2008 is shaping up to be a historic year on multiple fronts.  From the global financial meltdown, to the seemingly imminent tides of change in American politics, to the landmark triumphs in sports, we could well be looking at one of the most eventful eras of our times.  And none so packed as in the past two weeks.

But, just as I like to remind myself during the current slump that my fantasy basketball team is experiencing early in the season (2nd to last as of this entry), these events are more than just random occurences.  Like global warming, they’re the culmination of months, years, and even decades of build-up.  The race to the ‘finish line’ for the following can be traced to a steady progress of factors not unlike that of a marathon.  Consider:

  • After an extended period of positive growth, the economic carnage of the past year, particularly during the last two months, has virtually wiped out any gains from the previous years.  The oil crisis followed by the credit crisis leading to the collapse of some of the oldest and most trusted banks and financial institutions of the world have fueled fears of a global recession.  Stock markets, in particular, have been hit the hardest in past couple of weeks, with single-day double-digit collapses becoming an all too common sight.  It’s being blamed on the unsound economic policies and practices that were allowed, for almost a decade, by the governments of some of the most powerful economies in the western world.  And like a house of cards, the collapse of the biggest foundations has dragged everyone down with them.  You know the economic outlook is grim when your company is canceling it’s yearly Christmas party for the first time in like, forever.
  • In far more exciting news, the U.S. presidential election is currently underway, and the past 2 years of nominations, primaries, and campaigning all boils down to results that should probably be available within the next 24 hours.  Barack Obama has emerged as an early favorite but McCain probably won’t be conceding anything unless an overwhelming trend emerges.  America could have it’s first ever black president declared by the end of the day.  It’s so groundbreaking even other countries are giddy over the prospect.
  • Speaking of black pioneers, Lewis Hamilton just zoomed into the record books as not only the youngest Formula One champion at 23 years old, but also it’s first black champion.  After last year’s disappointing fall-from-ahead loss to Kimi Raikkonen by one point in the last race of the 2007 season, it was sweet revenge for the soft-spoken British driver as he ousted Felipe Massa from perennial rival Ferrari by one point, also in the very last race of this season.  Needing to finish at least fifth to clinch the title after Massa managed to capture the season ending Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton had to catch up from sixth place in the final lap before passing Timo Glock of Toyota.  Last year’s heartbreaking finish probably spurred Hamilton to this year’s title, but not before a dramatic scramble in the final few races.
  • The Philadelphia Phillies captured baseball’s World Series by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in five games.  It was the first title by the team since 1980.  The series featured longest rain delay in baseball history (46 hours) in game 5.  Picking up in the middle of the 6th inning after almost 2 days of stoppage, the Phillies went on to hold a one run lead to win the club’s second title ever.
  • And finally, on a more personal level, I’d like to give a few thoughts about my current fantasy basketball league.  The rookies in our league have been a pleasant surprise, staying focused and competing hard against the veterans.  My team though, has been far from pleasant.  To call my first week a disaster would be an understatement.  Stuck in 12th place in a 13-team league, with an underachieving roster, my only source of comfort is that my team probably has nowhere to go but up.  I’ve already pulled the trigger on a couple of trades that hopefully shakes things up and allows me to gain a measure of respectability.  But you never know what the fickle minds of the basketball gods have in store.  As previous seasons have proven, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish that counts.