January 1, 2024
Good morning!
Turn those calendar pages; hang the new calendars.
And it rained, and it rained, and it rained, rained, rained, rained.
According to the ChatGPTs, the approximately 4″ of rain received in our yard over the several days of Christmas could have been as much as four feet of snow under the right conditions.
Which would have ranked it among the biggest snows in the modern era in this part of the world.
Be more like a bear during these dark days; s/he knows to sleep more — and to snuggle more.
Turn down the heat, use less fuel, use more blankets.
- “The one word you need to focus on with your brand positioning is becoming ‘unmatched’.” (Leonte, Warner Bros./ Disney)
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- (Say, we actually used that word purposefully 15 years ago! Ahead of our time!)
- “There is so much noise out there in the market, the only way for you to stand out is to figure out what you AREN’T…” (Ibid.)
- “What are those things that ONLY you can do…?” (Ibid.)
- “The consumer doesn’t really care how much you know until they know how much you care.” (Ibid.)
- And finally: “In order to cut through, you need to be more detail-oriented in how you reach consumers, you need to know them more intimately than before.
- The mindset now in marketing is humans have become numbers, which is NOT good.” (Ibid.)
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- Washington City, our nation’s seat of government, has seen the largest increase in violent crime of any major city in the United States throughout 2023.
- Statistically, the District of Columbia has seen a 39% increase in violent crimes while the next closest is Long Beach, CA at 22%.
- On the flip side, San Antonio, TX and Arlington, TX have experienced 20% declines in major crimes. (U.S. Police Chiefs Association, 2023)
- And, right here at home in Minneapolis, Platt (2023) opines: “No one is to blame but us for fraying our urban fabric;
- we sat back and watched as our downtowns lost their strength.”
- Lots to think about here, exacerbated by the plague, to be sure. Can we/ Will we restore safe, vibrant, fun central cities? Does it matter?
- Now, along comes a book extolling the virtues of Benedict Arnold (God Save Benedict Arnold, Kelly).
- “When you ask for a frigate they give you a raft. Ask for sailors, they give you tavern waiters. And if you want breeches, they give you a vest.” (B. Arnold)
- Comment: All of history must be respectfully and relentlessly examined and re-examined; it’s the only way we learn.
- First, know where you’re going, or trying to go, and then focus on the little things, thousands of little things along the right path.
- “The one who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” (Mackay)
- Jack Uldrich is the best selling author of 14 books, of which I’ve read several; none compare to his original yarn, The Gibraltar Conspiracy. (2000).
- Jack promotes himself as a Global Futurist.
- I don’t know what that pays… maybe I could be one?!
- Here are Jack’s expert predictions (as a Global Futurist) for the coming 366 days — yes, 366; don’t quit on February a day early.
- The effects of artificial intelligence fuel political momentum for an official four-day work week, endorsed by at least one major Presidential candidate.
- We Ride, China’s largest self-driving technology company, loses 90% of its value overnight after being hacked by the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong…
- A Saudi-backed investment fund announces a $1 billion bet on harvesting solar power…
- The prolonged drought in the western plains, in combination with unregulated irrigation practices, results in many farmers being prohibited from tapping into the Ogallala aquifer…
- Toyota’s electric vehicle battery, capable of 745 miles, doubles the range to 1,500 miles…
- The gargantuan appetite for electricity, especially for artificial intelligence, inspires the big corporations all to announce their intentions to build small modular nuclear reactors…
- Wyoming bans artificial meat products, citing the threat to ranchers’ way of life…
- Comprehensive plans will be developed and deployed by the FBI and others to protect large public gatherings from domestic terrorism perpetrated by the operators of drones.
- One-of-a-kind drugs; i.e., personalized drugs manufactured to meet individuals’ unique health situation, will get greater scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration of the U.S.
- Urban cores will tax — and tax some more — the owners of vacant and dilapidated properties until said owners repair, remodel, renovate, or remove the blight.
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- (Thanks, Jack! We will keep score.)
- There is no dearth of mediocrity when it comes to options on television.
- Fortunately, the sheer volume of options and the ever-present bell curve result in more good shows than ever in history.
- One must-view is Black Cake, an Oprah production on the Hulus; check it out — and be patient.
