Then the target date was pushed back, and back, and back again. The atomic power plant's control room grew dim. Instrument lights flashed red as the storm raging outside knocked out two of three power lines. Moments later the last power link was cut, and the control room briefly went dark. The plant computer failed.
Streets are dark because snipers have shot out most of the lights.
This is Liaqatabad, a poor neighborhood in central Karachi caught in a relentless war between rival factions of a refugee group. So in Grapevine, Texas, they have put a Dr Pepper billboard on a middle school's roof, advertising to passing planes. In 45 districts nationwide, school buses now carry ads. Schools across the country vie to sign exclusive contracts with Coke or Pepsi, in exchange for goodies like new scoreboards. The climb was over.