When the moisture level in Iowa climbed several inches, and then several feet, last year, the residents of the Hawkeye state knew they were in for a very wet summer. The still-ongoing recovery process from the 2008 drenching required several new approaches, a courageous decision by the governor, and some very welcome outside help.
Allegations, accusations, denials, congressional hearings, alleged cover-ups, and a raft of unanswered questions. That is the residue (so far) of one of the most publicized and, for practical purposes, least substantive "news stories of the year." There are, though, a few "actual facts," so to speak, that might also be mentioned. Just as a start.
Despite U.S. moves to improve nation-to-nation relations with Iran, Tehran continues to support groups and organizations obviously unfriendly to the United States - the Alavi Foundation, for example. It is clear, moreover, that the anti-U.S. virus is spreading, with Somalia and other countries joining the international junta facing the free democracies of the world.
The term "global war on terrorism" is now politically incorrect, in at least some circles. There is mounting evidence, though, that some terrorists do not agree and are already planning new attacks against domestic targets on the U.S. homeland.
Properly used, chemicals can benefit mankind in many ways. Improperly used - by terrorists, for example - they can be more of a curse than a blessing, and as weapons of mass destruction could be even more dangerous, over a longer period of time, than a nuclear missile.
A senior FEMA official discusses her personal experiences during the 17 October 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in California and how it helped her realize that effective response-and-recovery operations require not only the efforts of the "official" federal, state, and local agencies involved but also the cooperation of thousands of individual citizens.
The ambitious, entertaining, and stunningly innovative series ends with the volunteers' "Exodus" - "Escape" would be an equally accurate description - to a new and seemingly better world 150 miles or so south, a bit further inland, and apparently blessed with a greater abundance of the resources needed for human survival.
The Colonists fight, then reunite, but recognize that their chances of long-term survival diminish almost visibly with each passing week. They have done well - exceptionally well, under the circumstances - but know that a brighter tomorrow is many miles away. Can they make it?
The survivors gain an additional member, and encounter not one but several additional problems. Tempers flare, supplies dwindle - but human genius provides a spark of mobile optimism. What are the lessons learned that future generations can use to develop and implement their own survival plans?
Another trip (always dangerous) to the L.A. River teaches the Colonists that the challenges they face are psychological and emotional as well as physical. They also know that they need a continuing supply of protein; fortunately, there is a lot of it scurrying about the warehouse.
