Finally, 2013 is coming to an end. This post will be my effort to list some of the top news in sports and movies throughout the year (not in any order and completely my choice)
1. Sachin Tendulkar Retiring
This was an emotional moment for each and every Indian and possibly cricket lovers all around the world as Sachin Tendulkar bid goodbye to the sport he served so well for 25 years. He played the game with grace both on and off the field and has always been a grand idol for a lot of people. His humility will be his biggest legacy and inspiration.
Notable mention for the year was the retirement of South African great Jacques Kallis.
2. Sebastien Vettel wins 4th successive F1 Championship
Vettel just became an unbeatable force in the second half of the F1 season. He was cautious in the first half and kept pace with Alonso and then took off with no one in sight and won with 2 races still to go. He equalled Alberto Ascari's record of 9 consecutive race victories in a season and Schumacher's 13 victories in total which is a remarkable achievement.
Notable mentions, Romain Grosjean coming out the shadow of Kimi Raikkonen and not being a first-lap nutcase (in Webber's words) anymore.
3. Bayern Munich wins everything
BM won the Bundesliga, Champions League, Club World Cup and the German Cup. They defeated Barcelona (yes the might FCB) 7-0 in the Champions League Semi finals and were undefeated in German league in 2013 while amassing their highest points. 2014 could be another great year for them with the side they have.
4. Different winners in Grand Slams
After some time, I saw a varying list of winners for the 4 grand slams. Djokovic won the Australian Open, Nadal won US Open and as per usual the French Open, and Murray after 77 years gave England its first British Wimbledon champion. Federer lost a lot of ground but being a fan I hope he returns to his best again.
5. Adam Scott wins the Masters
He became the first Australian to win the prestigious tournament defeating Angel Cabrera in the playoffs.
6. Sir Alex Ferguson Retires
Widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history, Sir Alex retired after a trophy laden 26 and a half years with Manchester United. It will be good to see how Man U deals with such loss.
1. Fruitvale Station
Perfect acting all around by the main cast Octavia Spencer and especially Michael B Jordan. Oscar dark horse
2. Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
I did not like this as much as the first one but it was still good. I am still getting used to the 48 fps but the grandeur and detail of the movie was amazing. I watched LOTR again after this movie and kept thinking what the Hobbit's technology is applied to those ones again. Result = Awesome. Cannot wait for the final installment.
3. Man of Steel
Best Man of Steel movie to date. Good acting and directing and awesome soundtrack once again by that man, Hans Zimmer.
4. Star Trek Into Darkness
JJ Abrams said he wanted to make this movie not only for people who are Star Trek fanatics but also for those who had not seen the first installment. And he was right. I had not seen the first part (I have now) and really liked this one. Benedict Cumberbatch will be great actor if he goes on in his current form.
5. American Hustle
I know not many people enjoyed this one but for me it was fun to watch. Its strange how these "based on true events" movies encourage you to understand and read about the actual events too. Same is the case with Fruitvale Station. Another good film by the Silver Linings Playbook director and an amazing star cast.
Rememberance: Just wanted to write my remembrance to all the people who lost their lives during the Boston Marathon bombings. May their soul rest in peace.
Sports:
1. Sachin Tendulkar Retiring
This was an emotional moment for each and every Indian and possibly cricket lovers all around the world as Sachin Tendulkar bid goodbye to the sport he served so well for 25 years. He played the game with grace both on and off the field and has always been a grand idol for a lot of people. His humility will be his biggest legacy and inspiration.
Notable mention for the year was the retirement of South African great Jacques Kallis.
2. Sebastien Vettel wins 4th successive F1 Championship
Vettel just became an unbeatable force in the second half of the F1 season. He was cautious in the first half and kept pace with Alonso and then took off with no one in sight and won with 2 races still to go. He equalled Alberto Ascari's record of 9 consecutive race victories in a season and Schumacher's 13 victories in total which is a remarkable achievement.
Notable mentions, Romain Grosjean coming out the shadow of Kimi Raikkonen and not being a first-lap nutcase (in Webber's words) anymore.
3. Bayern Munich wins everything
BM won the Bundesliga, Champions League, Club World Cup and the German Cup. They defeated Barcelona (yes the might FCB) 7-0 in the Champions League Semi finals and were undefeated in German league in 2013 while amassing their highest points. 2014 could be another great year for them with the side they have.
4. Different winners in Grand Slams
After some time, I saw a varying list of winners for the 4 grand slams. Djokovic won the Australian Open, Nadal won US Open and as per usual the French Open, and Murray after 77 years gave England its first British Wimbledon champion. Federer lost a lot of ground but being a fan I hope he returns to his best again.
5. Adam Scott wins the Masters
He became the first Australian to win the prestigious tournament defeating Angel Cabrera in the playoffs.
6. Sir Alex Ferguson Retires
Widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history, Sir Alex retired after a trophy laden 26 and a half years with Manchester United. It will be good to see how Man U deals with such loss.
Movies:
I will mention my favorite movies of the year. Some other good movies will be left out just because I was not able to watch them1. Fruitvale Station
Perfect acting all around by the main cast Octavia Spencer and especially Michael B Jordan. Oscar dark horse
2. Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
I did not like this as much as the first one but it was still good. I am still getting used to the 48 fps but the grandeur and detail of the movie was amazing. I watched LOTR again after this movie and kept thinking what the Hobbit's technology is applied to those ones again. Result = Awesome. Cannot wait for the final installment.
3. Man of Steel
Best Man of Steel movie to date. Good acting and directing and awesome soundtrack once again by that man, Hans Zimmer.
4. Star Trek Into Darkness
JJ Abrams said he wanted to make this movie not only for people who are Star Trek fanatics but also for those who had not seen the first installment. And he was right. I had not seen the first part (I have now) and really liked this one. Benedict Cumberbatch will be great actor if he goes on in his current form.
5. American Hustle
I know not many people enjoyed this one but for me it was fun to watch. Its strange how these "based on true events" movies encourage you to understand and read about the actual events too. Same is the case with Fruitvale Station. Another good film by the Silver Linings Playbook director and an amazing star cast.
Rememberance: Just wanted to write my remembrance to all the people who lost their lives during the Boston Marathon bombings. May their soul rest in peace.