Saturday
Jan012011
Any Predictions for the New Year?
Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 08:12AM 
Happy New Year!
Ordinarily, I spend the day with my sons watching college football (and overeating). But given the way the BCS has ruined New Year's Day college bowl games, we'll probably watch the Three Stooges marathon instead (you know, in protest).
I'm also conducting a wedding later today for a couple from church. I've never done a New Years Day wedding before (but it is 1-1-11).
Is anyone willing to go out on a limb and make a few predictions for the coming year? If you wish, leave them in the comments section below. Given my track-record at making such predictions, I'll play it safe and predict that I'll get older and balder in the coming year.
Finally, I wish you all a very prosperous and healthy New Year!
Reader Comments (48)
No doubt about it, the Rangers stomped the Yanks big time. But the Yanks were pretty banged up and the Rangers have to show they can do it again.
I was responding to Richard's perpetual rant against the Evil Empire (a downfall, as he calls it). The Yanks are in pretty good shape long term--for once. Money to spend, good revenue stream, and a pretty decent and deep farm system. The Red Sox and Phillies will have short-term advantages, but that didn't work well for the Yankees since 2001--only 1 WS title.
I like the Evil Empire's chances for years to come!
1. There will be a big earthquake somewhere in the world.
2. At least one typhoon will hit the Philippines and one hurricane in the Carribean.
3. The sun will continue to rise in the east.
4. I would irritate my wife at least once every day.
Here's one that might be a false prophecy:
At least one FB friend would comment here.
You stated that if Palin represented the GOP, you would probably work on the campaign to help Obama get re-elected..........
You would support a socialist that is actually doing more damage to the United States than if we had a enemy leading us?
You would support a leader that is bankrupting the country, which will put our children into serious debt for years to come?
You would help a leader that goes around all over the world and apologizes for all of the wrong's that the United States has done to all?
You would help a leader that is as incompetent as Jimmuh Carter? History will record him as such.
At least you could offer a Libertarian party candidate as a good alternative. But to defend Obama?
You're right...the Evil Empire will live long and prosper! I was trying to gig you a little about the ALCS outcome, that's all. We Rangers fans haven't had a whole lot to brag about, as you know. In fact, fans of Texas sports have been a little despondent of late, what with this year's collapse of Jerry's World (aka Cowgirls), not to mention the thumping our Rangers did take in the WS from those wussies in SF.
But, then, we've now got the Horned Frogs. Yep, our beloved Froggies won the Rose Bowl. Then again, what is a Rose Bowl without a team from the PAC-10. Sorry, I have been around for a little while now and know a Rose Bowl from a Cotton Bowl. Congrats to the Horned Frogs, no doubt, but it wasn't a real Rose Bowl.
Since you asked about 2011 predictions, I would like to respond, if that is ok. I don't have a specific prediction, other than maybe the Rangers in 2011. Notice I said "maybe"!
I live in the "sophisticated" DFW Metroplex, but I travel all over the state, especially out in West Texas. I just finished eating at a local Mexican restaurant in a West Texas community that is home to an oil refinery and is the focal point of a large geosystem of oil and gas fields. Lots of dirty people eating there, some with families, some just part of the vast network of businesses and industries that make the oil and gas industry work every day. For my part, I work for a risk management consulting firm that works with the public entities that provide physical and social infrastructures that ultimately support and promote these industries.
As I was eating my dinner and listening to the conversations taking place all around me, I was reminded of a song that describes this West Texas. The song is entitled "The Great Divide" and is performed by an artist by the name of Jack Ingram (I think that's his name). The point I am trying to make is that I think 2011 will see a continuation, and even exacerbation, of the great divide that exists among us as a society. As I listened to those hard-a$#% folks from the oil patch, i couldn't help but wonder how in the world do you communicate to them in a coherent and understandable way the great lessons and truths that emanate from WHI?
Bottomline, what you guys at WHI do is exceptional in so many ways. But what about those in the "Great Divide"? How do you ultimately reach them? Personally, I simply don't know. That is why I think the "Great Divide" will grow wider and wider in the coming year.
Thanks so much for all you do to promote real understanding in our modern society.
Bill
I am comparing two people that I don't find to be be politically substantive apart from the support they receive; I am not defending in general the policies and actions of the President.
Also, you're responding in a way that many reasonable people would find unreasonable and not worthy of serious consideration. To say things like the President is doing more damage to the United States than what an enemy would and that he is as incompetent as Jimmy Carter is just amazing. Even some on the right would distance themselves from things that you said. All this criticism and dislike for a man who has been in office 2 years? This reminds me of the Left's hatred of George W. Bush; I heard so much about how he was the worst president ever. Again, more parallels I see between the Right and Left. One can give reasonable criticism of the President without sounding like some conservative talk show host that needs daily strong and exaggerated words to maintain an audience.
I am quite content with not voting at times. I've learned and experienced enough in my young life to conclude that politics is not as black and white as some would like.
1. Also from Texas. Only radio station in Texas that airs WHI is in Austin, state's fourth largest city. Both Dallas and Houston markets have liberal Christian radio stations, but wouldn't it be nice to sneak onto one of them in each market?
2. Houston Dynamo, the only Texas team to win a championship (2006, 2007) in the last 5 years, will be back in the hunt.
3. WHI guys will send at least one to Texas for third straight year. I've now met Rod and Mike. When are you and Ken coming down here, Kim?
4. I might actually be able to regurgitate intelligently arguments about 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Ephesians 4 that point to problems with Pentecostal views. Work in progress. Making this a prediction is a bit bold.
5. I will decide whether I will be one of those physicians I mentioned earlier.
I agree with you on the bowl games. Even though we get quite a few of the BCS games in Phoenix (three this year, and the second BCS bowl championship game in 4 years), I much prefer the old system, where all of the games are played on New Years day.
Some of the comments that you made against Sarah Palin were un-justified. She actually has more experience than Obama did before he took office, and she does represent the most conservative of the candidates as a force in the Tea Party.
There are some other GOP 2012 candidates that may be pretty good: Newt Ginrich, Mitt Romney (although his backing of the healthcare program in his state may hurt him in the eyes of some in the GOP), and Mike Huckabee.
The one that I really like is the Senator from Florida; Marco Rubio. You never know, he may make quite a splash.
I am extremely puzzled by the lack on interest in the Libertarian Party. They have a lot of great concepts and do seem like a good alternative to the GOP and the Dems.
I hope that the people in this country are not ignorant of the Libertarian Party, especially in the era of the internet. If that is the reason, shame on the ignorance of the people in our country.
On the other hand, Alberto, if you haven't already read "The Roots of Obama's Rage" by Dinesh D'Souza, I encourage you to do so and then rethink your willingness to vote for a man whose primary goal is to bring to an end the United States' status as a superpower. If Obama serves a second term, the US as we know it will be a thing of the past. Is that really what you want?
I agree with you on Obama. That is why my statement that Obama may be worse than if we had an enemy of the U.S. in office.
Your statement that Obama doesn't want the United States to have the status as a superpower is right in line with my above referenced statements.
Any one of those GOP candidates that I mentioned would be considerably better than Obama. (Even Hillary would!)
Hyperbole is not a substitute for rational analysis. All this hatred?! Is Obama (thus far) a great president? not so far. But is he a socialist trying to destroy the US from within? Give me a break! He is a flawed human being like the rest of us, with some good and some bad, trying to do what he thinks is best. Just like W before him. Lets leave the invective and mindless sloganeering to the folks on talk radio and fox news. On intelligent sites such as this one, lets try to have an edifying and substantive dialogue about political pros and cons of each candidate.
And finally with regard to Sarah Palin, Alberto was spot on. She lacks the gravitas and experience and (it would appear) smarts to be a viable candidate. Just because she mouths words about small government and taxes you like on its own does not mean she should be president. If the Republicans nominate her, Obama will be a two term president for sure. (And the Dems made the same mistake in 2004-by nominating Kerry they ensured that W would get a second term simply based on comparisons)
Finally to Kim and the other baseball fans, this will be a red sox year. For once they out foxed and out spent the hated pinstrippers! And during this off season I say go Pats and go C's!
Go Orange! You've got my vote.
[Please send bananas and other fresh fruit in lieu of campaign contributions to the address below.]
Are you from Boston? What a great sports town. I am picking both the Pats and C's to win the championship.
The Pats are impressive with the use of lower draft picks and a great coach and Q.B.
Basketball still has a long ways to go, with injuries playing a part, but, I don't see an over the hill Kobe leading the Lakers to the championship this year.
I don't think that the Heat have enough size in the paint to withstand some of the other teams in the playoffs.
Regarding your statements on the political stuff: You state that Obama is a flawed human being like the rest of us. What does that have to do with anything? All that does is level the playing field for all of us. So why bring that into the equation?
You also state that we should try to have an edifing and substantive dialogue about political pros & cons about each candidate.
So far, I am the only one that has given my opinion on the political candidates and the Libertarian party. You, Matt and Alberto have done nothing but attack Palin and have not yet offered one single opinion on any political figure whatsoever. Three gentlemen and not one opinion?
So, to the point, I'd vote Libertarian in a Parliamentary System every day and twice on Tuesday. But in this two party system, it is unfortunately a wasted vote. That's why candidates like Rand Paul are so important. They are Libertarians disguised as elephants.
Great input. I have been tempted to vote for some of the Libertarians also, but I felt that I may be throwing my vote away.
There may come a time when I may go Libertarian just for the sake of my conscience. But, I am not there yet. I am still hopeful (as a life long Republican) that we may yet get a decent candidate. (Rubio?)
The tea party has attempted to claim Rubio as their own, but he has somewhat distanced himself from the movement. Rubio is an extremely traditional republican.
The reason that I think that the Libertarian party is a good option, is that folks that are strong democrats and republicans agree with much of the platform. That, in of itself, is interesting!
3-1: Mitt Romney (the economy expert. Being a Mormon, he may be seeking to change the marital laws in our country).
5-1: Sarah Palin (the conservative voice. Figures to draw the soccer mom's and the second amendment gun slingers, including Sheriff Joe here in Phoenix).
8-1 Mike Huckabee (the political pundits actually state that he has done the most in his state of Arkansas than the rest of the field. A good one, but he really confuses the 2K).
15-1: Newt Gingrich (the cerebral one. He is noted for running well in muddy conditions. A good mud slinger. If it is raining on the day of the election, he very well may win it).
20-1: Marco Rubio (a very traditional republican. A long shot for 2012, but he has a very impressive pedigree and a good trainer. He is only 39 years old; young for a horse in 2012. Very well may be the best of the bunch).
Marco Rubio believes strongly in American exceptionalism.
reg, matt and Alberto:
Have the three of you been able to come up with one opinion on a 2012 presidential candidate and why we should vote for them? Still waiting.............
I don't think anyone is an official candidate yet. But as for those who seem to be in it, I don't really have any preference since I am not dogmatic on certain political issues. I am not registered with any party so I don't think I will be able to vote in the primary election. Also, I prefer to wait and listen to what the candidates have to say; I like to hear a clear case from a candidate for my vote. I view elections individually and make my decisions based on what I think is best for that particular election. And like a said previously, I might not vote.
I do have one prediction; at least one person will announce that he/she is in it to win.