The document discusses several notable events from 2008-2009, including Barack Obama becoming the first African American president, the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, the economic bailouts debated in Congress, the shoe throwing incident at former President Bush in Iraq, the Mumbai terrorist attacks, and Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme being exposed. Opinions on these events range from praise for heroes like Captain Sullenberger to criticism of politicians' decisions and corrupt financial schemes.