Before there was a “What’s Trending” on Twitter or Facebook, indeed before there was a Facebook or Twitter, or even an internet, there was “The List” from The Washington Post, providing insight into what was “In” and what was “Out” every year. It was as predictable as the ball dropping at Times Square on New Year’s Eve, and it remains wildly popular among Senators and interns alike in Washington, D.C. today. It is a must-read before turning to college football bowl games on New Year’s Day and provides fodder for water cooler conversation for weeks. I read my first “List” 40 years ago in 1977 and was chagrined to learn that Disco was out and Punk Rock was in. I didn’t even know what punk rock was at the time. Apparently, “The List” was pretty cutting edge. Of course, by the following January, punk rock would be out and something called Rap would be in. Keeping up was a challenge.

“The List” was never intended to be erudite social commentary and certainly not a reliable compendium of history or current events. But it was a fun and whimsical exercise. I was hooked. And because imitation is the highest form of flattery, I began compiling my own “List” many years ago to provoke light-hearted contemplation about the trends in the ethanol industry. So, with tongue firmly placed in cheek, and deep appreciation to The Washington Post, I provide this year’s “Ethanol List.”