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World Events: Y2K Bug
Many thought the digital world would end because computer software wouldn't be able to handle the double 00. Most programs would think 00 stood for 1900, not 2000. This problem was eliminated by companies investing billions of dollars to go through their computer codes and fix it. -
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Events of the Decade
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Fashion and Entertainment: Shrek
This cartoon full length movie features the voices of Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Mike Myers as Shrek, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. In the film Shrek wants to reclaim his swamp and travels with Donkey to return Princess Fiona to her parents, -
World Events: 9-11
On 9-11 two hijacked planes flew into the Twin Towers in New York City, causing the worse terrorist attack that has ever happened in the United States. A third hijacked plane hit the Pentagon while the passengers of a fourth plane reclaimed it and crashed it into a field in Pennsylvania. Over 3000 people were killed. -
World Events: Operation Enduring Freedom
Following 9-11, this short conflict was between the Taliban of Afghanistan and the United States. The Taliban was overthrown, and a new government established. However, the United States continues to try to maintain stability in this country. -
Sports and Music: New England Patriots Win the Super Bowl
New England wins the Super Bowl against the St. Louis Rams. The Patriots go on to win the Super Bowl two more times during the decade: 2004 against the Carolina Panthers and 2005 against the Phildelphia Eagles. -
Fashion and Entertainment: Introduction of Crocs
Scott Seamans, Lyndon Hanson, and George Boedecker sell two hundred of their new foam clogs called crocs. -
World Events: Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
When returning to earth after a sixteen day mission, the space shuttle Columbia broke apart. All members of the crew were lost. -
World Events: Operation Iraqi Freedom
The invasion of Iraq begins, and the United States controls most of the country by mid-April after Iraqi President Saddam Hussein will not allow UN weapon inspectors in his country. -
World Events: Capture of Saddam Hussein
Former president of the Iraqi people, Saddam Hussein is captured, ending one of the most intense manhunts in the world. He is executed on Dec. 30, 2006, Hussein was known for his ruthless actions, such as using chemical weapons against the Kurds living in Iraq. -
Science and Technology: Launching of Facebook
College student Mark Zuckerberg launches "Thefacebook" that only Harvard students could join. Later that year with the backing of Napster founder Sean Parker who became president of the company, the website's name was changed to just Facebook after purchasing the domain for $200,000. -
World Events: Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina strikes Louisana, Mississippi, and Alabaman, killing about 1800 people. New Orleans is the area hardest hit, leaving 80% of the city under water. -
Fashion and Entertainment: Al Gore and Global Warming
Former Vice President Al Gore is featured in An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary about global warming. This film becomes a box-office success and raises the public awareness of this environmental issue. -
Sports and Music: Cardinals Win World Series
After game five, the Cardinals win the World Series, beating the Detroit Tigers. -
World Events: Hillary Clinton Runs for President
Hillary Clinton became the first presidential spouse to run for President by posting on her website, "I' in. And I'm in to win." Although she does not win the Democratic nomination, Barack Obama chooses her to be his Secretary of State. -
World Events: Big Three Bailout
General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler ask the government for $25 billion as they saw declining sales as the economical situation of the country worsens. The executives of these companies were criticized for using private planes. Even with the loans, all three companies declare bankruptcy -
World Events: Obama Sworn In
Barack Obama became the first African-American President. He won over Republican John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin. Before being elected, Obama had served eight years as a senator from Illinois. -
World Events: Miracle on the Hudson
After taking off from LaGuardia Airport, pilot Chelsey Skullenberger informed air traffic controllers the plane had flown through a flock of Canadian geese, disabling both engines. Because the plane did not have enough power, he crash landed the plane on the Hudson River. Although the water temperature was a mere thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit, all came safely through this experience. -
Science and Technology: H1N1 Flu Pandemic Declared
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention declares a global pandemic for H1N1, also known as swine flu. This disease had spread to over seventy countries and caused several deaths. -
Fashion and Entertainment: The Blind Side
Featuring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, and Quinton Aaron, this film tells the true story of Michael Oher, who went from a homeless teen to a first round draft pick in the NFL.
