Inventions & Breakthroughs of December 2008
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Mobile App Marketplace (App Store)
2 
Blockchain Concept
3 
Android Operating System
4 
Cloud-Based Office Software
5 
HD Streaming Video
6 
Social Media Real-Time Feeds
7 
Electric Vehicle Roadster
8 
Location-Based Social Apps
9 
Digital Health Tracking Devices
10 
Online Code Repositories
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON December 10, 2008
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring 'Wendy and Lucy' Outdoors. Impact: If 'Wendy and Lucy' hadn't showcased the Pacific Northwest's beauty, the region might have remained an undiscovered paradise, leading to a butterfly effect where hipsters would have flocked to less scenic locations, resulting in an alternate universe where kale is a rare delicacy.. Fact: Did you know that the film's budget was so low, they practically made it with pocket change and a dream? Talk about indie spirit!.
- Headline: Police Brutality Charges in NYC. Impact: The charges against these officers sparked nationwide protests, inadvertently giving birth to a whole new genre of protest music. Who knew brutality could inspire chart-topping hits?. Fact: Did you know that police reform debates often resemble a game of hot potato? Everyone wants to pass it, but no one wants to hold it for long..
- Headline: $73 an Hour: Adding It Up. Impact: This revelation about pay gaps led to the rise of a secret society of autoworkers who donned capes and masks, fighting for justice and better wages, but mostly just enjoying free lunch breaks together.. Fact: Did you know the pay gap is so small, it could fit through a pencil sharpener? Just kidding, it’s more like trying to fit an elephant into a phone booth!.
- Headline: Governor Accused in Scheme to Sell Obama’s Senate Seat. Impact: The scandal encouraged a new genre of political thrillers, where governors are portrayed as secret agents who barter Senate seats like trading cards. We’re still waiting for the blockbuster movie.. Fact: Did you know that politics is the only profession where you can be caught red-handed and still deny everything while looking perfectly composed? It’s like a magic trick, but sadder..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 2008, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #3
NFLX
Netflix
Price in 2008
$0.38
2025 dataset value
$249,715
Netflix - If you invested $1,000 in 2008, it would be worth $249,715 today (249.7x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Walking Dead #48
$200
Batman #676
$25
Thor #1
$1,500
Invincible Iron Man #1
$20,000
Final Crisis #1
$50
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Bakugan Battle Brawlers
$50.00
LEGO Indiana Jones Set
$150.00
Elmo Live
$150.00
Nintendo Wii Fit
$50.00
Kung Fu Panda Plush Toys
$60.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Grand Theft Auto IV
$20.00
Fallout 3
$150.00
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
$27.50
Call of Duty: World at War
$200.00
Left 4 Dead
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
2008 Topps Chrome LeBron James Refractor
$30,000
2008 Topps Chrome Derrick Rose Refractor Rookie Card
$3500
2008 Pokémon TCG Diamond & Pearl Stormfront Charizard
$200
2008 Topps Steven Stamkos Rookie Card
$2,500
2008 Topps Allen & Ginter Clayton Kershaw Rookie Card
$300