Dean Clough

November 29, 2023

Portico Darwin: Wow, Was I Wrong

TODAY'S RAMBLINGS

<2 Minute Read

Happy Wednesday. 

Many consider me arrogant, with an ego the size of Texas.  Guilty as charged. 

But those who know me know that I try to temper these endearing traits by sincerely admitting when I am wrong about something.  So let's turn to some recent brilliant prognostications . . . that weren't.

CRUISE ROBOTAXIS
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Blog: 
It's F'ing San Francisco, Baby! (published 23 October 2023)
What I Predicted: 
Cruise's (and Waymo's) robotaxi industries would be a contributor to an SF re-birth  
What Really Happened: 
One of Cruise's cars ran over a pedestrian, they lied about it, they suspended all of their autonomous services nationally, and their CEO quit
Grade: 
D

THE MIDDLE EAST
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Blog: 
Oily (published 4 October 2023)
What I Predicted: 
Israel and Saudi Arabia were on the brink of a historic normalization of relations; I went further to say a spike in oil prices was the result of the Saudis trying to extract more concessions before making peace with Israel
What Really Happened: 
Perhaps in response to that development, the worst attack on Israel in our lifetimes occurred on 7 October and there's a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, although at least there's a truce right now
Grade: 
F-

DEION SANDERS @ THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
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Blog: 
My Buffs and Deion Sanders (published 20 September 2023)
What I Predicted: 
I said his off-season use of the transfer portal was "revolutionary," and that his total commitment and professionalism would result in a thriving program - inside and outside the locker room
What Really Happened: 
They lost 8 of 9 to end the season, top recruits are bailing, there are loud rumors of dissension internally, and Deion is a big hypocrite   
Grade: 
D

10 Seconds of Seriousness:  Obviously, only the Israel - Hamas war really matters here, but I am making a different point. 

Being retired, I have the luxury of time and one of my major uses of that time is reading.  I read a lot, including about all of the subjects above.  In other words, I am relatively well-informed, and that's not arrogance.

But in each case, and despite having the confidence from doing my own research to make bold predictions and then put them out there, I was wrong.  Like super incorrect. 
 
Is there anything you think you understand well, but you could be wrong - way wrong - about?

FROM THE UNWASHED MASS

My comical critique of Love Actually clearly - and I mean f'ing clearly - struck a nerve in the oft-chill Dr. Davis Fladgate.  He did not mince words.

So sad that the critic in you can’t relax and enjoy a funny, entertaining movie.

Ouch.  Being as insecure as I am (the yang to the yin of arrogance!), I would prefer this:
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Although maybe not delivered with the doe eyes, at least if it's coming from my father-in-law.

Thank you for reading this newsletter.  

KLUF

Featuring "Wrong All Along" and so many other kick-ass songs, here is an eponymous, Killer, and sadly overlooked Cheap Trick album, from way back in 1997.   
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About Dean Clough