What to Look Forward to in 2010

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It's official: 2009 is over and 2010 is upon us. You've no doubt consumed your fair share of best-and-worst-of lists for the past year (and decade), but what about the horizon? Here are some major events to look forward to for the next 365 days:
 
Senate Elections
 
Ok, so the November Senate races probably won't match the historic, dramatic--and sometimes kooky (Sarah Palin, Joe the Plumber, Tito the Builder, et al)--wonder that was the 2008 presidential election. But there should still be plenty to keep political wonks happy, from blowouts (Mike Crapo in Idaho) to nail-biters (will John Thune be able to hold on to his South Dakota seat, with the Dems gunning to take him down?). Check out this handy election map to keep up, or read about the face-offs here.
 
Climate Change Debate
 
On the heels of the non-binding Copenhagen agreement, 2010 should be a watershed year in the fight against global warming. If the international community shows a real commitment to the guidelines in the pact, it could turn the tides against catastrophic climate change--in effect and symbolically. If they ignore it, we could be in hot water.
 
Obama Drama
 
The Prez got mixed reviews his first year in office, but it's historically difficult to tell how someone's going to do based on their first 365 days. The second year, however, could provide a lot of insight into the imminent success or failure of the new administration, especially considering a lot of Obama's flagship policies (health care reform, the stimulus, a new approach to terrorism) were designed to kick into effect over time.
 
A Decision on Afghanistan
 
On a related note, we should know a lot more about the Afghanistan quagmire by the end of the year.
 
To quote the Associated Press: "President Barack Obama says he'll know by the end of 2010 if his Afghan strategy is working, and he pledges to change direction if the U.S. military is not on course…"
 
Olympics
 
The winter Olympics in Vancouver should provide the usual mix of worldwide smack-talking, breathtaking ceremonies, manipulative commercials, and genuine emotions and surprises. Click here for updated information, including details on the American athletes as decisions are made.
 
Cool Movies
 
The ones I'm waiting for with baited breath: Iron Man 2, with Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke as the new villains; the long-awaited Tim Burton-Johnny Depp treatment of Alice in Wonderland; Toy Story 3, more than a decade after the last one; and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (wait, how did that get in there?). The movie I'm curious about: The Farrelly Brothers' Three Stages remake, with Jim Carrey, Benicio Del Toro, and Sean Penn. See a full list of 2010 releases here.
 
Scientific Breakthroughs
 
Science nerds, rejoice--there are tons of geektastic inventions and experiments in the pipeline for 2010. Live TV on mobile devices! Groundbreaking nuclear fission! To find out more, check out Popular Science's 2010 guide.
 
The End of Lost
 
Disclaimer: I'm a HUGE Lost fan, and realize this might not seem epic to many others, but this May, the wacky, twisty island drama will finally answer the question: What the *&%$ is going on?! Don't let your fans down, LindeCuse!
 
Plus you can look forward to more hilarious YouTube videos, breakthrough catchphrases, political and sport scandals, sleeper hits, celeb break-ups--the list goes on. We have to keep those 2010 roundup lists populated, after all.
 
Happy New Year!
 
If you liked this article on what the new year will bring, check out this post on change and Barack Obama's first year in office.