What a difference a year makes.
Last year heading into this same holiday weekend, we were “looking forward” to watching fireworks on our TVs, barbeques took place in our kitchens, and a hot shower was about as close as most of us got to a dip in a lake.
One year ago, I mocked up a “2020” graphic with unhappy faces because we were pretty deep in the COVID woods with no tangible reasons to feel good about a three-day weekend. Hopeful, yes. Optimistic, not even close.
Here we are at “halftime” of 2021 and there is lots of evidence to suggest we’ve emerged from the darkness. Hospitalizations and deaths are way, way down, while vaccination rates are up. Events are being scheduled again. I’ll be personally making the trek to Comerica Park this weekend to watch the Tigers take on those dreaded White Sox, and most of you will be a lot more active than last year at this time.
But there are reasons for concern. In just the last week or two, a new variant – Delta+ – is beginning to make its way around the country, while vax rates have slowed to a crawl. We’re hopeful we don’t hit a COVID speed bump, but after the last 16 months, nothing would surprise.
So, enjoy this weekend – a little time off from work, school, and our new routines. Enjoy the time with family and friends, and let’s appreciate what we have and what is ahead. Independence Day has another meaning this year.
I’ll be back on Tuesday with a fresh blog post.
Be safe and be happy.
FJ
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
- The One Thing Missing At CES? - January 9, 2025
- AI Your Commercials - January 8, 2025
- For Radio, What Is The Future Of Nostalgia? - January 7, 2025
Enjoy the game, Fred.
This Yankees fan may be looking for a new team…so I’ll be rooting for your Tigers!
We can use all the fan support we can get!
I just have to share my “What a difference a year makes” story. I was at the store a few days ago and noticed a large display of toilet paper at the end of an aisle. These were sizable packages with 8 rolls in each. But that’s not what gave me my “What a difference” moment. That moment came when I saw they were steeply discounted…WITH A MINIMUM PURCHASE OF FIVE PACKAGES!! A year ago we were thankful to find ONE roll. A year later they’re begging you to take FORTY of them away with you! Here’s hoping the rest of 2021 continues on a good “roll.” Happy Independence Day, Fred!
Was hand sanitizer on sale as well? We can’t even fathom exactly where we were 15 months ago. Thank you, Dave.