Obligatory New Year Post

Hello Everyone! Has been a little while. Between traveling for the holidays and other things, have not been able to post for a bit, but we are back at all systems go!

Pictured: Happy 2024!

1: Lookback

It's hard to believe its been a year of the blog! And, though the timing was indeed irregular, the blog averaged about 1.5 posts per week.

It's also interesting to see how everything has been evolving. I started this blog with the full intention of just doing random essays and other discussions. Then I wrote my first short story. Then I wrote my first poem. And since then, creative writing (and other creative projects) have become a larger and larger part of my life. Amazing how that works out.

2: Going Forward

Well, the goal of a post/week is still the idea. I'd like to get back into doing essays more frequently, but we shall see what actually happens.

I have also compiled a book of poetry, short stories and spells. I'm putting in the finishing touches and getting the manuscript where I want it, but am planning on doing a push to publishers via my publicist/agent in the very near future. Will keep everyone posted on that. Before you ask, (i) yes, most of the poetry and short stories made an appearance on the blog first, (ii) no, not all of them have appeared on the blog, (iii), yes, all have been rewritten and polished so that they are "better" (whatever that means to you) and (iv) just wait; it will be out soon enough.

3: Old Predictions

So, last year, I made a whole post about random things that may or may not have happened. Let's look at where I got things right or wrong.

Prior Claim: The world has largely moved on from COVID, though it has forever changed how the world operates with things like sick days and working from home.

Updated Verdict: Still the case, probably not changing.

Prior Claim: Viral diseases are understood at a far better level than previously, with even a cure for the common cold as a possibility in the semi-near future.

Updated Verdict: Yes to the understanding portion, but not as sure about that cure for the common cold as priorities have shifted in the pharmaceutical industry.

Prior Claim: Strides in nuclear fusion will eventually "solve" energy, possibly within our lifetimes.

Updated Verdict: It still amazes me as to how fast this has been developing. The big news in 2022 was that scientists were actually able to create a "net-positive" fusion reaction or, in other words, have a fusion reaction actually give off more energy than it took to start. 2023 was able to show that such a reaction is viable by replicating it three times. There's still a long way to go, but this is something that was thought to be impossible until recently.

I also made a remark about how the Ukraine war should not have happened if you look at most political science theories but that I was hopeful seeing the international response. If I wanted to add anything to this, it would be that not much has changed. It remains a tragic situation that the world hopes will be resolved soon. It's a lot more messy than it was a year ago however with the possibility of a neat, simple resolution becoming more of a pipe dream at this point. But I'm still hopeful!

4: New Predictions

Here are some things to look out for in 2024 that could be interesting. But remember: always in motion is the future.

Pictured: Cool dude. Terrible English.

As AI chatbots and other tools are evolving and becoming more pervasive, be on the watch for people's reactions. As automation promises to take away work from humanity's collective plate, you can bet that there will be groups pushing back (likely from self-interested standpoints). This will likely be from sectors particularly threatened by this new wave of AI tools that were previously thought "safe." Outrunning the future may seem impossible to some, but I guarantee people will still try. Look for new groups being formed and pay attention to where funding is coming from.

I'd like to stay out of the political predictions, but... I think we need to prepare for another Trump presidency in the USA. Trust me, I take no joy in making this prediction. But take it from someone who called the 2016 election, there are more people who resonate with Trump's messaging than polling figures indicate. Perhaps the most chilling observation I can make is that efforts to either hold Trump accountable for his actions or to otherwise remove him from the ballot are just fanning the flames. To any international readers (you know who you are), this may soon be coming to you, just with different names!

I think my most hopeful prediction for 2024 is that it will still be okay. The world will continue to turn. Just... be aware of the powder kegs in your neighborhood and plan appropriately.