Here are the headlines for 2009. Exact dates are impossible to determine, so it’s best to clip and apply as events occur.

People often ask how it’s possible to pick the headlines ahead of the stories, but there are patterns. There is past performance. There are some things that are as clear up ahead as a great big boulder in the middle of the road.

Here is the year to come:

Chickens roost, piper paid

Bush is told he really does have to go

WPRO declared Superfund site

Cheney is told he can stay in bunker

State officials decide to tax almost everything

Tom Brady has a very good year

Providence condos provide abundance of open space

President Obama

Millions learn they don’t need a lot of stuff

Biggest Loser draws long line of contestants

Veterans still looking for grateful nation

R.I. mob moved to extended care

R.I. Republicans vote to form support group

Three R.I. Democrats won’t run for governor

Conservatives find it’s lonely out there

Survey: Youths live entirely by cell phone

Bridge problem solved as DOT unveils river-fording plan

Yes, it can get worse

Radio rating books ripe for home cooking

National Grid found lacking in warmth

Snake eyes keep coming up at Twin River

R.I., Mass. meet at bottom of ethics barrel

Wars continue

bkerr@projo.com