The Year of the YOLO

By CHRISTINE COLLERAN

Updated: December 9, 2012, 3:20 PM

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I have heard the rumors. 2012, end of the world type stuff. There’s been whisperings of a Zombie Apocalypse. And we mustn’t forget that Mayan calendar predicting all sorts of cataclysmic events. I want you all to rest assured that should the world end, we have accomplished a lot this year. Let’s take a look back at the year of the YOLO…

To start things off, Snooki (of Jersey Shore fame…shame?) had a baby. Some of you may very well believe this falls under the Mayan calendar “cataclysmic events” category. I would have to agree. I can only wonder how long it will take before she tries to spray tan her son.

In technology this year, Apple released the iPhone 5- and all of the self-proclaimed Apple junkies promptly peed their pants. On the flip side, Samsung released the competitive Galaxy phone, along with a particularly strategic commercial that managed to give Apple the finger. Yes, that finger. (It’s worth a quick trip to YouTube if you have yet to experience the hilarity).

You have probably forgotten, but we also had a presidential election in 2012. Both sides fought dirty, people lost Facebook friends, and Big Bird was dragged into things. President Obama secured the re-election, and immediately tweeted a picture of himself hugging his wife that went viral. Our president tweets.

Oh yeah, and so does the Pope…

Athletically speaking, we watched the London Olympics a few hours after we had all found out who won the day’s events (tape delay – grrr, NBC). The United States came out on top, beating China (You can dive, but we can do everything else! Hah!). The U.S. was not quite as successful in the apparel department; however, putting forth what could possibly be deemed the worst opening ceremony uniforms. Of all time. Oh well, can’t win ‘em all.

In music, well, we had quite the year. Drake (a.k.a. Jimmy from Degrassi) popularized the word YOLO (you only live once) and subsequently caused college students all over the country to do ridiculously stupid things with their one life. Also, the South-Korean artist PSY released the song Gangnam Style, and it’s accompanying video went viral like a bad flu. Trust me, everyone and your grandmother knows the dance. Oh…she knows it.

Finally, if there is any proof that the Mayans were right with their apocalypse theories, it is the “Honey Boo Boo” reality show. That sad excuse for entertainment murders the only brain cells we have left after the whole YOLO debacle. I am an admitted reality television junkie, and I even I can’t stomach Honey Boo Boo.

All joking aside, we are so lucky to live in a country where we can have a year like this, where we can buy an iPhone 5, or watch Honey Boo Boo…if we must. We are alive, well, and free to do as we please. As we move into 2013 (provided the Mayans are wrong and we can defeat the Zombies), lets make sure to remember how lucky we Grand Valley students truly are.
ccolleran@lanthorn.com

Published December 9, 2012 Editorial