Just in time for 2006, we gaze into our crystal balls to see what the New Year has in store. You can pretty much bet the following is going to happen:

• Winter monsoons will swoop down from China, just in time for Chinese New Year. Disneyland will see its lowest attendance yet as families opt for
trips to the New Territories to experience the wonders of frost.

• All of the Chinese weekly tabloids will feature entirely nude women on their covers. Wait, they’re already doing that. Well, they’ll do it some more.

• Donald Tsang will deliver a policy address about the importance of “stability and prosperity” for Hong Kong.

• Democrats will yell some more about universal suffrage and timetables.

• Beijing will respond by saying that Hong Kong people aren’t ready, while urging a “gradual process.” They’ll then say something cryptic and obscure
that has everyone pondering its meaning.

• In July, there will be another large pro-democracy march attended by tens of thousands. Police will put the estimate at “around 30.”

• Some workers at Disneyland will complain and a ride will break down at some point. This will make front-page news until something else comes
along.

• Like some strange food poisoning outbreak somewhere involving fish.

• Or a new insect invading the territory.

• The local film industry will beg audiences to come to theaters while at the same time eagerly preparing the release of “Kung Fu Mahjong 4.”

• More exotic watches will be launched at expensive parties attended by the same socialites you’ve seen pictures of for the last five years.

• Meanwhile a model with the surname of “R,” “Z,” “V” or “S” will be named “Hong Kong’s Most Influential Tastemaker” by a group of people you’ve
never heard of.

• When everyone’s not yelling about democracy they’ll be yelling about Tamar Site, the West Kowloon project, Kai Tak airport and for a couple
days, pollution levels.

• Anson Chan will make a high profile appearance somewhere sometime and everyone will get in a flutter. She’ll deny any ulterior motives. But she’ll look fabulous doing it.

• More canapés will be served than ever. Some will even taste good.

In other words, business as usual. Happy New Year.