Drought

Unrelenting triple-digit temperatures roasted the U.S. Plains in late summer, continuing a weather pattern that devastated crops and threatened livestock. From Nebraska to the Southeast, the extreme heat coupled with extended drought conditions was devastating. Corn, soybeans, sorghum and other autumn crops already struggling with an extremely dry summer were virtually wiped out in many areas, costing farmers millions of dollars and prompting state requests for federal assistance. Cattle ranchers had no pasture grass left to graze their herds and little grain in the fields to use for feed. Water supplies were being limited in some areas.

Disease

» West Nile Fever looks set to become a global threat. In August, the disease killed 12 Israelis; France and Jordan reported outbreaks; and U.S. scientists warned it has probably spread across the nation. The disease is also widespread in the Middle East, India and parts of southern Europe. The bird-borne disease, which can trigger encephalitis, killed seven New Yorkers in 1999. Some researchers blame an infected bird imported from Israel, and others say airplane-borne mosquitoes have spread the disease.
» Ugandan health officials say an outbreak of Ebola that has already killed over 100 people is contained in three areas, but the death toll will increase as infected people die. Ebola, an incurable viral disease spread by bodily contact, can cause severe hemorrhagic fever and is often fatal.

Science and Religion

The Second Coming Project is a non-profit organization devoted to bringing about the second coming of Jesus Christ in time for the 2,000th anniversary of His birth (according to them, December 25, 2001). The Project intends to clone Jesus, utilizing DNA from a "relic" and techniques pioneered at the Roslin Institute in Scotland, made famous by cloning Dolly the Sheep. The fertilized egg will be implanted into the womb of a virginal volunteer. The directors of the project write, "No longer can we rely on hope and prayer, waiting around futilely for Jesus to return. We have the technology to bring him back right now: There is no reason, moral, legal or Biblical, not to take advantage of it. In order to save the world from sin, we must clone Jesus to initiate the second coming of the Christ." Of course, the Project is soliciting donations to bring their concept to fruition.

Homosexuality

Holland has long been in the vanguard of gay rights, and now its lawmakers have given same-sex couples the right to "marriage" and all the trappings, including adoption and divorce—legislation that provides gay rights beyond those offered in any other country. Lawmakers thumped their desks in approval when the vote passed 109-33 in the lower house. The upper house's approval of the bill is considered a formality. The measure will take effect next year.

European Union

The European Union (EU) lifted diplomatic sanctions against Austria after an investigating committee concluded the measures had stoked the very nationalistic fervor they were designed to punish. The sanctions were imposed in February after conservative Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel brought members of the far-right Freedom Party into his coalition government. Vice Chancellor Susanne Riess-Passer, the current leader of the Freedom Party, says that the decision affirms that citizens of individual EU member states "have the right to determine their own government."

Germany

» German combat troops might soon be wearing United Nations (UN) blue helmets. A UN "Memorandum of Understanding" signed on November 1 opens the way for expanded German participation in UN peacekeeping operations. With this agreement, the German government will provide at short notice troops, military observers and police officers for UN missions, as well as logistical and surveillance support. Germany's constitution requires the government to seek the Bundestag's approval before committing troops to operations outside the country.
» A November 9 editorial in the Halle, Germany, Mitteldeutsche Zeitung reflects a common perspective of America after its presidential elections: "Nothing is perfect. Certainly not the brilliantly shining machinery of American politics. . . . While the causes for the curious situation might lie in the peculiarities of the electoral system, the stalemate nonetheless clearly shows that America is not convinced of the abilities of either Al Gore or George W. Bush. The narrow majorities that resulted from this caused the pollsters and media to overstep the boundary between grounded forecasting and speculation. In many capitals around the world where people feel patronized by Washington, smiles were not to be suppressed."