Newswise — In 2006, Democrats' net gain of congressional seats will be less than many are speculating, hurricanes will be big newsmakers, and gas prices will hover around $2 a gallon, according to the 25th edition of "Educated Guesses," a series of annual predictions offered by University of Alabama faculty.
"The Democrats, hampered by their inability to sound a common theme on Iraq, and also outfoxed by a well-publicized midyear withdrawal of several thousand troops from the country, will pick up seats in the midterm elections, but will not do nearly as well as they originally expected," predicts Dr. David Lanoue, professor and chair of political science at The University of Alabama. His prediction is one of some 12 UA faculty predictions called "Educated Guesses 2006."
Now in its 25th year, the annual series of prognostications began in 1981 with predictions for 1982 including the declining influence of the "Moral Majority," feminists' continued pursuit of the Equal Rights Amendment, and Princess Diana's impact on fashion. The 2006 edition addresses topics ranging from retailing to the Supreme Court to Anabolic Steroids.
"Gasoline prices will stay at or above $2 a gallon," Dr. Peter Clark, associate professor of chemical engineering, says in his prediction for the upcoming year.
Dr. Kristy Reynolds, associate professor of marketing and the Bruno Professor of Retail Marketing at UA's Culverhouse College of Commerce, says baby boomers, in particular, will drive more retailers to market product installation and 'don't do it yourself' options in the coming year.
"Even supermarkets are offering entire meals that are already prepared," Reynolds says.
Among other predictions:
"¢ "We should expect more major hurricane landfalls on the Gulf Coast." " Dr. David Shankman, professor of geography
"¢ The U.S. Supreme Court could be dubbed the "Kennedy court" in 2006 as Justice Anthony Kennedy is likely to provide the deciding vote on most major cases. " Bryan Fair, professor of law
"¢ Textiles will become more high-tech. "While new technology materials, like mood fabrics that change with a person's body heat or optical fiber halter tops that glow in the dark, are the new rage, companies will continue to make improvements in old favorites such as wrinkle resistant apparel." " Dr. Amanda Thompson, assistant professor of clothing and textiles
"¢ Designer steroids and products sold as "dietary supplements" will show up in larger numbers among world-class athletes. "The first thing that will come to mind with every new record set will be 'was it clean?'" " Dr. Mike Perko, chair of the department of health science
"¢ As long term interest rates continue to climb, housing markets will slow in 2006, with sales of both existing and new homes declining from 2005 levels. " Ahmad Ijaz, economic analyst, Center for Business and Economic Research
"¢ Internet banking will continue to increase. "The boundaries between banks and other financial service providers will blur, and bricks and clicks will complement each other." " Dr. Benton Gup, professor of finance
"¢ Hurricane Katrina-affected areas will have trouble proving their true populations for annual census estimates. "Is (where you live) where you are staying for several months " even a year " while you are dislocated? Is it where your permanent home is?" " Annette Watters, manager, Alabama State Data Center at UA's Center for Business and Economic Research.
For more information on these "Educated Guesses" for 2006, to see more detailed predictions or to contact the faculty making the predictions, go to http://uanews.ua.edu/anews2005/guess06/index.htm.
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