Happy New Year?

Yes. I am eager to see 2021 depart. And yet, I can't honestly say I'm similarly eager for 2022 to begin.

Given the nation's political mood, which seems to favor a morally-bankrupt conservatism over a democracy which seeks inclusion and a smattering—however faint—of equality, things look pretty grim.

But the Chicago Bulls' re-do is blossoming right under our noses, catapulting them from underachievers to contenders. The anticipated chemistry problems betwixt LaVine and DeRozan and Vucevic haven't materialized, with the play of all three elevated by the acquisitions of Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso.

Add the number-one steal of the 2021 NBA draft (Ayo Dosunmu) and things look as bright as they appear dark nearly everywhere else.

That said, I will wish everyone a Happy New Year as we leap—however cautiously—into 2022.

May your god watch over you. And us. 

 

The Finish Line

The day seemed never to arrive. But here it is. 2020 is in the ICU and the prognosis is not good. In fact, it has just hours to live. And strangely, no one seems to mind.

Nope. Unless you invested heavily in Zoom or were its creator, there aren't going to be many people who look back fondly on 2020. I'll even go so far as to suggest it was the worst year of many people's lives.

It was in mine.

While we're not anywhere near putting COVID in the rear view, there are encouraging signs. Namely, the presence of several vaccines which could conceivably inoculate us. Sadly, even an apparent no-brainer like a vaccine in the midst of a pandemic is faced with multiple obstacles.

Sigh. Yes, it is an exhausting time to be alive.

But alive is what I want to be. And what I want for you as well.

My heartfelt wishes for a happy and prosperous 2021 to all.