This column originally ran in The Standard-Times on Dec. 30, 2005.

By Nick Tavares

It seems crazy to think that 2005 is winding down to an end. Just yesterday, it seemed, the Patriots were winning the Super Bowl, the Red Sox were welcoming Edgar Renteria and David Wells to the team, and Antoine Walker was doing his shimmy on Causeway Street in Boston's North End.

Alas, 2005 is near an end. But that just means that we have a new, exciting year to look forward to. And, in particular, we have 10 events that we can be sure to enjoy in 2006.

10. New faces in the American League East. Yes, Johnny Damon and John Flaherty (Flaherty?) have switched sides, but Troy Glaus has joined the Great Toronto Spending Spree, and the Blue Jays might have a legitimate shot at something next season. Here's to the Great White North!

9. Horrible hockey uniforms. The NHL has hinted at new, sleeker jerseys for teams for the 2006-07 season, and they may be introduced at the Turin Olympics in Februrary. Brian Rolston, Bill Guerin and Mike Modano wore practice jerseys in that style when the U.S. roster was announced in Minnesota recently. Because, really, that's what hockey needs -- jerseys that make players look like action figures.

8. Ron Artest traded. Because after he's traded, he might actually get out of the news. Or he might go crazy and punch people again. Or he might demand another trade from the Nuggets/Kings/Lakers/Timberwolves/insert team nickname here. Or he might release another album. — Oh God, he's not going away.

7. 40 home runs from David Ortiz. Because all 40 will come after the seventh inning and go about 600 feet. You gotta love 40 home runs from David Ortiz.

6. Super Bowl parties. When else is nacho cheese, dip, sub platters and pizza considered not just festive, but essential? It's the ultimate junk food holiday, where no amount of trans fat and sugar could ever be enough. The Super Bowl must be the bane to the American Dental Association. And your arteries.

5. New management for the Bruins. Something drastic needs to happen if the Bruins ever want Boston to be seriously considered a hockey town again. Clean house, blow up the remaining drudge of the team and bring in someone, anyone, who can give them a fresh start. And make sure the new guys are wearing grotesque jerseys in '06-'07, too.

4. Terrell Owens. Just kidding.

3. The Stanley Cup. For better or worse, some team is going to carry Lord Stanley's mug around a rink in June. Which is far better than no team doing the same, in my humble opinion.

2. Reggie Bush. Sure, he could wind up on the Texans, but even they could be counted on for upwards of five, perhaps six wins if they had anyone to take the pressure off David Carr, never mind the most exciting running back since Barry Sanders. Carr, by the way, has been sacked six times since this column began.

1. Lazy Sundays. If there's something more relaxing than spending a rainy Sunday afternoon on the couch watching whatever game the television serves up, I'm all ears to hear it.

Until then, let's enjoy a safe last two days of 2005. Happy New Year, everyone.

Nick Tavares is a columnist for The Standard-Times. E-mail him at ntavares@s-t.com

This story appeared on Page C1 of The Standard-Times on December 30, 2005.