A year ago, I strained over my crystal ball to forecast what would happen in 2009.

Just for the record, my correct Pilot predictions for 2009 were 46 percent, compared with 63 percent for 2008, 65 percent in 2007, 52 percent in 2006, 49 percent in 2005, 58 percent in 2004 and 34 percent in 2003.

Not a good year in several respects, but getting better, thankfully

Here are my predictions for 2010.

World Economy: Bankruptcies and foreclosures will continue to plague world financial scenarios as corporations, governments and individuals stretch their debts beyond their means. The recession will ease slightly but won't totally subside.

Bailouts will continue to afflict industry and taxpayers.

The world is, and will continue to be, out of balance economically. Despite this house of cards, world trade will flourish, as will investments, and the Dow Industrials will reach 13,000. There may be talk of an Asian attempt to follow the Europeans in establishing an Asian Economic Community.

Oil prices will stabilize. All-electric autos will hit the market in earnest.

The World: Terrorism will be a foremost issue as individuals, like Christmas' Detroit bomber, act out their personal warped visions of a better existence for all to share.

These singular warriors, astutely trained by Al-Qaeda, will flourish, and there will be numerous destructive results unfortunately, including many needless deaths.

These smaller, Fort Hood-type attacks will crop up in several countries and take the place of more momentous strikes such as 9/11, Madrid, Bali and British Rail incidents.

Iran and North Korea will persist in being nuclear pests by continuing to test their weapons and missiles. There will be no change in frigid Israeli-Palestinian relations. More unrest will carry on in the poorer regions of Africa. Also, a major disruption at the World Cup in South Africa will occur.

Global warming as a concern will wane in the face of more serious and timely issues. Yemen will join Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan as trouble spots.

The Nation: President Barack Obama's leadership will continue to be questioned and criticized by opponents as his policies, appointees, spending and failure to focus bring citizens to anger. Treasury Secretary Geithner will resign under fire, and Congress will also undergo thorough scrutiny by unhappy constituents. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will orchestrate a major deal with an important U.S. ally.

The swine flu scare will end up being much ado about nothing. Unemployment will improve slightly as will new housing starts. Bernie Madoff will be seriously beaten by fellow prisoners. Banks, insurance and auto firms will continue to struggle.

The State: North Carolina's smoking ban, initiated Jan. 2, will meet significant opposition from tobacco users across the state, with a cry to repeal the law in a state that still is a significant tobacco producer. Mike Easley will wind up with a prison sentence, and John Edwards will go into exile in another state or country.

The Sandhills: Pinewild's annexation will finally happen, unfortunately. Coach Metzger's Pinecrest Patriot football team will improve to 10 wins. There will be no agreement between Moore and Scotland counties and the village of Pinehurst regarding the Wagram water deal. Moore County schools will reach a crisis as new students arrive in the area from BRAC sources.

Sports and Entertainment: The United States and Canada will dominate the Vancouver Olympics. The Saints will win the Super Bowl. The fat cat Yankees, Lakers and Avalanche will win their respective championships.

"Avatar," "The Blind Side" and "Invictus" will win Oscars.

Andy Thomas lives in Pinehurst. Contact him at dahtmuth58@aol.com