The 12 Events of 2010
December 16, 2010
This year, we wrapped up the first decade of the 2000s with a bang. 2010 was filled with things to remember: getting adjusted to a new president, rescuing trapped miners, placing certifiably crazy celebrities in rehab . . .and then back in rehab, more new really cool Apple gadgets and so much more. In the spirit of the holiday season, the Vandegrift Voice revamped the Twelve Days of Christmas into “The Twelve Events of 2010”. Enjoy . . . and here’s to an equally eventful 2011.
1 major election
In the 2010 House of Representatives state elections, the balance of power was drastically altered. The balance shifted towards the Republican nomination with a 239-189 majority in the House of Representatives. The Democrats are currently working hard to remain the majority in the Senate 53-46. The Republicans have changed policies including one that could benefit the environment. Republican, Bill Hilty has proposed a bill that would increase the electric rate discount from 300-400 kilowatt hours of energy consumed. While some people may think that Republicans have improved the government, the Democrats have pinned the label of “the part of no” on the Republicans as they have shot down multiple bills in the House.
2.5 months miners trapped
On August 5, the San Jose mine in Chile collapsed, leaving 33 miners over 2,000 feet underground. For 69 days, the miners survived off emergency tools until October 13, when they were brought to the surface. Upon rescue, miners were treated for their injuries, ranging from dental problems, pneumonia and cornea infections from the dust. For several weeks, the miners had been communicating via video, which showed the miners in good condition. They were happily reunited with their families upon rescue, and found much fame and sympathy after they returned to the surface.
3 natural disasters
This year was lousy with earth shattering disasters. In early January there was the 7.0 catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. Because of this, over three million people were affected: some injured, homeless, or even killed. Despite the numerous fundraising efforts occurring all around the world, Haiti is still struggling to rebuild and start anew. In late April the gulf coast was put in jeopardy by the BP oil spill. By the time the leak was fixed in July, over 5 million barrels of oil was swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf is still recovering from the oil clad beaches, lack of fishing and almost no summer business. Around the same time, almost all flights to and from Europe were cancelled due to the Icelandic volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull (and no – we don’t know how to pronounce it). Although small eruptions occurred all year, the main problem happened in mid-April. The air disruption was surprisingly not caused by spewing lava, but from the lasting plume in the air, a blue-black haze. While the conditions lessened, the eruptions were not officially declared over until October.
4 coaches say goodbye to the Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns suffered a heartbreaking season with a 5-7 win-loss record, causing them to not qualify for a bowl for the first time in 13 years. Will Muschamp, the offensive coordinator and head coach in-waiting, announced that he is leaving the Longhorns to be the head coach for the Florida Gators. Offensive coordinator Greg Davis resigned as well as two more assistants, offensive line coach Mac MacWhorter and special team’s coordinator Mike Tolleson.
5 new victims in Taylor Swift’s new album
Yes, Taylor Swift came out with her third album this year, Speak Now, and yes – it is all about crushes, relationships and the always popular breakups. Taylor Swift has managed to sell over three million copies since the October release date, making her album Triple Platinum. Not to mention her world tour dates were sold out minutes after tickets were released. Swift always has something-or someone juicy to sing about, and Speak Now did not fall short. John Mayer makes an appearance in the songs “Dear John” and “The Story of Us”. Swift of course does not outright say who her songs are about, she hints at them in the capitalized letters in each lyric booklet, for her fans to decode. The decoded message for the song “Last kiss” reads “FOREVER AND ALWAYS”. “Forever and Always” was a song in Swift’s previous album Fearless sung about Joe Jonas. Even Camilla Belle, who dated Jonas after Swift, is featured in the song “Better than Revenge”. Adam Young, the lead singer of Owl City is the clue for the song “Enchanted”, a number about meeting someone special for the first time. Lastly, Taylor Lautner is sung about in the song “Back to December”, a reflection on the Taylor squared relationship.
- http://www.billboard.com/events/taylor-swift-announces-speak-now-world-tour-1004130458.story#
- http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/84695/taylor-swift-s-speak-now-album-certified-triple-pl
- http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/ourcountry/67334/taylor-swift-reveals-song-subjects-in-hidden-messages/
6 (G6) Feeling So Fly song
The popular song, “Like a G6” by the uprising band, Far East Movement, hit No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 this year and formerly was the No. 1 single of iTunes. Far East Movement’s Key Nish told MTV News that the song was inspired by his artist rivalry between the rapper Drake. In his song, “Forever,” Drake claims, “I know G6 pilots on a first-name basis.” To one up the popular rapper, Far East Movement decided to sing about the “flyer” G6.
7 Million IPads sold in 2010
Launched in April of 2010, the Ipad was released and is now in the homes of millions of Americans. Ipads has introduced new competition in electronic book readers such as the NOOK from Barnes and Noble and Ebooks. Prices in other electronic book readers have decreased and current advertisements have increased in order to gain back customers from Apple. In addition, the Ipad worries some Americans that traditional paper books will become a thing of the past and the next generation will become too technology dependant.
8 billion saved in two years as a result of healthcare reform
The healthcare reform of 2010 may have sparked controversy and debate, but will save $8 billion for Medicare in just two years. The Affordable Care Act, designed to prevent Medicare fraud, helped save Medicare billions, and is estimated to save $418 billion by 2019. These savings will extend the life of Medicare by 12 years.
9.7 percent unemployment rate
Through the difficult and hard times of this recession, individuals and families have felt the burden to provide and have seen it in cut backs in salary, hours, and even jobs. At the beginning of 2010, the unemployment rate sat at 9.7%, but by the end of 2010 the unemployment rate dropped .4% and is now at 9.3%. President Barrack Obama said that the unemployment rate will go down because the economy is growing and he was right, but it is taking a little longer than expected.
‘10 Vandegrift opened
The Vandegrift High School building officially opened in 2010 and is still in the process of organizing multiple clubs and organizations but has a bright future ahead of them. The school has proved to be a blue ribbon school with its multiple bright students and successful athletic programs. With over 80 students involved in the marching band, it has been recognized with many awards. The dance team has also been recognized for their many talented dancers and will be the opening act for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in downtown Austin.
11 suspected mistresses of Tiger Woods
On Thanksgiving in 2009, celebrated golfer Tiger Woods had a suspicious car accident in front of his home . . . leading to speculation that his wife beat him with a golf club. In the weeks and months that followed, reports broke that Woods had been involved in extramarital affairs for several years. Beginning with Rachel Uchitel, Woods was reported as having at least eleven mistresses, and quickly apologized for his behavior. However, women continued to step forward as mistresses through the New Year and beyond. Woods career suffered after he took a leave of absence to focus on his marriage (which ended in divorce) and was dropped from many advertising sponsors. His wide number of mistresses were reported to be extremely angry after the incident broke, some of which threatened Woods with emails, text messages, and incriminating photos
12 celebrity breakups
As usual, this year celebrities were plastered all over the tabloids. Everyone loves a good break up, and 2010 promised some scandal alongside the broken hearts.
- Heidi and Spencer Pratt have broken up, and make up in the press many times. But this year divorce papers were singed and the couple is over for good…maybe.
- The funny couple Jenny Mcarthy and Jim Carrey split in April after a 5 year relationship, and are said to remain great friends.
- The Taylor Swift star himself, Joe Jonas and Disney celeb Demi Lavato separated after a few months. Strangely, Demi Lavato checked into rehab shortly after the separation due to self esteem issues, and anger management. Coincidence?
- Even Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva called it quits after a brutal fight. Gibson hit and threatened to kill Grigirieva, the Los Angeles police were involved, and soon after a custody battle for their eight month old daughter, Lucia began.
- Long time Hollywood super star Kelsey Grammer, and his wife Camille filed for divorce after Kelsey allegedly cheated on his leading lady of 13 years. Camille Grammer is the star of the new reality show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and Kelsey Grammer seems to have moved on; he is now engaged to Kayte Walsh, and lives full time In New York, far away from his almost ex-wife and kids.
- Burlesque superstar Christian Aguilera and her husband Jordan Bratman got a divorce after five years of marriage, and a two year old son. Aguilera has recently been in the news for a racy photo scandal and a new relationship with her assistant Matt Rutler.
- After a year of movie success, numerous awards and recognition and even an Oscar, Sandra Bullock received the news that her Husband Jesse James had allegedly cheated on her. Within the span of mere weeks Bullock moved to Austin and filed for divorce. Soon after the public became aware that Bullock had created a new life, and adopted a baby boy, Louis, who was born in New Orleans.
- Gossip Girl stars Penn Badgley and Blake Lively ended their off screen romance after three years of being linked together.
- Halle Berry split up with long time boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, along with the break up a custody agreement was put in place for their two year old daughter ,Nahla. Aubry has already dates, and broke up with reality star Kim Kardashian.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20447708,00.html
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20365530,00.html
http://thesaurus.com/browse/broke+up
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20437192,00.html
http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20364464_20364639,00.html
http://www.life.com/image/95851556/in-gallery/41202/2010s-celebrity-breakups-so-far
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/07/12/mel-gibson-tape-oksana-rant/
