With 2012 winding down and the New Year right around the corner, it’s naturally a time for reflection – as well as looking forward – and a quick Internet search is all that’s needed to see just how crazy last year truly was, from hurricane Sandy to the recent presidential election, civil unrest in the Middle East to the legalization of marijuana in a number of states, not to mention the push for equal rights when it comes to same-sex marriage. Controversial issues, all, for obvious reasons, whether one’s debating global climate change; a second term for the Obama administration; how to curtail the outbreaks of violence we’re seeing across the globe; or the decriminalization of a drug that many feel is practically harmless when compared to tobacco and alcohol, two of our nation’s biggest killers.

Looking ahead, on the other hand, it’s obvious we’ll be facing even greater challenges in 2013, from gun violence here in our own country to the looming fiscal cliff debacle. And while your favorite touring hippie would be the first to tell you “The Music Never Stopped,” a look back on 2012 – as far as the biggest news stories go – reads more like “The Madness Never Stopped.”