As we wrap up yet another year in the 21st century, it is time to look back on all that we have witnessed. From the debt ceiling to a near collapse of the American government, this year has definitely kept us on our toes.
We have seen guidos occupying Italy and the 99 percent occupying everywhere else. We caught a glance of the long-awaited birth certificate of President Barack Obama while unfortunately also catching a glance of New York Representative Anthony Weiner’s, well, you know.
This year, the human race has survived some of the most devastating tsunamis, tornados and earthquakes as well as a catastrophic meltdown from Charlie Sheen. We saw the destruction of two of the most terrifying dictators in the world — three if we throw in Bernie Madoff. We lost the martyr of modern technology, propelling Apple users across the globe into mourning. And for a minute there, our aching hearts thought we lost the NBA and the NFL, too. Matrimony was in the air as New York welcomed gay marriage and Buckingham Palace welcomed a new duchess.
Casey Anthony and Jerry Sandusky took the title of “Most Hated in America,” while Arnold Schwarzenegger politely snagged the spotlight from the infamous Tiger Wood scandals by showing America how a real affair is done. Kim Kardashian reminded us all that we never really liked her, and Lindsey Lohan did what she always does best — violated probation.
While many of us get the feeling that we have absolutely seen it all, there are sure signs that 2012 will be just as riveting. Like every year, we should expect the leading news headlines to revolve around money, war and Justin Beiber. Another variation of the Snuggie will surely make it to an infomercial near you. Facebook will change — again and again. And Edward and Bella will find another way to turn two hours of awkward dialogue into 100 million dollars.
As for laughs, we can all only hope and pray that Sarah Palin will take more shots at trumping American history, and Toddler’s and Tiaras will air another season.
We actually have a lot to look forward to — with the exception of the whole “end of the world” thing.
In just a few months, we will all tune in to watch as Michele, Herman, Newt or Mitt take on Barack Obama for the 2012-2016 Presidency. The Dark Knight and Spiderman will take over the box office next year. And as long as there are nouns and verbs that Lady Gaga can transform into costume choices, no red carpet in Hollywood will see a dull moment.
We can also look forward to London being the stage for the always-entertaining Olympic games and for Iraq to be a far away place where our troops are not.
Saddle up, America, because a new year is approaching that will impact our emotions, our lifestyles and our wallets. Whether it will trump 2011 is yet to be determined. But one thing for certain is that at midnight on Jan. 1, we are all in for a wild ride.
Andrea Masenda is a junior journalism major from Denton, Texas.
