Great Things That Happened In The Worst Year: The Best Of 2016

Let's face it, it's a dog-eat-dog world out there and this year we were all wearing bacon flavored underwear.

Between the election, celebrities dropping out of the sky like Purple Rain falling out of Major Tom's Thunderstorm while yelling Freedom, and the numerous spree-type shootings - it's been a rough year all the way around.

We have to remember to count our blessings no matter how dark things seem.  Quite a few awesome things have happened this year, and I feel that we would be remiss if we failed to recall them.  Sure, you could remember 2016 as the year of the Disney Gator Attack, or you could remember:

The Ice Bucket Challenge Worked!

Because of the funds raised by the "Ice Bucket Challenge," the gene responsible for ALS has been found.  This is a tremendous breakthrough.  We are closer to an effective treatment than we have ever been. All because we love people more than a few moments of our own dignity.  Way to go!

The year that took David Bowie, Prince, George Michael, and a bajillion other beloved celebrities also gave us this:

The Ozone Layer Is Repairing Itself!

In July of this year, researchers found that the hole caused by CFCs and carbon emissions has begun to shrink.  That huge push about 10 years ago to eliminate lots of harmful aerosol propellants actually worked.  We became environmentally active and it did something good.  I feel like there is some sort of connection here.  I don't think we are cool enough to start getting to work in coal powered dragsters just yet, but it's a start.

Finally, while you are saluting the year that took Harambe from us with your favorite finger and some choice sailor-compliments, don't forget that not only did Leonardo DiCaprio finally win a freakin' Oscar (doesn't make up for Harambe) but we also got this awesome sign that there are some incredible people left in the world:

 Toys R Us Is Offering Quiet Shopping Hour For Kids With Autism

Some super smart and sensitive folks at Toy R Us realized that shopping for toys in their stores can be a delight for some kids, but way too much for others.  And because all kids should get the chance to totally freak out over their favorite toys in their own way, they instituted a very special "Quiet Shopping Hour" for kids with Autism this holiday season.  This is exactly the kind of thing we need to remember about this year.

Let that be a lesson to you going into 2017.  Always look for the silver lining, cause it's always there.  Oh, and if you are fan of any older musicians or singers - go see them in concert as soon as possible.  Hurry.

Can we surround this man with bubble-wrap?