Some Predictions for 2019

A veteran journalist friend of mine refuses to predict the future. He claims that it isn’t his role, and furthermore he considers it dangerous. For many years, I have agreed with him. Today, I change my mind. After thinking a bit, and consulting with some friends and colleagues, I would like to present some predictions for 2019, while wishing readers a happy secular new year.

Some Predictions for 2019:

• Bibi will not be re-elected.
• Trump will walk.
• The war in Gaza, status quo.
• There will be more free concerts, while prices of paid concerts will rise.
• Unfortunately, the Ebola virus will spread.
• President Reuven Rivlin will retire.
• Trump’s wall will be built, but only a fraction of it.
• We will hear strange signals from outer space.
• Markets—down 20%.
• Immigration to Israel from the USA, down.
• September-October, many more violent hurricanes in the Caribbean and USA.
• Hula hoops will make a comeback.
• Ordination of women rabbis in some streams of Orthodoxy will increase.
• The US power grid will be sabotaged.
• Cannabis will be legalized in Israel.
• Sound pollution will continue to increase to dangerous levels.
• Birthrates in Japan will go up by 5% (finally!)
• Once more, there will be a major recall of auto airbags.
• Elon Musk will reveal one new amazing idea.
• Michael Moore will stage a comeback (from his Trump film setback).
• A major writer will emerge from the island of Fiji.
• The price of gold will rise.
• The price of pork will fall.
• Andaman Islands will be come the new vacation hideaway for Israelis.
• Unfortunately, a cure for Alzheimer’s disease will not be found.
• NE Patriots’ Tom Brady will finally retire; likewise for manager Bill Belichick.
• All eyes and ears will be on Alpha Centauri.
• The poor will get poorer, the rich richer.
• Weakening North Atlantic current will create drastic changes in North American Ocean climate.
• Many airline mile points will be devalued.
• Journalists with anything to say will remain at risk.
• Artists with anything to say will continue to be unfunded.
• Few at 70 will really be able to retire.
• Life expectancy will rise. In some parts of Africa it will fall.
• U.S. travel warnings for Israel will stay in place.
• The fastest growing Israeli city? Tel Aviv.
• The Chinese will discover nothing new on the far side of the moon, but will create a magnificent hiding place for themselves.
• People will continue to outlay huge ticket prices for outdoor rock concerts.

Additional predictions from friends and colleagues:

• That in the U.S., the political situation will come to a boil, and somehow the pot will be removed from the stove.
• Peace will blast.
• A cure for prostrate cancer will be found.
• The Israeli elections will result in some form of unity government.
• The Israeli elections will result in some form of disunity government.

My Resolutions for 2019:

• No Stress.
• Avoid habit.
• An adventure every day.
• Make something new every day.
• Smile.

“Kryia” (Fanfare for Brass Quintet and Percussion), by S. Horenstein, commemorating the new campus of Gann Academy, Boston.  Triton Brass Quintet; Jeffery Kowalsky, percussion. ACUM/ASCAP All rights reserved.

Coda: “Happy Trails to You”