And, I really think it was those photographs, the impact of those photographs internationally, during a time of the Cold War, when, the actuality of some of what America didn't talk about, was shown to the world, that that is what made the president act, take federal control of the Arkansas National Guard, and send paratroopers to Little Rock.

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And while towns fortify beaches and dunes and put up sea walls, rock barriers or even sand-filled fabric tubes to guard against future storms, state governments are readying hundreds of millions of dollars to buy out homeowners in flood-prone areas who want to leave.

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Sure, it had its moments--like shooting pool at the smoky Green Room, swimming with cute co-eds in the nearby rock quarry and even playing pick-up basketball with legendary point guard Bobby Hurley.

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My first day at Little Rock, I was met by the colonel who was in charge of the National Guard there.

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