By Vanessa Poulson
For the Opelika
Observer
2008 was a big year in the United States and across the globe. Not only was the internet rapidly beginning to take off and change the way people communicate, but new trends and themes that are still impacting the United States to this day were just beginning to come to fruition.
In honor of the Opelika Observer’s 10th birthday, let’s take a look back at some of the other 2008 trends and historical events that also occurred a decade ago.
Barack Obama makes history
Illinois native and Sen. Barack Obama won the United States of America presidential race v. Republican John McCain to became the first-ever African American President of the United States.
The ‘Twilight” Saga hits movie theatres
The Twilight saga brought to life Stephenie Meyer’s fantasy romance novels in late 2008, as crazed fans became hypnotized by Robert Pattinson’s and Kristen Stewart’s portrayals of Edward and Bella. Though the movie did not fare well with critics, it eventually scored four sequel movies to follow the original.
Stock Market Crash
By the end of 2008, the Dow was down 34 percent, closing at 8,816.62. It reached its low of 7,552 on Nov. 20, a 46-percent decline from its October 2007 high of 14,164. On Oct. 3, the Senate passed the $700 billion bailout bill, now called the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Apple introduces the new ultra-thin MacBook Air Notebook
Apple introduces the public to the new ultra-thin MacBook Air notebook that is less than an inch thick and turns on the moment the moment its lid is opened.
YouTube Explosion
2008 was certainly a huge year for YouTube, with major internet stars like FRED, SMOSH, Ray William Johnson, Jenna Marbles and College Humor bursting on to the scene.
Dance Craze
While today’s youth may be ruled by dances like “flossing” from viral video games like Fortnite, 2008 was a year for Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” dance and “Soulja Boy.”
Revelations about
Stonehenge
It is discovered by scientists that Stonehenge is older than originally thought, by nearly 500 years. It was likely erected in 3000 B.C and suspected to have been used as a healing site.
Britney Spears makes her comeback
After a difficult year in 2007, Britney Spears came back strong at the 2008 MTV Music Video Awards, taking home three awards for her album “Circus.”
Beijing hosts the 2008 Olympics
The opening ceremony took place at 8:08 p.m. on Aug. 8 and helped foster a boom in infrastructure and bring in a truckload of revenue from tourism.
High School Musical 3 heads for the big screen
After the roaring success of the first two movies, High School Musical fans across the world rejoiced as the series’ third installments headed to the silver screen.
Other interesting comparisons:
Overall prices have gone up 32 percent from 2008 to 2018.
2008:
Average new car: $27,958
Cost of a gallon of gas $3.39
A gallon of milk: $3.22
Russet potatoes: .88 cents a pound
Dozen eggs: $1.29
2018:
Average new car: $21,815
Cost of a gallon of gas: $2.68
A gallon of milk: $3.15
Russet potatoes: $1.12 a pound
Dozen eggs: $2.32.