As I write this, we are just a few days from the inauguration of President Biden and ushering forth the Biden-Harris administration. To say that the past two months have been interesting, politically, would be an understatement. I had hoped that this election would be a landslide (one way or the other) to give us a feel for our country’s temperament; unfortunately, like the election of 2016, it seems to have further driven the wedge of division. As always, I will keep the new administration in my prayers as they attempt to unite our country.
Whether it’s using that rice that’s hiding in the back of the cupboard, the bag of garden-fresh tomatoes in the freezer or the carefully canned dilly green beans, now is the time to use the produce you put up for winter or bought extra at the beginning of quarantine.
Those who have seen “Searching for Sugar Man,” the 2012 Oscar-winning documentary about the search for a long-forgotten but influential ’70s musician from Detroit, will recall its more-or-less happy ending. In a similar vein now comes “The Changin’ Times of Ike White,” another small slice of pop music history with a back story just as interesting – if not as ultimately uplifting.
For most, the birth of a new year means a new beginning, a positive outlook. We leave the old year behind (good riddance) and look toward a bright future. We make plans, create new goals and reevaluate where we are and where we’re headed. For the majority of 2020, where we were was home and (for some) where we were headed was “to work.” We all wanted to get away … but couldn’t. Our trips and vacations were canceled, pastimes and gatherings limited and, although the pandemic continues, the new year brings hope for a return to normalcy. Who’s to say we won’t be able to visit a distant shore or exotic climate in summer or later?
Most people dream of warm, sunshine-filled holidays – vacations chock full of waves lapping the shore, cold drinks and tan lines. A little rest and relaxation, a little culture, a little sightseeing, a little luxury. But then, there are those who decide a holiday might be pleasant in a new place, on a new adventure, something a little out of the ordinary – and off-season.
When an event occurs that no one could have predicted nor saw coming that ends up having a significantly negative effect on the stock market, it is often referred to as a “Black Swan Event.” Such events almost always cause massive damage and leave the average investor in a state of fear and panic. The term was made popular by Nassim Taleb, who wrote about these events in his book, “Fooled by Randomness.” In it, he attributes three constant factors that must be maintained in a so-called “Black Swan Event.” They are:
Twenty-million jobs were lost in April due to the shutdown, representing 20 years of job gains. There was a solid recovery early this summer, with 2.7 million jobs created in May and 4.8 million jobs created in June. However, the rate of job creation has steadily declined since then, so that only 245,000 jobs were created in November.
I’m sure I am not the only one happy to say goodbye to the year 2020. Goodbye and good riddance! Now it is time to concentrate on a fresh, new year and look for better times on the horizon. My goals for 2021 are a little different than years past. They are usually pretty boring – you know, like losing weight and exercising more. Instead, what I plan to do this year is to only concentrate on what is positive in my life and to make a few changes. So, here are my New Year’s Resolutions.
The No. 1 New Year’s Resolution for 2020 was to eat healthier. Getting more exercise was second on the list.
When I was introduced to “Cat’s in the Cradle” over the Top 40 airwaves in 1974, I was a teenager who was attracted to Harry Chapin’s wistful song about father-son relationships. When I listen to it now on satellite oldies radio, I connect with it from the other end of the age spectrum, as a dad who wonders where all the years went.
Confession time: My Christmas decorations have been up since November 1, and I am not ashamed.
