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 Clinton gave out 456 and although one Bush pardon has already been rescinded, Hubdubbers still think Bush will issue over 200 pardons before he exits.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.

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