My favorite news stories of 2013

There are a bunch of “Top 10 Stories of 2013” lists floating around the Internet right now, and that’s all well and good. But I have a few favorites of my own – and whether they be for legitimate or ridiculous reasons, here they are.

1. 5,000 people gathering at the Mall of America to sing Zach Sobiech’s “Clouds” in his memory.
2. The man commissioning the crafting of a 12-foot bronze statue to flip his ex-wife and her new boyfriend the bird on a daily basis.
3. The fraudy sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela’s memorial. (See here for an awesome translation of what was actually being signed.)
4. Batkid saving the day.
5. Kim Jong-Un sending a threat of attack by fax. By fax?
6. The Boston Marathon bombing survivor meeting the woman who saved her life.
7. WestJet Airline reviving the holiday spirit.

I tried to get to 10, but the list started to feel watered-down. So there are 7. Let me know if I missed your favorite.