2013 was a big year! We recap some of the year’s biggest moments in books, music, TV, news and more in our end of 2013 wrap up.
[divider][/divider]Scandal:
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The prompt dismissal of Paula Deen’s cooking shows, books, and merchandise after she allegedly made racist remarks showed that the nation is unwilling to tolerate hatred – at least sometimes.
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A Duck Dynasty fiasco recently took the fans by storm as patriarch, Phil Robertson, voiced racist and homophobic views. While the show will in all likelihood strongly continue, this is a reminder of harsh conservative views that continue to persist in the U.S.A.
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It’s a bad year to be a cook, as Nigella Lawson came under fire for a separate scandal regarding drug use.
- Miley Cyrus twerked her way into the scandalous history books with her reinvented look and latest album “Bangerz.” Formerly America’s darling Disney star, Cyrus transformed herself into a sexy, controversial pop powerhouse. Love her or hate her, 2013 was Miley’s year.
News Events:
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The trial of George Zimmerman who shot and killed the 17-year-old high school student, Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012 in Florida. The case was well-known for bringing enormous controversy to law enforcement regarding racial profiling. After a convoluted trial, Zimmerman was declared not guilty, but has continued to be in the news for various reasons, such as speeding and his divorce.
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Recently, Robin Roberts came out as gay in a Facebook post. Robin Roberts is known as the well-loved news anchor on Good Morning America (GMA), and is also a survivor of blood disorder, Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
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The Boston Bombing in April shook the U.S. as terrorism once again struck a little too close to home.
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The birth of Prince George rocked the UK as the Kate and Wills first child continued the Windsor line.
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Charles Ramsey rescued three women who were held prisoner for years by Ariel Castro. In addition to being an all around great guy, Ramsey also gave the world’s most entertaining interviews and became a darling of the internet as a result.
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World leader and activist Nelson Mandela died this year, saddening South Africa and the millions of people across the world who his words have reached.
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The US government shut down! Everyone said it wouldn’t happen, and then it did. But don’t worry, we’ve thankfully got the US government back up and working again (sort of).
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Wendy Davis took the world by storm and filibustered against the Texas SB5 bill restricting abortions and abortion clinics.
Books:
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“A Memory of Light” by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson: The final installment (#14) in the famous sci-fi/fantasy series, “The Wheel of Time”, that was finished by Brandon Sanderson after the death of Robert Jordan. No spoilers will be given here, but just know that the massive series was brilliantly ended. If you’re currently wading through the books, your efforts will not be in vain.
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“Hyperbole and a Half” by Allie Brosh: Everyone’s favorite webcomic released a book, and it’s basically the greatest. A collection of her best stories coupled with new adventures, the book is an outline of Allie’s life, and makes you stop and wonder how any one person could be simultaneously so exciting and so hysterical.
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“The Cuckoo’s Calling” by J.K. Rowling: Despite her desire to hide behind her nom de plume, Rowling was revealed to be behind the book and copies rapidly sold out worldwide.
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“Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg became her magnum opus on why women should just work, work, work, work and work some more and managed to piss off most people who thought that perhaps the greatest achievement in your life shouldn’t be your paycheck.
Music:
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The National, “Trouble Will Find Me”: The National delivered another solid album full of surreal lyrics and precise rhythms this year, along with a stellar US and European tour and a documentary made by singer Matt Berninger’s younger brother.
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Lorde, “Pure Heroine”: Lorde’s myriad lyrics sung by Ella Yelich-O’Connor, a throaty 17-year-old, from New Zealand are both catchy, original, and a bring a refreshing change to top 40 radio stations. With a pulsing deep beat and lyrics that suggest wisdom beyond her years, Ella offers some catching tracks, including “Royals,” “Team,” and “Ribs.”
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MS MR, “Secondhand Rapture”: Lizzy Plapinger (MS) and Max Hershenow (MR) head up this catchy pop-indie album that features the hit, “Hurricane” and “Bones.” This album calls to be listened to several times in a row to catch all of the lyrics in their entirety and is definitely worth the effort.
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Bastille, “Bad Blood”: The debut album of an awesome UK quartet includes hits such as, “Pompeii” and “Things We Lost in the Fire.” The harmonies this group presents are chilling, catchy, and perfect for a rainy day or finishing up a kickass workout.
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Ellie Goulding, “Halcyon”: British 20-something singer, Elena Jane Goulding, brings a brilliant range of vocals and textures to her music that distinctly sets apart her tracks from others. Halcyon is her most recent album, and in my humble opinion, much better than her second.
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Fall Out Boy, “Save Rock N Roll”: This album is the group’s fifth production, and entered the music scene with the pulsing “My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light Em Up).” You’ll find yourself singing along with the catchy lyrics as you too try to save rock n roll.
- Live performances: This year it seemed like everyone did studio sessions, and did anyone else notice that the BBC1 Live Lounge is killing it? Check out some of the best live performances of 2013 here.
TV:
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“Game of Thrones” shocked us all with it’s bloody depiction of the infamous “Red Wedding,” reassuring us that just when we think we know where George RR Martin is taking us– we don’t.
- “Glee” star Cory Monteith’s tragic death was tough for us all, but never tougher than during the special tribute episode used as a segway into the new season as well as an homage to it’s breakout star.
- We said goodbye to Walter and Jesse as “Breaking Bad”‘s final episode aired in September.
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Shonda Rhimes’ latest show, “Scandal.” Enough said.
- “Orange is the New Black” debuted on Netflix, redefining what it means to be a webseries.
