The Year in Review

This year, a President won re-election, a Korean popstar invaded YouTube, and Kate Middleton, well, owned life. Here are some things you might have missed. Just a note of caution: not everything is fit for Christmas dinner conversation.

1) For those who were able to read beyond what was on your syllabi, 2012 was an interesting year in literature. While J.K. Rowling came back with a new book (did anyone read it?), the best-selling book of 2012 is "Fifty Shades of Grey" by E.L. James. The question remains if this actually counts as literature, but at least it put a spark in your mother's book club.

2) For some reason, people seemed to enjoy the weird, convoluted mouth twist of U.S. gymnast McKayla Maroney. It's up to you to decide whether or not McKayla impressed you, but even President Obama has been rocking the look. Just so you know, McKayla probably won't be impressed by you.

3) We have binders for classes, research, and even for photographs. But 2012 took binders to the next level by putting women in the three-rings. In the second presidential debate, Mitt Romney, in describing his search for female appointees, used the phrase "binders full of women," thereby creating a comedic frenzy and provoking the hashtag #bindersfullofwomen and the Tumblr "Binders Full of Women."

4) Jump off of the Weeks Footbridge, and you get wet. Jump out of a hot air balloon 24 miles above ground, and you must be Felix Baumgartner. Hitting the speed of 834 miles per hour and breaking the sound barrier, this Austrian daredevil set the record for highest free fall.

5) Cory Matthews and Topanga Lawrence Matthews announced that they'll be starring in the Disney Channel's "Girl Meets World," a sequel to the 90s sitcom that will likely teach a new generation of preteens valuable lessons and life-skills. College students can watch the show for nostalgia's sake, but it won't be the same unless Mr. Feeney returns.

6) Americans found true southern hospitality watching Honey Boo Boo, star of TLC's "Toddlers and Tiaras" and "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo." While she may not be the classiest beauty pageant contestant, Ms. Boo Boo inspired us to "holla at dollas" and become coupon queens. Remember that time TLC stood for "The Learning Channel"?

7) Harvard takes on red meat. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health published a study linking red meat consumption with increased risk in mortality, drawing criticism from the American Meat Institute and other scientists. In other health-related news, researchers at Tel Aviv University found that eating cake with breakfast can help with weight loss.

8) What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. Prince Harry engaged in a casual game of strip pool in a VIP suite, and incriminating photos of everyone's favorite member of the Royal Family quickly circulated around the Internet. Talk about Royal Jewels.

9) What a comeback! After a year of crashed cars and unidentifiable white powders, Lindsay Lohan debuted as the enigmatic Elizabeth Taylor in the Lifetime Movie "Liz and Dick." It looks like LiLo is getting back on tra— oh wait, she was arrested last week for punching a fellow clubber in the face.

10) Carly Rae Jepsen asked us to call her, maybe. For the amusement of viewers around the world, the Harvard baseball team punched those digits. In a cover of one of this year's hottest songs, the team lip synced and danced their way to viral video glory. While this may have happened a while ago, here's why you should talk about it: 17 million other people are, too.