Prediction time - 2011

Yesterday, I evaluated my 2010 predictions.  Today, I make some for 2012...

1. Said it last year and will say it again this year.  The USA economy will continue to stagnate.  The powers that be (especially in an election year) are not willing to do what is necessary to position the USA to be in a better financial position (i.e. cut military spending, institute a VAT tax and invest in knowledge economy).
2. Speaking of elections, this year will see interesting elections in many of the Arab spring countries as well as Iran.  The transition to real democracy in the Middle East will not be easy and will produce many painful moments.  As for predictions, Syria will get resolved, Egypt will go hard line and Iran will have a huge controversy over their upcoming election (my guess is that a few bombs may be launched beforehand).
3. The Leafs will miss the playoffs, the Raptors will too but they will compete for the 8th spot.  The Jays will finish 3rd in a AL East but miss the playoffs even with the extra wild card.  TFC will make the MLS playoffs for the first time!
4. Rob Ford (the Mayor of Toronto) and the Toronto Star will have a make-up moment where each has seen the errors of their ways and admits that they current stances are unproductive and poorly represent themselves and their places within society.  Nah, they will continue to fight this battle and the up coming labor negotiations in Toronto are going to turn really ugly. There will be lawsuits here.
5. We will see a shifting from App's to web-based programs.  

Well that is me for now.  We'll see next year how I did.

Media Monday - Grading My 2011Predictions

Uh oh!  Judgement time. In italics were my predictions from last year (here is the link to confirm that I have not changed these).  I have then graded my performance in bold:

One of my favorite sports is making predictions (and seeing if I am right (though I hope I am wrong this year)).  Most of my predictions are from my research and work but some are indeed more akin to 'gut' feeling (though based on some evidence).  Let's go through some of my favorite predictions:

The USA economy continues to stagnate (and may even go into decline again).  The USA industrial sectors have not yet caught up to the realities of the new world economy.  Until further emphasis is placed on knowledge-based industries and away from traditional 'industrial' areas the economy will continue to flounder. 

Wayne Self Grade - A- 

Geo-political relations between EU nations and the Middle Eastern and African countries will become increasingly tense.  This has the potential for potential disaster.  

Wayne Self Grade - B (The French & English involving themselves in Egypt & Libya counts.  We also have not seen all of the fall out from this involvement)

The Toronto Maple Leafs will continue to break my heart (along with the Raptors and Blue Jays). 

Wayne Self Grade - A- (The Blue Jays were more improved than thought but still finished with a record under the previous year - the Raptors & Leafs were as predicted - terrible)

Tablet computers will become more prevalent.  Already tablet sales are showing a staggering rate of adoption.  This trend will continue while the traditional desktop computer continues to disappear. Also, do not sleep on 3D TV becoming a major force within the entertainment spectrum. 

Wayne Self Grade - C (Tablets are rising, 3D more in cinema than in home entertainment. Hummm...)

We are in for a heck of a year weather wise in North America.  This year will see drought conditions through most of the breadbasket this year followed by increased hurricane activity for those on the Atlantic and Gulf Of Mexico coasts. 

Wayne Self Grade - D  (Hurricane in USA were average (though we did have a couple of abnormal Atlantic hurricanes) and drought conditions were also so). 

P.S. I will not write the Farmers Almanac next year.

 China will have a very difficult year.  First, there are large tensions with its Asian neighbors over its growing power and influence.  Second, there are increasing tensions within the country.  The economy there is beginning to slow and the political structure is being to show fractures.  This is going to be a very challenging year for the country that is growing into being a superpower whether it wants to be or not. 

Wayne Self Grade - F  (This one was a swing and a miss - wrong part of the world, if I had said Middle East here I would have been a genius)

The NFL will not be locked out while the NBA will have a lengthy work stoppage.  

Wayne Self Grade - C+ - The NFL was locked out but didn't miss any games and the NBA missed the first two months of their season...so I was sort of correct.

The NHL will move back to being on ESPN.   

Wayne Self Grade - F  (They resigned with Versus - I didn't know about NBC launching NBC Sports Channel to compete with ESPN).

So there you go.  My seven predictions for this year.  I truly believe that unfortunately, this will be a year of great turmoil which I hope does not become catastrophic.

Overall Wayne Self Grade - C 

Tomorrow - tune in for this years predictions

Prediction time

One of my favorite sports is making predictions (and seeing if I am right (though I hope I am wrong this year)).  Most of my predictions are from my research and work but some are indeed more akin to 'gut' feeling (though based on some evidence).  Let's go through some of my favorite predictions:

1. The USA economy continues to stagnate (and may even go into decline again).  The USA industrial sectors have not yet caught up to the realities of the new world economy.  Until further emphasis is placed on knowledge-based industries and away from traditional 'industrial' areas the economy will continue to flounder.  In order for the USA to once again rise into prominence, education and innovation must be emphasized ans supported.
1. In order to create a stable economic base, the USA Government should make some unpopular choices.  For example, one could fix the deficit by: reducing defense spending by 10%; implementing a 2% national sales tax; and cutting the mortgage interest deduction in half.
2. As a result of this, the average American will continue to see a lowering of their quality of life while the gap between the rich and poor continues to expand.
2. Geo-political relations between EU nations and the Middle Eastern and African countries will become increasingly tense.  This has the potential for potential disaster.  Increased terrorism, increased social tensions and scape-coat politics will rear its ugly head.
3. The Toronto Maple Leafs will continue to break my heart (along with the Raptors and Blue Jays).
4. Tablet computers will become more prevalent.  Already tablet sales are showing a staggering rate of adoption.  This trend will continue while the traditional desktop computer continues to disappear.
1. Also, do not sleep on 3D TV becoming a major force within the entertainment spectrum.
5. We are in for a heck of a year weather wise in North America.  This year will see drought conditions through most of the breadbasket this year followed by increased hurricane activity for those on the Atlantic and Gulf Of Mexico coasts.  
6. China will have a very difficult year.  First, there are large tensions with its Asian neighbors over its growing power and influence.  Second, there are increasing tensions within the country.  The economy there is beginning to slow and the political structure is being to show fractures.  This is going to be a very challenging year for the country that is growing into being a superpower whether it wants to be or not.
7. The NFL will not be locked out while the NBA will have a lengthy work stoppage.  The NHL will move back to being on ESPN.  

So there you go.  My seven predictions for this year.  I truly believe that unfortunately, this will be a year of great turmoil which I hope does not become catastrophic.

Wayne.