(Image – The Guardian, 2013)
2013 was quite an eventful year. We’ve had a royal baby, lost several great public figures, the Pope quit, we were unknowingly chomping on horsemeat and many of us owned a small slice of Royal Mail, to name but a few happenings from the past 12 months.
As the year draws to a close, we present JAM’s most memorable moments of 2013, happy, sad and indifferent:
Horsemeat Scandal (January 2013)
Whilst many turned green at the thought of eating horsemeat, Princess Anne backed the idea, claiming we should be more like the French and support the horsemeat trade. The jury’s still out at JAM towers.
Boston Bombings (15th April 2013)
The runners and supporters of this year’s Boston Marathon were subjected to a horrific attack, as two explosions blasted at the finish line. Sadly, three people lost their lives that day and 140 more were injured.
The Pope Resigns (February 2013)
It’s not often you see a Pope quit, well, unless you were here 600 years ago. 86-year-old Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world with his resignation in February.
Margaret Thatcher (8th April 2013)
Love or loathe her, no one can deny that Lady Thatcher was one formidable woman. On 8th April, at the age of 87, she died in her sleep following a stroke.
Lee Rigby (22nd May 2013)
One of Manchester’s finest was brutally taken from us on 22nd May, when Soldier Lee Rigby was murdered near his Army barracks in Woolwich. We watched the news aghast at the horrific attack. Our thoughts and prayers go to Lee’s family and friends.
Edward Snowden (June 2013)
Responsible for one of the most significant leaks in US political history, National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, Edward Snowden disclosed numerous top-secret documents to the public. The Guardian reported that Snowden would go down in history as one of America’s most consequential whistleblowers. We’re looking forward to the Hollywood blockbuster.
National Feel Good Day (19th July 2013)
This year the UK enjoyed its first official National Feel Good Day, where we shared kind words and compliments to friends and family via Facebook and Twitter. It also helped that it was a Friday and unusually scorchio!
Royal Baby (22nd July 2013)
The world waited in anticipation for the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby. At 4:24pm, Monday 22nd July, weighing in at a sturdy 8lb 6oz, His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge made his entrance and people the world over couldn’t have been happier for the royal couple.
iPhone5 (September 2013)
While it may not have been utterly groundbreaking news, it was nonetheless a memorable moment when Apple launched the iPhone 5s. As huge fans of all things technology, despite our failings in working them, we were excited at the latest gadget on the scene. We even blogged about it here.
Breaking Bad ended… (September 2013)
Leaving all at JAM towers bereft. What a series. Long live Walter White!
US Government Shutdown (1st – 16th October 2013)
Impacting millions of Americans, the 16-day shutdown was the third longest government shutdown in U.S. history, after the 18-day shutdown in 1978 and the 21-day 1995–96 shutdown.
Royal Mail Shares (October 2013)
One of the most famous British privatisations that we were all able to get a slice of. Some Jammers were amongst the 690,000 people to invest in Royal Mail shares.
Miley Cyrus (on-going, still)
There are no words.
Super-typhoon Haiyan – Philippines (8th November 2013)
With wind speeds of up to 170 mph and sea levels up to 20 feet, super-typhoon Haiyan took the lives of more than 10,000 people, leaving millions homeless. To donate to UNICEF and help the victims rebuild their lives, please donate here.
The Selfie
The Internet is now a place for me, me, me, and more me and it’s reported that 53 million pictures have been tagged online with #selfie in Instagram alone. Some selfies have to be questioned though – selfies at funerals Cameron, Schmidt and Obama?! #inapprops
Nelson Mandela (5th December 2013)
After a phenomenal life, achieving what many can only ever dream of, the great Madiba passed away, aged 95.
“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal, which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Nelson Mandela, April 1964, spoken from the dock on facing the death penalty.”
Team Nigella
From Domestic Goddess to domestic abuse, poor Nigella’s had a tough year. Whatever the outcome, we wish her well.
Sports Personality of the Year
Well-done Andy Murray! It’s certainly been Andy’s year with Wimbledon, and all.
Famous faces we’ll miss (in no particular order):
– Lou Reed
And in JAM’s own news, 2013 brought us two coveted gongs:
– Outstanding Small Consultancy (Gold) – CIPR North West Pride Awards 2013
– Best PR Agency – Talk of Manchester Business Awards 2013
From all at JAM, we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a successful 2014.
