Msnbc.com's most-clicked stories of 2008

It was a momentous year for news — and with that came record numbers of visitors to msnbc.com. (Thank you for that!)

But what were the stories that users clicked on most?

To find out, we've compiled the top 15 most-clicked pages of 2008. You'll see some of the big stories of the year — the presidential election, Sarah Palin, the raid on the polygamist ranch in Texas, the death of Heath Ledger — and several surprises.

Please note: These figures are for individual stories. Quite often, stories — such as the earthquake that hit China — are updated over several days, meaning that the traffic to them is split over several files. In addition, we have not included such features as slideshows, which attract multiple clicks per visit.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2009!

1. Heath Ledger found dead in NYC apartment
   Medical examiner says further tests needed to determine cause of death

2. Boy’s death highlights a hidden danger: Dry drowning
   10-year-old died more than an hour after getting out of swimming pool

3. Palin disclosures raise questions about vetting
   Alaskans say no one from McCain camp asked them about eventual VP pick

4. National overview of 2008 presidential election results
   Map shows Electoral College numbers for Obama and McCain

5. NBC’s Tim Russert dies of heart attack at 58
   Washington bureau chief, ‘Meet the Press’ moderator collapsed on job

6. Black and white twins born to same mom
   German woman gives birth to boys — one dark, one light

7. Chelsea Clinton asked about Monica Lewinsky
   Former first daughter faces awkward question at student forum

8. President's daughter Jenna married
   Bush calls the sunset wedding at his Texas ranch 'spectacular'

9. You could get your tax rebate by May
   Rebates for families, business tax cuts to boost the economy

10. Families speak about switched identity ordeal
    The Ceraks and Van Ryns discuss their shared tragedy after horrific crash

11. Baby with 2 faces born in north India
    Doctors say infant with rare condition is doing well

12. Texas authorities defend polygamous sect raid
    After four-year inquiry, sheriff says he got legal grounds to act last week

13. Discovery or doom? Collider stirs debate
    Cutting through the hype over black holes and future benefits

14. Girl's twin is found inside her stomach
    Doctors in Greece removed embryonic growth from 9-year-old

15. Bride dies during first dance with husband
    Heart disease claims woman at her own 'Big Fat Greek Wedding'

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