2016 was a curious year, to put it mildly. And it didn’t work out so well for everyone. So here are 17 topics that might peek your curiosity, and hopefully a curious mindset will help to make 2017 a peak year.

• Razor commercials must go through a lot of actors. One mistake shaving and they’re done. Must be quite the pressure for aspiring actors.
• Dogs are actually quite progressive in their hierarchies. In groups, the alpha is not necessarily the oldest, or even a male.
• You obviously can’t put a value on a human life. But authorities try by putting road signs up near construction sites, warning motorists to avoid fines by avoiding hitting the workers.
• Tupac Shakur, one of the greatest rappers of all time, is apparently a rock legend as well, judging by his posthumous induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
• Weddings have a lot in common with elementary school. You have assigned seats and tables are released individually to go get food.
• Ted Cruz is capable of showing tremendous good will toward his enemies. Once one of the most outspoken Republican critics of president-elect Trump, he transformed into a contributor to the campaign, even making phone calls on Trump’s behalf.
• All generations seem to go in a cycle from being criticized by their elders, raising a new generation, and then criticizing them in turn.
• The Wall, a new game show from NBC, is essentially a giant version of plinko. This is something broadcasted nationally.
• Traditional Christianity commonly places man over woman. But according to the Bible, Eve did not become subservient to Adam until after the Fall. So shouldn’t Christians aim for their lives to be more like the earthly paradise, where no gender was elevated?
• It’s exhausting to keep starting your movie collections over again. If everyone agrees to ignore whatever comes after Blu-ray, we’ll all still be on the same page.
• Why isn’t there a universal sign language? Developing one new language seems easier than endless and imperfect translations.
• It can be comforting to know we are miniscule compared to the size of the known universe, but depressing that we only have access to a tiny part of even that sliver.
• People say “it’s open” a lot when they invite you inside. The door is hardly ever open though. “Unlocked” doesn’t roll off the tongue I guess.
• Adults should really pay attention to animals and young children. Besides being a decent person, you’ll probably survive 95% of horror movie scenarios.
• Punk rock bands are the spiritual successors of the Romantic poets. They are moody, nostalgic, and don’t think anyone could fully understand their experiences.
• Studies show the earliest humans can only recall memories is age 3. So cussing at your toddler during the “terrible twos” shouldn’t have any negative effects, as long as you do it with a happy tone.
• And remember, the measurement of time is a human construct. So, 2016 being over should have no theoretical difference. The new year might feel just as terrible for you. But theory isn’t everything. Practically, knock yourself out in 2017.