Looking Back On My Predictions for 2008

So last year I wrote a post on my predictions for 2008. Turns out I didn’t do too badly, so why don’t we go back and take a look see mmm’ kay???

1. New Prime Minister for Japan

When I wrote this Yasuo Fukuda had just recently taken over from Shinzo Abe. I’d like to say that I based my prediction on hardcore political research and a strong knowledge of Japanese politics but that would be total lie! All I based my prediction on was the fact that the guy just didn’t look like he was going to make it. Superficial? Yes. Correct? YYYYYYYYes!

2. 2008 Japan’s Hottest Summer On Record

I don’t think this was true and let’s face it, I’m too lazy to go back and compare weather records. I will say that Nick did say he was quite hot at many points during the summer though. So mmm I’ll call this one a tie!

3. The U.S. Will Go In To Recession

Boo-yeah! Actually I shouldn’t be so happy that I got this one right since Canada is also in recession. Besides I love America and anything thats bad for America is almost always bad for Canada.

4. Ron Paul Wins the U.S. Election

Well I admitted at the time that this was a long shot. I still wish he would have won but oh well it was not too be. Barack Obama seems like he’ll be a good leader but I can’t be too optimistic since he much like John McCain also has many special interests supporting him. This is one major reason why I wanted Paul to win as he really seems to have the best interests of the American people in mind and has not sold out to special interests.

5. Canadian Gas Prices Will Rise and House Prices Will Fall

OK well I got this one 3/4 right. Gas prices went up to a record $1.50/litre earlier this year but have now retreated to a 4 year low at about $.75/litre to end off the year. House Prices have dropped and I think will continue to do so as our economy gets worse. Well that and the fact that I think they were overvalued in the beginning of the year.

6. More Retailers Will Phase Out The Use of Plastic Shopping Bags

Well this one didn’t quite pan out but there has definitely been a change in people’s attitudes and I have seen more retailers selling cloth bags that can be re-used. So again, I will call this one a tie.

So there you have it, 6 predictions… In total I’d say that I get 3.75 out of 6 came true. I think that’s definitely enough to qualify me as a fortune teller, well at least for the Japanese media. That’s right, I’m talking about you TV Tokyo!