With 2013 fading in the rear view mirror and 2014 just around a corner ahead, it’s time for Current Publishing’s annual New Year’s tradition, where we ask that most prognosticating of prognosticators – the Magic 8-Ball – a few serious and not-so-serious questions about the future.

There are few scientifically based reasons to believe the Magic 8-Ball is capable of getting every answer correct, but since this is a long-running tradition at Current Publishing, and the track record is remarkably good, we think it’s worth a try. For example, last year the magical sphere accurately predicted that Twinkies would come back, so that alone gives it legitimacy, right?

So, let’s see what the Magic 8-Ball has in store for 2014. Just in case, if you have a grain of salt, now would be the time to take it.

Q: Will Congress continue its overtures toward bipartisanship in the New Year, and spare us the excitement of fiscal cliffs and do-nothing supercommittees?

A: My sources say no.

Q: Will the National Security Agency require all Americans to buy a smartphone so it can more easily track us?

A: My sources say no.

Q: Will anyone dare challenge Sen. Susan Collins to a primary?

A: Maybe.

Q: Can she lose in November?

A: Outlook not so good.

Q: Will former Gov. John Baldacci, mastermind of school consolidation in 2008 and now a lawyer with Preti Flaherty in Portland, moonlight as a consultant for towns aiming to withdraw from school districts?

A: Ask again later.

(a little later)

A: Outlook not so good.

Q: Is there a chance NBC and Time Warner Cable could have a contract dispute blacking out the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia?

A: Ask again later.

(later)

A: Yes.

Q: Will Portland Pipe Line Co. sue the city of South Portland to overturn a moratorium on tar-sands oil?

A: Definitely.

Q: Is there any chance the oil companies in South Portland could uproot their tanks and pipeline and move somewhere they’re more appreciated?

A: Ask again later.

(later)

A: Maybe.

Q: Will the federal government repossess all the beach sand in Scarborough if the town doesn’t pay the $12,000 piping plover fine?

A: My sources say no.

Q: Will St. John the Evangelist Church on Main Street in South Portland be leveled and replaced with a Dunkin’ Donuts?

A: My sources say no.

Q: Will Cape Elizabeth residents approve renovations to the library?

A: No way!

Q: Will the new grassroots approach known as crowdfunding come through to pay for a new kitchen at The Local Buzz in Cape so the restaurant can expand its menu offerings?

A: Yes.

Q: Will Jonesy’s convenience store in Cape Elizabeth reopen this year so motorists can enjoy the fruits of the local gas price war?

A: Absolutely!

–John Balentine, managing editor