Someone posted two photos side-by-side on Facebook that pretty much told the story of the summer of 2013 in Colorado. One photo showed the fire raging in Black Forest, with the caption: the beginning of summer; the other photo showed massive flooding, with the caption: the end of summer. Now, thatís a summer to remember. Out-of-state friends of mine continue to ask me, ìWhat is going on with Coloradoî?I donít know, but I did some research and found this information. Destructive and violent thunderstorms, along with the tornadoes that come from them ñ are supposed to increase over the decades ñ mainly because of climate change, according to a study published last week in the ìProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.î The report indicated that spring thunderstorms could increase by as much as 40 percent from the Rockies to the Atlantic by the end of the century. Stated in the report: ìOf the 11 weather disasters in 2012 that led to at least $1 billion in damages, seven were caused by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.î For the full report, visit http://usatoday.com/story/weather/2013/09/23/climate-change-global-warming-thunderstorms-tornadoes/2854979/.No matter the reasons, itís best to be prepared for the worst. Letís just hope for a slow snow season, except for the ski areas, of course.This month is breast cancer awareness month ñ all about pink. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, according to the Susan G. Komen organization. Almost 40,000 women with breast cancer will die this year. About 400 men will die from breast cancer this year. The good news is that deaths are declining. It has been suggested that early detection and more effective treatments are behind the declining numbers. Certainly, there is greater awareness about breast cancer. Lindsey Harrison interviewed a mammogram specialist (who also happens to be the mother of NFH writer Lara Freeman). Itís an interesting perspective.Another enlightening article this month focuses on the pesticides and herbicides we use to get rid of weeds and maintain a green lawn in Colorado. Be sure to check out Jason Grayís ìThe Dirt on the bad dirt.î It made me think twice about aesthetics vs. health.J. R. Horvath is new to our team, and heíll be reporting on the sports teams. Although we canít keep up with the latest news; itís a good thing to recognize our local athletes and teams. Welcome J.R. We also have a new student reporter ñ Nathan Bird ñ will have sports tidbits column. Welcome Nathan. Thereís a variety of articles from our great team of writers this month. So, read on. And Happy Halloween (see Alli Griffinís listing of local Halloween events).See you in November,-Michelle
