What Happened? 2013 Headline News

Another year has passed with a mixed bag of events.

Depraved individuals

3 women were saved from a house in Cleveland after being imprisoned for more than a decade. The women had been kidnapped by a Ariel Castro who had repeatedly raped and abused the women. Later in the year Ariel Castro was found dead in his prison cell. Reports indicate that he had hung himself later being classified as a "sex act" gone wrong.

A former neighbour of Ariel Castro has admitted to numerous rapes and murders committed 2 decades ago. He has been sentenced to 445 years imprisonment with no chance of parole.

British soldier Lee Rigby was hacked to death after being hit by a car by his two assailants. The two responsible stood around talking to those gathered trying to excuse their cowardly actions.

Loss of lives

Militants attacked a mall in Kenya killing anyone in their way. The Kenyan military arrived on the scene and besieged the mall finally killing the remaining terrorists.

The UN investigated allegations of chemical weapons use by Syrian leader, Assad. An agreement was reached to destroy all chemical weapons.

Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines causing wide spread destruction with an estimated 10 000 people killed and more displaced.

Tornado's ravaged the United States over the course of the year with multiple tornado's killing people.

A New York City commuter train derailed killing 4 people injuring 60 when it ignored speed warnings.

Governments unrestrained

Fear spread earlier in the year when an earthquake in North Korea looked to be caused by nuclear testing. North Korea continued it's Sabre rattling putting rockets on standby after US stealth bombers where detected raising fears of war.

More revelations revealed the extent to which the NSA had spied on foreign nations. Many nations were outraged and approached the UN for a resolution.

Toronto mayor Rob Ford made headlines when he finally admitted to smoking crack cocaine but refused to step down.

The US nearly came undone when political posturing resulted in a shutdown raising concerns overs America's global standing.

Loss of a legend

The year ended on a sad note with the passing of Nelson Mandela. Madiba passed away at the age of 95 with leaders from around the world paying their respects.

Section Summaries

For more stories in specific sections of the news please read the following posts...

Business News from 2013

Sports News from 2013

Entertainment News from 2013

Technology News from 2013

Style News from 2013

What Happened? 2013 Business News

The business world had some nervous moments with politicians getting in the way and wars at breaking point but the always innovative tech world made sure money was made.

Tech world keeps ticking

Bitcoin, the infamous decentralized virtual currency, had a bumpy year with wild swings in it's value. Unfortunately it also suffered a dramatic set back when the Chinese government banned it's use.

Twitter finally made it's debut on the stock market with it's IPO. It wasn't all smooth sailing with the stock taking a tumble after a warning it was overvalued.

Amazon had huge sales come Christmas and gained even more attention with it's crazy drone delivery plan.

Apple released the next generation of iPhones instantly invalidating all previous models having their legions of fans waiting in line to upgrade.

Government, can't live with them...

The business world held it's breath as the US edged closer to defaulting on it's obligations. Eventually the US government closed for business when Republicans refused a budget bill in an attempt to delay Obamacare resulting in nation wide shutdown.

After pumping billions into the economy during the recent recession the Fed's tapering had markets a buzz.

The earlier NSA revelations trickled down to business with telecoms giants admitting to their part in providing the government with access to phone records of millions. Even big tech companies had co-operated from Google to Yahoo and Microsoft.

Bad (for) business?

BP has been trying to cut it's losses from it's oil clean up fines requesting proof of losses which was later turned down by the courts.

Sometimes all it takes is one employee to cause headaches, case in point IAC Communications Director Justine Sacco sending a racist tweet before hoping on a plane to Africa. She was later fired.

The big banks paid for their blunders with JP Morgan paying $13billion in fines for it's toxic mortgages part.

A garment factory collapse killing 175 people in Bangladesh and a fire in a 10 story building raised questions about the west's growing desire for cheap goods.

What Happened? 2013 Sports News

Athlete's proved their worth to claim top honors but tragedy struck too close for some.

Tragedies

The Boston marathon turned tragic when terrorists detonated bombs near the finish line of the event. A man hunt ensued for two brothers resulting in one dying in a gun fight with police and the other eventually being caught while hiding in a boat.

A twisted tale came out of South Africa with Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius fatally shooting his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Oscar was arrested and released on bail until the trial.

The year ended with Michael Schumacher in a coma after a skiing accident with his son.

Cheats

Lance Armstrong finally admitted that he used performance enhancing drugs to Oprah in an interview.

Several soccer players and officials were banned by FIFA after being caught in a match fixing scandal.

A-Rod's association with the Biogenesis steroid scandal resulted in the MLB suspending him. A-Rod has since appealed his suspension allowing him to play temporarily.

Publicity, it goes both ways

After Beyonce's performance at Super Bowl XLVII just into the 3rd quarter a partial blackout sent the Superdome in New Orleans into darkness lasting over 30 minutes. The blackout was due to a faulty breaker.

The Washington Redskins came under renewed attack for it's offensive name with newspapers fighting back refusing to use the name "Redskins"

Still to come

Questions around Brazil's ability to host the 2014 Soccer World Cup rose after fatal accidents during the construction of the stadiums.

Changes to F1 brought mixed reactions from teams with double points and numbers up for grabs.

What Happened? 2013 Technology News

The world of technology kept it's pace with more start-ups making waves with valuations in the billions.

Wares, both soft and hard 

Twitter had a busy year when it finally exercised it's exit strategy by launching it's IPO on the Nasdaq.

Snapchat, the little photo app that could turned down billions from both Facebook and Google.

The consoles wars kicked into full swing with the release of Sony's Playstation 4 and Microsoft's XBox One.

Several tech watches from the Samsung Galaxy Gear to the Pebble smartwatch were released adding to the years wearable tech fad started with Google Glass.

4K TV, also known as Ultra HD, made its appearance instantly making people groan after having splurged on 3D and HD TV's.

Apple kept it's turn around time on track launching the next incarnation of the iPhone in 2 flavors, the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C.

Governments behaving badly

The Chinese were busy hacking away at everyone from the Wall Street Journal to the US Government.
 
Edward Snowden opened the worlds eyes to the NSA's spying on both American's and foreigners through electronic systems.

Space

Astronaut, Chris Hadfield, kept the world entertained with his social space updates leaving the ISS singing the David Bowie song "Space Oddity".

The ISS (International Space Station) ran into issues when a leak was detected requiring shutting down of various elements. 3 space walks were scheduled to replace the faulty pump.

China became the third country to successfully complete a "soft landing" on the moon with Jade Rabbit.

And in an "about time" moment, the US government finally acknowledged the existence of Area 51. Space related? You decide.

What Happened? 2013 Entertainment News

The stars shined bright with notable performances and accolades presented, unfortunately some were taken too soon.

Unfortunate losses

The Simpsons lost writer Don Payne and Marcia Wallace the voice of Mrs. Krabappel.

Many actors passed away this year the likes of Harry Potter actor Richard Griffths and Oscar nominee Peter O'Toole. But the most shocking loss was that of actor Paul Walker who died in a fiery car crash.


Actress Angelina Jolie revealed to the world she had a double mastectomy when she discovered she had an increased risk of breast cancer.

Celebrated moments

The Oscars hit in February with memorable moments from Jennifer Lawrence (Best Actress) and wins by Anne Hathaway (Best Supporting Actress), Daniel Day-Lweis (Best Actor), Christopher Waltz (Best Supporting Actor) and Argo (Best Picture).

The Golden Globes Awards had it all with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosting with hilarity ensuing. The awards came thick and fast for actors Ben Affleck and Hugh Jackman as well as for the ladies Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway.

The American Music Awards saw winners Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and more.

While the MTV VMA's had it's controversial moments the real stars were recognized with wins by Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift.
 

Naughty, naughty

Not all celebrities behaved themselves this year with Reese Witherspoon joining the list of celebrities arrested for DUI and making it all the more special having it caught on camera.

Actor Zac Efron entered rehab for cocaine addiction shocking pretty much everyone.

While actress Amanda Bynes lost the plot acting beyond weird ending up hospitalized and then going to rehab.

And former child star Miley Cyrus resorted to every desperate trick in the book to get attention.

Artsy Fartsy

Street artist Banksy spent a month in New York creating various works. At one point a stall was set up selling "Banksy" art at a steal which later turned out to be real.

Records were made with 2 paintings being sold within days of each other with the Francis Bacon portrait setting a record for $142 million with the Andy Warhol painting bringing in a poultry $104.5 million.

What Happened? 2013 Style News

All the beautiful people were out strutting their stuff leaving tongues wagging and credit cards itching.

Fashion Weeks and Events

New York Fashion Week featured all the big names from Michael Kors to Betsy Jonson. Being New York the crazy creations had to make an appearance and so they did.

Milan Fashion Week brought the likes of Prada, Jil Sanders and of course Armani. Like moths to a flame the celebrities descending on Milan.

London Fashion Week brightened the English weather with Jonathan Saunders, Burberry Prorsum and Topshop Unique. Unfortunately Mulberry had to bow out as they continue to search for a creative director.

With Paris Fashion Week came the end of "Fashion Month" showcasing Valentino, Givenchy, Chanel and more. After the show it was announced that Marc Jacobs would be leaving Louis Vuitton after 16 years.

Victoria's Secret was another over the top affair with gorgeous models strutting down the runway with pop stars like Taylor Swift serenading them.

Other notable events included designers letting loose with Roberto Cavalli claiming Michael Kors copies him. And after some disastrous PR Lululemon chairman, Chip Wilson, stepping down after his comments regarding the companies yoga pants "rubbing situation".

Models

They're paid to look beautiful and that's what they did. Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel won the honour of wearing the years most expensive bra valued at $10 million.

The long legged Karlie Kloss may have the world at her feet but it seems even with all the covers and Victoria Secret Angel title it's hard when you're "too famous".

Miranda Kerr had drama in her personal and professional life with rumour's of a split with her and hubby Orlando Bloom as well as not appearing in the 2013 Victoria's Secret show.

Jessica Hart made headlines after comments she made about Taylor Swift's performance at the Victoria Secret show with rumour's saying she had been fired only to be denied later.

However, Cara Delevingne was the model of the moment grabbing the spotlight taking the title of top model of 2013.

Celebrities

Not content entertaining the world celebrities took it one step further making it all look glamorous. The always fashion forward Victoria Beckham topped the list of most pinned on Pinterest.

Jennifer Lawrence continued her charm onslaught with blockbusters under her belt she also snagged a few covers, even if there was some controversy with said covers.

Kate Bosworth collaborated with Top Shop on a second collection everyone had been waiting for.

Lily Collins famous brows made it on to Lancome campaign as a pretty pink French ballerina.

The ravishing redhead, Jessica Chastain, appeared on the December Vogue cover and landed an endorsement deal with YSL Beauty. 

Fashionable Beyonce ended the year in thigh high boots and a figure hugging black dress.

Space, it's been busy up there

Attention was focused towards the heavens with space agencies going above and beyond.

Jade Rabbit hops into history

China became the third country to successfully make a "soft landing" on the surface of the moon. The Jade Rabbit mission, designed to conduct scientific experiments, was declared a success by China. China has said they plan to launch another in 2017 to collect soil samples to return to earth followed by a mission in 2020 to land a Chinese astronaut on the moon.

Gaia's billion star mission

The ESA (European Space Agency) launched the Gaia mission aboard a Soyuz rocket to "decipher the history of the milky way". The mission is designed to accurately measure the positions and motions of roughly 100 billion stars.

A stroll, at 8km/s, through space

Astronauts on board the ISS will get 3 space walks to do essential repairs to the International Space Station replacing a malfunctioning pump which required emergency procedures leaving some experiments offline.

All talk?

A new robot companion, Kirobo, has taken up residence on the ISS to talk with Japanese astronaught, Koichi Wakata. The robot is designed to process questions and construct answers instead of a pre-programmed response.

Like new

NASA reactivated NEOWISE,the Asteroid-Hunting Probe, after 2.5 years of hibernation. The probe has sent back it's first images in an attempt to find potentially dangerous asteroids or some for exploration.

Who's in the news? Nelson Mandela

Former South African president Nelson Mandela will be laid to rest this week with mourners from around the world paying their respect.

End of a legacy

On 5 December 2013 the world lost a true leader with the announcement of his passing after a long period if illness.

Words of appreciation

Many dignitaries paid their respect from around the world with over 70 making the journey to his memorial. His memorial spanned both the political and social divides with stadiums fulled to capacity during a rainy, somber day.

Communication error

During the memorial a slight incident occurred when the sign language interpreter apparently had a Schizophrenic attack resulting in him making no sense to anyone trying to follow, some going so far as to call him a fake.

Current leadership

While many leaders paid their respects with kind words and were welcomed by the crowd current South African president, Jacob Zuma, was booed by a frustrated South Africa tired of corruption under his leadership.

Body on display

For 3 days Madiba's body was on display at the Union Buildings where he had been sworn in as the first black president. His body was transported daily from 1 Military Hospital through streets lined with mourners. Lines carried on for miles with mourners patiently waiting their turn to view Madiba at peace.

Burial

On Sunday the 15 December Madiba's body will be laid to rest in Qunu, Eastern Cape where he was born and raised.

Tragedies and a second chance

It's been a week of tragedy with lives lost but a second chance for one lucky soul.

Nelson Mandela remembered

Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age of 95. Tributes have poured in from around the world in honour of a man who's legacy has forever changed a nation. As a South African I would like to thank him for everything he did.

NYC commuter train derailed

A New York City commuter train derailed killing 4 people injuring another 60. It is believed that speed played an important part in the accident when the train was recorded as traveling at 82 mph in a 30 mph section of track.

Paul Walker car crash

Hollywood actor Paul Walker died when the car he was a passenger in crashed into a poll and burst into flames killing Paul and the driver. Paul leaves behind a 17 year old daughter, Meadow.

Scottish police helicopter crash

A police helicopter crashed into a pub in Scotland killing 9 people, including the pilot and police on board the helicopter, and injuring 32 in the pub. Authorities have removed the wreckage to try determine why the helicopter crashed.

Ship salvage turns into rescue

A salvage team found a survivor after a ship went down with 12 men on board. The survivor, the ships cook, survived for 3 days with no water or food in an air pocket.