Predictions are fun to make because it’s great when you nail them and hardly anyone remembers when you get them wrong. In the interest of transparency I have reviewed the predictions I made in July at the half-way mark of 2013.

On some things I was horribly wrong. I thought the PR/ad push for Obamacare would cause its poll numbers to rise. Oops. I didn’t factor in the web site glitches. “The Fifth Estate” movie was not the big hit of the fall and the weather wasn’t all that bad. I did accurately predict the Winter Olympics would fail to ignite interest but didn’t foresee that it would occur because of Russia’s anti-gay talk. I was too far ahead in thinking Google Glass would be the big holiday gift of the year. It now looks like the product won’t be widely available until this year.

OK, now onto the predictions for the first half of 2014:

-I think “Noah” will be a blockbuster movie. We love biblical stories and weather disasters. Russell Crowe is the star and he is a compelling actor.

-The Democrats will be treading water most of the year. However, the economy is on the rebound in a big way and that will give them a lift as the midterm election approaches.

-The rising economy and the credit for Obama will give Hillary the strength she needs to seriously think about running for President. It will be much later before people realize Hillary had nothing to do with Obama’s economic policies (although she supported them).

-A reality star(s), MSNBC host and Fox News star will all say something incredibly embarrassing that they will be fired for or severely disciplined.

-Commentator Glen Beck will continue to tack to middle of the road points of view. He will pick up a lot of attention for being a reformed, former Fox News star. Some will embrace his change of heart and others will just dismiss him as a charlatan.

-Joe Biden will not be running for President.

-Lady Gaga’s tour will be a bust and Britney Spears will need to cancel her Vegas residency for health reasons.

-I wish I could predict some big changes on the policy front out of D.C. but Congress seems hopelessly deadlocked.

I will let you know in early July how I fared.

Adam Shapiro Public Relations was proud to co-host with Social Driver a reception for Kris Amundson. Kris is the new executive director of the National Association of State Boards of Education. She previously served as a Delegate in the Virginia legislature. One of the highlights of the evening was the appearance and remarks from Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

Click on the link to see photos and a video from the evening.

http://adampr.phanfare.com/6269635#imageID=199606231

I recently had a great opportunity to put my media training to use on myself when BBC came calling for an interview. The topic is technology vs. older forms of connecting in business. What do you think? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23887807

Even PR people sometimes need some positive PR. Many thanks to this wonderful non-profit that is making a difference and for their kind words:

http://www.threadsforteens.blogspot.com/2013/07/washington-dc.html

When the calendar turns to July it’s always a reminder, for me at least, that we are at the half way point in the year. Therefore, here is my totally unscientific set of predictions for what I see on the horizon:

–Even though a part of Obamacare implementation will be delayed until 2015, the PR/advertising effort will begin in force in early fall to get uninsured to sign up. Public opinion will follow the pro-Obamacare push at least in the beginning.

–Each fall brings a big adult movie (think “The Social Network” or “Good Night, and Good Luck”). This year’s serious film will be “The Fifth Estate” about Wikileaks.

–The weather is going to get worse. Blame global warming if you want to but I am afraid we are in for more extreme conditions along the lines of hurricanes, record-breaking heat and bizarre snow patterns.

–It’s going to be hard to get people excited about the 2014 Olympics in Russia. I have no real reason for thinking this…it just feels that way to me.

–Google Glass will be the hot holiday gift of the year. The scare warnings won’t drive consumers away.

Call me Faith Popcorn or Jeanne Dixon if you want. I’ll report back at the end of December to let you know how I did.