The year in (p)review

You see a lot of news outlets recapping what was big in 2005 this week and next, but few are willing to say what will be big in 2006. Enter the NaturalBlog, here to address what's to come.

Music. British rapper Lady Sovereign is just 5'1", but her lyrics pack the filth of someone 5'8" or 5'9", easy. She's signed on Jay Z's label Def Jam and just finished her first U.S. tour. She smokes, drinks, swears, and has a thing for addidas. White boy rap hasn't had a first lady -- will she be the one?

Sports. If you don't know what curling is now, trust me, you will. It's an addictive cross between shuffleboard, bocce, ice hockey, and household cleaning. Throw in a pair of telegenic blond sisters, Jamie and Cassie Johnson, competing in the winter olympics in Italy later this year, and you have the formula for total media saturation. By the time the world men's championships come to Lowell, Mass., in the fall, not only will you love the game, you'll probably own the equipment.

Politics. Texas Rep. Matthew Santos could be the answer to the question, "Who comes after Howard Dean?" A liberal with broad appeal, his hispanic background could turn back gains republicans have made among Latino voters. Look for him everywhere this fall.