AOL's Top Seachers

[soniya]

From Britney Spears to the Eliot Spitzer scandal, it’s been a busy year. Reminisce about the biggest news stories, blunders, gossip and drama of 2008 with the Year End Hot Searches.

• ‘American Idol’ - Top TV & Movies
• NASCAR - Top Sports
• Britney Spears - Top Celebrity
• Flat Belly Diet - Top Health
• iPhone - Top Shopping
• Jonas Brothers - Top Musician
• Presidential Election - Top News

[soniya]

In a truly historical election, Barack Obama defeated John McCain to become the first African-American President of the United States.

1. Olympics
   
   For two weeks in August, the world’s eyes were on Beijing, site of the 2008 Summer Games. The elaborate opening ceremony set the stage for great things to come, including Michael Phelps’ record eight gold medals. After the games, the Olympic Committee investigated the eligibility of the gold medal-winning Chinese women’s gymnastics team and determined that all athletes were old enough to participate in the games.
2. Bailout
   
   The first rumblings of trouble came in March when investment bank Bear Sterns collapsed, but it wasn’t until the government takeover of Fannie and Freddie in September that we began to see the full impact of the sub-prime mortgage crisis. As the financial system tanked, the government stepped in to throw banks a life line. Congress approved the $700 billion bailout bill in October in an effort to stave off an economic depression.
3. Hurricane Ike
   
   Hurricane Ike hit in September, but it will still be months before damaged areas are restored back to normal. The storm slammed the Gulf of Mexico and destroyed over 50 oil and gas platforms. In Ike’s wake, gas prices sky rocketed amid fuel shortages, and some parts of the country saw prices reach $5 per gallon.
4. Unemployment
   
   As companies struggle to stay afloat, Americans fight to hold on to their jobs. Large-scale layoffs left job seekers competing in a depleted market, and unemployment rates reached their highest point in 14 years.
5. Stock market
   
   The stock market was a roller coaster ride in 2008. Extreme fluctuations set new records, but not in a good way. In October, the New York Stock Exchange saw both the worst drop in history and the biggest one-day gain since 1933. The trouble quickly spread to global markets, too.

[soniya]

1. Bigfoot
   
   Two hunters caused quite a stir in August when they claimed to have discovered a Bigfoot corpse in the woods of Georgia. Sasquatch believers waited to see if this was the real thing and news sources crowded to get photos. However, when the frozen ‘body’ started to thaw, it was revealed to be nothing more than a hoax.
2. Stimulus checks
   
   In 2008, personal bailouts from Uncle Sam were one of the few good things to come from the economic downturn. Taxpayers were eligible for payments meant to stimulate the economy, but many recipients used them for necessities like gas and groceries instead.
3. High gas prices
   
   One word sums up prices at the pump in 2008: painful. This year, gas prices soared to new all-time highs, and just when it seemed that it couldn’t get any worse, Hurricane Ike caused another price spike. Much to our wallet’s delight, prices began to significantly drop by the end of the year.
4. Eliot Spitzer scandal
   
   What do you get when you put a crime-fighting governor and a high-priced call girl together? A huge scandal! Despite his reputation for cracking down on vice, New York’s Eliot Spitzer found himself facing impeachment after a federal investigation linked him to the now-infamous Emperors Club. He resigned in March with his wife at his side.

[soniya]

Newsmakers

1. Barack Obama
2. Sarah Palin
3. Pregnant Man
4. Hillary Clinton
5. John McCain
6. Ashley Dupre
7. John Edwards
8. Ron Paul
9. Casey and Caylee Anthony
10. Mike Huckabee

Natural Disasters

1. Hurricane Ike
2. Hurricane Gustav
3. Hurricane Fay
4. Hurricane Dolly
5. Hurricane Hanna
6. Santa Cruz fires
7. Texas sinkhole
8. Midwest tornadoes
9. Sichuan earthquake
10. Yosemite fire

Financial Faux Pas

1. Wachovia
2. Washington Mutual
3. Merrill Lynch
4. AIG
5. Morgan Stanley
6. Lehman Brothers
7. Freddie Mac
8. Bear Stearns
9. Fannie Mae
10. Goldman Sachs

Live Video Moments

From Truveo

1. Barack Obama Victory Speech in Chicago
2. Phelps, Weber-Gale, Jones and Lezak Win 4x100m Relay
3. SNL Palin/Hillary Open
4. Giants’ game-winning touchdown against Patriots
5. David Cook’s Performs “Billie Jean” on American Idol
6. Kimbo Slice loses to Seth Petruzelli
7. Usain Bolt’s WR Breaking Win in 200m Final
8. Jimmy Kimmel and Ben Affleck Music Video
9. Katie Couric’s Interview with Sarah Palin
10. McCain Acceptance Speech at RNC

[soniya]

Smart phones just keep getting smarter. The new 3G version of Apple’s iPhone is faster than ever and comes equipped with a GPS system for navigation, and the new App Store makes adding additional functionality a snap.

1. Wii
   
   Young and old alike enjoy playing with this revolutionary console. The new gaming experience uses motion detection to control the game and encourages players to get up off the couch and play sports like soccer and tennis.
2. iPod
   
   With 9 new colors, a tall shape, and sensors for horizontal viewing and shake shuffling, the new iPod Nano is unlike any other previous model. The iPod touch also got a makeover this year. It now includes Nike+ functionality and built-in speakers.
3. Garmin Nuvi
   
   This portable GPS system is perfect for any traveler. Early this year, Garmin released a prototype of the Nuvifone, a 3G handset with GPS navigation.
4. Bratz
   
   Bratz may have beat out Barbie to make it onto our list of top search terms, but earlier this year Mattel beat MGA Entertainment in a court battle over rights to the dolls. Still, Yasmin, Jade and their friends didn’t let this legal setback get them down. The dolls released three movies and two CDs in 2008.
5. Crocs
   
   They are comfortable, but they sure are ugly! The popular plastic clogs have been spotted everywhere from the beach to city streets, so it’s not surprising that Crocs are the hottest shoes on our list. In 2008, the company released new, more fashion-conscious styles in a wide variety of colors.

1. PS3
   
   Sony’s PlayStation has always been a favorite among gamers, but in 2008, the new generation console upped the ante by offering Blu-Ray high definition gaming, free PlayStation network access, integrated WiFi capability and an upgradable hard drive.
2. Guitar Hero
   
   The fourth installment of the popular video game released this year lets players jam on the guitar, beat on the drums and belt out vocals. Guitar Hero World Tour features a whole new set list and real musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Ozzy Osbourne as playable characters. Budding rock stars can also create their own songs and share them with others.
3. Uggs
   
   Stylish or Ugg-ly? These sheepskin boots are loved for their warmth and comfort, and they come in enough colors to match any outfit.
4. Rosetta Stone
   
   How did Michael Phelps learn to say “Eight gold medals” in Chinese before he headed to Beijing this Summer? He studied with Rosetta Stone between laps! This company offers affordable educational software in more than 25 languages for any proficiency level.