I don’t know about you, but 2016 was not my year. Not to be a pessimist, but it almost seemed like a series of unfortunate events, and based on my recent twitter feed, it seems like this is a universal consensus. But I advise you to not totally give up on this monumental year. Let’s take a look back at the year, with the glass half full this time, and see why 2016 wasn’t all that bad.
1. Netflix Allows You To Download Movies
After receiving countless text messages saying your data is all used up for the month, this is something we've all been waiting for. As long as you have enough space on your smartphone, this asset is crucial to your movie watching abilities. Perfect timing too, with the holidays coming up — all of your car, bus, and plane rides home will get full use out of this new update.
2. Historic Oscar Victories
We all know Leonardo DiCaprio has finally won a well-deserved Oscar for best leading actor. However, Jackie Chan also received his first Oscar in 2016, making him the first Chinese man in history to receive the Lifetime Achievement Academy Award.
3. The Cubs Won The World Series
I don't care if you don't like sports, I don't care if you don't like baseball, and I don't care if you don't like the Cubs. THIS IS A BIG DEAL, PEOPLE. In case you haven't heard enough buzz about the miraculous win in Cleveland, I would just like to remind you that it has been 108 years. This is definitely time to celebrate.
4. Women Elected Into Congress
With all the disappointment and frustration over the presidential election, we unfortunately overlooked some of the more positive results. Even though Hillary Clinton unexpectedly lost, women were victorious in Congress this past November. Kamala Harris, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Tammy Duckworth were elected into Senate. Stephanie Murphy and Pramila Javapal won seats in the House, and Ilhan Omar was elected to her state's legislature. Looks like 2017 is the year for the girls.
5. The Construction Of The Dakota Access Oil Pipeline Was Suspended
After months of protesting, the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, among others in North Dakota, are finally taking a break. Thinking about the possible contamination to the Sioux's water supply, the US Army Corps of Engineers has decided the pipeline will not be allowed to pass under a section of the Missouri River, which is only half a mile from the Standing Rock reservation.
6. Harriet Tubman Is Replacing Andrew Jackson On The $20 Bill
Like I said, 2017 is for the girls. After over 200 years of white men occupying the front of every form of US currency, Harriet Tubman will be the face of the new $20 bill. Not only is this revolutionary for women, but also the African American population.
So while we all may have taken a few L's in 2016, there has definitely been some positive things that we should remember. But at the same time, 2017, we're ready for you.
