C C Csiders
Life President
I can see the following happeniong in 2006:
In politics: A year of woe for the government as the economy slows, and unemployment starts to rise. Inflation will remain at around its current level. However, doubts will arise, as to Gordon Brown's suitability to take the helm from Tony Blair (who will remain PM for the coming year). Alistair Darling will emerge as Blair's possible successor, leading to much in-fighting within the Cabinet. A return to some union unrest may emerge towards the winter.
Meanwhile under David Cameron's fledgling leadership the Conservative Party will rise staedily in the polls and will lead by c.10% in the opinion polls by the autumn of 2006.
Charles Kennedy will be ousted as leader of the Lib Dems in a coup to be replaced, pro tem, by Menzies Campbell, in time for the autum Conference season.
Overseas, a personal scandal may break around one of Europe's more established leaders.
In Royal news, Prince Charles will finally announce that he will, on succession to the throne, be known as King George VII.
Two Royal deaths make this another annus horribilis for the Queen.
In the world of entertainment Linford Christie will emerge triumphant in Strictly Come Dancing. Madonna will gain British citizenship. Woody Allen will win the Oscar for best Director at the Academy Awards. The Christmas No. 1 in 2006 will be by Kylie Minogue, who will re-emerge following her cancer scare. Rolf Harris will be knighted in the Queen's Birthday honours, as will Bob Hoskins.
A well-known radio 2 presenter will die during 2006.
In news Mount Etna will errupt (again). An earthquake will cause extensive damage, and loss of life in Iran, sparking fears of a US invasion, to take advantage of the situation. This will NOT happen, however.
In sport: England will lose to Brazil, in extra-time, in the World Cup semi-final. Ronaldo will score the winner, having come off the bench in a 1-0 win. Brazil will then lose in the Final to Italy who will win 1-0 in a lifeless Final.
Barcelona win the Champions League by beating holders Liverpool 4-1 in the Final.
A leading Premier$hite manager will find himself in hot water over a sex scandal, which will eventually lead to his resignation.
Chelsea win the Premier$hite (at least I'll get something right). Reading, Leeds United and Crystal Palace replace Sunderland, WBA and Fulham in the Premier$hite. In an exciting FA Cup Final Tottenham beat Manchester United 3-2.
Roger Federer wins Wimbledon once again, and Tim Henman announces his retirement following his quarter-final reverse to the eventual Champion.
The Grand National is won by the French trained Innox at 14-1.
Oxford and Cambridge Universities, once again, compete in the Final of the University boat-race.
Having lost the series in Pakistan in 2005, England's cricketers share honours 1-1 with India, and then defeat Sri Lanka 2-1, and Pakistan 3-0 in the two summer series, before departing to Australia for the Ashes. England win the first Test in Australia, before losing the second. The series is tied 1-1 going in to 2007.
Any more predictions (serious or frivolous)?
In politics: A year of woe for the government as the economy slows, and unemployment starts to rise. Inflation will remain at around its current level. However, doubts will arise, as to Gordon Brown's suitability to take the helm from Tony Blair (who will remain PM for the coming year). Alistair Darling will emerge as Blair's possible successor, leading to much in-fighting within the Cabinet. A return to some union unrest may emerge towards the winter.
Meanwhile under David Cameron's fledgling leadership the Conservative Party will rise staedily in the polls and will lead by c.10% in the opinion polls by the autumn of 2006.
Charles Kennedy will be ousted as leader of the Lib Dems in a coup to be replaced, pro tem, by Menzies Campbell, in time for the autum Conference season.
Overseas, a personal scandal may break around one of Europe's more established leaders.
In Royal news, Prince Charles will finally announce that he will, on succession to the throne, be known as King George VII.
Two Royal deaths make this another annus horribilis for the Queen.
In the world of entertainment Linford Christie will emerge triumphant in Strictly Come Dancing. Madonna will gain British citizenship. Woody Allen will win the Oscar for best Director at the Academy Awards. The Christmas No. 1 in 2006 will be by Kylie Minogue, who will re-emerge following her cancer scare. Rolf Harris will be knighted in the Queen's Birthday honours, as will Bob Hoskins.
A well-known radio 2 presenter will die during 2006.
In news Mount Etna will errupt (again). An earthquake will cause extensive damage, and loss of life in Iran, sparking fears of a US invasion, to take advantage of the situation. This will NOT happen, however.
In sport: England will lose to Brazil, in extra-time, in the World Cup semi-final. Ronaldo will score the winner, having come off the bench in a 1-0 win. Brazil will then lose in the Final to Italy who will win 1-0 in a lifeless Final.
Barcelona win the Champions League by beating holders Liverpool 4-1 in the Final.
A leading Premier$hite manager will find himself in hot water over a sex scandal, which will eventually lead to his resignation.
Chelsea win the Premier$hite (at least I'll get something right). Reading, Leeds United and Crystal Palace replace Sunderland, WBA and Fulham in the Premier$hite. In an exciting FA Cup Final Tottenham beat Manchester United 3-2.
Roger Federer wins Wimbledon once again, and Tim Henman announces his retirement following his quarter-final reverse to the eventual Champion.
The Grand National is won by the French trained Innox at 14-1.
Oxford and Cambridge Universities, once again, compete in the Final of the University boat-race.
Having lost the series in Pakistan in 2005, England's cricketers share honours 1-1 with India, and then defeat Sri Lanka 2-1, and Pakistan 3-0 in the two summer series, before departing to Australia for the Ashes. England win the first Test in Australia, before losing the second. The series is tied 1-1 going in to 2007.
Any more predictions (serious or frivolous)?