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 Clinton gave out 456 and although one Bush pardon has already been rescinded, Hubdubbers still think Bush will issue over 200 pardons before he exits.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. This week we’re going with a ‘holiday’ theme and on that note happy holidays to all!

Politics

People have differing views of President Bush, but during the holiday season we can all unite Democrat, Republican or Independent in wishing him and his family a merry Christmas! Last year George got Laura a purse and a small silver tray for Christmas, what will it be this year?

What will George W. Bush give Laura Bush for Christmas?

Business

Bernard Madoff should expect some coal in his stockings this Christmas. He’s been a naughty boy and stealing is certainly frowned upon by Santa. So what will happen to him? Hubdub forecasts by over 60% that besides the coal Bernard will be found guilty of fraud.

WILL Bernard Madoff be found guilty of fraud?

Entertainment

The economy’s faltering and it’s kind of freezing, but at least you still have the cinema to go to. This Christmas weekend Hubdubbers predict by 70% Marley and Me will be the most watched film in cinemas.

What will be the #1 film over Christmas weekend (Dec 25th - Dec 28th)

Sports

It’s Christmas day and you want to open presents? You obviously don’t know about the NBA game going on. This Christmas the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics play to win. It currently looks like the Lakers have a slight edge, but there’s still three days.

Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers - NBA on Christmas Day, Who will win?

The Weather

Winter may have just begun but for the past few weeks it’s been snowing heavily all across the US. Chicago always seems to get snow and this Christmas Hubdub forecasts over a 50% chance of the city having a white Christmas.

Will there be a White Christmas this year in Chicago?

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: 8% [?]