When I am not working on HuffPost, I run a site called BuzzFeed that tracks the web's obsessions in real time. Here is our 2008 report on the most viral, buzzy web stories of the year. Enjoy!
1. Obama Shirtless
Obviously Obama's victory was an inspirational moment in American history. But history can't compete with the web frenzy that ensued each time Obama was photographed shirtless!
2. Miley Cyrus Half Naked
Obama was not the only one taking off his top in 2008. This was the year that Miley Cyrus replaced Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Britney Spears at the web’s favorite underaged, half-naked celebrity pop star.
3. The Sarah Palin Phenomenon
HuffPost readers will not be surprised that Sarah Palin was a total and complete web sensation in 2008. Web surfers wanted to know all about her legs, her family, her SAT scores, her SNL impersonator, her porn star impersonator, and her beauty queen past.
4. Zombie McCain
Senator McCain was also big in 2008 (although not nearly as big as his running mate or opponent). McCain’s his big online moment came when he transforming himself into a brain eating Zombie.
5. Disaster Girl
Most of the catastrophes in 2008 (and throughout history) were caused by one evil little girl.
6. The Montauk Monster
Still an unsolved mystery - and isn’t it better that way?
7. Throwing Shoes At Bush
The web changed forever the moment that Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at President Bush. Or at least it changed for two or three days as the animated gifs and games flooded the Internet.
8. Lois Feldman
The web LOVES Lois Feldman. Why? Because she had sex in a stadium bathroom during a football game with someone who wasn't her husband while a crowd gathered and cheered. Oops.
9. The Consequences of Gay Marriage Chart
Finally the Internet got a simple chart that clearly explained the consequences of Gay Marriage.
10. The Authentic Women’s Penis Size Preference Chart
Women think this chart is really funny but men don’t seem to like it.
11. Chuck E. Cheese Bands Wants Love In The Club
Usher’s music performed by the Chuck E. Cheese band.
12. Russian Cheerleaders
If the cold war was settled by a cheerleading battle instead of the arms race, apparently the Russians would have won.
And for what is going viral right now check out BuzzFeed.com or the widget on the front of Huffington Post.
