Collaborative power spurred on the Arab spring, an Arab winter loomed, and Russia's democracy movement escalated. The killing in Syria continued, Andrew clarified his stance on Iran, and in our AAA video, he discussed US policy towards Cuba. Arab monarchies endured, drones may fight drones in the future, and Europe faced a choice between democracy and utopianism. 

We learned more about sexual objectification, reflected on the changing face of Superman, and spotlighted the shadow economy. A poised Iowan made the case for marriage equality, knights experienced PTSD, and sports fans flocked to gay sports bars. The brains of abused children resemble the brains of soldiers, doctors die gently, and sometimes nothing works. We contemplated the future of the local news, entertained an expanded definition of acting, and wondered about the minds of plants. Some pit bulls were bred to be extremely aggressive, on some level procreation is about survival, and climate change is accelerating. The movie quote is dead, and the cheeseburger is a modern miracle.

The practice of flip-flopping explained here, Malkin award nominee here, tweets of the day here and here, quote for the day here, MHB here, FOTD here, VFYW here, VFYW contest winner #79 here, and VFYW globe here. 

— M.A. 

(Photo: President Barack Obama speaks about the economy at Osawatomie High School December 6, 2011 in Osawatomie, Kansas. Obama described the middle class struggles as the defining issue of our time in the speech. Photo by Julie Denesha/Getty Images.)