Kulim, 12am: The rain has stopped. Miracle! Fireworks has started. Peace to the world! 2008 is a record year to me except for the October-November 8 days of madness in the financial markets. 80% of my 2008 resolutions have been executed to perfection. I have been on leave and on meditation retreat since Christmast day till New Year's eve.
Manchester United won the European Cup beating Chelsea 1-1 (6-5) on penalty in Moscow. John Terry slipped and missed the penalty which would have given to the trophy to Chelsea. Man Utd also won the EPL and World Club Cup beating Liga de Quito 1-0 in Japan. Ronaldo was voted England Footballer of the Year, England Golden Boots, World Footballer of the Year, European Golden Boots and European Footballer of the Year. Spain won the European Nations Cup beating Germany 1-0 in Vienna. China becomes champion of the Olympics 2008 whereby Phelps won 8 gold medals in swimming, a super human effort. Obama voted as the first black US President as the Democrats overthrew the Republicans from Congress. Sub prime mortgage crisis hit its peak. US Treasury Bills yield nears 0%, meaning Uncle Sam is borrowing money for free! In Malaysian, political tsunami in March 8th. election, when the once mighty BN was crushed in 5+1 states. Pak Lah has to step down eventually and announced his successor as Najib. Anwar enters parliament after 10 years. The year oil price reached a record $147/barrel in July but fell to $38/barrel by December 31st, a fall of 75%. Same goes to commodities price. The fall of pound sterling is fast and dramatic. The year the unthinkable happen in financial services:- the collapse of Bear Sterns, Lehman Brothers, AIG, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Citigroup has to be bailed out by US government. Another major financial crisis since 1998. The worst since 1929.
