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.

Politics

One phrase epitomizes Barack Obama and his call to arms, ‘Yes We Can.’ Throughout the election he repeated it, but with election over will Obama seek to reuse ‘Yes We Can’ at the inauguration? Hubdub predicts the answer is no. By 54% Hubdubbers put their money on Obama not mentioning the phrase at all.

Presidential Inauguration: How many times will President Obama use the phrase “Yes We Can”?

World

Analysts believe Israel is not only sending a message to Hamas in Gaza but to Washington, and more specifically Barack Obama. It’s thought Israel wants to do as much damage to Hamas, before Obama comes to power. For now though, at least to Hubdubbers it’s unclear if the conflict in Gaza will even reach a cessation before Obama is inaugurated.

Will Israel cease fire in the current Gaza conflict before Obama is sworn in as President

Entertainment

Gran Torino killed at the box office  last weekend, making over $20 million dollars. Is their Oscar potential for Eastwood though? The movie was snubbed by the Golden Globes, but Hubdubbers see redemption in its  future, forecasting Clint Eastwood has a 67% chance of being nominated for best actor for his role in the movie.

Oscar Buzz: Will Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino) be nominated for Best Actor?

The Golden Globes accidentally posted a win for Anne Hathaway4 days early, so it seems likely she’s a safe bet for an Oscar nod. She does however, face the embarrassing release of Bride Wars at the same time that the Academy is trying to decide if she’s Best Actress material. Certainly not all publicity is good publicity.

Oscar Buzz: Will Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) be nominated for Best Actress?

Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles had a upset win over the Giants this Saturday, at least for this New York fan. Now as the Eagles head to the NFC Championship Game they’re no longer the underdogs at Hubdub. We’re forecasting they win against the Arizona Cardinals. Giving them a 68% chance of victory.

NFC Championship - Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals - 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.

Hubdub Top 5 Academy Awards, Anne Hathaway, Arizona cardinals, barack obama, Bride Wars, ceasefire, clint eastwood, forecast, gaza, gaza city, gaza war, gran torino, hamas, inauguration, national footbal league, NFC Championship game, NFL, Oscars, palestine, Philadelphia Eagles, politics, rachel getting married, yes we can

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.

Politics

Damon Weaver a 5th grader may be small but he packs a punch after interviewing Caroline Kennedy and Joe Biden. Can he get to the top of the food chain though? Sadly Hubdub doubts Damon will get his Obama interview, only giving him a 21% chance.

Will the 5th grader, aspiring journalist get his Obama interview?

This week is shaping up to be a big one in the realm of politics. You have the Minnesota Senate race, the Roland Buris controversy and much more. The Richardson dropout due to a investigation though came to many as a surprise. Will he actually be indicted? It doesn’t look likely, Hubdub gives Richardson only a 31% chance of indictment.

Will a Federal Grand Jury indict Governor Bill Richardson before March 1, 2009?

World News

The Israeli operations in Gaza are in no way winding down, in fact from most reports it seems the incursion is widening. But with mounting international pressure and civilian casualties when will Israel withdraw? Hubdubbers think by Jan. 19th the ground operations will have ceased.

Israeli army begins the invasion of Gaza. When will they withdraw the forces ?

College Football

The Florida Gators have a strong and championship tested team, and for their hard work they’re the favorites. Having a 56% chance of winning this years BCS National Championship Game, at time of writing. Their opponents on the other hand the Oklahoma Sooners have had a troubled ride up to this point.

BCS National Championship Game - Oklahoma vs Florida - Which team will win?

The Oscars

WallE and The Dark Knight are vying for the last nomination spot for best picture. So far The Dark Knight seems to be the favorite, but many analysts think WallE may have the edge. Nominations are announced on Jan. 22nd, and for now Hubdub isn’t betting on WallE getting the nomination.

Oscar Buzz: Will WallE be nominated for Best Picture?

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.

Uncategorized Academy Awards, barack obama, bcs national championship game, Bill Richardson, college football, damon weaver, Florida Gators, forecast, gaza, hamas, indictment, israel, Oklahoma sooners, Oscars, walle, withdraw