The year that was, that is, that will be.

Whenever I reach the end of a year, I look back over the year and only ever imagine the year to be like the previous two weeks of my life. I usually never remember the highlights, the stories, the moments of popular culture that will be enduring through my generation. This year I have decided to take a snapshot at the events that caught my interest (other than the three trips I made to the Guy Bourdin exhibition at the NGV International)...

1. As fast as they became hot property, teen icons Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, became symbolisms of all that was wrong with our society. The pressure of staying 'beautiful' and 'princess-like' seemed to become too much for one of them. With Mary-Kate falling into an eating disorder and allowing the world to realise that the two women weren't as perfect as we had hoped, their 'Olsen Twins' empire (refer to Target) was somewhat tinged with grey this year.

2. It seems that this year couldn't get any worse for the Jackson family. Michael once again found himself entangled in more child molestation accusations. Between raids of his Neverland Ranch, parties at his Neverland Ranch and Jackson Family appearances at court hearings (all wearing white to signify innocence - naturally), Michael managed to find the time to see his fans. After a preliminary court hearing where the Jackson family had accompanied him, Michael created one of the enduring images of 2004, where we saw a musical genius/icon/survivor stand on the roof of his limousine and stir supporters and the media into a frenzy. A stunt which almost caused the family vehicle to be overrun with fans and media and also showed us a darker side of the family, with sister Janet pushing and screaming at reporters trying to grab at her and the family inside the car.

3. One of the most thrilling public battles to be seen in America, with real propaganda being used, was Michael Moore taking on George W. Bush and the American Government. In a movie which rolled all of Bush's mistakes into one big ball of fire, Michael Moore not only displayed his tenacity as a movie director, but also showed the world that no matter how much publicity and money is spent on defaming the American President, American's are downright stubborn and arrogant. If they support George W. Bush, they're not going to see an anti-Bush movie to see the otherside of the story....they'd rather just ignore it. Good try though, Michael.

4. What was with Britney this year? After a marriage (in a Las Vegas Chapel), an annulment (the day after the marriage), another marriage (in tracksuits), a breakdown (with bad acne), a new fragrance (which was bad), a greatest hits album (which was the highest selling greatest hits album buy a female artist in the UK), and 2 #1 singles (in Australia), you'd think she would be tired. Either that or on crack.

5. Janet Jackson & The Nipplegate Affair. Enough said. I won't even go there anymore.

6. 2004 was the year Channel 10 finally attained the rights to 'The O.C.' A show which has, since the beginning of the series being shown on Tuesday's 8:30pm, accumulated a cult following. So much so, that the missing of an episode by a true 'O.C.' fan, would spark freakish and laborious searches of anyone who had taped it. Mischa Barton who plays Marissa Cooper has become a new mini-fashion icon herself with cover appearances on 'Cosmopolitan' and 'Black & White' magazines. We love her. We love 'The O.C.'

7. In a predicament that annoyed the hell out of me, 2004 was the year that music told everyone that 'it was okay to lip-synch and get away with it, as long as you have a reality television show on one of the world's most influential pop culture empires...they'll save you'. Ashlee Simpson was blatently caught lip-synching through a mix-tape mix-up on America's comedic show 'Saturday Night Live'. Funnily enough, it didn't annoy that she was lip-synching, it annoyed me at the light hearted reaction that was given by the music media. Had she not just committed a sin which would more that likely ruin her career? If it were ten years ago, she would have been crucified under Kurt Loder, suffered death and then buried.

8. Beyonce's 5 award haul at last February's Grammy Award's confirmed her spot at one this generations most influential and talented singers/songwriters. Being a fashionable person, it was good to see her wearing a gold dress, so not to clash with her awards. Both her solo performance of her song 'Dangerously In Love' and her duet performance with Prince of 'Purple Rain', 'Baby I'm A Star', 'Let's Go Crazy' and 'Crazy In Love' was a showcase of her professionalism, talent and adaptability.

9. Who would've thought America could survive another bout of American Idol? The final match was between Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo. This season of American Idol was proclaimed as the best thus far. The most talented, the highest quality, and the most exciting. This was evident by the eliminations each week which continued to shock the American audience. No matter who left, it was indeed a shock, but the most memorable night was when the three divas - all earmarked for claiming the American Idol crown, were placed in the bottom three; Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson and La Toya London. It provoked screams of racism, critical reviews and tears from the crowd and the contestants. Fantasia managed to survive all the way until the end, and luckily for her, she was the favourite to win from the beginning. The Finale was a sight to be seen, with all three divas claiming the spotlight in the final seconds of the group medley performance. Congratulations Fantasia.

10. The new Pixar/Disney animated motion picture, The Incredibles. It's seriously incredible. They obviously saved the years best movie until last.