Kaká
2007 Serie A Footballer of the Year
In January 2008, Kaká was also named the 2007 Serie A Footballer of the Year, winning the award for the second time in his career.
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- Zlatan Ibrahimović
Serie A Footballer of the Year
Ibrahimović scored both goals in a 2–0 defeat of Parma on the final day of the 2007–08 Serie A season to give Inter a second consecutive Scudetto. Overall, he scored 17 goals in 26 league matches, and was named both Serie A Footballer of the Year and Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year.
- HTC
First WiMAX supported phone
In 2008, HTC unveiled the HTC Max 4G, the first GSM mobile phone to support WiMAX networks.
- HTC
The HTC Dream
HTC joined Google's Open Handset Alliance and then developed and released the first device powered by Android in 2008, the HTC Dream.
- Warren Buffett
The Richest Man in the World
In 2008, Buffett became the richest person in the world, with a total net worth estimated at $62 billion.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike acquired Umbro
The company acquired Umbro, known as the manufacturers of the England national football team's kit, in 2008.
- Ciro Immobile
First contract
In 2008, he was signed at the age of 18 for €80,000 by Juventus under the recommendation of Ciro Ferrara. He went on to play with the Primavera formation.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike became The First Company To Receive Cannes advertising Award Twice
The Cannes Advertising Festival has named Nike its Advertiser of the Year in 1994 and 2003, making it the first company to receive that honor twice.
- Banking Frauds and Hacks
Societe generals
Jerome Kerviel is a French trader who was convinced in 2008 for causing trading loss, breach of trust, forgery, and the unauthorized use of Societe Generale's computer. Jerome Kerviel has confessed to the fraud, which was worth $7 Billion at the time. Kerviel published a book in May 2010, in which he alleged that his superiors knew of his trading activities and said the practice was very common.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike sold Bauer Hockey
Nike sold Bauer Hockey in 2008.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike Introduced The Air Jordan XX3
In 2008, Nike introduced the Air Jordan XX3, a high-performance basketball shoe designed with the environment in mind.
- Joe Biden
Post-election transition
Soon after the election, he was appointed the chairman of president-elect Obama's transition team. During the transition phase of the Obama administration, Biden said he was in daily meetings with Obama and that McCain was still his friend. The U.S. Secret Service codename given to Biden is "Celtic", referencing his Irish roots.
- Joe Biden
2008 Vice Presidential campaign
Biden declared his candidacy for president on January 31, 2007, after having discussed running for months prior. Biden made a formal announcement to Tim Russert on Meet the Press, stating he would "be the best Biden I can be." In January 2006, Delaware newspaper columnist Harry F. Themal wrote that Biden "occupies the sensible center of the Democratic Party." Thermal concludes that this is the position Biden desires and that in a campaign "he plans to stress the dangers to the security of the average American, not just from the terrorist threat, but from the lack of health assistance, crime, and energy dependence on unstable parts of the world."
- Marvel Studios
Marvel Animation was incorporated to direct Marvel's efforts in animation and home entertainment markets
In January 2008, Marvel Animation was incorporated to direct Marvel's efforts in animation and home entertainment markets including then animation efforts with Lionsgate and Nickelodeon.
- Microprocessor
About 10 Billion CPUs Were Manufactured
About 10 billion CPUs were manufactured in 2008.
- Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
A Criminal Complaint
In 2008, Bettencourt-Meyers filed a criminal complaint against Francois-Marie Banier, accusing him of taking advantage of her mother’s difficult mental state to deceive an elderly heiress of more than $ 1 billion.
- Marc Patrick O'Leary: Washington and Colorado Serial Rapist (Unbelievable)
Marie
In Lynnwood, Washington, an 18-year-old woman, referred to as "Marie", reported being bound, gagged and raped at knifepoint to police. Following police confrontation about inconsistencies in her story, she said that it might have been a dream and later said that she made the incident up.
- Jacinda Ardern
International Union of Socialist Youth
In early 2008, Ardern was elected as the president of the International Union of Socialist Youth, a role which saw her spend time in several countries, including Jordan, Israel, Algeria, and China.
- Banking Frauds and Hacks
Heartland Payment System
Heartland Payment System a major credit card processor was attacked by a group responsible also for breaching TJX data, a data, an attack that also resulted in other credit card data large thefts. These international criminals were located in several countries. And eventually got caught and one of them was convicted Albert Gonzales was sentenced to 20 years after he confessed to the crime. Albert later withdrew his confession, he claimed that he was at secret services insider during the attack. 130M users lost their personal data. More than $100 million was reimbursed to Visa and Mastercard. The company spent around $140 million to deal with the massive Breach. It cost $3.5 million to settle with American Express, with legal fees amounting to at least $26 million. 130 million users lost their data.
- Bernard Arnault
Princess Yachts
In 2008, Arnault entered the yacht business and bought Princess Yachts for 253 million euros.
- Google LLC
Google announced Its "Project 10100"
In 2008, Google announced its "project 10100" which accepted ideas for how to help the community and then allowed Google users to vote on their favorites.
- Shaquille O'Neal
33 games for the Miami Heat in the 2007–08 season
O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat in the 2007–08 season prior to being traded to the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal started all 33 games and averaged 14.2 points per game. Following the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged 12.9 ppg while starting all 28 games with the Suns.
- Colombian conflict
The Results of a Mitochondrial DNA Test For Emmanuel
On January 4, 2008, the results of a mitochondrial DNA test, comparing the child's DNA with that of his potential grandmother Clara de Rojas, were revealed by the Colombian government. It was reported that there was a very high probability that the boy was indeed part of the Rojas family.The same day, FARC released a communique in which they admitted that Emmanuel had been taken to Bogotá and "left in the care of honest persons" for safety reasons until a humanitarian exchange took place. The group accused President Uribe of "kidnapping" the child in order to sabotage his liberation.
- Richard Branson
Virgin Healthcare announced that it would open a chain of health care clinics
On 10 January 2008, Virgin Healthcare announced that it would open a chain of health care clinics that would offer conventional medical care alongside homeopathic and complementary therapies, a development that was welcomed by Ben Bradshaw, the UK's health minister.
- Colombian conflict
FARC released Rojas and Gonzalez
on January 10, 2008, FARC released Rojas and Gonzalez through a humanitarian commission headed by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
- Disasters with highest death tolls
2008 Afghanistan Blizzard
Afghanistan Blizzard was a fierce blizzard that struck Afghanistan on the 10th of January 2008. Temperatures fell to a low of -30 C, with up to 180 centimetres of snow in the more mountainous regions, killing at least 926 people. The weather also claimed more than 100,000 sheep and goats, and nearly 315,000 cattle died.
- Bank of America
Bank of America announced that it would buy Countrywide Financial
On January 11, 2008, Bank of America announced that it would buy Countrywide Financial for $4.1 billion.
- Colombian conflict
Hugo Chávez stated his disapproval with The FARC Strategy
On January 13, 2008, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez stated his disapproval with the FARC strategy of armed struggle and kidnapping saying "I don't agree with kidnapping and I don't agree with armed struggle".
- Muhammad Yunus
Muhammad Yunus Day
In January 2008, Houston, Texas declared 14 January as "Muhammad Yunus Day".
- Qasem Soleimani
Soleimani looking into the death of Imad Mughniyah
In 2008, he led a group of Iranian investigators looking into the death of Imad Mughniyah.
- Francesco Totti
200th goal for Roma
Totti scored his 200th goal for Roma in a 4–0 victory against Torino, in the Coppa Italia, on 16 January 2008.
- Bank of America
Doubled interest rate
In January 2008, Bank of America began notifying some customers without payment problems that their interest rates were more than doubled, up to 28%. The bank was criticized for raising rates on customers in good standing, and for declining to explain why it had done so.
- Angelina Jolie
Worthy
By 2008, Jolie was considered the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, earning $15–$20 million per film. While other actresses had been forced to take salary cuts in recent years, Jolie's perceived box office appeal allowed her to command as much as $20 million-plus a percentage.
- Diego Maradona
Coach Alfio Basile resigned
After the resignation of Argentina national team coach Alfio Basile in 2008, Maradona immediately proposed his candidacy for the vacant role. According to several press sources, his major challengers included Diego Simeone, Carlos Bianchi, Miguel Ángel Russo and Sergio Batista.
- Colombian conflict
FARC released four political hostages "as a gesture of goodwill" toward Chávez
On February 2008, FARC released four political hostages "as a gesture of goodwill" toward Chávez, who had brokered the deal and sent Venezuelan helicopters with Red Cross logos into the Colombian jungle to pick up the freed hostages.
- Best Buy
Best Buy opened its first store in San Juan
In February 2008, Best Buy opened its first store in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Shaquille O'Neal
The Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal
The Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal in February 2008 from the league-worst Miami Heat, who had a record at the time of the trade of 9-37, in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.
- Virat Kohli
2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup
In February–March 2008, Kohli captained the victorious Indian team at the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. Batting at number 3, he scored 235 runs in 6 matches at an average of 47 and finished as the tournament's third-highest run-getter and one of the three batsmen to score a hundred in the tournament.
- Xanana Gusmão
The Assassination attempt
On 11 February 2008, a motorcade containing Gusmão came under gunfire one hour after President José Ramos-Horta was shot in the stomach. Gusmão's residence was also occupied by rebels. According to the Associated Press, the incidents raised the possibility of a coup attempt; they have also described as possible assassination attempts and kidnap attempts.
- Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Obvious threats
On February 12, 2008, then Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia may target its missiles at Ukraine if its neighbour joins NATO and accepts the deployment of a US missile defence shield.Russia
- Johan Cruyff
The New Technical director at his boyhood club Ajax
On 20 February 2008, in the wake of a major research on the ten-year-mismanagement, it was announced that Cruyff would be the new technical director at his boyhood club Ajax, his fourth stint with the Amsterdam club.
- Shaquille O'Neal
O'Neal made his Suns debut
O'Neal made his Suns debut on February 20, 2008, against his former Lakers team, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the process. The Lakers won, 130–124. O'Neal was upbeat in a post-game press conference, stating: "I will take the blame for this loss because I wasn't in tune with the guys [...] But give me four or five days to really get in tune and I'll get it."
- Raúl Castro
16th President of Cuba
After assuming what was envisioned as a temporary control over the presidency in 2006, on 24 February 2008 Raúl Castro won election as the new President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers during a legislative session held at Cuba's Palace of Conventions in Havana.
- Fidel Castro
Retirement
In a February 2008 letter, Castro announced that he would not accept the positions of President of the Council of State and Commander in Chief at that month's National Assembly meetings, remarking, "It would betray my conscience to take up a responsibility that requires mobility and total devotion, that I am not in a physical condition to offer". On 24 February 2008, the National Assembly of People's Power unanimously voted Raúl as president. Describing his brother as "not substitutable", Raúl proposed that Fidel continue to be consulted on matters of great importance, a motion unanimously approved by the 597 National Assembly members.
- Visa Inc.
Visa announced it would go ahead with an IPO of half its shares
On February 25, 2008, Visa announced it would go ahead with an IPO of half its shares.
- Nancy Pelosi
Pelosi was named Permanent Chair
Pelosi was named Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.
- Microsoft
EU Imposed Fine
The European Union imposed another fine of €899 million ($1.4 billion) for Microsoft's lack of compliance with the March 2004 judgment on February 27, 2008, saying that the company charged rivals unreasonable prices for key information about its workgroup and backoffice servers. Microsoft stated that it was in compliance and that "these fines are about the past issues that have been resolved".
- Kaká
A Contract extension
He signed a contract extension through 2013 with Milan on 29 February 2008.
- Colombian conflict
The Military Operation in Ecuador on a FARC Position
On March 1, 2008, the Colombian armed forces launched a military operation 1.8 kilometres into Ecuador on a FARC position, killing 24, including Raúl Reyes, member of the FARC Central High Command. This led to the 2008 Andean diplomatic crisis between Colombia and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, supported by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.
- John Maynard Keynes
The death of the dream of global free-market capitalism
The global financial crisis of 2007–08 led to public skepticism about the free market consensus even from some on the economic right. In March 2008, Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator at the Financial Times, announced the death of the dream of global free-market capitalism.
- Colombian conflict
Killing Iván Ríos
On March 3, Iván Ríos, also a member of the FARC Central High Command was killed by his security chief "Rojas". In March 2008 alone, FARC lost 3 members of their Secretariat, including their founder.
- Carlos Slim
The World's Second-Richest Person 2008
On March 5, 2008, Forbes ranked Slim as the world's second-richest person, behind Warren Buffett and ahead of Bill Gates.
- Atari, Inc.
Infogrames acquisition
On March 6, 2008, Infogrames made an offer to Atari Inc. to buy out all remaining public shares for a value of $1.68 per share, or $11 million total. The offer would make Infogrames sole owner of Atari Inc., thus making it a privately held company. On April 30, 2008, Atari Inc. announced its intentions to accept Infogrames' buyout offer and to merge with Infogrames. On October 8, 2008, Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
- iOS
IPhone SDK
On March 6, 2008, Apple held a press event, announcing the iPhone SDK.
- Margaret Thatcher
Collapsing at a House of Lords dinner
After collapsing at a House of Lords dinner, Thatcher, suffering low blood pressure, was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital in central London on 7 March 2008 for tests.
- Francesco Totti
500th overall appearance for Roma
On 9 March, he reached his 500th overall appearance for Roma, scoring the second goal of the match from a penalty kick in a 2–0 away win over Napoli.
- Bank of America
Federal Bureau of Investigation report
In March 2008, it was reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was investigating Countrywide for possible fraud relating to home loans and mortgages.
- Qasem Soleimani
Soleimani helped arrange a ceasefire
Soleimani helped arrange a ceasefire between the Iraqi Army and Mahdi Army in March 2008.
- YouTube
480×360 pixels
In March 2008, a high-quality mode was added, which increased the resolution to 480×360 pixels.
- Jimmy Hoffa
Barbara Retired as an Associate Circuit Judge
Barbara retired as an Associate Circuit Judge in St. Louis County, Missouri, in March 2008.
- Financial crisis of 2007–2008
The Federal Reserve guaranteed Bear Stearns' bad loans to facilitate its acquisition by JPMorgan Chase
March 17, 2008: The Federal Reserve guaranteed Bear Stearns' bad loans to facilitate its acquisition by JPMorgan Chase.
- Mona Lisa
Research in 2008
Research in 2008 by a geomorphology professor at Urbino University and an artist-photographer revealed likenesses of Mona Lisa's landscapes to some views in the Montefeltro region in the Italian provinces of Pesaro and Urbino, and Rimini.
- Galileo Galilei
Nicola Cabibbo announced a plan to honor Galileo by erecting a statue of him inside the Vatican walls
In March 2008, the head of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Nicola Cabibbo, announced a plan to honor Galileo by erecting a statue of him inside the Vatican walls.
- Visa Inc.
Visa sold 406 million shares at US$44 per share ($2 above the high end of the expected $37–42 pricing range), raising US$17.9 billion in the largest initial public offering in U.S. history
The IPO took place on March 18, 2008. Visa sold 406 million shares at US$44 per share ($2 above the high end of the expected $37–42 pricing range), raising US$17.9 billion in the largest initial public offering in U.S. history.
- Visa Inc.
the IPO underwriters exercised their overallotment option
On March 20, 2008, the IPO underwriters (including JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs & Co., Bank of America Securities LLC, Citi, HSBC, Merrill Lynch & Co., UBS Investment Bank and Wachovia Securities) exercised their overallotment option, purchasing an additional 40.6 million shares, bringing Visa's total IPO share count to 446.6 million, and bringing the total proceeds to US$19.1 billion.
- Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth attended the first Maundy service
On 20 March 2008, at the Church of Ireland St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, the Queen attended the first Maundy service held outside England and Wales.
- Visa Inc.
Honor All Cards
On March 26, 2008, the European Commission opened an investigation into Visa's multilateral interchange fees for cross-border transactions within the EEA as well as into the "Honor All Cards" rule (under which merchants are required to accept all valid Visa-branded cards).
- Dwayne Johnson
Non-Wrestling Appearances
On March 29, 2008, Johnson appeared to induct his father and grandfather Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson into the WWE Hall of Fame.
- KFC
First in Cambodia
In Cambodia, KFC first opened on Monivong Boulevard in Phnom Penh in April 2008. Now there exist 7 outlets in Cambodia.
- YouTube
YouTube consumed as much bandwidth as the entire Internet in 2000
It has been claimed, by The Daily Telegraph in 2008, that in 2007, YouTube consumed as much bandwidth as the entire Internet in 2000.
- Black Friday
Several major Canadian retailers ran Black Friday deals of their own to discourage shoppers from leaving Canada
The large population centers on Lake Ontario and the Lower Mainland in Canada have always attracted cross-border shopping into the US states, and as Black Friday (French: Vendredi Noir) became more popular in the US, Canadians often flocked to the US because of their lower prices and a stronger Canadian dollar. After 2001, many were traveling for the deals across the border. Starting in 2008 and 2009, due to the parity of the Canadian dollar compared with the American dollar, several major Canadian retailers ran Black Friday deals of their own to discourage shoppers from leaving Canada.
- Prince William
William deployment
Though Major-General Sir Sebastian Roberts, General Officer Commanding the Household Division, had said William's deployment was possible, the Prince's position as second-in-line to the throne and the convention of ministers advising against placing that person into dangerous situations cast doubts on William's chances of seeing combat. These doubts increased after Prince Harry's deployment was canceled in 2007 due to "specific threats". William, instead, went on to train in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, obtaining his commission as a sub-lieutenant in the former and flying officer in the latter—both broadly equivalent to the army rank of lieutenant. After completing his training, William undertook an attachment with the Royal Air Force, undergoing an intensive, four-month training course at RAF Cranwell. Upon completing the course on 11 April 2008, he was presented with his RAF wings by his father, who had received his own wings after training at Cranwell. During this secondment, William flew to Afghanistan in a C-17 Globemaster that repatriated the body of Trooper Robert Pearson.
- Prince Harry
The Lieutenant
On 13 April 2008, when he reached two years' seniority, Harry was promoted to lieutenant.
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Philip was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital
In April 2008, Philip was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital, London, for "assessment and treatment" for a chest infection, though he walked into the hospital unaided and recovered quickly, and was discharged three days later to recuperate at Windsor Castle.
- Francesco Totti
Season-ending injury
Totti suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee during a 1–1 draw with Livorno on 19 April.
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Accra Conference
UNCTAD XII was held in Accra, Ghana, from 21 to 25 April 2008.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike's Campaign at The Earth Day 2008
One campaign that Nike began for Earth Day 2008 was a commercial that featured basketball star Steve Nash wearing Nike's Trash Talk Shoe, which had been constructed in February 2008 from pieces of leather and synthetic leather waste from factory floors. The Trash Talk Shoe also featured a sole composed of ground-up rubber from a shoe recycling program. Nike claims this is the first performance basketball shoe that has been created from manufacturing waste, but it only produced 5,000 pairs for sale.
- Best Buy
U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fined the company $280,000
On April 26, 2008, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fined the company $280,000 for not alerting customers that the analog televisions it sold would not receive over-the-air stations after the digital transition on June 12, 2009.
- Disasters with highest death tolls
Cyclone Nargis
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis was an extremely destructive and deadly tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Myanmar during early May 2008. The cyclone made landfall in Myanmar on Friday, 2 May 2008, sending a storm surge 40 kilometres up the densely populated Irrawaddy delta, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,373 fatalities.
- Huawei
Establishing a Technology research facility in Sydney
In May 2008, Australian carrier Optus announced that it would establish a technology research facility with Huawei in Sydney.
- Colombian conflict
Extraditing the Jailed paramilitary leaders to the United States
In May 2008, a dozen jailed paramilitary leaders were extradited to the United States on drug-related charges.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Tower stopped moving for the first time in its History
After a phase (1990–2001) of structural strengthening, the tower has been undergoing gradual surface restoration to repair visible damage, mostly corrosion, and blackening. These are particularly pronounced due to the tower's age and its exposure to wind and rain. In May 2008, engineers announced that the tower had been stabilized such that it had stopped moving for the first time in its history. They stated that it would be stable for at least 200 years.
- Bank of America
LaSalle Bank and LaSalle Bank Midwest branches adopted the Bank of America
LaSalle Bank and LaSalle Bank Midwest branches adopted the Bank of America name on May 5, 2008.
- Vladimir Putin
Second premiership
Putin was barred from a third consecutive term by the Constitution. First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was elected his successor. In a power-switching operation on 8 May 2008, only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia, maintaining his political dominance.
- Vodafone
Vodafone in Chile
On 11 May 2008, Vodafone sealed a trade agreement with the Chilean Entel PCS Chile, in which Entel PCS has access to the equipment and international services of Vodafone, and Vodafone will be one of the trademarks of Entel for the wireless business.
- Disasters with highest death tolls
2008 Sichuan Earthquake
The 2008 Sichuan earthquake also known as the Great Sichuan earthquake or Wenchuan earthquake, occurred at 14:28:01 China Standard Time on May 12, 2008. Over 69,000 people lost their lives in the quake, including 68,636 in Sichuan province. 374,176 were reported injured, with 18,222 listed as missing as of July 2008.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Tremors in Vietnam
Tremors were felt approximately five minutes after the earthquake in northern parts of Vietnam. The intensity was MM III in Hanoi.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Russia
Tremors were felt in Tuva, no casualties reported.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Start of rescue operations
Persistent heavy rain and landslides in Wenchuan County and the nearby area badly affected rescue efforts. At the start of rescue operations on May 12, 20 helicopters were deployed for the delivery of food, water, and emergency aid, and also the evacuation of the injured and reconnaissance of quake-stricken areas.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Unaccepted offer
Many rescue teams, including that of the Taipei Fire Department from Taiwan, were reported ready to join the rescue effort in Sichuan as early as Wednesday. However, the Red Cross Society of China said that (on May 13) "it was inconvenient currently due to the traffic problem to the hardest-hit areas closest to the epicenter".
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Beijing accepted the aid of the Tzu Chi Foundation from Taiwan
Beijing accepted the aid of the Tzu Chi Foundation from Taiwan late on May 13. Tzu Chi was the first force from outside the People's Republic of China to join the rescue effort.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Ministry of Civil Affairs stated that 10.7 billion yuan had been donated by the Chinese public
By May 14, the Ministry of Civil Affairs stated that 10.7 billion yuan (approximately US$1.5 billion at that time) had been donated by the Chinese public.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
15 Special Operations Troops parachuted into inaccessible Mao County
On the afternoon of May 14, 15 Special Operations Troops, along with relief supplies and communications gear, parachuted into inaccessible Mao County, northeast of Wenchuan.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
UNICEF reported that China formally requested the support of the international community to respond to the needs of affected families
Because of the magnitude of the quake, and the media attention on China, foreign nations and organizations immediately responded to the disaster by offering condolences and assistance. On May 14, UNICEF reported that China formally requested the support of the international community to respond to the needs of affected families.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Largest non-combat airlifting operation in People's Liberation Army history
By May 15, Premier Wen Jiabao ordered the deployment of an additional 90 helicopters, of which 60 were to be provided by the PLAAF, and 30 were to be provided by the civil aviation industry, bringing the total number of aircraft deployed in relief operations by the air force, army, and civil aviation to over 150, resulting in the largest non-combat airlifting operation in People's Liberation Army history.
- Angelina Jolie
Kung Fu Panda
Jolie also voiced the DreamWorks animation Kung Fu Panda (2008), the first work in a major family franchise.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Rescue groups from several countries
On May 16, rescue groups from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Russia, and Taiwan arrived to join the rescue effort.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
China stated it had also received $457 million in donated money and goods for rescue efforts
On May 16, China stated it had also received $457 million in donated money and goods for rescue efforts so far, including $83 million from 19 countries and four international organizations. Saudi Arabia was the largest aid donor to China, providing close to €40,000,000 in financial assistance, and an additional €8,000,000 worth of relief materials.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Praising
Rescue efforts performed by the Chinese government were praised by western media, especially in comparison with Myanmar's blockage of foreign aid during Cyclone Nargis, as well as China's previous performance during the 1976 Tangshan earthquake. China's openness during the media coverage of the Sichuan earthquake led a professor at Peking University to say, "This is the first time [that] the Chinese media has lived up to international standards". Los Angeles Times praised China's media coverage of the quake as being "democratic".
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
The Giving of Love
On the evening of May 18, CCTV-1 hosted a special four-hour program called The Giving of Love, hosted by regulars from the CCTV New Year's Gala and round-the-clock coverage anchor Bai Yansong. It was attended by a wide range of entertainment, literary, business, and political figures from mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. Donations of the evening totaled 1.5 billion Chinese Yuan (~US$208 million). Of the donations, CCTV gave the biggest corporate contribution at ¥50 million.
- Kaká
2007 Serie A Footballer of the Year
In January 2008, Kaká was also named the 2007 Serie A Footballer of the Year, winning the award for the second time in his career.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović
Serie A Footballer of the Year
Ibrahimović scored both goals in a 2–0 defeat of Parma on the final day of the 2007–08 Serie A season to give Inter a second consecutive Scudetto. Overall, he scored 17 goals in 26 league matches, and was named both Serie A Footballer of the Year and Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year.
- HTC
First WiMAX supported phone
In 2008, HTC unveiled the HTC Max 4G, the first GSM mobile phone to support WiMAX networks.
- HTC
The HTC Dream
HTC joined Google's Open Handset Alliance and then developed and released the first device powered by Android in 2008, the HTC Dream.
- Warren Buffett
The Richest Man in the World
In 2008, Buffett became the richest person in the world, with a total net worth estimated at $62 billion.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike acquired Umbro
The company acquired Umbro, known as the manufacturers of the England national football team's kit, in 2008.
- Ciro Immobile
First contract
In 2008, he was signed at the age of 18 for €80,000 by Juventus under the recommendation of Ciro Ferrara. He went on to play with the Primavera formation.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike became The First Company To Receive Cannes advertising Award Twice
The Cannes Advertising Festival has named Nike its Advertiser of the Year in 1994 and 2003, making it the first company to receive that honor twice.
- Banking Frauds and Hacks
Societe generals
Jerome Kerviel is a French trader who was convinced in 2008 for causing trading loss, breach of trust, forgery, and the unauthorized use of Societe Generale's computer. Jerome Kerviel has confessed to the fraud, which was worth $7 Billion at the time. Kerviel published a book in May 2010, in which he alleged that his superiors knew of his trading activities and said the practice was very common.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike sold Bauer Hockey
Nike sold Bauer Hockey in 2008.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike Introduced The Air Jordan XX3
In 2008, Nike introduced the Air Jordan XX3, a high-performance basketball shoe designed with the environment in mind.
- Joe Biden
Post-election transition
Soon after the election, he was appointed the chairman of president-elect Obama's transition team. During the transition phase of the Obama administration, Biden said he was in daily meetings with Obama and that McCain was still his friend. The U.S. Secret Service codename given to Biden is "Celtic", referencing his Irish roots.
- Joe Biden
2008 Vice Presidential campaign
Biden declared his candidacy for president on January 31, 2007, after having discussed running for months prior. Biden made a formal announcement to Tim Russert on Meet the Press, stating he would "be the best Biden I can be." In January 2006, Delaware newspaper columnist Harry F. Themal wrote that Biden "occupies the sensible center of the Democratic Party." Thermal concludes that this is the position Biden desires and that in a campaign "he plans to stress the dangers to the security of the average American, not just from the terrorist threat, but from the lack of health assistance, crime, and energy dependence on unstable parts of the world."
- Marvel Studios
Marvel Animation was incorporated to direct Marvel's efforts in animation and home entertainment markets
In January 2008, Marvel Animation was incorporated to direct Marvel's efforts in animation and home entertainment markets including then animation efforts with Lionsgate and Nickelodeon.
- Microprocessor
About 10 Billion CPUs Were Manufactured
About 10 billion CPUs were manufactured in 2008.
- Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
A Criminal Complaint
In 2008, Bettencourt-Meyers filed a criminal complaint against Francois-Marie Banier, accusing him of taking advantage of her mother’s difficult mental state to deceive an elderly heiress of more than $ 1 billion.
- Marc Patrick O'Leary: Washington and Colorado Serial Rapist (Unbelievable)
Marie
In Lynnwood, Washington, an 18-year-old woman, referred to as "Marie", reported being bound, gagged and raped at knifepoint to police. Following police confrontation about inconsistencies in her story, she said that it might have been a dream and later said that she made the incident up.
- Jacinda Ardern
International Union of Socialist Youth
In early 2008, Ardern was elected as the president of the International Union of Socialist Youth, a role which saw her spend time in several countries, including Jordan, Israel, Algeria, and China.
- Banking Frauds and Hacks
Heartland Payment System
Heartland Payment System a major credit card processor was attacked by a group responsible also for breaching TJX data, a data, an attack that also resulted in other credit card data large thefts. These international criminals were located in several countries. And eventually got caught and one of them was convicted Albert Gonzales was sentenced to 20 years after he confessed to the crime. Albert later withdrew his confession, he claimed that he was at secret services insider during the attack. 130M users lost their personal data. More than $100 million was reimbursed to Visa and Mastercard. The company spent around $140 million to deal with the massive Breach. It cost $3.5 million to settle with American Express, with legal fees amounting to at least $26 million. 130 million users lost their data.
- Bernard Arnault
Princess Yachts
In 2008, Arnault entered the yacht business and bought Princess Yachts for 253 million euros.
- Google LLC
Google announced Its "Project 10100"
In 2008, Google announced its "project 10100" which accepted ideas for how to help the community and then allowed Google users to vote on their favorites.
- Shaquille O'Neal
33 games for the Miami Heat in the 2007–08 season
O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat in the 2007–08 season prior to being traded to the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal started all 33 games and averaged 14.2 points per game. Following the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged 12.9 ppg while starting all 28 games with the Suns.
- Colombian conflict
The Results of a Mitochondrial DNA Test For Emmanuel
On January 4, 2008, the results of a mitochondrial DNA test, comparing the child's DNA with that of his potential grandmother Clara de Rojas, were revealed by the Colombian government. It was reported that there was a very high probability that the boy was indeed part of the Rojas family.The same day, FARC released a communique in which they admitted that Emmanuel had been taken to Bogotá and "left in the care of honest persons" for safety reasons until a humanitarian exchange took place. The group accused President Uribe of "kidnapping" the child in order to sabotage his liberation.
- Richard Branson
Virgin Healthcare announced that it would open a chain of health care clinics
On 10 January 2008, Virgin Healthcare announced that it would open a chain of health care clinics that would offer conventional medical care alongside homeopathic and complementary therapies, a development that was welcomed by Ben Bradshaw, the UK's health minister.
- Colombian conflict
FARC released Rojas and Gonzalez
on January 10, 2008, FARC released Rojas and Gonzalez through a humanitarian commission headed by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
- Disasters with highest death tolls
2008 Afghanistan Blizzard
Afghanistan Blizzard was a fierce blizzard that struck Afghanistan on the 10th of January 2008. Temperatures fell to a low of -30 C, with up to 180 centimetres of snow in the more mountainous regions, killing at least 926 people. The weather also claimed more than 100,000 sheep and goats, and nearly 315,000 cattle died.
- Bank of America
Bank of America announced that it would buy Countrywide Financial
On January 11, 2008, Bank of America announced that it would buy Countrywide Financial for $4.1 billion.
- Colombian conflict
Hugo Chávez stated his disapproval with The FARC Strategy
On January 13, 2008, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez stated his disapproval with the FARC strategy of armed struggle and kidnapping saying "I don't agree with kidnapping and I don't agree with armed struggle".
- Muhammad Yunus
Muhammad Yunus Day
In January 2008, Houston, Texas declared 14 January as "Muhammad Yunus Day".
- Qasem Soleimani
Soleimani looking into the death of Imad Mughniyah
In 2008, he led a group of Iranian investigators looking into the death of Imad Mughniyah.
- Francesco Totti
200th goal for Roma
Totti scored his 200th goal for Roma in a 4–0 victory against Torino, in the Coppa Italia, on 16 January 2008.
- Bank of America
Doubled interest rate
In January 2008, Bank of America began notifying some customers without payment problems that their interest rates were more than doubled, up to 28%. The bank was criticized for raising rates on customers in good standing, and for declining to explain why it had done so.
- Angelina Jolie
Worthy
By 2008, Jolie was considered the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, earning $15–$20 million per film. While other actresses had been forced to take salary cuts in recent years, Jolie's perceived box office appeal allowed her to command as much as $20 million-plus a percentage.
- Diego Maradona
Coach Alfio Basile resigned
After the resignation of Argentina national team coach Alfio Basile in 2008, Maradona immediately proposed his candidacy for the vacant role. According to several press sources, his major challengers included Diego Simeone, Carlos Bianchi, Miguel Ángel Russo and Sergio Batista.
- Colombian conflict
FARC released four political hostages "as a gesture of goodwill" toward Chávez
On February 2008, FARC released four political hostages "as a gesture of goodwill" toward Chávez, who had brokered the deal and sent Venezuelan helicopters with Red Cross logos into the Colombian jungle to pick up the freed hostages.
- Best Buy
Best Buy opened its first store in San Juan
In February 2008, Best Buy opened its first store in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Shaquille O'Neal
The Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal
The Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal in February 2008 from the league-worst Miami Heat, who had a record at the time of the trade of 9-37, in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.
- Virat Kohli
2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup
In February–March 2008, Kohli captained the victorious Indian team at the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. Batting at number 3, he scored 235 runs in 6 matches at an average of 47 and finished as the tournament's third-highest run-getter and one of the three batsmen to score a hundred in the tournament.
- Xanana Gusmão
The Assassination attempt
On 11 February 2008, a motorcade containing Gusmão came under gunfire one hour after President José Ramos-Horta was shot in the stomach. Gusmão's residence was also occupied by rebels. According to the Associated Press, the incidents raised the possibility of a coup attempt; they have also described as possible assassination attempts and kidnap attempts.
- Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Obvious threats
On February 12, 2008, then Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia may target its missiles at Ukraine if its neighbour joins NATO and accepts the deployment of a US missile defence shield.Russia
- Johan Cruyff
The New Technical director at his boyhood club Ajax
On 20 February 2008, in the wake of a major research on the ten-year-mismanagement, it was announced that Cruyff would be the new technical director at his boyhood club Ajax, his fourth stint with the Amsterdam club.
- Shaquille O'Neal
O'Neal made his Suns debut
O'Neal made his Suns debut on February 20, 2008, against his former Lakers team, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the process. The Lakers won, 130–124. O'Neal was upbeat in a post-game press conference, stating: "I will take the blame for this loss because I wasn't in tune with the guys [...] But give me four or five days to really get in tune and I'll get it."
- Raúl Castro
16th President of Cuba
After assuming what was envisioned as a temporary control over the presidency in 2006, on 24 February 2008 Raúl Castro won election as the new President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers during a legislative session held at Cuba's Palace of Conventions in Havana.
- Fidel Castro
Retirement
In a February 2008 letter, Castro announced that he would not accept the positions of President of the Council of State and Commander in Chief at that month's National Assembly meetings, remarking, "It would betray my conscience to take up a responsibility that requires mobility and total devotion, that I am not in a physical condition to offer". On 24 February 2008, the National Assembly of People's Power unanimously voted Raúl as president. Describing his brother as "not substitutable", Raúl proposed that Fidel continue to be consulted on matters of great importance, a motion unanimously approved by the 597 National Assembly members.
- Visa Inc.
Visa announced it would go ahead with an IPO of half its shares
On February 25, 2008, Visa announced it would go ahead with an IPO of half its shares.
- Nancy Pelosi
Pelosi was named Permanent Chair
Pelosi was named Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.
- Microsoft
EU Imposed Fine
The European Union imposed another fine of €899 million ($1.4 billion) for Microsoft's lack of compliance with the March 2004 judgment on February 27, 2008, saying that the company charged rivals unreasonable prices for key information about its workgroup and backoffice servers. Microsoft stated that it was in compliance and that "these fines are about the past issues that have been resolved".
- Kaká
A Contract extension
He signed a contract extension through 2013 with Milan on 29 February 2008.
- Colombian conflict
The Military Operation in Ecuador on a FARC Position
On March 1, 2008, the Colombian armed forces launched a military operation 1.8 kilometres into Ecuador on a FARC position, killing 24, including Raúl Reyes, member of the FARC Central High Command. This led to the 2008 Andean diplomatic crisis between Colombia and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, supported by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.
- John Maynard Keynes
The death of the dream of global free-market capitalism
The global financial crisis of 2007–08 led to public skepticism about the free market consensus even from some on the economic right. In March 2008, Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator at the Financial Times, announced the death of the dream of global free-market capitalism.
- Colombian conflict
Killing Iván Ríos
On March 3, Iván Ríos, also a member of the FARC Central High Command was killed by his security chief "Rojas". In March 2008 alone, FARC lost 3 members of their Secretariat, including their founder.
- Carlos Slim
The World's Second-Richest Person 2008
On March 5, 2008, Forbes ranked Slim as the world's second-richest person, behind Warren Buffett and ahead of Bill Gates.
- Atari, Inc.
Infogrames acquisition
On March 6, 2008, Infogrames made an offer to Atari Inc. to buy out all remaining public shares for a value of $1.68 per share, or $11 million total. The offer would make Infogrames sole owner of Atari Inc., thus making it a privately held company. On April 30, 2008, Atari Inc. announced its intentions to accept Infogrames' buyout offer and to merge with Infogrames. On October 8, 2008, Infogrames completed its acquisition of Atari Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
- iOS
IPhone SDK
On March 6, 2008, Apple held a press event, announcing the iPhone SDK.
- Margaret Thatcher
Collapsing at a House of Lords dinner
After collapsing at a House of Lords dinner, Thatcher, suffering low blood pressure, was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital in central London on 7 March 2008 for tests.
- Francesco Totti
500th overall appearance for Roma
On 9 March, he reached his 500th overall appearance for Roma, scoring the second goal of the match from a penalty kick in a 2–0 away win over Napoli.
- Bank of America
Federal Bureau of Investigation report
In March 2008, it was reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was investigating Countrywide for possible fraud relating to home loans and mortgages.
- Qasem Soleimani
Soleimani helped arrange a ceasefire
Soleimani helped arrange a ceasefire between the Iraqi Army and Mahdi Army in March 2008.
- YouTube
480×360 pixels
In March 2008, a high-quality mode was added, which increased the resolution to 480×360 pixels.
- Jimmy Hoffa
Barbara Retired as an Associate Circuit Judge
Barbara retired as an Associate Circuit Judge in St. Louis County, Missouri, in March 2008.
- Financial crisis of 2007–2008
The Federal Reserve guaranteed Bear Stearns' bad loans to facilitate its acquisition by JPMorgan Chase
March 17, 2008: The Federal Reserve guaranteed Bear Stearns' bad loans to facilitate its acquisition by JPMorgan Chase.
- Mona Lisa
Research in 2008
Research in 2008 by a geomorphology professor at Urbino University and an artist-photographer revealed likenesses of Mona Lisa's landscapes to some views in the Montefeltro region in the Italian provinces of Pesaro and Urbino, and Rimini.
- Galileo Galilei
Nicola Cabibbo announced a plan to honor Galileo by erecting a statue of him inside the Vatican walls
In March 2008, the head of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Nicola Cabibbo, announced a plan to honor Galileo by erecting a statue of him inside the Vatican walls.
- Visa Inc.
Visa sold 406 million shares at US$44 per share ($2 above the high end of the expected $37–42 pricing range), raising US$17.9 billion in the largest initial public offering in U.S. history
The IPO took place on March 18, 2008. Visa sold 406 million shares at US$44 per share ($2 above the high end of the expected $37–42 pricing range), raising US$17.9 billion in the largest initial public offering in U.S. history.
- Visa Inc.
the IPO underwriters exercised their overallotment option
On March 20, 2008, the IPO underwriters (including JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs & Co., Bank of America Securities LLC, Citi, HSBC, Merrill Lynch & Co., UBS Investment Bank and Wachovia Securities) exercised their overallotment option, purchasing an additional 40.6 million shares, bringing Visa's total IPO share count to 446.6 million, and bringing the total proceeds to US$19.1 billion.
- Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth attended the first Maundy service
On 20 March 2008, at the Church of Ireland St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, the Queen attended the first Maundy service held outside England and Wales.
- Visa Inc.
Honor All Cards
On March 26, 2008, the European Commission opened an investigation into Visa's multilateral interchange fees for cross-border transactions within the EEA as well as into the "Honor All Cards" rule (under which merchants are required to accept all valid Visa-branded cards).
- Dwayne Johnson
Non-Wrestling Appearances
On March 29, 2008, Johnson appeared to induct his father and grandfather Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson into the WWE Hall of Fame.
- KFC
First in Cambodia
In Cambodia, KFC first opened on Monivong Boulevard in Phnom Penh in April 2008. Now there exist 7 outlets in Cambodia.
- YouTube
YouTube consumed as much bandwidth as the entire Internet in 2000
It has been claimed, by The Daily Telegraph in 2008, that in 2007, YouTube consumed as much bandwidth as the entire Internet in 2000.
- Black Friday
Several major Canadian retailers ran Black Friday deals of their own to discourage shoppers from leaving Canada
The large population centers on Lake Ontario and the Lower Mainland in Canada have always attracted cross-border shopping into the US states, and as Black Friday (French: Vendredi Noir) became more popular in the US, Canadians often flocked to the US because of their lower prices and a stronger Canadian dollar. After 2001, many were traveling for the deals across the border. Starting in 2008 and 2009, due to the parity of the Canadian dollar compared with the American dollar, several major Canadian retailers ran Black Friday deals of their own to discourage shoppers from leaving Canada.
- Prince William
William deployment
Though Major-General Sir Sebastian Roberts, General Officer Commanding the Household Division, had said William's deployment was possible, the Prince's position as second-in-line to the throne and the convention of ministers advising against placing that person into dangerous situations cast doubts on William's chances of seeing combat. These doubts increased after Prince Harry's deployment was canceled in 2007 due to "specific threats". William, instead, went on to train in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, obtaining his commission as a sub-lieutenant in the former and flying officer in the latter—both broadly equivalent to the army rank of lieutenant. After completing his training, William undertook an attachment with the Royal Air Force, undergoing an intensive, four-month training course at RAF Cranwell. Upon completing the course on 11 April 2008, he was presented with his RAF wings by his father, who had received his own wings after training at Cranwell. During this secondment, William flew to Afghanistan in a C-17 Globemaster that repatriated the body of Trooper Robert Pearson.
- Prince Harry
The Lieutenant
On 13 April 2008, when he reached two years' seniority, Harry was promoted to lieutenant.
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Philip was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital
In April 2008, Philip was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital, London, for "assessment and treatment" for a chest infection, though he walked into the hospital unaided and recovered quickly, and was discharged three days later to recuperate at Windsor Castle.
- Francesco Totti
Season-ending injury
Totti suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee during a 1–1 draw with Livorno on 19 April.
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Accra Conference
UNCTAD XII was held in Accra, Ghana, from 21 to 25 April 2008.
- Nike, Inc.
Nike's Campaign at The Earth Day 2008
One campaign that Nike began for Earth Day 2008 was a commercial that featured basketball star Steve Nash wearing Nike's Trash Talk Shoe, which had been constructed in February 2008 from pieces of leather and synthetic leather waste from factory floors. The Trash Talk Shoe also featured a sole composed of ground-up rubber from a shoe recycling program. Nike claims this is the first performance basketball shoe that has been created from manufacturing waste, but it only produced 5,000 pairs for sale.
- Best Buy
U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fined the company $280,000
On April 26, 2008, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fined the company $280,000 for not alerting customers that the analog televisions it sold would not receive over-the-air stations after the digital transition on June 12, 2009.
- Disasters with highest death tolls
Cyclone Nargis
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis was an extremely destructive and deadly tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Myanmar during early May 2008. The cyclone made landfall in Myanmar on Friday, 2 May 2008, sending a storm surge 40 kilometres up the densely populated Irrawaddy delta, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,373 fatalities.
- Huawei
Establishing a Technology research facility in Sydney
In May 2008, Australian carrier Optus announced that it would establish a technology research facility with Huawei in Sydney.
- Colombian conflict
Extraditing the Jailed paramilitary leaders to the United States
In May 2008, a dozen jailed paramilitary leaders were extradited to the United States on drug-related charges.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Tower stopped moving for the first time in its History
After a phase (1990–2001) of structural strengthening, the tower has been undergoing gradual surface restoration to repair visible damage, mostly corrosion, and blackening. These are particularly pronounced due to the tower's age and its exposure to wind and rain. In May 2008, engineers announced that the tower had been stabilized such that it had stopped moving for the first time in its history. They stated that it would be stable for at least 200 years.
- Bank of America
LaSalle Bank and LaSalle Bank Midwest branches adopted the Bank of America
LaSalle Bank and LaSalle Bank Midwest branches adopted the Bank of America name on May 5, 2008.
- Vladimir Putin
Second premiership
Putin was barred from a third consecutive term by the Constitution. First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was elected his successor. In a power-switching operation on 8 May 2008, only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia, maintaining his political dominance.
- Vodafone
Vodafone in Chile
On 11 May 2008, Vodafone sealed a trade agreement with the Chilean Entel PCS Chile, in which Entel PCS has access to the equipment and international services of Vodafone, and Vodafone will be one of the trademarks of Entel for the wireless business.
- Disasters with highest death tolls
2008 Sichuan Earthquake
The 2008 Sichuan earthquake also known as the Great Sichuan earthquake or Wenchuan earthquake, occurred at 14:28:01 China Standard Time on May 12, 2008. Over 69,000 people lost their lives in the quake, including 68,636 in Sichuan province. 374,176 were reported injured, with 18,222 listed as missing as of July 2008.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Tremors in Vietnam
Tremors were felt approximately five minutes after the earthquake in northern parts of Vietnam. The intensity was MM III in Hanoi.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Russia
Tremors were felt in Tuva, no casualties reported.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Start of rescue operations
Persistent heavy rain and landslides in Wenchuan County and the nearby area badly affected rescue efforts. At the start of rescue operations on May 12, 20 helicopters were deployed for the delivery of food, water, and emergency aid, and also the evacuation of the injured and reconnaissance of quake-stricken areas.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Unaccepted offer
Many rescue teams, including that of the Taipei Fire Department from Taiwan, were reported ready to join the rescue effort in Sichuan as early as Wednesday. However, the Red Cross Society of China said that (on May 13) "it was inconvenient currently due to the traffic problem to the hardest-hit areas closest to the epicenter".
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Beijing accepted the aid of the Tzu Chi Foundation from Taiwan
Beijing accepted the aid of the Tzu Chi Foundation from Taiwan late on May 13. Tzu Chi was the first force from outside the People's Republic of China to join the rescue effort.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Ministry of Civil Affairs stated that 10.7 billion yuan had been donated by the Chinese public
By May 14, the Ministry of Civil Affairs stated that 10.7 billion yuan (approximately US$1.5 billion at that time) had been donated by the Chinese public.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
15 Special Operations Troops parachuted into inaccessible Mao County
On the afternoon of May 14, 15 Special Operations Troops, along with relief supplies and communications gear, parachuted into inaccessible Mao County, northeast of Wenchuan.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
UNICEF reported that China formally requested the support of the international community to respond to the needs of affected families
Because of the magnitude of the quake, and the media attention on China, foreign nations and organizations immediately responded to the disaster by offering condolences and assistance. On May 14, UNICEF reported that China formally requested the support of the international community to respond to the needs of affected families.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Largest non-combat airlifting operation in People's Liberation Army history
By May 15, Premier Wen Jiabao ordered the deployment of an additional 90 helicopters, of which 60 were to be provided by the PLAAF, and 30 were to be provided by the civil aviation industry, bringing the total number of aircraft deployed in relief operations by the air force, army, and civil aviation to over 150, resulting in the largest non-combat airlifting operation in People's Liberation Army history.
- Angelina Jolie
Kung Fu Panda
Jolie also voiced the DreamWorks animation Kung Fu Panda (2008), the first work in a major family franchise.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Rescue groups from several countries
On May 16, rescue groups from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Russia, and Taiwan arrived to join the rescue effort.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
China stated it had also received $457 million in donated money and goods for rescue efforts
On May 16, China stated it had also received $457 million in donated money and goods for rescue efforts so far, including $83 million from 19 countries and four international organizations. Saudi Arabia was the largest aid donor to China, providing close to €40,000,000 in financial assistance, and an additional €8,000,000 worth of relief materials.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Praising
Rescue efforts performed by the Chinese government were praised by western media, especially in comparison with Myanmar's blockage of foreign aid during Cyclone Nargis, as well as China's previous performance during the 1976 Tangshan earthquake. China's openness during the media coverage of the Sichuan earthquake led a professor at Peking University to say, "This is the first time [that] the Chinese media has lived up to international standards". Los Angeles Times praised China's media coverage of the quake as being "democratic".
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake
The Giving of Love
On the evening of May 18, CCTV-1 hosted a special four-hour program called The Giving of Love, hosted by regulars from the CCTV New Year's Gala and round-the-clock coverage anchor Bai Yansong. It was attended by a wide range of entertainment, literary, business, and political figures from mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. Donations of the evening totaled 1.5 billion Chinese Yuan (~US$208 million). Of the donations, CCTV gave the biggest corporate contribution at ¥50 million.