Predictions...

We all tend to predict or forecast the future, both in the short and longer term. When we hear a weather cast we plan what we will do during the rain, sun, snow, or whatever it may bring. But, we also plan in the longer term by assessing current conditions and hoping to meet a goal in the future. Perhaps as we are seeking an education we begin to forecast the job possibilities based on that education.
Whether we are aware of this process or not, the brain is constantly updating information and extrapolating the possible consequences. When we are acutely aware of that process, I tend to call it trendcasting. It is the act of purposely predicting what may be in the future. Science fiction writers have been doing that for years and some of their thoughts actually comes to pass.
Twenty years ago I was sitting in a resturant with a friend and as we were being served water, I made an observation. The cost of water is really high when you consider the work that goes into obtaining it, processing it, and distributing this commodity. With a basically fixed supply and increasing demand, my trendcast was that water could and would, become a scarce commodity. I thought then, and I think now, that water could become part of the stock exchange and sell just like pork bellies. What do you think and do you have a trendcast?