HELLO IRA As a journalism analyst and science researcher, nothing surprises me anymore. I used to find satisfaction in anticipating events—unlike those "strategists" who swarm TV channels seeking their "five minutes of fame" in hopes of landing a consulting gig or a screenwriting deal. Have we simply grown accustomed to reacting only after the fact? I believe things are changing rapidly; time has a way of catching up with you. It wouldn't be at all surprising if, by tomorrow, we find it is too late to prevent something—or to avert a major disaster—that could have been avoided. Thank you for being here.