The Saint would like to give you a brief look back into 2007 and remember what made headlines. Below you’ll find three categories to correspond with our print sections. The following selections were chosen by members of the editorial board.

News

#10 The Surge

President Bush announces on Jan. 10 that the U.S. will deploy an additional 21,500 troops to Iraq. The Iraqi government expresses its gratitude by asking not to be invited to participate in the United States-hosted Middle East Peace Conference on Nov. 27 in Annapolis, Maryland. White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino said Iraqi officials “decided not to come” because they “have a lot of issues on their plate.”

#9 I-35 Mississippi River Bridge Collapse

The Minnesota bridge collapse

Killing 13 people and injuring an estimated 100 more, the collapse of Minnesota’s fifth-busiest bridge in Minneapolis during rush hour raised important questions regarding the condition of America’s highway infrastructure.

In 2005, the I-35 span received a “sufficiency rating” of 50/100 from the U.S. Department of Transportation — indicating that the bridge should be considered for replacement. Out of 104,348 heavily-trafficked bridges (more than 10,000 vehicles per day) nationwide, 4,227 or four percent scored less than 50.

#8 iPhone

Apple’s iPhone

Call it iPod 2.0. Its advance speculation and publicity perhaps only equaled by the Harry Potter series, Apple’s iPhone debuted June 29 to long lines and sporadic violence in the United States (there was not, incidentally, much violence when the wonder technology was released in Europe).

The iPhone has since been named TIME Magazine’s 2007 Invention of the Year. Apple — which has applied for over 300 patents related to its new technology — anticipates selling more than 10 million iPhones by the end of fiscal year 2008.

Coming soon: the iAmSoOverwhelmedByAllThis”Simplifying”Technology…

#7 Larry Craig

Larry Craig

Just when conservatives and evangelicals alike thought their political fortunes couldn’t get any worse, the Democrats swept into Congress at the end of 2006 and then, well, 2007 happened. No one politician embodies flagrant Washington sleaze more than Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho). Arrested in June in a Minneapolis airport for attempting to solicit an undercover officer, the senator promised to resign…but didn’t.

His case is currently under review by the Senate Ethics Committee. Senator Craig is not alone, however. At least 15 current members of Congress - and at least nine former lawmakers — are under investigation for ethics violations.

#6 The Cold War Heats Up (Again)

Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin is insane. That’s basically it — oh yeah, except for the minor detail that he is coldly brilliant: an extraordinarily manipulative, modern Machiavelli. Also, incidentally, he’s pissed — and with the American dollar at record lows and our military overstretched, the United States is in no position to dock the Russian president’s allowance.

In 2007, Putin all but declared another arms race against the United States, supported Iran’s ambiguous nuclear ambitions, and cracked down on political opposition within his own country. Ranked as TIME Magazine’s 2007 Person of the Year, Putin will “step down” from the presidency in May of 2008 and assume duties as Russia’s prime minister. Man, demotions are rough…

#5 The Crumpled American Dollar

2007 witnessed the ultimate slap in the face to American arrogance as the United States dollar was surpassed in value by both the Euro and, briefly, the Canadian dollar. December brought Europeans to the United States — particularly New York City — in greater numbers than anything recent history has seen as, for the first time since America’s founding, they enjoyed bargain shopping and exceptionally low travel costs. Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan has predicted that the U.S. dollar will continue to decline as foreign countries divest their reserves of U.S. currency and seek out more lucrative alternatives (such as the Euro). Looks like it’s not “all about the Benjamins…”

#4 Myanmar: The Revolution That Wasn’t

August 15 marked the beginning of ongoing demonstrations against the military government of Myanmar by thousands of Buddhist monks and nuns. Facing peaceful marches of more than 20,000 protesters, the government initiated a violent crackdown that has drawn attention to the geographically large but little known southeast Asian nation. Despite the military’s cutting of internet service and frequent denials, by October thousands of monks were unaccounted for, and eyewitness accounts report Burmese security forces burning protesters alive in a crematorium outside Rangoon. How many more Darfurs and Myanmars will it take before someone notices…

#3 Massacre at Virginia Tech

The Virginia Tech tragedy killed 32

On April 15, a young student shot and killed 32 people at the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia — the deadliest school shooting in United States history. The massacre ignited a hail of controversy and criticism surrounding the culture of violence in America. Virginia Governor Tim Kaine issued a stern warning following the shootings: “To those who want to make this into some sort of crusade,” he said, “I say take this elsewhere.”

#2 California Wildfires

The California Wildfires

Half global warming, half bad luck and 100% human stupidity, wildfires raged this past summer across terrain humans were never intended to inhabit. More than 500,000 acres were burned and thousands of homes were either damaged or completely destroyed.

The number of people evacuated is estimated to have exceeded the number that fled Louisiana and Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina. In the wake of October’s extraordinary fires, controversy ignited over national wildfire prevention policy. Arson is suspected in some cases, and in one instance, a 10-year-old boy has admitted to starting the fire while playing with matches..

#1 Crisis in Pakistan

As if the year weren’t tragic enough already, December 27 witnessed the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan and leader of the opposition to President Pervez Musharraf. Bhutto was killed in a shooting and suicide bombing at a political rally that killed roughly 20 additional people. Her death has plunged an already fractured Pakistan into chaos, threatening to destabilize the broader Middle East as fundamentalists attempt to seize power in a nuclear-armed state.

The assassination, its consequent rioting and political turmoil are certain to create a major policy headache for President Bush — and the 2008 candidates — into the new year and beyond.

Culture

#10 Sequels have a mixed showing in theaters

“Spider-Man 3″ and “Shrek 3″ were among box office disappointments this summer.

Spidey, Shrek and Jack Sparrow return for a third round, but none live up to their trilogy’s promise at the box office, much to the disappointment those who paid the returning stars major bucks. Danny “Ocean’s 13″ and Jason Bourne’s Ultimatum fared much better, even if they weren’t as popular as Optimus Prime, McLovin’ or the insanely ripped boys in “300.”

#9 Reality shows take a turn toward awkward

Simon Cowell tells a young man auditioning for American Idol that he looks like a “bush baby.” Can’t even blame foreign faux pas on that one. “The Bachelor” chooses neither girl and uses the “it’s not you, it’s me” line. Bisexual Tila Tequila chooses male Bobby over female Dani.

#8 Harry Potter comes to a close

The seventh and final installment of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter saga is published and released to the delight of avid fans who also found out that Rowling’s character Dumbledore was gay.

#7 Halo 3

Halo 3 is released in September, preceded by its own honorary flavor of Mountain Dew — Game Fuel.

#6 Travolta shows off dance moves

John Travolta in “Hairspray.”

John Travolta becomes a overweight woman for “Hairspray,” yet is seen kissing a man full on the mouth well off-set while on the steps of his private plane.

#5 Writers on Strike

The Writers Guild of America strike is still going strong two months in and is expected to continue into the new year. All scripted Hollywood shows, except for October Road, were expected to be shut down by Dec. 19 but many are continuing on without writers and many staff members.

The last such strike, occurring in 1988, lasted just under 22 weeks and cost the American entertainment industry an estimated $500 million.

#4 Switching up the Price

Bob Barker retires and funny man Drew Carey takes the microphone for “The Price is Right,” wheel and pet population in hand — suggesting that his price was just right.

#3 Doh!

“The Simpsons Movie”

“The Simpsons Movie” is released in July with a tag line “See our family. Feel better about yours.”

For those who want to feel like part of the yellow family, Burger King sponsors simpsonizeme.com, a website in 6 different languages that allows users to upload a photo and explore virtual Springfield.

#2 Anna Nicole Smith’s death

Anna Nicole Smith dies in February — her Playboy and gold-digger history falling to the wayside as the public reacts with genuine shock at her unexpectedly tragic death and with sympathy for her baby girl “up for grabs” between two wannabe fathers.

#1 Drama escalates…in the real world

Britney Spears finally proves everyone correct in assuming that she is certifiably nuts by shaving her head completely bald. After losing custody of her two young boys for repeatedly putting them in immediate danger, she still attempted a rousing, redneck comeback, proof that money really can attempt to fix any “oops” the rest of us mere mortals may face.

Paris Hilton spends 23 days in jail for violating her probation for reckless driving — and says she spent the time reading her Bible.

Finally, Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington repeats a gay slur directed at one of his co-stars at the Golden Globes, effectively getting himself written off the show and causing much of the once-loved show’s developing plot lines to fall under the knife.

Sports

#10 Mitchell Report causes a stir with Roger

Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens is named in the Mitchell Report, as is teammate Andy Petitte. Both players deny any usage, further continuing the confusion and madness of the steroid investigation. The Mitchell Report is seen as a “media frenzy,” and so far no action has been taken by the league with the players who were named.

#9 Lions start out 6-2, then lose it

In typical Lions fashion, the team starts out with an amazing 6-2 record, only to finish the season with a subpar 7-9 record. Furthermore, offensive coordinator Mike Martz is fired after a last game loss to the Packers.

#8 Boise sets the tone for college football upsets

On the very first day of the year, Boise State set the tone for all college football underdogs in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma. Boise came from behind converting a long fourth down with a hook-and-ladder to keep the final drive of the game going. After getting a touchdown as time was running out, Boise used a Statue of Liberty play to convert for two points and win the game — one of the biggest bowl upsets ever.

#7 Seminoles lose players for bowl game due to cheating

The Florida State football team was up to ‘nole good as a large academic cheating scandal came to light before their bowl game versus Kentucky. The Seminoles traveled to the bowl minus over three dozen of their players.

#6 Verlander throws a no-hitter for the Tigers

Justin Verlander threw a no-hitter in a 4-0 win over Milwaukee.

In a 4-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander threw a no-hitter — something that hadn’t been done in a Tigers’ uniform since 1984. Verlander threw 12 strikeouts and walked four in the win. “It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” the 2006 AL Rookie of the Year said.

After the game, manager Jim Leyland said, “I’m very happy for him, happy for the team, happy for the fans to see something special.”

#5 Controversy on the Airwaves

Don Imus’s “nappy-headed hos” racial slur directed towards the Rutgers women’s basketball team. ‘Nuff said, yo.

#4 Patriots caught cheating, go 16-0 anyways

The New England Patriots were caught videotaping play signals by their first week opponent, the New York Jets. After heavy fines from the NFL, the Pats still go on to win all their games during the regular season, being compared with the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who went 14-0 in the regular season with a Super Bowl win.

#3 Big Ten Network

Big Ten Network

The Big Ten (partnered with Fox Sports) comes out with their own network in August, hosting a bunch of Michigan and Michigan State football games that can’t be seen on cable anywhere across the state. The trend looks to continue through the college basketball season as well.

#2 Bonds and Vick face the feds

Before the Mitchell Report even came out, the U.S. government decided to indict slugger Barry Bonds for his role in the steroids controversy present in Major League Baseball. Bonds still denies any steroid usage or that he lied to federal prosecutors.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick blew his chance at becoming an NFL superstar, and got sentenced in December to 23 months in prison for his role in dog fighting and killing. Vick is still awaiting charges from the state of Virginia.

#1 Michigan upset in the Big House by Appalachian State

The maize and blue were defeated by the Mountaineers, 34-32.

We all remember that first Saturday football game for the maize and blue. The game can be summed up with a field goal block in the closing seconds, sending Appalachian State players and coaches to the field in excitement with a 34-32 win.

Michigan would go on to lose the next week to Oregon, killing their national championship hopes. The game was and still is known as one of the greatest upsets in college football history.

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