Going Back for the Future

First, let’s agree there is no such thing as a crystal ball. Back in the day, friends would buy one of those Magic-8-balls to which you would ask a question, shake it slightly and then turn it over to see a response through the “little window at its base. Please note this is not science!

In the slim possibility you have not seen one of these, the ball answers fell into three categories: affirmative, negative and non-committal. Affirmative examples include, “It is certain,” “You may rely on it,” and…”Outlook good.” Negative answers included, “Very doubtful,” “My reply is no,” and…”My sources say no.” As for the non committal (probably written by men), “Ask again later,” “Better not tell you,” and…”Concentrate and ask again.” Like that would help!