Knocking on wood is an apotropaic (averting bad luck) tradition of literally touching, tapping, or knocking on wood, or merely stating that one is doing or intending to do so, in order to avoid "tempting fate" after making a favorable prediction or boast, or a declaration concerning one's own death or another unfavorable situation. Many believe it originated with pagan groups and cultures around the world, such as the Celts, who worshipped and mythologized the trees. These groups believed the trees were home to their various gods and with the touch of wood, a spirit could bring protection. Don’t get me wrong, I love predictions as much as the next guy. Often entertaining, often wrong, but who can keep track months or years later to hold the forecaster accountable when the forecaster is entirely wrong? Remember how some believed that the home purchase business in 2022 was going to make up for a sizeable chunk of the lost refi business (due to rates going
Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews
Dec 16, 2020 5:55 PM
USDA Rural Development State Director Julie Gross today (Dec. 16, 2020) highlighted South Dakota USDA Rural Development’s investments in 2020 that are building prosperity and strengthening South Dakota’s rural businesses and communities.
“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA invested $430 million in South Dakota’s rural communities in 2020,” Gross said. “These investments helped to increase economic opportunities and improved the quality of life for rural residents across the state of South Dakota. When rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Below is a summary of South Dakota USDA Rural Development’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 accomplishments: