Hubdub’s Hot Predictions this week, as decided by Hubdub users and staff, are selected based on their newsworthiness for the week. These stories are bound to be big news this week - and we have forecasts on how they’re likely to turn out.

Happy New Year!

2008 has been a pretty good year, well besides the economy tanking and all that jazz. Even with the crap economy though people still have to celebrate, right? Their last big opportunity is going to be the New Year’s Eve celebrations all around the world. So who will have the biggest party? Hubdub forecasts New York City has a 42% chance.

Which location will have the biggest New Year’s Eve party?

Economy

If you google predictions on the economy for 09, you’ll be lucky to find one that isn’t forecasting financial Armageddon. In November the US lost over 500,000 jobs, for January 09 the outlook isn’t as bad but still pretty dismal with Hubdub predicting by over 60% that the US loses less than 500,00 jobs.

How many jobs will the USA shed in January 2009?

Politics
Some lucky criminals out there will get a very generous gift this new year. Clinton gave out 456 and although one Bush pardon has already been rescinded, Hubdubbers still think Bush will issue over 200 pardons before he exits.

How many pardons will George W. Bush issue before he leaves office?

World

In the Middle East bringing in the new year doesn’t seem to be one of the most festive celebrations. Over 300 have already been killed in the newest ’skirmish’ between Israel and Hamas, and it doesn’t look like the killing will stop just yet. A full on ground invasion hasn’t yet occurred but Hubdub forecasts one happening in the closing days of 2008.

Will Israel invade Gaza in 2008?

Sports

The Rose Bowl is coming! This new years day Penn State is pitched against USC in the Rose Bowl for what should be an epic game. The odds are getting closer as game day approaches but USC still has Hubdub’s backing with a 55% chance of winning the Rose Bowl.

Rose Bowl Game - Penn State vs USC - Who will win?

Trading percentages given are at time of posting and may not match up with markets after the fact due to Hubdub users forecasting on said markets.

* The Hubdub Hot Predictions This Week will be moving place next week to Hubdub’s recently opened newspundits blog, located here. Happy new year to everyone and see you there.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Hubdub’s Hot Predictions this week, as decided by Hubdub users and staff, are selected based on their newsworthiness for the week. These stories are bound to be big news this week - and we have forecasts on how they’re likely to turn out.

The Auto Bailout

America’s automotive producers have found themselves in a sticky situation these past weeks, and for the past months America’s banking giants haven’t been breezing along just fine either. With the possibility of a auto bailout looming, which failed giant will get better quicker, AIG or GM? Hubdub forecasts by over 55% it’s GM.

Which stock will rise the most in the month of December, AIG or GM?

The automotive industry kind of screwed up big time. Never fear though, the American taxpayers are happy to pick up the slack, or are they? This week the House is supposed to vote on a automotive industry bailout and by large enough margins Hubdub is predicting the bill will be passed with at least 218 to 290 votes.

Congress - How many “Yes” votes will be cast in the House for the Big 3 auto bailout?

Hubdub

There’s nothing like winning a Mashable Open Web Award to bring in the Holiday season! This year it seems Santa’s got his eyes on Hubdub. Mashable nominated an Open Web Award in Social News for Hubdub and we’re steam rolling through the competition. Currently Hubdub is trading above a 65% chance of winning the award, and for a Hubdubber those are damn good odds.

Who will win Mashable’s Open Web Award for Social News?

Sport

The Heisman Trophy is due to be awarded this Saturday. Sam Bradford a QB for Oklahoma seems to be the favourite. Hubdub gives him an over 65% chance of winning. That said ESPN may have shown some weakness to Sam’s main rival Colt McCoy who’s trading at 14%.

NCAAF - Who will win this year’s Heisman Trophy?

This Weekends Box Office

Can some tell me why all the evil disasters that befall Earth seem to always be centred around New York City? First you had Godzilla who made the move from Japan to New York in 1998 and now we have The Day The Earth Stood Still. No fear though Keanu Reeves should be able to clear this whole mess up and get tons of money in the process. How much money? Hubdub forecasts 40 to 50 Million on opening weekend.

US Box Office: How Much Will The Day The Earth Stood Still Make in its Opening Weekend?

Trading percentages given are at time of posting and may not match up with markets after the fact due to Hubdub users forecasting on said markets.  

Popularity: 12% [?]