Technology, Entertainment to Steer Media
News media will focus more on entertainment through technologically advanced means of transmission in the near future, a University of Alabama communication expert predicts.
Innovations in Textiles Will Continue in 2006
If you pick up a t-shirt, typically the label no longer reads “100% cotton.” It has become increasingly common to include fibers such as spandex to add stretch to the product. While we might be accustomed to seeing stretch in our garments, there are many other additions that are being developed in fiber blends, yarn technology, and fabric finishes that will be seen in 2006, predicts Amanda Thompson, a UA assistant professor of clothing and textiles.
Store Brands Will Become More Popular, But Baby Boomers Will Fuel a Surge in the Service Sector
Look for increased use of store brands by retailers and more acceptance of same by consumers in 2006.
Supreme Court Will Be “Kennedy Court” in 2006
The U.S. Supreme Court could be dubbed the “Kennedy court” in 2006 as Justice Anthony Kennedy is likely to provide the deciding vote on most major cases, a University of Alabama constitutional law expert says.
Number of Troops to Decrease in Iraq, Boosting Republicans in Elections
The U.S. military will decrease the number of troops in Iraq by roughly a third in 2006, a University of Alabama foreign policy expert predicts.
Gas Prices to Hover at $2 a Gallon
The price of gasoline will fluctuate around the $2 a gallon mark through the early part of 2006, says a University of Alabama engineering professor.
2006 to Be Heavy on Hurricanes, Light on Snow
Next year’s hurricane season is unlikely to bring much reprieve for coastal residents hammered by the storms in record fashion in 2005, predicts a University of Alabama geography professor.
Look for State’s Economy to Grow a Bit Next Year, With an Inflation Rate Near 2.6 Percent
The coming year looks to be a good one for the state’s economy, according to analysts at the Center for Business and Economic Research at The University of Alabama.
Riley to Be Re-Elected as Alabama Governor
The Alabama governor’s race will be between current Gov. Bob Riley and current Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley, and Riley will win, projects Dr. David Lanoue, chair of The University of Alabama political science department.
Tuscaloosans Lynwood and Caroline Fulmer Establish Scholarship at UA
Lynwood H. and Caroline S. Fulmer of Tuscaloosa recently established The Caroline S. Fulmer Endowed Scholarship for students majoring in financial planning in the College of Human Environmental Sciences (HES) at The University of Alabama.