* If last year was rough for foreign policy, next year looks even worse.
* Examining potential flashpoints in 2012.
* Andrew Cohen gives us the legal year in review.
* Other good interviews from Fresh Air.
* John Ridley gives us the 'nontroversies' of 2011.
* The year's most irritating food trends.
* Longform presents the best writing about sex of the year.
* The year in pointless apologies.