BEST
OVERALL AWARDS FOR 2013
Breakout
Star of the Year
4. Yasiel
Puig / Jameis Winston (TIE) – In 2013, two first-year phenoms captured the
imaginations of sports fans everywhere. The Los Angeles Dodgers called up
outfielder Yasiel Puig on June 3. Puig immediately set the baseball world abuzz.
In his first week in the majors, Puig hit four home runs in his first five
games with 10 RBIs. With 27 hits in his first 15 games, Puig joined names like
Joe DiMaggio and Terry Pendleton for second most hits to start a career. In
addition, his late game heroics – both offensively and defensively – provided a
spark to the Dodgers that helped lead them to the National League Championship
Series. Meanwhile in Tallahassee, redshirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston turned
college football upside down with a record-setting performance in his first
year for the Florida State Seminoles. Winston led the Seminoles to a 13-0
record, ACC Championship, and spot in the BCS Championship Game against the
Auburn Tigers. Winston’s 3,820 yards and 38 touchdowns were more than enough to
have voters give Winston the 2013 Heisman Trophy – one of multiple accolades.
Off-the-field issues – Puig’s multiple traffic violations and rape charges
against Winston – tarnished both men in the public eye. However, their on-field
heroics earned both men this honor as Yasiel Puig and Jameis Winston emerged as
stars in 2013.
3. Florida
Georgia Line – Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line
emerged in 2013 as one of the top young acts in all of music with their
successful year. Touring with Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan
throughout 2013, Florida Georgia Line played to hundreds of thousands across
the country while their collaboration with Nelly on the remix of “Cruise”
became the longest-reigning number one single on the Billboard Country charts.
That was one of four number ones in 2013 for the duo. Despite not appealing to
every fan of the genre, the success of Florida Georgia Line in 2013 was
certainly undeniable.
2. The Shield – World Wrestling Entertainment tends to push new
talent to the top when they are fresh only to then waste them on reestablishing
the main event status of John Cena, Randy Orton, or Big Show. When I look at
the three members of The Shield, I think they can escape that fate. In 2013,
The Shield scored wins over practically everyone in the company while earning
championship gold and main event status in the process. Dean Ambrose won the
United States Championship in May from Kofi Kingston while Roman Reigns and
Seth Rollins defeated Team Hell No for the WWE Tag Team Championships that same
night. All three men provided those titles with much-needed respect and
credibility. While the future awaits the trio, and chances are high WWE will
drop the ball with them, 2013 was a year wrestling fans learned to “Believe in
the Shield.”
1. Ronda Rousey – “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey brought plenty of new eyes
to the world of mixed martial arts as she blended beauty with brawn inside the
octagon. Known as the best female fighter in the world already, Rousey
displayed her dominance in a star-making performance over Liz Carmouche in her
UFC debut at UFC 157 on February 23. Rousey successfully defended her UFC
Bantamweight Championship against Miesha Tate at UFC 168 on December 28. In
between successful title defenses, Rousey posed nude for “The Body Issue” of ESPN The Magazine and filmed roles for
both The Expendables 3 and Fast and Furious 7. Ronda Rousey became
one of the faces of UFC in 2013 through beauty, confidence, and dominance. In
doing that, Rousey also became the breakout star of 2013.
Feud of
the Year
4. Denny
Hamlin vs. Joey Logano – Animosity between former teammates at Joe Gibbs
Racing erupted in 2013 as Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano became one of the most
intense rivalries in NASCAR. In the spring race at Bristol, Hamlin spun Logano
while the two battled for position. This led to a physical confrontation after
the race. The following week at California, the rivalry reached a boiling point
when Logano crashed Hamlin while the two battled for the lead on the last lap
of the race. Logano finished third while Hamlin finished 25th and suffered
a fractured vertebrate that kept him out of action for six weeks, affectively
ending his championship aspirations. While Logano and Hamlin kept away from
each other after the California incident, there remains no love lost between
two of NASCAR’s young stars.
3. Modern
Country vs. Traditional Country – Country music got in a big fight with
itself in 2013 as the contemporary artists of today fought with the
traditionalists of yesterday and today over where the genre is heading. In
January, Blake Shelton got into a war of words with 87-year-old artist Ray
Price when Shelton said, “nobody wants to listen to their grandparents’ music.”
Price took offense to Shelton’s remark and blasted Shelton (and artists from
his generation) for attempting to change the country genre – something Price,
ironically enough, did in the 1960s. Later in the summer, Zac Brown ignited a
war of words with Jason Aldean after saying Luke Bryan’s song “That’s My Kind
of Night” was “the worst song I’ve ever heard.” Aldean said Brown should keep
his mouth shut while Bryan ignored the controversy. Gary Allan – a country
artist best known for his covers of pop songs – criticized artists like Taylor
Swift and Carrie Underwood for not being “country enough” while Brad Paisley
and Luke Bryan notably joined Underwood in criticizing country radio for the
lack of female artists getting music played on country radio. The genre as a
whole appeared to be in one big fight in 2013 – not as deadly as the east
coast/west coast beefs of hip-hop past but a fight just as divisive and
annoying for fans who just want to enjoy the music.
2. Tiger
Woods vs. Sergio Garcia – While this feud continued to be one-sided in the
results column (Advantage: Woods), Sergio Garcia definitely took the lead in
terms of racial remarks with a 2013 full of comments the golfer wishes he could
take back. During the third round of the Players Championship in May, Woods and
Garcia had disagreements on the course while paired together. Two weeks later, Garcia
resorted to racial stereotypes when he said, “We’ll have him around every
night. We’ll serve fried chicken,” in a response to a question about meeting
Woods at the upcoming US Open. Garcia apologized multiple times afterwards.
Woods refused to accept the apologies, saying they all felt forced and phony.
Considering Woods’ history, he would be an expert on forced and phony apologies.
With their history, this rivalry is nowhere near finished.
1. Liberals
vs. Conservatives – At the root of most fights in 2013, it all boiled
down to one thing – are you more liberal or conservative? This entire notion
seems to be at the root of every major hot button issue in 2013 – gay marriage,
abortion, minimum wage increases, tax increases, immigration policies,
pepperoni or sausage, boxers or briefs, Ginger or Mary Ann. I witnessed more
than my fair share of friendships ending in 2013 over political disagreements
because liberals are playing too free and loose according to conservatives
while conservatives are too narrow-minded for the liberal-minded. The blind
ignorance in both parties allowing these belief systems to ruin friendships is mind
numbing and astonishing. However, there appears to be no end in sight regarding
this rivalry – the most heated of 2013.
Most
Shocking Moment of the Year
4. Kevin
Ware Breaks a Leg at the Big Dance – During the NCAA Tournament, all eyes
were on the Louisville Cardinals and Duke Blue Devils when they met in the
Elite Eight on March 31. Late in the first half, Ware attempted to block a
three-point attempt and landed awkwardly on the floor. In the landing, Ware’s
right leg appeared to explode on television as the 20-year-old suffered a
compound fracture. After the ugly injury, Louisville responded by dominating
Duke in the second half to win 85-63 – another victory on to way to Louisville’s
National Championship victory over Michigan 82-76. While the Cardinals won the
National Championship, the most lasting image of the 2013 NCAA Tournament was
of Ware in a crumpled heap on the floor after one of the most gruesome injuries
in sports history.
3. Gone
Too Soon – Of the many deaths in 2013, four in particular shocked the world
of entertainment and sports. On June 12, NASCAR journeyman driver Jason Leffler
died at the age of 37 from injuries suffered in a crash in New Jersey during a
sprint car race. On June 19, actor James Gandolfini – best known as Tony Soprano
on the HBO series The Sopranos – died
from a massive heart attack at the age of 51. On July 13, 31-year-old actor Cory
Monteith – best known as Finn Hudson on the FOX series Glee – died from a drug overdose in Canada. On November 30,
40-year-old actor Paul Walker – best known for his work in the Fast and Furious series – was one of two
people killed in a car accident in California. Of all of the many deaths in
2013, these four seemed to be the most shocking.
2. Super
Bowl XLVII Goes Dark – Of all the things people will remember Super Bowl
XLVII for, the massive blackout in the third quarter will be the most-memorable
aspect of the game. With the score 28-6 in favor of the Baltimore Ravens, the
Mercedes-Benz Superdome went dark as result of a massive power outage. This interrupted
play for 34 minutes because of the 22-minute power outage inside the dome.
Conspiracies ran rampant following the game – especially with the San Francisco
49ers making a comeback after the power outage to make the game competitive –
and will continue to run rampant. Regardless of if you believe in a conspiracy or
not, the reason does not matter. The fact a blackout happened on the biggest
stage of them all is shocking enough in its own right.
1. The
Boston Marathon Bombing – I remember exactly where I was on April 15 when I
first heard about the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon. I was killing
time in the library at Greensboro College before my World Cinema class. It was
a shocking story – America the scene of terrorism again. The cowardly act of
pure hatred from Chechen brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev ultimately
claimed four lives while injuring 280 others. However, much like the September
11 terrorist attacks of 2001, this terrorist attack only made America grow
stronger. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is in custody and facing federal charges while
Tamerlan already got what he deserved in death. This horrific attack shook our
nation for a moment. However, in that moment, we all became stronger as a
result.
Most
Overrated of the Year
4. The
Royal Baby – Entertainment television remained abuzz regarding the Royal
Baby throughout the first half of 2013. From Kate Middleton’s maternity wears
to possible names, you could not enjoy any entertainment news without getting
beat over the head by The Royal Baby. On July 22, the madness ended when George
Alexander Louis – Prince George of Cambridge – was born at 4:24PM. Of course,
on the same day, Lady Antebellum member Hillary Scott gave birth to her
daughter Eisele Kaye. Therefore, while the world went gaga over The Royal Baby,
I was happy for the arrival of Baby Antebellum.
3. Miley
Cyrus – Miley Cyrus’ 2013 was a well-calculated cry for help and attention
that earned her millions of dollars and more attention than she could hope for
receiving. However, it came at what cost. In an attempt to garner attention for
her music career, Cyrus appeared at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in a
barely-there outfit, twerking against Robin Thicke, sticking her tongue out
while doing her best to get attention for her antics instead of the music. It worked.
Cyrus’ performance was a fixture on entertainment television throughout the remainder
of 2013. However, the majority of people talking were only talking about the
performance – not the music itself. The same is true regarding her video for
the song “Wrecking Ball” – a song worthy of critical acclaim and recognition
instead lost in the joke that is a nude Cyrus riding a wrecking ball. At one
time, Miley Cyrus appeared to have the world in the palm of her hand. Now, she
does not seem to realize that the world is laughing at her, not with her.
2. Duck Dynasty – I cannot think of
a more annoying fad in America right now than the “loveable, God-fearing, Christian,
good old boys” known as the Robertson Family are. Based out of Louisiana, the
Robertson family own Duck Commander – a multi-million dollar business
specializing in hunting equipment and apparel. They are the focus of the
A&E “reality” series Duck Dynasty
– a show setting images of Southerners back 50 years with every new episode. These
men made millions as clean-cut, highly educated Southerners. However, it was
only after they grew their trademark beards and gained an all-camouflage
wardrobe that they become a pop culture phenomenon. In December, the patriarch
of the family – 67-year-old Phil Robertson – showed himself to be racist and
homophobic with a controversial interview in GQ magazine. Sadly, this only led to more support from Duck Dynasty fans too blinded by their
love of silly hillbillies on the television to realize the ugliness behind what
he said, regardless of what biblical verse he was quoting. It appears doubtful
these walking stereotypes will go back into the swamp for good anytime soon.
That is a real shame too because the South will only look worse with these
people as the unofficial representatives for the region.
1. Kanye
West and Kim Kardashian – If there is a more disgusting duo on the planet
right now, I have yet to see them. In a relationship since April 2012, Kanye
West and Kim Kardashian reached an apex of annoyance in 2013 with the birth of
their first child – a daughter named North West and known as “the Kimye” – and West’s
extravagant proposal to Kardashian in front of TV cameras in San Francisco. In addition
to their annoying relationship garnering undeserved media attention, West
continued to show he is the most egotistical jerk in the entertainment industry
today through public feuds with comedian Jimmy Kimmel and the paparazzi, comments
comparing himself to police officers and soldiers, and calling himself “the
biggest rock star on the planet.” Kanye West deserves anything and everything
horrible that could possibly happen to a human being. He is one of the worst
people on the planet. Alongside his bride-to-be Kim Kardashian, they create the
most overrated people in the world for 2013.
Big A’s
Fantasy Babes of the Year
(In no
particular order)
America’s
Sweetheart – Carrie Underwood
Goddess
of the Cinema – Jennifer Lawrence
Heartbreak
Queen – Taylor Swift
Hottest Spokesbabe
– Morgan Smith Goodwin (a.k.a. the Wendy’s Girl)
Sexiest
Sports Duo – Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson
TV’s
Most Voluptuous Vixen – Sofia Vergara
Jerk of
the Year
The
United States Government – With this, I am assuring myself of an audit, my
conversations recorded, and evidence planted against me within the next year.
However, I am saying it anyway: the United States Government was the worst
thing on the planet in 2013. For every good deed achieved by our soldiers overseas
or our first responders here in America, bureaucratic bull crap courtesy of our
politicians overshadowed those efforts.
In 2013,
the government shut down from October 1 through 16 when Congress failed to
reach an agreement regarding a budget the country will not follow anyway. The
Affordable Care Act – a.k.a. Obamacare – passed and will tax millions for not
having insurance. Ironically enough, insurance is a luxury millions of
Americans cannot afford. Of course, when trying to sign up for Obamacare itself
on the federally-ran website, users cannot sign up more times than not because the
website is down more times than a Kardashian in an NBA locker room. Gun control
legislation failed in spite of gun violence increasing. The IRS finally
admitted to targeting members of the Tea Party in order to help benefit the
Republican Party. Edward Snowden leaked information on how the US spied on
allies – damaging America’s credibility with nations like Germany and Brazil. A
cover-up regarding the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya made then-Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton appear ridiculous while adding yet another black eye
to the United States’ global image.
Approval
rates are at all-time lows as the American public is sick of the ineffective
government – all aspect of it. I cannot blame the American people for hating
this government. However, I can blame them for voting these people into these
positions of power in the first place. We all know Republicans and Democrats
equal the best professional liars imaginable. Until our people start looking at
politicians outside of the big two parties, America will continue to suffer as
the government will continue with its revolving door of worthless politician
after worthless politician taking office and collecting a check for a term
before begin replaced with another equally as worthless.
The
United States Government was the worst entity on the planet in 2013 and I am
not afraid to say it.
Superstar
of the Year
Jennifer
Lawrence – Nobody had a more successful year in 2013 than the
brash, outspoken, talented, beautiful actress from Kentucky. Jennifer Lawrence’s
star reached new heights in 2013 as the 23-year-old actress received as much
acclaim for her image as a positive role model as she did for her acting
talents.
Lawrence
started 2013 off successfully with multiple awards – including a Golden Globes
and Academy Award for Best Actress – for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook (The Highlight
Reel’s Best Movie of 2013). Even in victory, Lawrence maintained down-to-earth
and relatable as America laughed with Lawrence when she tripped over her gown
at the Oscars and when she appeared star-struck by a flirting Jack Nicholson. Her
star-struck moment later in the year with Jeff Bridges further added to her
likeability.
Lawrence
topped the box office in November with the release of the critically acclaimed
sequel to The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The
film opened with a record-setting $110 million Thanksgiving weekend haul. In
addition, Lawrence appears primed to add more hardware to her mantle during
Awards Season after an amazing performance in another critically acclaimed
film, American Hustle.
In addition
to her success, Lawrence’s star grows through her generosity and kindness.
Visits to military bases and hospitals to meet with the injured and sick show a
kindness often overshadowed in today’s society of cynicism. Jennifer Lawrence
is the kind of woman parents hope their children look up to as she remains
humble, down to earth, and caring even in a time when the world is her oyster.
In 2013,
there was no bigger star – or a better star – than Jennifer Lawrence was.
THE
FINAL CREDITS for 2013
When I
reflect on 2013, I think about the year as being one of the most challenging
times of my life. However, I also look at 2013 as a year that strengthened
bonds with friends and family while also being filled with wonderful moments I
will always cherish.
I start
Student Teaching in January 2014 – one of the final challenges before obtaining
my teaching license and beginning my career as a high school teacher. Despite
financial worries and concerns – some of which will never end – tormenting my
mind, the truth is that I know this is all just part of a journey I will end as
a stronger individual.
My
mother survived skin cancer in 2013 and is doing better after surgery to unblock
a blockage in her neck occurred in August. Both health scares were extremely trying,
as I do not know where I would be without her. She is my biggest fan and
supporter in this life. Thankfully, she is now okay.
Sadly, I
lost many family members and family friends in 2013 including my aunt Frankie
Kallam, Lemmie White, Chesley Overby, Sammie Lawson, and Mic Grimsley.
I had
many great moments to remember. I will never forget enjoying Rascal Flatts or
falling more in love with Kimberly of The Band Perry when I saw them in concert
in February in Greensboro. In addition, I enjoyed watching Darius Rucker,
Justin Moore, and Jana Kramer in concert in Greensboro in 2013. While I did not
attend a major promotion’s show in 2013, I loved meeting Kevin Steen, Eddie
Edwards, Roderick Strong, and Adam Cole at a CWF-Mid Atlantic event in February
and the legendary Sgt. Slaughter and Don Kernodle at a CWF-Mid Atlantic event
in May. I had a wonderful time at the second-annual WrestleCade event in Winston-Salem
with my friends Stephen, Kristin, Logan, and Doug meeting Demolition, Maria
Kanellis, Brooke Tessmacher, Carlito, and dozens of other wrestling stars past
and present. I took in my first Danville Braves game in 2013. I was in Greensboro
for the home opener and season finale of the Greensboro Grasshoppers – in addition
to seeing them against the Rome Braves and spending my friend Stephen’s 30th
birthday at the ballpark. Late night trips to the cinema to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and American Hustle provided me with
memories as fun as the movies themselves.
I spent too
much time on Facebook and Twitter joking and talking nonsense with friends and
family in 2013. However, I would not change a moment of it. Multiple wrestling
personalities blocked me on Twitter – enough to start a Hall of Shame – in
2013. Meanwhile, I loved sharing positive interactions with Michelle Beadle, Shawna
and Keifer from Thompson Square, Neil from The Band Perry, Matt Hardy, Steve
Corino, Eric Bischoff, Lisa Marie Varon, actor Lucas Black, ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt,
and my favorite driver of all-time: Jeff Gordon.
There
were so many good times that, even outnumbered by the bad, I cannot help but
smile when I think back on 2013. I hope that 2014 will be a better year for me.
I hope it is a better year for us all. I hope that we can find more time to
smile, more time to think, and more time to cry tears of joy and not sorrow or
pain. In conclusion, I hope 2013 was great for you and that 2014 will be even
better.
God
bless.
- Aaron
Goins
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