Another year has passed. As I sit here eating my Chinese food leftovers for breakfast, I’ll share with you my reflections of the year that was 2013.
In January, the U.S. wondered what the hell was going to happen with that whole fiscal cliff nonsense. The crisis was averted and/or the can was kicked down the road until a later date. Big drama from whiney babies.
In February, Chelyabinsk, Russia was rocked by a 10 ton meteor traveling at about 40,000 miles per hour. Although the asteroid caused over a thousand injuries, luckily nobody was killed.
March brought news of two divisive figures in transition. Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez succumbed to cancer after a long political career. Depending on who you’re talking to, he was either a savior or a dictator. The Vatican also saw a new Argentinian Pope when Francis was inaugurated.
April brought tragedy to the U.S. in the form of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11. The Boston Marathon bombing brought death, injury and sheer horror, but what played out in the following days was like a bad Hollywood action film.
On May 6th, a kidnapping victim named Amanda Berry managed to escape her captor. Neighbor Charles Ramsey became a hero and internet meme that day. Turned out that three women were being held by Ariel Castro, who later committed suicide in prison. Guess he couldn’t take being held captive.
June brought some great news for gay marriage proponents. The Supreme Court ruled DOMA unconstitutional and at the same time, declined to take a stand on California’s Prop 8.
On July 13th, George Zimmerman was acquitted for second degree murder and manslaughter for the death of 17 year old Trayvon Martin. Although he has yet to kill again, he has been reported to police for domestic abuse and pulling guns on loved ones at least twice since the trial.
Big milestone for world health in August! A malaria vaccine was reported to have shown promising results in clinical trials. The vaccination may be in use as early as 2015.
Remember that whole Obama threatening Syria and Kerry making some off the cuff comment, then Putin taking him up on it thing? Yeah, that was September 2013.
October. Ah, how can we forget the government shutdown? ^ See “big drama from whiney babies” above. Nuff said.
November. Typhoon Haiyan devastates portions of the Philippines, Vietnam and nearby countries, killing multiple thousands of people and leaving some towns and cities completely destroyed.
December. After countless arguments, scare tactics and hiccups, the Affordable Healthcare Act website is up and running for online applications. I believe the deadline, which has been extended multiple times, was December 23rd, but it’s too confusing to be sure.
