The Pope calls Internet "Gift From God"

Pope Francis believes the Internet is a gift from God. In an interview released on the 23rd, the pope said the Internet helped connect humans with each other.  "The walls which divide us can be broken down only if we are prepared to listen and learn from one another," he said. "The Internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God."  The Pope even has his own twitter! @Pontifex.  He tweets inspiration and blessings and has about 2 million followers! Even though he believes the internet has many good things he also sees the bad and states that the internet could isolate people from one another or not include those who don’t have access to it.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/pope-francis-calls-internet-gift-god/story?id=21639122

Rio de Janeiro

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro got struck by lightning Friday night.  The right thumb suffered damage from the storm.  The middle finger of the statue was damaged last month as well.  Managed by Father Omar, he says that the statue is frequently hit because of how high it is.  The statue also suffered damage in April 2010 when the arms head and chest were covered in spray painted graffiti.  The figure built in 1931 already had repairs made in 2010 ($4 million dollars worth).  According to the managers of the figure it will be fixed again next month.    

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/lightning-strikes-rio-de-janeiro-jesus-statue-9069060.html

The Flu

The flu is becoming very viscious, already spread in 35 states in the country with many reported deaths from the flu.  The flu seems to be targeting adults, instead of the common children and elderly this year (for the most part).  In the cases of the many deaths, some showed no particular health issues, they were healthy and died of the flu.  The flu started earlier last year but health officials say that it’s not too late to get the vaccine for influenza since the flu spreads into the spring.  Also to restrain contact with a person with the flu. 

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/01/11/flu-season-worsens-as-illness-spreads-to-at-least-35-states-cdc-says/

Discomfort killed the Sex Talk

Doctors, children, and adults are letting their discomfort get in the way of research and appointments.  On average the “sex-talk” lasts 36 seconds between doctor and patient.  That is not enough time to cover all the topics that need to be covered in order for sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy data to be accurate.  What makes these appointments a fail is discomfort.  Doctors usually ask yes or no questions and ask only 3 questions.  They’re afraid that they will come off as creepy or unprofessional.  As for the parents, it is proven that the adolescents don’t say as much as they can because they don’t feel comfortable with their parents listening.  In order for a safer and more accurate system people should stick to being professional and honest.

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2013/12/31/doctors-dont-talk-to-adolescents-about-sex/?hpt=he_c2