Looking back on 2008, it could be argued that we had an exceptionally strange year.

Of course, this notion might have an awful lot to do with who you’re asking, but historically, economically, and scientifically there were many events which certainly could be considered landmarks by just about anyone.

Of course, the election of our first African-American president Barack Obama will be near the top of the list. But is there anything strange or anomalous about this per say? Not surprisingly, there could be indeed. Many of the popular conservative radio hosts like Rush Limbaugh have had a great time this year referencing Obama as “The Messiah” due to his “messianic stature and devoted followers”. For the most part, this has all been mere sarcasm, although there have been reports of “orbs”, the popular photographic anomalies most often associated with ghostly activity, photographed over various rallies prior to the election.

Rick Phillips over at his UFO Disclosure Countdown Clock blog even discussed the possibility of an “Obama Star”, similar to that which Christian traditions believe appeared over Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth, making an appearance at the innauguration. “Some who saw or see Obama as almost a saviour figure took the Orbs to be a clear sign `from above’ – as to who was the preferred candidate (Or, at least, the one most historical),” Phillips said. “And, indeed, there even exists in the internet world pictures of Orbs in photos at the rally in Grant Park – on the historic night of Obama’s clear victory.” Although I don’t typically prescribe to orb theories, even the astute Mr. Phillips prefaces this statement by saying “As you know, this blog is not afraid to make sure that the outlandish is at least mentioned.” Indeed, in separating the wheat from the chaff, perhaps sometimes we must consider the outlandish; but does that really mean that guys like Prophet Yahweh might be able to summon an alien mothership to greet Obama when he takes office?

Along the lines of strange things one might expect in 2009, last night (or early this morning, rather) Art Bell filled in for George Noory on Coast to Coast AM, and did his annual “predictions” broadcast. Each year, Art gathers predictions about the coming year from callers during open lines, in addition to reading off last year’s predictions and seeing whether they were bust (“bonk” as Art says), or if they did indeed transpire. Of course, at least one caller predicted that 2009 will be the year of complete UFO disclosure, and that Obama will successfully do what Presidents before him (like Jimmy Carter) had failed to achieve. Another of the more interesting reports last night came from a part-time psychic intuitive who called in and described a strange series of visions he had witnessed involving a tsunami that will occur as a result of tectonic activity near Australia. The caller described this would likely happen around February sometime, although (thankfully) it won’t be as devastating as other tsunamis that have occured in recent years. Perhaps we’ll keep our eyes peeled (and if you’re living down under, your lifejackets inflated).

Sadly, and yet true to form, most predictions along these lines aren’t exactly pleasant in nature. Such is the case with Russian professor and former KGB analyst Igor Panarin, who by looking ahead one year further than Art Bell’s listeners, predicts that the United States will “disintegrate” by 2010. Panarin believes this will occur due to economic and moral collapse that could result in civil war, though he also insists that he does not harbor hatred for Americans. According to Panarin, “There’s a 55-45% chance right now that disintegration will occur. One could rejoice in that process, but if we’re talking reasonably, it’s not the best scenario for Russia.” Indeed, economic collapse in the US would only further hinder Russia’s struggle to maintain economic stability themselves. Fortunately, though he cites “civil war” as being the turning point in the downfall of the US, I think many here in the states would (sadly) agree that complacent American attitudes toward foreign policy, economics, and politics could make any civil uprising of sufficient magnitude rather difficult. Alas, today we aren’t the tough bucks our forefathers once were… though I don’t discount the possibility that this could change, either.

What are your predictions for the coming year? Email me or leave a comment after this blog… I’d be interested in hearing what the readers think!