The Good Highlights | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Good Highlights

Because 2k16 wasn't ALL bad (Okay it still was pretty bad).

9
The Good Highlights

If there is one thing we all can agree on it's this: 2016 SUCKS. But, in spite of all the bad (of which there was a LOT), there was still some good in 2016. And we have to recognize that it is there. We have to or the negativity and anger left over from this year is all that we will remember, and we all know there's enough negativity in the world already. Let's try not to add to that. So without further ado, here are ten things that made 2016 not as bad as it could have been:

1. The Advent of the Ebola Vaccine

After taking the lives of many, Ebola was once thought of as completely unstoppable. It all became a matter of damage control and trying our best to treat those who had contracted the extremely virulent and deadly disease. But now there is finally hope. We now have a vaccine that is 70-100% effective and is approved to be administered throughout the world. Hopefully, we can see the complete demise of this horrid illness.

2. The World's First Artificial Pancreas

Type I Diabetes effects at least 3 million or more Americans, and even more so of an effect when taking into account the global scale of the disease. The approval of the first artificial pancreas means that there can be real time monitoring of blood sugar levels and it can allow people with Type I diabetes to lead more comfortable (and ultimately healthier) lifestyles.

3. Juno Finally Gets to Spy on Her Husband

We've always known that NASA has had the best humor ever. This year, the probe Juno can finally go spy on her husband, Jupiter, in real time. The probe finally reached it's destination, and I can't wait to find out what it will discover while it's there.

4. Solar Impulse 2 Circumnavigated the Globe

Global Warming is a problem that has become more and more pressing. Thought it feels like a downward spiral, we are still making progress. This year itself, the first airplane travelled around the world only using solar energy. Here's hoping that this technology can be taken further.

5. Pandas No Longer Endangered

I love pandas. I'm sure you love pandas. Basically everyone loves pandas. And now? They're no longer endangered! The pandas are the perfect example of what will happen when humans actually care about the creatures we share this earth with. So here's to a world with fewer endangered species. (Another fun fact is that this is the first year where the population of tigers has also increased!)


6. Standing Rock Protests Were a Success

Politically, 2016 was an absolute mess. We've seen the rise of tiny hands in America and it's easy to feel that there is no hope left. However, we have to keep in mind that there have been some positive outcomes of this year. We've had some of the strongest social movements this year, including Black Lives Matter. One of our biggest wins was the success of the incredible people who were at Standing Rock.

7. Immunotherapy: One of the Biggest Breakthroughs Yet

The word cancer is enough to bring up the pain that this disease spreads; it effects not only those who are diagnosed with ti but also their entire support system. This year, we saw one of the most powerful weapons that can be used to fight it: immunotherapy. It is thought that this method of treatment will absolutely revolutionize the field of oncology.

8. Pokémon Go!

Damn Nintendo, back at it again with the epic games. Though not as many people play Pokémon Go now as they had when it first came out, it is still a game that revolutionized the industry. Who knew that all it took to get people out and about was to make a game out of it? Pikachu would be proud.


9. The Paris Agreement

As I mentioned in my point about Solar Impulse 2, we are making slow but steady advancements in our fight against climate change. The Paris Agreement is one of the largest global agreements of its kind. Here's hoping that everyone follows through with it.

10. Deadpool (Because let's be real, it's freaking awesome)

Ryan Reynolds. That's all that needs to be said.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191043
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15340
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458184
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26787
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments