This will be my first time predicting events for the year ahead. I was inspired by reviewing predictions made for 2026 by some random psychics. And I use the word "psychic" loosely. Their predictions are general, non-specific, and sometimes ridiculous. Here's what I mean -
Judy Heavenly's credits include creating the Blue Dot for National Enquirer. Her claim involves "infusing a blue dot with psychic energy." Just cut it out of the tabloid and carry it with you to the nearest slot machine or lottery retailer and you will win big. Here's what she says about 2026:
President Donald Trump will emphasize America's dominance in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, oil production, and energy independence. Key word is "emphasize." Since he emphasizes everything he says, that one is easy.
Democrats and Republicans will be challenged to collaborate on a renewed economic strategy to restore prosperity. Challenged? Obviously. But challenged doesn't mean they will actually work together to accomplish anything.
Mobile robots will work alongside human employees in warehouses, autonomously navigating aisles to collect packages. Isn't that happening now?
The Toronto Blue Jays will win the 2026 World Series in baseball. Now that one is unusually (for her) specific. BetMGM says right now they are not the favorite. This is one easy to track. And futures bets for 2026 baseball are open now so I might put twenty bucks on it.
A few more for 2026 from various sources:
Clint Eastwood will pass away. Well, he's 95 so...
Several major corporations will announce they've achieved AI systems capable of genuine innovation, not just pattern recognition. Seems like we're already there, or very close at least. We've been headed in that direction for several years.
There will be technological breakthroughs and changes in communication and commerce. Happens every year.
So if that's all it takes to get published, I can do that. My predictions for 2026:
A politician will get caught in a lie, then claim ignorance or "not my fault." I can guarantee that one.
Streaming services will raise subscription prices. Just like every other year.
Aliens from outer space will make official contact with humans and explain where we went wrong and messed everything up, and tell us how to fix it. That's probably more wishful thinking than an actual prediction.
We will ignore the advice of our alien visitors and try to fight them. They will win the fight, then leave, taking with them our last best hope for saving ourselves...from ourselves. Because we continue to be our own worst enemies.
Evil will persist and evil deeds will increase. But honest and decent people will continue to do good things.
Residential home prices will tumble. I don't see how a two bedroom, one bath with no garage and no finished basement can continue to sell for three hundred large.
I will break 90 on the golf course. Don't bet on this one. However, it's not entirely out of the question.
ZZ Top (what's left of them), Buckcherry, and Big Skillet will appear in concert at the Buffalo Chip. Just like they do every...single...year.
That's probably enough. So, to wrap things up, I sincerely hope every one of you have a good year in 2026. To my friends close by - let's get together more often. To my friends far away - I miss you, and if it's possible at all, let's make an effort to get together at least once. To my acquaintances - let's try to become friends. We don't need to hang out often or during the off hours at the plant, but knowing someone even just enough to be able to call them a friend is somehow...comforting. In the immortal lyrics of a favorite Bob Dylan song - Stick with me baby. Stick with me anyhow. Things should start to get interesting right about now.
Roger O'Dea 12/29/2025
