The year that was 2008 December 30, 2008

In what some economists see as a troubling sign, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac invest $12.7 billion in Powerball tickets.

It’s hard to believe that 2008 is almost behind us.

Last year, while taking the hardest course I’ve taken at Temple University — Writing Humor — my assignment was to analyze a professional humor article. I chose Dave Barry’s year in review from 2007. And now I’m hooked.

In sports, the undefeated New England Patriots lose the Super Bowl to the New York Giants in a stunning upset that confounds the experts, not to mention Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which had $38 billion on the Pats to win.

My favorite producer at CBS3, Teresa, shared via Facebook this year’s column by Barry, and now I share it with you. Sit back, drink some hot chocolate and enjoy.

On Wall Street, J.P. Morgan buys Bear Stearns; nobody really understands what this means, but it is clearly bad. Abroad, the dollar declines to the point where currency traders are using it solely for wiping up spills. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac apply to be contestants on Deal Or No Deal.

And happy New Year’s.

Dave Barry’s Year in Review