The Pope Reaches Out Online

The Vatican has launched a new website named Pope2You.net.

The website is designed to make it easier for those of the "digital generation" to receive inspirational messages from Pope Benedict.

The site includes access to a Facebook app, and iPhone app, a YouTube link, and what promises to be a Wiki like site entitled WikiCath.

TwoMinuteBriefing readers may recall that last May the Pope sent thousands of Catholic youth text messages on their mobile phones during World Youth Day in Sydney.

To read the AP story, click here.

To visit the new Vatican website, click here.

The NEW Brain Drain

In decades past, many eyed the U.S. and bemoaned the brain drain occurring out of their countries, as top scholars and students came to the U.S. to study and then stayed to make their careers.

Two reports now speak of a reverse brain drain, where individuals who came to the U.S., earned their degrees, and commenced their careers are now leaving to return to their countries of origin.

On May 1st, the Christian Science Monitor reported that China was wooing some of their best expatriate scientists back to China with relocation allowances of $146,000 and salaries reported to be as high as $250,000 a year. (To read the story, click here.)

Yesterday, NPR reported that a similar reverse brain drain is occurring with individuals returning to India. NPR reports that a survey of recent returnees found that they were typically in their 30's, married, and have either a master's degree or a Ph.D.

Although these reverse migrations do not currently pose a threat to the U.S. dominance in the sciences, it would be well to consider several other factors.

1. Although the current reverse brain drain may not currently significantly impact U.S. dominance in the sciences, it may significantly help the countries to which the scientists are returning.
2. In returning to their countries of origin, what perceptions and attitudes are they taking back with them regarding the U.S., its culture, its religions, etc. If these perceptions are favorable, it is possible that they may to some measure favorably affect the attitudes of others in their countries of origin toward the U.S.
3. Finally, although the reverse brain drain may not currently significantly impact U.S. dominance in the sciences, we cannot take that leadership for granted.

- TwoMinuteBriefing thanks DW for recommending this story.

65% Say Daily Papers Will Be Gone In Ten Years

In a posting dated May 12th, Rasmussen Reports notes that 65% of their survey respondents believe that the daily newspaper will be gone in ten years.

They also noted that 56% of Americans buy a newspaper once a week or less. This includes 37% who rarely or never buy a copy of their local newspaper.

Curiously, 69% of Rasmussen's respondents prefer reading a printed copy of a newspaper as compared to reading it online.

Read the complete article by Rasmussen here:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/65_say_daily_papers_will_be_gone_in_ten_years

More cell phone users dropping landlines

A CDC survey released May 6th, reports that 20% of the homes in the U.S. have cellphones only, and no landline phones.

Seventeen percent of homes in the U.S. have landlines only, and no cell phones.

Approximately 2% have no phone service at all.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hy364yHuEwLK2alU6lD7DOoYhWtgD98122LO1