2021

2020 2.0. The toned-down version of last year, but not much better. The world was generally still in a shitty state. The COVID-19 pandemic still raged, with Delta and Omicron upending our lives further. But at least events went on this year, such as the Olympics (delayed from last year), Eurovision, etc. There were more crowds and gatherings this year, as well as packed stadiums, as we try restoring some normalcy. Most importantly was the vaccine rollout, preventing hospitalization and death for those taking it. Most people got the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA 2-dose shots, with some also getting J&J, AstraZeneca, etc. Conspiracies and anti-vax sentiments ran rampant, with many in the US saying "no", and there were many protests against vax mandates/passports worldwide. Divisions in 2021 are getting worse in the "Divided States of America". Democrats and Republicans have increasingly irreconcilable differences. With the historic events of 1/6 and other factors, we may be headed towards civil war in the next few years. 1/6 and the stolen election claims didn't prevent Biden from being inaugurated and attempting to lead during a multitude of crises: pandemic, supply chain, border, inflation, inequality, mental health, threats from Russia/China, rampant gun violence, climate disasters, and his botched Afghanistan withdrawal. Even the weather was crazy, with the Feb. cold snap/power crisis, Northwest heat wave, Ida, wildfires, and a strange Dec. with tornadoes and unusual warmth.