A Fresh Start

A fresh start, a whole new ball game. Whatever term you chose to use, it's a new 12-month slate of time. A new year.

As some of you know, I'm not one for New Year's resolutions or predictions. Resolutions generally turn out to do more harm than good. Sure they are supposed to impose rules to make you a better person both physically and mentally. More than 90 per cent of the time they end up wounding one's ego because you've failed to keep that promise you made to yourself, your spouse, kids, friends, etc.

I did not major in psychology but I remember from a college course that setting yourself up for sure failure is not a positive step. Long ago I stopped announcing any resolutions. Instead I have resolved to work at my own pace to attempt to become a better person in the new year. No deadlines, no specific goals no certain numbers to reach. No specific results with which to measure my surefire failure.

But I firmly believe that I have made progress each year, albeit ever so slight. At least I'm not depressed by failure and therefore I don't have those six-weeks-into-the-new-year-blues.

Regarding predictions I will simply state that those who make them are the same ones who subscribe to the psychic mania or put lots of faith in the horoscopes. The trick to all those things is that generalization goes a long way to making the predictors, phone psychics and horoscope writers rich and famous.

Now that I have gotten those issues off my chest, I will tell you what I see ahead for the year 2002. Mind you pholks, these are not resolutions or predictions, just educated guesses and gut feelings.

For some reason I feel this is going to be a good year. A better year than 2001 which in many ways was the most traumatic in the memory of most Americans. I really can't explain my optimism, but I just have this feeling. Too many intangible things have given me this gut feeling that the new year will be remarkable. I don't think it is just patriotism or unfounded optimism. I think the economy will be slow for a few months but a marked upswing will surprise most economic experts. I don't know why, but it will happen.

America and lots of other countries will struggle with the fight about terrorism and some surprises will be in store later in the year. Mr. Evil, aka bin Laden, probably will not be found. Speculation of his death will remain speculation. A mystery which will gain much world-wide attention.

American flags will continue to be displayed as this nation remembers and this nation hardens its collective resolve.

Energy will continue to be a concern, especially in California. Don't expect an energy crisis as the economics of supply and demand will take care of the situation if the politicians back off. But be prepared for an outcry of water in the West. Last year it was energy, this year it will be the cost of water.

Enough of this serious stuff. A few more "guesses."

Barry Bonds will not hit 70 home runs. The low 60s is my guess.

My Dodgers will get better but will be hard pressed to finish ahead of Arizona.

Tiger Woods will gain in riches but will not have a great tour. He will win but not as much as in the last three years. Sergio Garcia will be the darling of golf. Phil Michelson will win a major.

Fresno State football will have another great year even without David Carr. Carr will be a top draft choice in the pros, possibly being taken as the first or second choice. He will sign for a multi-million dollar bonus and a five year contract.

In entertainment, three or four major movies will threaten to top the box office records. I probably will see none of them.

Two major comedy stars, considered national treasures will die, one before June.

Elvis will be sighted in dozens of places but no proof will be found to substantiate them, unless I can get him to pose for a photo after our luncheon date.

Everything considered, I think my "guesses" will be good ones. I will not ask any of you pholks to send in money to get my entire list. I will not let them be published in any supermarket tabs. The Valley Voice will be the sole source of this list. And it will continue to be free.

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