The Decade in Review: 2004-2005

2004

The year, like many others this decade, is filled with bad news. In February, the CIA comes clean and publicly states that there never an imminent threat of “weapons of mass destruction” before the U.S. attacked Iraq a year earlier. A phenomenon that turned a college kid with too much time on his hands into a billionaire starts as Facebook is created. In the first three months of the year, there are suicide bombing attacks in Baghdad, Moscow, Madrid, a ferry in the Philippines and Israel, killing over 370 people.

Things escalate further in Israel as helicopters fire missiles at leaders of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The good times just keep rolling as we learn about the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib from 60 Minutes. An era also ends as the last Oldsmobile is made at the end of April. On May 17th, in a win for the progressives, the state of Massachusetts legalizes same-sex marriage.

On June 5th, the 40th President of the U.S., Ronald Reagan passes away. On June 28th, the sovereignty of Iraq is turned over to the Iraqi Interim Government. Later that summer, James McGreevey, Governor of New Jersey comes out of the closet and announces his resignation effective in November.

On September 1st, Chechen rebels take over 1,000 people, mostly children hostage. After two days, Russian forces remove the terrorists, but 335 die and at least 700 are injured. Over the course of a month, four hurricanes cause major chaos in the Caribbean and Gulf. The TV show lost premieres and we learn that the term “flip flop” can be used for more than just fashion.

In November, George W. Bush wins the Presidential election. Colin Powell resigns as Secretary of State, to be replaced by Condoleeza Rice. In December, Oracle and Peoplesoft agree to merge as do Symantec and Veritas. In December, “THE Tsunami” hits southeast Asia, killing over 200,000 (no, that is NOT a typo).

Notable Deaths: Tug McGraw (baseball player), Jack Paar (TV show host), Marge Schott (baseball team owner), Pat Tillman (football player and U.S. Ranger), Estee Lauder (cosmetics entrepreneur), Tony Randall (actor), Ray Charles (musician), Marlon Brando (actor), Rick James (singer), Rodney Dangerfield (comedian), Christopher Reeve (Superman), Yasser Arafat (Palestinian leader), Reggie White (football player), Artie Shaw (musician), Jerry Orbach (actor).

2005

The year starts off slow (considering 2004, that’s a good thing) as the American people are still hung over either from what they drank on election day, or started right after. In April, Pope John Paul II passes away and is succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI. On May 17th, Kuwaiti women are given the right to vote.

In July, four bombs explode simultaneously in London killing 56 and injuring over 700. On August 29th, Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans. Over 1,800 people are killed and the entire Gulf Coast is devastated. The Bali bombings happen October 1st, killing 26 and injuring over 100. The world’s largest bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, is also formed on that day. On October 19th, the Saddam Hussein Trials begin.

Notable Deaths: Johnny Carson (TV show host), Arthur Miller (playwright), Hunter S. Thompson (journalist), Peter Benenson (founder of Amnesty International), Johnnie Cochran (lawyer), Saul Bellow (writer), Peter Jennings (news anchor), William Rehnquist (Supreme Court judge), Simon Weisenthal(Nazi hunter), Don Adams (actor), Rosa Parks (civil rights activist), Pat Morita (actor), Richard Pryor (comedian).

The shopping is over. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas!!!

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