Through the looking glass of 2010

This is the time of the year when I like to stick my neck out and predict the future. I figure my guesses are as good as any other see-the-future type, so here goes.

And, please be aware: What you are about to read is worth what you're paying for it. And, as they say in stock trading past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

1) This will be the year when at least one major media outlet, such as Fox, will start to charge readers for its web content. The free ride in online news will come to an end as media organizations come to grips with the realization that relying on advertising to pay the way is an old model that no longer foots the bills.

2) Ninety-five percent of the people who vow to lose weight this year won't.

3) Ninety-nine percent of outraged Texas Tech fans and supporters of Mike Leach will forget their outrage by fall and be sitting in their seats at the season's opening kickoff.

The public's memory, a longtime PR guy once told me, is about six-weeks long.

4) And, with that in mind... Tiger Woods will come back from his self-imposed exile at Augusta National in April.

5) James Cameron will again make some incredibly obnoxious comment during his Oscar acceptance speech.

6) Construction on I-40 westbound will never come to an end.

7) Teen pregnancy in the Texas Panhandle will continue to increase.

8) Amarillo Globe-News Sports Editor Lance Lahnert will cover the Master's this year. (OK, this one I know is likely to happen, so I'm cheating a bit here.)

9) Mayor Debra McCartt will give up her job at Texas Tech in order to begin pursuing a larger political post.

10) Canyon will follow Lubbock's lead and alcohol sales will become a reality in the city.

If you've got some ideas for the future of 2010, post them in the comment area.