Welcome, fellow wanderers of the psychological cosmos! As we bid farewell to the Year of the Rabbit (which was predicted to be the year of hope and peace and that didn’t quite go as predicted) let’s take a whimsical stroll through the highlights that made 2023 a rollercoaster ride of surprises, setbacks, and, of course, the unexpected rise of a wild hippo sterilization campaign.

Before I get started, let me note that these are my top ten or so things that stuck with me this year, excluding my own personal traumas and global conflicts/wars. I’ll stick to more popular culture items.

1. Vinyl Resurrected: A Blast from the Groovy Past
Despite 2023’s unfulfilled promises of hope and peace, there’s a silver lining—vinyl records made a comeback, dusting off their grooves and surpassing CD sales. Forget world peace; let the sweet sound of vinyl spins be our auditory sanctuary.

2. Taylor Swift: More Than Just a Love Story
Taylor Swift, our earthquake-causing, shelter-donating, bonus-giving maestro, proved she’s more than a tabloid headline. Named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, Swift waltzed through the year with a force that transcends relationships. Sorry, unnamed significant others, we’re here for the seismic generosity.

3. Clinical Research Wisdom: D’oh, Representation Matters
In a revelation that should be a “duh” but somehow needed stating, representation matters in clinical research. A simple truth turned major finding—because apparently, we needed a reminder.

4. Barbie Movie Magic: For Lovers and Haters Alike
“If you love Barbie, this movie is for you. If you hate Barbie, this movie is for you.” Yes, there it second, advertising tagline that nailed it! Barbie took the big screen, uniting fans and skeptics in cinematic bliss. I love the color pink so I was good with the movie. Surprisingly, I also liked the movie May December. But that was a bit cringey.

5. Farewell to Icons: Matthew Perry, Andrew Baugher, and let’s give a shout out to the Ageless Willie Nelson
The unexpected departure of Matthew Perry and Andrew Baugher struck a chord, reminding us of life’s fragility. I didn’t really need that reminder, unfortunately. But I said I wouldn’t talk about my own personal trauma. On a brighter note, Willie Nelson hit the grand 9-0, proving that some legends are timeless. My mother loved him. I love him. I’d like to have a drink with him.

6. Population Wars: India Claims the Throne
First off, we reached 8 billion people on earth this year. Wow! Move over, China! India now wears the population crown with an estimated 1.43 billion people. As India’s star rises, it also becomes the fourth nation to conquer the lunar frontier. Sorry, China; demographics and Moon landings are the new power moves.

7. AI Anxiety: Skynet Whispers and Grammy Restrictions
AI concerns took center stage as Italy banned ChatGPT over data security, Grammy Awards updated rules to curb AI-generated songs, and President Joe Biden signed an executive order to guide AI use in federal agencies. Skynet, is that you knocking on the door? I am one of those who does believe Terminator is not that far off.

8. UFO Hoax Extravaganza: Aliens and Mummified Mayhem
UFO expert Jaime Maussan dazzled the Mexican Congress with mummified “aliens,” sparking global skepticism. Despite cries of “hoax,” the UFO debate rages on, with an intensified focus on what the government might be hiding. Let’s see what documents and video footage get released in the coming year.

9. Wild Hippo Sterilization: Pablo Escobar’s Unexpected Legacy
Colombia took a quirky turn by launching a campaign to sterilize Pablo Escobar’s wild hippos. Who knew hippos could become an invasive species? The wild side of conservation, brought to you by Escobar’s four-legged descendants. I find this to be one of the underrated stories of the year.

10. Weight Loss Frenzy: From Exercise to Medications
Weight loss took the spotlight as Weight Watchers pivoted to peddle medications, and even Oprah admitted to the allure of weight loss drugs. Is there still a point to sweating it out in the gym? As I attempt to walk 60 minutes a day, I ponder the mysteries of exercise, daydreaming, and the soundtrack of life.

11. Here’s one more for the heck of it.

This was the year of strikes of all sorts. Actors, writers, and UPS drivers oh my. Hollywood being on strike meant I watched a lot of streaming Scandinavian shows that were often quite dark. Now, I want more. Hello darkness.

So, here’s to the quirks, the grooves, the unexpected campaigns, and the wild escapades that made 2023 a psychological carnival. Until next year, my fellow adventurers, may your vinyl spin true (which has now overtaken the sales of cds), your Taylor Swift moments seismic, and your hippos responsibly sterile. Cheers to the unpredictable journey that is life!