As promised, now that 2009 has dawned, I offer my predictions, political, business, cultural, and other for the record. Of course, if you recall, the most thankless business of all is predicting the future. If you don't believe it, ask a meteorologist. So, having covered myself in the unlikely event that I am wrong about something, let us begin:

• Real Estate - Foreclosures will continue unabated while the politicians dither and argue and pour money into failed businesses and banks. Real estate values will continue to devalue until, as usual, demand begins to exceed supply again. The talking heads will continue to analyze, proselytize, criticize, and a few other 'ize's, but you don't have to be Alan Greenspan to know that the first rule of any marketplace is supply and demand. I don't see a real bottom of the real estate market until 3rd quarter of 2009 and that's if rates continue to be kept artificially low.
  

• Politics - Barack Obama's honeymoon with the American people will last about 24 hours. While everyone hopes otherwise, the sad fact is that the new administration has eight years of mismanagement, self-interest, numbskullery, skullduggery, lies, and more lies to unravel and the fix will not happen overnight. Rather than become part of the solution, the Republican party will seize every opportunity to sabotage, delay, block, or otherwise dismantle any sensible idea that might benefit the beleaguered American taxpayer. What we need is experience and a steady hand in Congress. What we will get is Caroline Kennedy and Al Franken. All we need is a pro wrestler or two to join in and the scene would be perfect.

• Oil - As it has ever been, the USA, a hippopotamic handmaiden to OPEC, will continue to treat Middle Eastern  friends like enemies and enemies like friends and oil will creep back up to levels satisfactory to the oil companies before the summer driving season is off the ground. I also predict trumped-up "shortages" that will be explained by arcane "problems" with refineries, platforms, or some other noodle-headed story. So, get your wallets out!
  

These are three big categories. Stayed tuned for more - we haven't talked culture, education, or any of the really good stuff yet.