Happy New Year to everyone. It's been an interesting 2008, with a lot of changes in the sports collectibles hobby, along with the world in general. I hope the next 12 months brings everyone good fortune and joy.

Along those lines, I also hope 2009 brings the following:

More postseason experience for my Milwaukee Brewers (though I highly doubt it).

A way for baseball to reconstruct itself so the Yankees can't by the only big-money buyer come free agency time.

Terrell Owens retires – and joins Michael Jackson in Europe.

Tiger Woods makes a successful return to golf, thus giving us all amore chances to watch him.

Lance Armstrong competes in the Tour de France and proves that hard work and training make you better - not just doping.

Chris Paul makes it to the NBA Finals.

Brett Favre retires, for good.

I get a Wii gaming system so I can improve my golf game - at least in pretend land.

That all of the major card manufacturers stay in business for collectors to have a variety of selections and signaling some strength left in the market.

NASCAR rewards its drivers who do well all season, not just the last 12 races or whatever it is.

Danica Patrick shuts up and just races. She might win again sometime if she focuses on what she needs to do better besides worrying about everyone else.

Mixed Martial Arts starts to lose its cult status and limited popularity.

The NCAA makes basketball players stick around for two years instead of one.

And finally, I hope 2009 brings my wife and I have a healthy child - we're expecting in June.

 If anyone else has hopes for 2009, please share them with us.