Issue date: 12/11/08 Section: Showcase

The word "change" was definitely the buzzword of 2008. We heard it again and again in political speeches, during campaign commercials and from every person who voted. We all wanted "change" in 2008 and we certainly got it.

The United States elected its first black president, the Packers lost their legend and certain vampires are now considered to be ideal boyfriend material. Some major changes even occurred within our own city - trayless Tuesdays and smoke-free bars anyone?

2008 was a crazy year filled with the awesomely good, the awesomely bad and the down right crazy.

The Awesomely Good

On Nov. 4th, America "Baracked the Vote." Illinois Sen. Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States. After campaigning that he will bring change to a country that so desperately needs it, he'll have to prove whether his campaign promises will be fulfilled after his inauguration in January.

2007 really wasn't Britney Spears' year. After her divorce from wannabe rapper Kevin Federline, Spears' life seemed to be in a downward spiral, ending with a disastrous performance at MTV's Video Music Awards. At this year's VMA's, however, Spears took home three Moonmen and looked absolutely stunning. Who would have known that she shaved her head in some sort of breakdown and stabbed a paparazzo's car with an umbrella only a few months earlier? Obviously, she is starting to redeem herself. Her album, Circus, is on top of the charts and "Womanizer" seemed as though it was played on repeat on the radio for a few weeks. But kudos to Brit for getting her life back on track.

While Britney is on top of the charts, "The Dark Knight" was on top of the box office this summer, making $155 million dollars in its opening weekend. This topped the previous box office record holder, "Spiderman 3." No one could stop talking about "The Dark Knight" all summer, with many quoting the film's tagline, "Why so serious?"

Christian Bale and Heath Ledger ruled the movie scene, but a certain Olympic swimmer ruled our TV screens this summer. Watching Michael Phelps swim was a social event in itself. When Phelps would walk out to the pool listening to his mysterious music, everyone was silent and waited nervously as Phelps removed his swimmer's jacket to reveal what seemed to be the longest male torso ever.

The second he dove into the pool, cheers would erupt. Even though America knew he could do no wrong, watching him touch the edge of the pool in his last lap, we let out a sigh of relief. Phelps won eight gold medals this summer and broke many swimming records, making him one of the greatest Olympians ever.

One of the main questions of 2008: is "Twilight" the new "Harry Potter?" In the past months, the bumper sticker pages of Facebook seem to be full of references to Edward Cullen, his Volvo, his sparkly skin and his undying love for Bella Swan. Girls seemed to swoon over Edward and his undeniable sex appeal. Author Stephanie Meyer's four-part series are all best-sellers. Her last book, in the "Twilight" series, "Breaking Dawn," has been on the best-seller list for 16 weeks and is currently holding the top position.

What was more entertaining this year - watching the Sarah Palin and Katie Couric interview, or watching Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Katie Couric? Tina Fey was dead-on in her impersonation of the Alaskan governor. Her mannerisms, her style and her ridiculous answers made "Saturday Night Live" a must-watch this season.

The Awesomely Bad

Starting with the worst, Heath Ledger's tragic death in January of 2008 was unsettling for many. Father to 2-year-old Matilda with actress Michelle Williams, Ledger was found dead in his apartment after an accidental overdose on prescription medication. This summer, before "The Dark Knight" came out, many wondered if people would go see the movie for a glimpse of Ledger still alive or for his performance.

After the reviews came out, it was obvious to all that it was for his performance. His portrayal of the Joker was terrifyingly amazing and is guaranteed to get him at least an Oscar nomination, if not a posthumous win.

From tragic to stupid, 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears, younger sister of Britney and star of Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101," announced she was pregnant with her boyfriend's baby. As if the Spears family really needs more things to deal with after Britney's mental breakdown. Jamie-Lynn gave birth to a baby girl and named her Maddie. As for "Zoey 101," the fate of the show is still in limbo.

The Just Plain Crazy

After an intense season, Green Bay Packer quarterback and Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Brett Favre retired, leaving Packer fans heartbroken. Oh wait, no he didn't retire, now he wants to come back. Packer fans rejoice! Wait no, he can't come back. Now he's playing with the New York Jets? As The Backstreet Boys so eloquently put it, Brett Favre, quit playing games with my heart!

When reports of a "pregnant man" came to light, many thought it was some sort of elaborate hoax. But when photos of a shirtless and pregnant Thomas Beatie were published, people started to believe. Beatie, born a female, is now a transgender male. After finding out that his wife was infertile, Beatie, who still has reproductive organs, decided to carry the baby himself through artificial insemination. In June, Beatie gave birth to a baby girl, Susan. After doing an interview with Barbara Walters about his new baby girl, Beatie announced he was pregnant again.

Only three short years ago, Brad Pitt was married to America's sweetheart, Jennifer Aniston. Now, he is with America's vixen, Angelina Jolie, and they have six children together. So much can happen in three years. Maddox, Zahara, Pax, Shiloh, Vivienne and Knox do have some cool parents who donate to many charities and adopt children from all over the world. My prediction for Brangelina in 2009 would be adopting a little boy from Nepal, naming him Max and then having triplets the old
fashioned way.

2008 has been a crazy year and a year of change. However, with a new administration, a new Britney Spears and a new cult book series that doesn't include a boy wizard, 2009 may just be a crazier year than 2008.

Proite is a senior print journalism major and staff writer for The Spectator.

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