Happy New Year!
Just about a week and change into the New Year and we’re off to an overwhelming start? Antonio Brown. January 6th. Omicron. And another variant.
My resolution this year is basically just to stay healthy. That’s my basic priority; it feels a bit arrogant to push for more than that. France is reporting some new-new variant, and Australia’s got some hybrid that’s just touched down in California. “Flurona,” they’re calling it. You can’t make this up.
While I’m not in the prediction business, I have been trying to anticipate what is ahead. I suppose if I truly knew the answer to that, I’d have a seat in Dr. Fauci’s office. Still, I think there are a few things that seem pretty certain, so I’m calling it now:
More Covid, More Problems: Another year of Covid, and I’m guessing a new variant is headed our way. I do not love this prediction, but it’s a safe one to bet a paycheck on.
Politics Will Suck: Democrats should anticipate a blood bath during midterms, and the future of Roe v. Wade looks bleak. Trump will re-emerge and memories will be short. I’m tired already.
Money Talks: The world will remain open for business. Sports will maintain loose restrictions to keep butts in seats and keep dollars flowing. Looking forward to seeing a few athletes opt-out as a matter of personal safety.
Are You Not Entertained: I think we’re at the end of big blockbusters, a few titles notwithstanding. The movie business is going to have to innovate because people have grown accustomed to same-day limited releases from the comfort of their homes. This will likely change the titles that are nominated for award season going forward.
Class Conflicts: Everything that everybody was fighting about before? More of that. People are going to keep quitting their jobs, teachers are going to start refusing to come back into classrooms, and small businesses are going to need help. The “us versus them” that’s been bubbling under the surface is at risk of boiling over.
We’ll see how the year shapes up. Pour yourselves a drink, you’ll need it.
