Wirt gives some fine examples of how difficult it is to tell the future.
Hmm, I seem to recall a couple of predictions made a couple of years ago:

http://raven.utc.edu/cgi-bin/WA.EXE?A2=ind0103E&L=hp3000-l&P=R6756
Fri, 30 Mar 2001 16:41:52 EST

"Simply because the list is quiet this afternoon, let me put on my finest
show
of extrasensory perception and predict the future with aplomb, elan and
verve:

Prediction No. 1: Christie Todd Whitman, the new Environmental Protection
Agency administrator, will resign her position in less than three months."

<snip />

"Prediction No. 2: Colin Powell, current Secretary of State, resigns in less
than a year, in order to pursue other opportunities."

<snip />

"Gentlemen, mark your calendars.

Wirt Atmar"

;-)

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