similar words to choose from—especially in the English language—I am often amazed at how the use of a particular word or phrase in just the right situation can stop a reader right in his or her tracks. Perhaps this has happened to you. You read a certain line and are so struck by it that you have to pause and consider what it means for you.

We seem to make too few friends as we go through life. The friends you have in childhood and in high school are often just a memory, as life and the demands of making a living unfold and the years roll by. As adults, we have business associates, co-workers, casual acquaintances, and the like, but usually few deep, abiding friendships.

The recent oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico has the attention of the public as few events in recent history. Many are concerned about the current and long-term effects of the oil spill.

Environmental fears may be justified in the ensuing weeks, ranging from the destruction of coastal wetlands and beaches to contamination of the amazing variety of their wildlife inhabitants. Fuel prices will inevitably rise, with the narrowing of offshore drilling for oil, further weakening the tenuous western economy.

France and Germany continue to vie for European leadership.  Who will triumph?  What will become of the cherished French ideals of liberté, égalité, and fraternité?  Will liberté or austerity prevail in Europe?