THE STORY TO REMEMBER
Democrats take the House, Senate
Democrats regained power of both the House of Representatives and Senate in the 2006 midterm elections, ending 12 years of Republican domination.
Beginning in 1994, the Republican’s took control of the legislative branch of government in what was dubbed the "Republican Revolution."
As wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continued to be fought, the effect of George Bush’s presidency took a tole on the Republican Party.
President George W. Bush, in a press conference
the next day, admitted much of the blame for the Republicans’ loss of power was on his hands.
"I’m obviously disappointed with the outcome of the election and, as the head of the Republican Party, I share a large part of the responsibility," Bush said.
It was hoped by political followers on both sides a new cooperative with Republicans and Democrats would be formed.
"The message yesterday was clear: The American people want their leaders in Washington to set aside partisan differences, conduct ourselves in an ethical manner and work together to address the challenges facing our nation," Bush said.
Nancy Pelosi, the nation’s first female Speaker of the House, pledged the
same cooperation.
Throughout the rest of Bush’s years, much of the same political divide would dominate Washington.
The Democrats, with their new Senate majority of 51 and 233 House members, pushed Democratic legislation.
President Bush, the last line of Republican defense, resisted.
It was an upset that only continued to fuel both parties’ negative approval ratings.
Bush was continuously called a "lame duck" without his Republican Party to support him in the Congress.
The Democrats were neutered with resistance on legislation the President didn’t agree with, such as federal funds for stem-cell research.
But after four years of Democratic power, the Republican’s fortunes may change heading into the 2010 midterm elections.
TOP STORIES
Pluto no longer a planet
There was once a time when the acronym "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas" made sense.
It was an innocent enough time. Those were the scientific dark ages when we all once considered Pluto to be the ninth planet in the farthest reaches of our solar system.
Pluto was demoted from planet to dwarf planet status after a conference of scientists changed the definition of what a planet is.
Scientists met as part of the International Astronomical Union in the Czech Republic.
According to National Geographic, a planet is defined as an object that orbits the sun and is large enough to have become round due to the force of its own gravity. The site also states a planet has to dominate the neighborhood around its orbit.
Pluto, you aren’t making the grade.
The site explains Pluto isn’t a planet because it doesn’t dominate its neighborhood.
Scientists also know of 44 other dwarf planets in our galaxy.
Textbooks and outdated posters all across the country were forced to be updated.
For those nostalgic for the time when we had nine planets, you can join one of the many related Facebook groups and share your memories.
No more liquids on airplanes
If you’ve been through airport security in the last three years, you may have noticed just how irate those checkpoint security officials are when you accidentally have a bottle of Coke somewhere in your carry-on luggage.
In 2006, a terrorist plot to explode planes flying from England to America was foiled by Pakistani, English and American intelligence operatives.
A total of 24 arrests were made in a plot that would have seen suspected terrorists smuggling liquid explosives on board.
As a result, airports around the country and the world scrambled to implement the ban, forcing millions of flyers to ditch any liquids they may have in their possession.
The move wasn’t without controversy, as those with ill passengers and those with breast milk for their babies were also forced to either throw away their liquids or prove they weren’t harmful.
The ban has since been limited to anything beyond 3 ounces in a clear, plastic bag for screening purposes.
Saddam Hussein executed
A year after his capture, deposed President of Iraq and dictator Saddam Hussein was executed in his country.
The execution took place early Dec. 30, 2006, at Iraq’s Camp Justice.
Saddam was executed after being found guilty for crimes against humanity in an Iraqi trial.
Saddam was found guilty of killing 148 people in a Shiite town in 1982.
Grainy cell-phone video quickly from inside the execution area made its way around the world. The video showed Saddam being moved to an area where a noose was tightened around his neck.
Subsequent videos detailing more of the event also found their way online.
WVU NEWS
– National media attention turns to West Virginia University’s Ruby Memorial Hospital after admitting the lone survivor of the Sago Mine disaster for care.
– The football team wins the Sugar Bowl.
– The daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Yolanda King, visits campus.
– The North Carolina chapter of the West Virginia University alumni association raises $2,000 for Sago mining families.
– Students line the inside of the Coliseum, waiting for a game against University of Connecticut.
– Junior Tyler Bauman is charged with the murder of student Ryan Johnston.
– Legendary actor and Morgantown native Don Knotts dies, aged 81.
– Jerry West, WVU and NBA legend, speaks at commencement.
– State lawmakers may allow the passage of a "user fee" for residents to pay for traffic improvements.
– Bernard Schultz, West Virginia University’s dean of the College of Creative Arts and Sciences, is recognized with the 2006 Governor’s Award for Arts Leadership and Service.
– Brooks Hall begins renovations.
– Black Bear Burritos turns three years old.
– A new right-turning lane is added to the Coliseum designed to ease traffic flow.
– Biometrics program unveils hand scanner for students at the Recreation Center.
– Plans are revealed for an upgrade to the MIX e-mail system.
– Lincoln Hall, the University’s first residential college, opens.
– President Hardesty announces his intent to retire in 2007.
– The Mountaineer Mall loses its Wal-Mart as two stores open at University Towne Center and on Route 68.
– Police state couch burnings are declining, despite football victories.
– Some fire extinguishers on the PRT are not up-to-code and haven’t been checked since 2001.
– Former WVU President Harry Heflin dies.
– Construction begins on a new walkway in the middle of Woodburn Circle.
– President David Hardesty gives his final State of the Campus address.
– Petitions begin for the return of "Wild, Wonderful" signs in West Virginia instead of the Gov. Joe Manchin created "Open for Business."
– Matthew Perno, a student expelled after starting an off-campus fire after the 2005 NCAA basketball games, wins a lawsuit against the University. Perno was not able to be disciplined by the University in an off-campus location, the court ruled.
– Students camp outside local retailers in anticipation of the PlayStation 3 gaming system.
Top 5 Movies (IMDB)
- $423m "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest"
- $250m "Night at the Museum"
- $244m "Cars"
- $234m "X-Men: The Last Stand"
- $217m "The Da Vinci Code"
Top 5 Songs (Billboard)
- Daniel Powter – "Bad Day"
- Sean Paul – "Temperature"’
- Nelly Furtado – "Promiscuous Girl"
- James Blunt - "You’re Beautiful"
- Shakira – "Hips Don’t Lie"
BY THE NUMBERS
$2.59 per gallon of unleaded gasoline
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