World Events in 2013
Edward Snowden's NSA Revelations
Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked thousands of classified documents revealing mass surveillance programmes by US and UK intelligence agencies. He fled to Hong Kong and then Russia, becoming either a hero or traitor depending on perspective.
Birth of Prince George
Prince William and Catherine's first child was born on 22 July at St Mary's Hospital, London. As third in line to the throne, his birth was a major national event, with crowds and media camped outside for weeks.
Death of Nelson Mandela
South Africa's first Black president and anti-apartheid icon died on 5 December aged 95. World leaders gathered in Johannesburg for a memorial service attended by nearly 100 heads of state.
Boston Marathon Bombing
Two pressure-cooker bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on 15 April, killing 3 and injuring over 260 people. A massive manhunt ended with one suspect dead and another captured hiding in a boat.
Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
Pope Benedict became the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign, citing declining health. Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope.
Typhoon Haiyan Devastates Philippines
One of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded struck the Philippines in November, killing over 6,000 people and displacing millions. The city of Tacloban was almost completely destroyed.
Music in 2013
"Blurred Lines"
Robin Thicke ft. T.I. & Pharrell Williams
The controversial summer anthem was the best-selling single of 2013 in the UK, spending five weeks at number one. Its provocative lyrics and video drew criticism but didn't dent its commercial success.
"Thrift Shop"
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Wanz
The independent hip-hop duo's novelty hit about second-hand shopping spent six weeks at US number one, becoming the first independently released song to top the chart since 1994.
#1 Film of 2013
Frozen
Box Office: $1.28 billion
Disney's animated musical became a cultural juggernaut. 'Let It Go' was inescapable, sung by every child on earth for what felt like years. It revitalised Disney Animation Studios and spawned a massive franchise.
Born in 2013
Prince George of Cambridge
First child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, third in line to the British throne
North West
Daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, born June 2013
Lost in 2013
Nelson Mandela
Anti-apartheid revolutionary and first Black President of South Africa
Age 95
Margaret Thatcher
First female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Age 87
Lou Reed
Musician, frontman of The Velvet Underground
Age 71
James Gandolfini
Actor (Tony Soprano in The Sopranos)
Age 51
Paul Walker
Actor (Fast & Furious franchise)
Age 40
Technology in 2013
Streaming was ascendant — Netflix released House of Cards, its first original series, proving that streaming could produce prestige TV. The PS4 and Xbox One launched, beginning a new console generation. Google Glass was previewed, promising an augmented reality future that never arrived. Vine's six-second videos created a new breed of internet celebrity.
- ● Netflix released House of Cards, its first original series
- ● PlayStation 4 and Xbox One launched
- ● Google Glass previewed to developers
- ● Vine became a cultural phenomenon with six-second videos
Cost of Living in 2013
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £170,000 | $183,000 |
| Average salary | £26,500 | $51,900 |
| Pint of milk | 49p | $0.90 |
| Loaf of bread | £1.30 | $2.65 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.95 | $2.05 |
| Pint of beer | £3.20 | $3.80 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £5.65 | $3.50 |
| Cinema ticket | £7.10 | $8.13 |
Shop 2013 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon
The Zeitgeist of 2013
Selfie culture exploded — the word was named Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year. Miley Cyrus twerked at the VMAs and broke the internet before that phrase existed. Breaking Bad ended its run to universal acclaim. The Great British Bake Off was making stars of amateur bakers. Snapback caps and athleisure were everywhere.
In the News in 2013
Edward Snowden leaked NSA surveillance documents, sparking a global debate about privacy. Pope Benedict XVI resigned, the first pope to do so in 600 years. The Boston Marathon bombing shocked America. Prince George was born. Nelson Mandela died, prompting worldwide mourning.