Elections, economy, and disasters: News that grabbed us this year - by Michelle Kay

Elections, elections, elections - that's what was on everyone's mind this year. The antics of Alaska governor Sarah Palin secured her the top spot of 2008's most-searched newsmakers. Obama-phoria swept across the world and history was made as the U.S. elected their first African-American president. Canadians also went to the polls to vote back a minority Conservative government.

In the world of finance, stock market crashes sent many of the world's economies spiralling towards a recession. Oil prices skyrocketed, companies suffered massive layoffs, the auto industry begged for bailouts, and the Canadian loonie yo-yoed as the world quivered on the edge of a depression.

Not to be outdone, Mother Nature played her part with hurricanes Ike, Gustav, Hanna and Fay drenching much of the southern U.S. states.

The Summer of 2008 was all about the Olympics and China went about cleaning up its image - and its air. Pro-Tibet supporters clashed with police but China managed to sweep the issue under the rug before the Olympic torch was lighted.

2008 also saw some outbreaks and recalls. China entered the spotlight again with a melamine-laced milk products scandal. Canada had its own listeriosis outbreak involving processed meats.

Violence also took centre stage this year. There was plenty of swashbuckling activity on the high seas as international pirates hijacked ships and tankers. Some high profile deaths included Benazir Bhutto's assassination, B.C. model Diana O'Brien's murder, and the Greyhound bus beheading of Tim McLean.

That's 2008 in a nutshell. With Obama's inauguration, a growing economic crisis, and the lead-up to the Olympics in Vancouver, 2009 promises to be just as interesting. But as always, it's what we don't know that makes us want to keep clicking. Stay tuned.