- Comprehensive health care legislation passed (which has been talked about for 40 years, but never successfully scripted), which to date has engendered mistrust and pessimism, even before material impact could be felt, good or bad; its effect, if any, on massage and bodywork is unknown;
- Significant education reform regarding higher education student aid (not saluted by the Career College Association); a boon for consumer and student-protection;
- A colossal and tragic ecological disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that could take decades to clean up;
- The economy has acted like the car that needs the gas tank additive—fits and starts, too much knocking and pinging;
- The LA Lakers won the NBA championship again (groan).