And so another year passes. Now that the partying is done, we ask ourselves, what the heck happened last year? And in retrospect, uncertainty reigned.

In the news, Iraq's intentions are an unknown. They might have destructive weapons or maybe not. Maybe Saddam wants to use them, if they exist, and maybe not. Probably President Bush wants to go to war to get rid of him and then again, well, he most certainly will one way or another. North Korea wants to start up its nuclear programs again. Al-Qaida runs rampant throughout the world. Back here, the economy is sputtering. While minor growth occurred, holiday shopping was sluggish and all the president wants to call for is more tax cuts.

In sports, unlikely teams reigned in the world as the New England Patriots, Anaheim Angels, and the Miami Hurricanes (under a first-year coach) all won championships. Local teams did ok but turmoil and coaching turnover was experienced by almost all. This includes the Sharks, who fired their coach just two months into the season. The A's and Giants let their managers go after runs into the playoffs. The only one without a new coach is the 49ers and Steve Mariucci could be let go if they don't make it deep into the playoffs.

In entertainment, sequels and franchises reigned, questioning Hollywood's ability to create the original idea instead of milking one idea for as much as they can. This spread into TV where CSI: Miami is the number one new drama and the best so-called reality show occurs in an environment where 25 women vie for one guy. This while original shows aren't doing well and subsequently being cancelled left and right.

The world also had its share of deaths from advice columnist Ann Landers to famous director Billy Wilder to Wendy's founder Dave Thomas to Bugs Bunny creator Chuck Jones to the Queen Mum to master comedian Milton Berle to TLC's Lisa Lopes to great baseball player Ted Williams.

What do we have to look forward to? More of this same uncertainty.

The economy isn't going to be fixed anytime soon. Case in point: the school district in my area is considering closing down my old elementary school. Sure, there aren't that many kids in my neighborhood anymore and two schools around us could easily pick up the load, but the memories will always linger.

War is seemingly inevitable. Will it be serious enough to activate the draft?

And personally, it will be my last full year of college. All that time to make an impression on someone to get me a job somewhere. If only I can get decent grades in these math classes. And my sister just passed the written portion of her driving test. I'm truly sorry to those of you who will drive on the same roads she will.

But even with the air of uncertainty, we've always known that we're more than capable to handle anything that comes our way and soon uncertainty will lead to a conviction toward a better life for us all. And on that note, have yourself a happy little new year in this 2003.