Predicting an economic slowdown in 2008 is about as helpful as predicting a sunrise tomorrow. Everyone assumes it's coming, but there's not much anyone can do about it.

So we won't predict a slump. Or guess whether credit markets will grow even tighter or loosen up. We won't even dare to speculate about which clueless Wall Street titan will throw himself or his wife an over-the-top, in-your-face party that will inflame presidential campaign rhetoric.

We all know that those things are coming. Here are a few developments that may still catch you by surprise . . .

CNBC and Six Flags Create New Rollercoaster:
"Dow Jones Industrials: The Scream Machine."

Positive early buzz over the ride has led to talks about further market-themed attractions, including an upside down coaster called "The Yield Curve Invert-o-rama" and "Crude Explosion," a bungee slingshot ride based on the oil market.

China Recalls Beijing '08 Olympic Medals

Victorious athletes will be asked to return all bronze and gold medals awarded in tennis, badminton, wrestling, and aquatics. The affected medals were produced at the same factory in Guandong Province.

After apologizing on behalf of the Chinese government, the toymaker Mattel will then replace the tainted medals at its own expense. Some of the new medals, however, will also be found to contain dangerous levels of lead.