I agree with all and add:
1. The economy, I think, takes first place because of it's seriousness and how it is affecting us all on so many levels.
2. BHO becoming President - I think most of us look at it as the end of an "era" (Bush) and the beginning of hope in a nation full of so much turmoil right now. I know I do, in spite of how things suck at the moment...hope springs enternal.
3. Don't know about sports, but entertainment I think was a pretty mediocre year, with most media attention going to Britnney Spears and Hannah Montana. The same ol' Jolie/Pitt, etc. I don't know. Then again, I didn't go "see" many movies, so I don't have a broad knowledge this year.
TIS