Ox > Mouse

I saw this article below from BBC, regarding the predictions for next year and thought that it was interesting. My prediction for 2009 is no more parking tickets/stop light tickets. 2008 was an expensive year for my car, Winston (Churchill, not after the jewelry). Apparently, yellow means slow down and stop in the middle of the intersection. But, to my defense there are signs that say "Don't block the box."I digress... Happy New Year and I will be wishing you, dear reader, a joyous 2009.

Correspondents look ahead to 2009

A new year is upon us and the Chinese tell us it is the year of the ox - steadfast and patient.

But what are the main news events we should expect over the coming 12 months?

Four top BBC correspondents will be joining Stephen Sackur for BBC Radio 4's Correspondents Look Ahead.

Here they predict the biggest news story of 2009, and explain what they are looking forward to most and least. Each also notes something entertaining they expect to happen.

What issues do you think will make the news in 2009?

---

It's going to be a big year for global democracy. Indians, South Africans, Indonesians and Israelis all go to the polls

Stephen Sackur
Presenter, Correspondent's Look Ahead and Hard Talk

I am looking forward to seeing the Republicans re-group... the fight between Sarah Palin and other wings of the party

Justin Webb
North America Editor

The worldwide economic slowdown could affect badly needed aid and international initiatives on climate change

Lyse Doucet
BBC World News special correspondent

I am looking forward to the US legal system moving into the indictment stage on some of the people at the top of the banking and insurance industry

Paul Mason
Economics Editor, Newsnight

I am waiting for signs of change in Zimbabwe, the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan

James Robbins
Diplomatic Correspondent

To actually read the articles, please click the link boxes. Aaron informs me that placing the entire article on my blog is obnoxious to read. Enjoy!

There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says, "may you live in interesting times" and that we do. With the recent actions in the Middle East, War in Iraq and Afghanistan, strife in Southern and Southeastern Asia and Africa, and economic recession - 2009 will be far from boring. I guess we will have to be patient, like the Ox, and see what the future will bring us. For me, no parking tickets, but enjoy the predictions and please share with me your predictions!