What Caught My Eye Today - Happy Year 2009 Edition

Fred's Note: There are two things that we can all count on at the end of one year and the beginning of a new year. First there is the recap of all that went on in the year that was and, second, predictions for the year to come. We've already recapped 2008 (click here) which leaves us with prognastications for 2009. I decided to go with the experts on this one. Given how lousy 2008 was, I didn't want to leave anything to chance. So without further delay, I give you world predictions from those who should know...that's right, psychics and fortunetellers.

• There will be an assassination attempt on Barack Obama.
  Sadly, I'd be surprised if there is only one. Though I am an optimist; I predict Obama will still be president this time next year.
• There will be serious tensions within Europe as the Euro free falls with both France and Germany threatening to leave the European Union.
  I'm not sure that would be a huge surprise. Germany is the largest economy in the EU by far, and I cannot say that I would blame it one bit for looking after its own self interests given that latest economic conditions. As for France, well they hate everyone who isn't French, so no, I wouldn't say this come as much of a shock either.
• There is a world wide rekindling of socialist ideals and a major swing back towards communism in Russia.
  I'm not sure about the communism thing, but I think it pretty obvious that socialism is experiencing a renaissance. And you don't have to look very far to find it either. Seriously, does universal health care sound very capitalistic to you?
• There will be a major terrorist attack in Dubai.
  Yeah, I can see that. Let us not forget that the United Arab Emirates are right smack dab in the middle of the Arab world and just a stone's throw from Mecca. You cannot tell me that all those Westerners living it up in those 5 star ultra resorts in Dubai wouldn't make an awfully attractive target to a band of extreme radicals.
• There will be a knife attack on a top celebrity.
  Now this is an interesting one. Not necessarily a new concept (remember Monica Seles?), but fascinating nonetheless. Here are my three "celebrity picks" for what I hope will be a prediction that fails to come true: 1) Bill Clinton, 2) Paris Hilton, 3) Rafael Nadal.
• Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal will continue to be unstable nations with corrupt governments.
  Way to go out on a limb.

So this prediction business seems pretty simple. Let me see if I can give it a go. Here are my Top Ten Predictions for 2009:

1. The New York Stock Exchange will close the year above 10500.
2. Lindsay Lohan will become pregnant--thereby completely her transition as the next Britney Spears.
3. Prince Charles will not become the King of England...again. Elizabeth II has just 5 more years before she ties Victoria for the longest reign in British history. Do you really think she'd give up on that?
4. An industrial accident will claim thousands of lives in China; this in addition to the inevitable natural disasters that the Chinese people will need to cope with.
5. One of the ex-Presidents will die--my money is on George Bush Sr.
6. The world will miraculously make it through another year without a "dirty bomb" being detonated. Don't ask me how.
7. The Chicago Cubs will not win the World Series...again.
8. Tiger Woods will win at least one major in 2009--I'm guessing two.
9. Lance Armstrong will finish in the top 3 in this year's Tour De France.
10. And finally, Osama bin Liden will celebrate yet another year as a fugitive rather than behind bars.