Alabama Symphony Orchestra Presents Original Work in UA’s 2011 Realizing the Dream Concert

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform “Dream, Child. Hope,” an original composition by Aldophus Hailstork, as the featured work of the 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Realizing the Dream Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, in the Moody Music Building concert hall at The University of Alabama.

Gas Prices to Bounce Along with Value of the Dollar

The price we pay to fill up at the gas pump in 2011 will be determined by changes in the value of the dollar, says a University of Alabama engineering professor who follows the petroleum markets.

Little Change Expected in Interest Rates in 2011

Judging from 2010, interest rates for the coming year probably won’t change much, says Dr. Robert Reed, associate professor of economics at The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce.

Demand for Cloud Computing, Mobile Apps to Increase in 2011

While mobile technology has raced forward at light-speed in 2010, with many advances in mobile payments, augmented reality and high-speed networks, look for user demand for cloud computing and mobile apps to increase in the coming year, a University of Alabama technology expert says.

Shoppers Will Be Focused, Value Conscious in 2011

“Surgical shopping,” a pre-Christmas shopping trend, will likely carry over well into 2011 and maybe beyond, according to a University of Alabama retailing expert.

Obama Will Look for Mix of Compromise and Confrontation with GOP in 2011

President Obama will seek the right mix of compromise and confrontation in 2011 as he faces a hostile House of Representatives following the GOP takeover in November and fewer Democrats in the Senate, a University of Alabama political scientist predicts.

Educated Guesses 2011

In the 30th edition of “Educated Guesses,” The University of Alabama’s Office of Media Relations offers predictions from faculty experts for the coming year.

Iran to Cut a Deal to Stop Developing Nuclear Weapons; Small Clashes to Continue on Korean Peninsula

As tensions increase and in the shadow of a potential attack, Iran will cut a deal with world powers to stop developing nuclear weapons, a University of Alabama foreign-relations expert predicts.

Baby Boomers to Fight for Social Security, Remain Active Citizens in Retirement

Look for the baby boomer generation to fight tooth and claw to protect Social Security as the first of this large and influential group turns 65 in the coming year, says University of Alabama economist Dr. Gary Hoover.

More Students, Less Money for Education in 2011

More educational institutions, especially colleges and universities, will be forced to make drastic budget cuts in 2011, predicts Dr. Stephen Katsinas, professor of higher education administration at The University of Alabama and director of UA’s Education Policy Center.