Closing out 2020: Or, Helter-skelter Kerfuffles, And other Close Encounters

By Michael Willard

It came to my attention decades ago that a metaphor for life was a silver cylinder in a pinball machine. While on occasion, I lit up the board, most events — success or failure — came about by happenstance.

Because of this, I can’t claim second sight. For sure I always felt the 16th Century…