PET ADOPTION & FOSTERING SKYROCKETED
Many animal shelters and pounds across the nation are witnessing the best-possible-scenario: empty kennels! An overwhelming amount of applications to foster and adopt cats and dogs have swept the nation. If anybody deserves a good 2020, I'd say its our furry friends.
TIKTOK BECAME THE LATEST GEN-Z TREND
Whether you're watching the Hype House or have stumbled into frog-tok, TikTok has provided Gen-Z a much needed outlet during these masked times. Throughout quarantine, creators continue to entertain, provide tips and tricks, and remind us that there is a community for every interest.
PARASITE TAKES HOME A WIN
A well-deserved win, the South-Korean film took home the gold. 'Parasite' is an incredible black-comedy/thriller, directed by Bong Joon-ho (pictured to the right). Despite being released late 2019, many people took the time over this ten-month-long-break to watch the award-winning screenplay. If you haven't seen it yet, make some popcorn, gather blankets, and grab your family for a fantastic at-home movie night.
HIGHEST VOTER TURNOUT IN MODERN HISTORY
With a projected 161 million American votes, the November 2020 presidential election had the highest voter turnout since 1900. A nail-biting and hair-pulling endeavor, 66.8% of eligible voters filled out their ballots and sent them to be counted. This year's election is also notable in its expansion of access to mail-in ballots and early voting.
SPACEX SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED TWO ASTRONAUTS INTO ORBIT
On May 30th, SpaceX became the first private company to send astronauts to the International Space Station. This was the first crew launch on American soil in nine years! Despite the pandemic, SpaceX has had 24 successful launches, 23 orbital flights - and may continue with a launch of a large satellite through December. Thank you Mr. Musk!
SAME SEX MARRIAGE WAS LEGALIZED IN COSTA RICA
The Costa Rican Supreme Court of Justice ruled that, as of May 26th, same-sex marriage is legal. This is the first central American country to recognize and perform same-sex marriages. Pictured to the left are newlyweds Alexandra Quiros at their wedding in Heredia, Costa Rica, hours after the law passed.
SECOND PERSON IN THE WORLD CURED OF HIV
A man from London has become the second person in the entire world to be cured of HIV. Adam Castillejo was cured by a stem-cell treatment he was receiving for cancer. The donor stem cells have an uncommon gene that gives them, and thus Mr. Castillejo, protection against HIV.
YOU ARE STILL HERE!
Congratulations! You've made it to the last month of 2020. This year has been a disaster, to say the least. From terrifying wildfires to murder hornets, from WWIII memes to a literal pandemic- its been a lot. But, you know what? If you're reading this, that means you're still here. Thank you for holding on. Let's welcome in the New Year with hope for a better 2021.