Predictions: 2011

As we put 2010 into the history books, here's a few things to look for over the next 12 months:

Katie Couric will say something stupid.  Maybe she was still riding high from all the back-slaps she got for her 'interview' with Sarah Palin.  Maybe she was reading her own press clippings.  Maybe she's just an idiot in way over her head as a news anchor.  Whatever the cause, there is no one in the journalistic world who can be relied on to spew eye-rollers more than Couric.  She closed out 2010 with her now infamous suggestion that there be a 'Muslim Cosby show', claiming its success in bringing acceptance of the African-American culture to the mainstream.  Of course, African-Americans didn't hijack planes and crash them into buildings or vow to destroy all who don't share their religious beliefs.  I give it about a month before Couric out-does herself.

Canada will have a federal election.  Prime Minister Stephen Harper is deep into his second consecutive minority government.  Polls are favorable (as far as you can trust polls), his government's skill in navigating the global economic crisis and his against-the-trend pro-Israel stance has solidified his reputation as a leader.  Harper will ask Canadians for their approval either late spring or early fall.

RINO's vs Tea Party.  The old school GOP crowd will continue to face reality as the New Wave conservatives and the Tea Party movement continue to grow on the strength of 2010's electoral success.  This year a Republican front-runner will emerge as the top choice to battle Obama (if he's still the Democratic nominee) in 2012.  How far the Republicans have changed will be indicated by their choice of candidate.  Another McCainesque RINO will tell Americans that it's the same ol' GOP.

Arnold Schwarzenegger will come out of the closet.   ...as a liberal.  Sure, he's just ended his career as a 'Republican' governor, but it's obvious that was in name only.  No one will be surprised when he is offered - and eagerly accepts - a Czar position in the Obama administration.

More sex tapes for fame.  Another year, another nobody who wants to be a somebody will leak a homemade sex tape in the hopes of getting famous.  Being famous for being famous is getting old, but we'll still suffer through a few sleezy wannabe's this year.

The Ground Zero Mosque.  Both sides of the debate will continue to rev up the noise this year.  Expect a well-known politician to come out against the plan. Expect offers of negotiation.  Don't expect New York mayor Bloomberg to obtain a pair of balls, however.  Some things even dirty radical Islamic money can't buy.

SunTV Backlash.  The new Canadian national network will launch this year.  It will continue to draw the cries of the left, claiming it to be a propaganda station (as opposed to that billion-dollar-a-year taxpayer-funded leftwing spin machine known as the CBC?). The tired calls of 'Fox News North' will also continue.  By the end of 2011 it will be the most-watched national network in the country.

The Alberta P.C.s will rebound in popularity.  ....in their own minds.  This stale, old, corrupt government is on its last legs.  They are sitting in the saddle, desperately flogging a horse that died long ago.  More bad policy, more bad PR moves, and an ever-growing leadership void will pressure Premier Ed Stelmach to either step down as party leader or - hopefully - continue on to lead the P.C.s into one more - and a losing - election.