Andrew then decried the GOP's stonewalling on taxes, argued for containing Iran and explained how Romney "sliming Obama personally could actually help the president."

Polls continued to show an Obama ascent, and as Millman wondered how Romney donors would respond to recent numbers, Hodgman discussed whose convention was better. While Dick Morris earned another Von Hoffman Award nomination, Matt Lewis pondered the recent conservative embrace of Bill Clinton and some liberal wingnuts Les Mis-ed their values.

Kevin Fallon revealed how Scott Van Duzer's life changed post-bear-hug, the ad war lulled for 9/11 and Seth Stevenson subjected himself to 45 hours of ads. Meanwhile, as Noah Millman and other showed there's more that meets the eye to the CTU strike, the blogosphere reacted to the issue.

In pot news, the Netherlands prepared to decide its weed policy, Ryan succumbed to etch-a-sketching on medical marijuana and the Snoop endorsement came down.

Patrick Walsh highlighted the difference between soldier and civilian gun background checks, Dan Ephron reported on the removal of Migron and after Megan McArdle questioned the value college degrees, Felix Salmon debunked some of her logic. Nate Silver praised meteorologists, Kraft bestrode the world and Pat Robertson advised a husband with an uppity wife.

While happy couples waited 182 days before having sex, readers sounded off on hookup culture and pushed back on Hanna Rosin's wage gap thesis. Muppets looked humanoid and antique repatriation had a downside. While Robert Provine put forth a theory on morning sneezing, football grew even more dangerous and Larry transitioned to Lana with support from family (plus the new Cloud Atlas trailer). News blooper MHB here, QOTD here and a sentimental VFYW contest here.

– G.G.

(Photo by Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)