Remembering 2011: Memorable Headlines and Events

2011 was an eventful year from many perspectives. From celebrity deaths, to celebrity mishaps, economic turmoil to box office hits, and celebrity weddings, to local earthquakes — it was a wild ride. We’ve listed some of the most notable headlines and stories of 2011 here.

Charlie Sheen was all about “winning” in 2011 as he seemed to lose control and all sense of rational thinking in 2011. Two and a Half Men booted him from the show, but he continued to rake in the headlines — now quieting down a bit, Sheen is planning his next big “win”!

Kate Middleton and Prince William turned heads and put on a magnificent wedding for the world to see. The April 29 Royal Wedding was truly a fairy-tale come true for Middleton. But the show was almost stolen by her sister, Pippa.

Bin Laden terrorized the world for the last time in 2011, as he was killed by American troops. Nearly a decade after the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil that killed almost 3,000 people, Bin Laden is no longer a threat.

Steve Jobs, the brain behind Apple who changed the world and how we communicate, , died of a long battle with pancreatic cancer in 2011. Jobs is an icon and genius associated with the world of Apple products. Just days after releasing the powerful new iPhone, Jobs quietly passed away — leaving the world to mourn an incredible mind and wonderful individual.  Google reports that some of the fastest-growing searches of the year were  related to “Apple” with “Steve Jobs”  at #9, “iPad 2″ at #10, and iPhone 5″ at #6.

Jerry Sandusky left us all reeling as news unfolded of his crimes against innocent, young children. Incriminating evidence rocked the university and the nation as it unfolded – bringing down with him others in the wake of his transgressions.

Casey Anthony was found “not guilty” of murdering her 2-year-old daughter Caylle — to the shock of the nation. While the majority of the country seemed to thing she is gulty, the jury declined to convict her of either first degree murder or manslaughter.

Amanda Knox fought the legal system in Italy to save her life. She was initially jailed ofr the murder of her flat-mate Meredith Hercher in 2007 but was cleraed following an appeal in October 2011. With a million dollar book deal, she seems to be doing okay now.

Rick Perry forgot which three agencies he would eliminat as President of the U.S., leaving the U.S. citizens to wonder about his ability to lead the country. But it seems that he’s not the only one running an uphill battle for the most coveted office in the world.

Hurricanes, flooding, volcanoes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and a variety of weather-related disasters plagued the world in 2011. There were a record number of billion dollar weather related disasters which claimed the lives of thousands of people. The hottest summer on record in many parts of the country caused serious heat illnesses, and drought-conditions that will take years to recover.

Elizabeth Taylor died at the age of 79. The legendary actress was known for her many marriages, extraordinary beauty, rich lifestyle, charitable contributions, and more. Her death marks the end of an era for the iconic legend.

Gabrielle Giffords made news headlines when she was shot in Arizona by a gunman who opened fire indiscriminately. Six people were killed and Giffords was shot in the head. She continues to regain her strength through rehabilitation.

The Earthquake in Mineral, VA made major headlines locally and across the nation. It left damage in its wake as the quake and aftershocks were felt up and down the eastern seaboard. Millions of dollars in damages, including the closing of one of the county’s schools as a result of damage, made it an economic drain on the area. Fortunately, the damage was to property and not people.

Let us know what you think was the most memorable story of 2011 by leaving a note in our comments section below.

Richmondmom looks forward to another great year in 2012 and we appreciate our loyal and committed Richmondmom.com readers and advertisers. Happy New Year to you and yours!

 

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About RhondaDay
Rhonda Day is a wife, mother and grandmother. Rhonda is a full-time freelance writer. In addition to Richmondmom.com, she also writes for the Examiner Richmond Grandparenting website Examiner.com/grandparenting and many other national websites. You can reach her at [email protected].