2023 Predictions Guaranteed or Your Money Back

 

Predictions are never easy but seem particularly challenging in these weird times. But where’s the fun in demurring when you can offer outlandish hot takes with no recrimination? First, a quick check-in on what I posted last year: 

1. Having risen to the very top of music (BTS) and TV (Squid Game), Korea now conquers…social media: Kakao goes global and viral.

Big nothingburger here.

2. Halfway to 2024, R’s retake Congress, Senate stays split, and the parties are already starting to consolidate behind Harris vs. DeSantis.

R's did take the House, D's have the Senate, and nothing is clear about 2024 but it's certainly not obviously Harris vs. DeSantis at this point.

3. Bitcoin shake-out as transition to mainstream stalls out.

Kinda true?

4. Creative cinemas re-tool and re-open, injecting interactivity, fun, and safety into the traditional viewing model; Americans flock back to the theaters in droves.

I still think this can happen but the focus has been on streaming because we all like to sit on our ass at home.

5. Shohei Ohtani will have an even better start to 2022 than his historic 2021, but alas a late-season injury means the beginning of the end of two-way play.

Thankfully for sports fans, he was injury-free and while not as sublime as 2021 still pretty darn good.

And now on to 2023 predictions: 

1. Despite rampant speculation, the D’s unite behind Biden-Harris. To be opposed by DeSantis-Youngkin.

2. Victor Wembanyama, widely regarded as the #1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft and a generational prospect, will miss his entire first season in the league due to injury. 

3. No recession, no inflation, no growth…just nothing newsworthy. Which I'd take!

4. Olivia Rodrigo will be announced as the performer for the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show. 

5. AI tipping point: a machine-generated book, album, and painting all hit the top of their respective charts.