Scoring Update

A final update on scoring as we come down the stretch. Final scores will be posted as soon as practicable after the end of the year. Check for updates as you prepare your fearless predicitions for 2010.

Politics has been dominated throughout the year by Bishop Grewell. However, many categories are not yet scored.

The economics section has the largest number of outstanding points--only two questions have been scored and there is a multi-way tie for the (meaningless) lead.

The sports category has been completely scored. There were 19 possible points allocated across 16 questions. The category finished in a tie between 2008 winner David Herberich and Doug Young, each with 8 points.

In the arts and media category, which included 10 points across 10 questions, Chris Fitzgerald is guaranteed at least a share of the title with 6 of 8 scored questions correct.

The current overall lead is shared between Bishop Grewell and Doug Young. However, due to the large number of outstanding points that will be scored by the end of the month, this lead is precarious. Several other entrants are close behind.

Scoring Update

The long, hot summer has revealed the accuracy of fearless predictions across a few more categories.



Hat tip to Andrew Everett for foreseeing unforeseen change of power in Japan and anticipating that the Phildelphia Phillies would return to the World Series.



No entrants correctly predicted that either Elinor Ostrom or Oliver Williamson would share the Economics Nobel.



Bishop Grewell has maintained his lead and remains in first place.

Scoring Minutiae:

• After a heated discussion by the scoring council, at this point credit is being given for the US enacting legislation establishing a cap-and-trade legislation. Such as it is, Waxman-Markey satisfies since the question said nothing about a presidential signature.
• 2009 has not set a record for smallest Arctic ice pack.
• Yankees d. Phillies in World Series.
• Barring a major push by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Rafael Nadal wins on the strength of his Australian Open victory.

Scoring Update

Pirates: No credit for USN (haven't yet "attacked and sunk a pirate vessel"--but lots of credit to the SEALs, since 3 for 3 is better than the 4/5 the French special forces managed) at this time.

Cabinet Appointees: Credit for Killefer revoked since no replacement Cabinet-level appointment as chief information officer has been made. Final answer is two: Richardson and Daschle.

Burris: Credit will be given for seating, regardless of future developments.

Unscheduled change in power: Madagascar

Lightning round: Israel=False (barring future reversals)

SCOTUS: One opening so far--Souter.



NBA Finals: Orlando v. LAL

Lord Stanley's Cup: Pittsburgh d. Detroit (Americans win it again)

NCAA D1 Lacrosse Champ: Syracuse

Champions League: FC Barcelona d. Manchester United

Woods: 0

Nadal: 1

Earnhardt: 0



If the year ended today and only the above categories (including those from previous post) were scored, the winner would be:

a tie between



Chris Fitzgerald (on the back of film studies)

Bishop Grewell (on the back of uncanny knowledge of Illinois politics and SCOTUS--hmmm...)



It is worth noting that none of the points for the Economy section have yet been allocated.

2009 Early Returns and Scoring Update

Pirates: No credit for USN (yet)
Unscheduled Change of Power: Iceland
W's last day: 31% approval
Cabinet Appointees: Richardson, Daschle, Killefer (Gregg doesn't count)
Blagojevich: Impeached
Burris: Seated (so far)


SB XLIII NFC: St. Louis Arizona Cardinals
SB XLIII AFC: "Stillers"
SB XLIII Winner: "Stillers"

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor: Sean Penn
Best Actress: Kate Winslet
Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger
Worst Picture: The Love Guru
Worst Actor: Mike Myers
Worst Actress: Paris Hilton


If the year ended today and only the the above categories were scored, the winner would be:

Chris Fitzgerald

(on the back of a freak performance in predicting both the Oscars and the Razzies--I guess that Film Studies degree is worth something...)

2008 Final Results

Overall Winner: David Herberich, 41 total points

CATEGORY WINNERS

International News: Andrew Everett, 11 of 17 possible points

US News: Everett, 10/13

Economy: Herberich, 11/23

Sports: Herberich, 10/21

Arts & Media: (tie) Everett/Fordyce, 5/10

2009 Now Online

Finally.  Tell your friends... http://theyearinpreview.blogspot.com