Here’s a look at my five most intriguing individuals of the 2013 this far:
5. Chris Andersen. “Doing what country boys do.” The Birdman’s phoenix-like resurrection from NBA Purgatory after being banned for the last 2 years for violating the league substance abuse policy has been fun to watch. After joining the Miami Heat roster in January, the “Human Canvas” quickly became a crowd favorite coming off the bench providing the Heat with an enforcer post presence that hadn’t been there the first half of the season. The result, a 47-3 record during regular season play with the Birdman flapped his wings on the court.
4. Kim Jong-un “His Father’s Son.” When I think about North Korea’s Supreme Commander, I get this vision of a child on the floor playing with his toy solders, making explosion sound effects with his mouth, and plotting to take over the world. And then Dennis Rodman walks in with a mesh halter-top, yellow pants, and they share a Fresca. That I would say is a pretty accurate description of a North Korean military strategy meeting.
3. Christopher Dorner “An Extreme Manifestation.” If you read Dorner’s manifesto you must come to one of two conclusions: There some truth to what this guy is saying or this this the greatest piece of fiction ever written. For nine days the ex-LAPD officer held southern California hostage as he eluded law enforcement and reportedly killed four people in a self declared war against those who he felt sullied his name. Even after his death by a self-inflected gunshot while trapped inside a burning cabin, people are still speculating why he went to such extremes to clear his name.
2. Jennifer Lawrence “Catching Fire.” Yes we have all seen “The Hunger Games”. And even some of us have seen “Silver Linings Playbook”. She has been all over every entertainment magazine, television talk show, and can be seen accepting awards at every turn but her greatest performance doesn’t come from the big screen. It comes from just being herself. Personality goes a long way in life and Lawrence has shown that off-screen she has a lot to offer. Lawrence makes ordinary people feel like she is one of them even though she is in fact extraordinary.
1. Justin Timberlake. “The New Soul Brother # 1.” Married to a hot actress. Check. Hosting the best Saturday Night Live this year. Check. Dissing Kanye West in song on stage during SNL. Check. 968,000 copies of your new album sold in the first week. Check. How does this guy have any time to soak all this in? It’s easy when you are now the hardest working man in show business.