The American story By: Rondale Salter By: Rondale Salter

"Stocks tanked Wednesday The first trading day of 2008, as oil and gold prices at record highs and a report showing contraction in the manufacturing sector raised worries about the threat of recession.

Barack Obama Starts Strong January 3, 2008: Senator Barack Obama of Illinois won the Iowa Caucus, defeating Senator Hillary Clinton January 3, 2008: Senator Barack Obama of Illinois won the Iowa Caucus, defeating Senator Hillary Clinton

Ted Kennedy's Endorsement of Barack Obama January 28, 2008: In a move that enhanced the stature of Barack Obama's candidacy, Senator Ted Kennedy endorsed Senator Obama instead of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. January 28, 2008: In a move that enhanced the stature of Barack Obama's candidacy, Senator Ted Kennedy endorsed Senator Obama instead of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

President of Russia May 7, 2008: Dmitry Medvedev became President of Russia. Vladimir Putin, in turn, became Prime Minister of Russia on May 8, Medvedev served a four year term, leaving office in May May 7, 2008: Dmitry Medvedev became President of Russia. Vladimir Putin, in turn, became Prime Minister of Russia on May 8, Medvedev served a four year term, leaving office in May 2012.

Summer Olympics August 8, 2008: The People's Republic of China hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics. The opening ceremony was held on August 8th. The 2008 Summer Olympic games lasted until August 24, August 8, 2008: The People's Republic of China hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics. The opening ceremony was held on August 8th. The 2008 Summer Olympic games lasted until August 24, 2008.

Summer Olympics China; Fireworks over the "Bird's Nest," the major Olympic Stadium in Beijing China; Fireworks over the "Bird's Nest," the major Olympic Stadium in Beijing

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama named Senator Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama named Senator Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate.

Michelle Obama Michelle Obama, wife of Senator Barack Obama, addresses the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado Michelle Obama, wife of Senator Barack Obama, addresses the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado

President George W. Bush speaks to the 2008 Republican National Convention via video link President George W. Bush speaks to the 2008 Republican National Convention via video link

China as a World Power September 27, 2008: Shenzhou 7, China's third manned space expedition, conducted the first spacewalk for its space program. September 27, 2008: Shenzhou 7, China's third manned space expedition, conducted the first spacewalk for its space program.

Presidential Debate Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama debate in town hall style at Belmont University on October 7, 2008 Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama debate in town hall style at Belmont University on October 7, 2008

Baseball 2008 World Series: The Philadelphia Phillies Defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 2008 World Series: The Philadelphia Phillies Defeated the Tampa Bay Rays

Barack Obama Sails to Victory November 4, 2008: Senator Barack H. Obama was elected President of the United States November 4, 2008: Senator Barack H. Obama was elected President of the United States

The Presidency of Barack H. Obama January 20, 2009: Barack Obama became President of the United States of America Barack Obama (Democrat), 44th American President Years in Office: 2009-Present January 20, 2009: Barack Obama became President of the United States of America Barack Obama (Democrat), 44th American President Years in Office: 2009-Present

United States Surgeon General November 3, 2009: Fairhope High School graduate, Dr. Regina Benjamin became the Surgeon-General of the United States November 3, 2009: Fairhope High School graduate, Dr. Regina Benjamin became the Surgeon-General of the United States

Mark Ingram December 12, 2009: Alabama's Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy December 12, 2009: Alabama's Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy

New Decade January 1, 2010: The beginning of a new year and a new decade were celebrated in Hong Kong, China. January 1, 2010: The beginning of a new year and a new decade were celebrated in Hong Kong, China.

Alabama Wins a BCS National Title January 7, 2010: Former Foley High School star, Julio Jones, helps Alabama cap off a perfect season and a BCS Championship. January 7, 2010: Former Foley High School star, Julio Jones, helps Alabama cap off a perfect season and a BCS Championship.

State of the Union Address January 27, 2010: President Obama gave his State of the Union message to a joint-session of Congress. January 27, 2010: President Obama gave his State of the Union message to a joint-session of Congress.

Super Bowl XLIV: DAT?! New February 7, 2010: WHO Orleans Saints won Super Bowl XLIV, defeating the Indianapolis Colts, 31 to 17. DAT?! New February 7, 2010: WHO Orleans Saints won Super Bowl XLIV, defeating the Indianapolis Colts, 31 to 17.

Winter Olympics February 12, 2010: In the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, Canada, the opening ceremony launched the games. February 12, 2010: In the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, Canada, the opening ceremony launched the games.

Auburn January 10, 2011: Auburn capped off a perfect season to win the BCS National Championship. January 10, 2011: Auburn capped off a perfect season to win the BCS National Championship.

China Acknowledged February 14, 2011: China is acknowledged as the world's second largest economy behind the United States. February 14, 2011: China is acknowledged as the world's second largest economy behind the United States.

The Killing of Osama Bin Laden May 1, 2011: President Barack Obama announced that a U.S. intelligence and military operation had found and killed Al Qeada leader, Osama Bin Laden. May 1, 2011: President Barack Obama announced that a U.S. intelligence and military operation had found and killed Al Qeada leader, Osama Bin Laden.