Ratings hit record lows in 2011, as the team completed its second straight 8-5 season.

FORBES: BCS Standings Have Notre Dame And Alabama On Top As Networks Salivate

Cancun, Mexico hit record lows just when the experts were there debating how to cure global warming.

FORBES: Real Jobless Rate Double Official Government Rate

Meanwhile, in Indiana, elections officials are nervous that voter turnout will hit record lows on Tuesday, despite a slate of noticeably high-profile races.

CNN: After an early spring lull, primary activity heats up in May

The shrinking of the region's sea ice -- which hit record lows this year -- has created new opportunities for energy exploration in the region.

CNN: Ice floe halts Shell's new Arctic well

And the shrinking of the region's sea ice -- which hit record lows in 2012 -- has created new opportunities for energy exploration in the region.

CNN: Shell: Grounded drilling rig sound and fit to be towed

Despite tighter fiscal policies, Mexico (see article) and Argentina have been hit almost as hard as Brazil by market panic, with the prices of their bonds plunging to record lows.

ECONOMIST: Cracking the Brazil nuts