What the hell happened last year?

By Marisa Demarco

2011 zipped by in a blur of catastrophic weather, war, civil unrest and ideological battles. This week’s news section gives you some of the highlights.

What will this year bring?

This much we know: The 2012 elections will consume most national media as November nears. There will be talking head saturation—and reader/viewer fatigue—as America’s politicians try to hang onto their seats. It’s like the Super Bowl/World Cup/World Series/NBA Finals/UFC Ultimate Ultimate Ultimate Knuckle Basher all rolled into one.

Except the election actually matters. Zing!

Or maybe it doesn’t. Zing! Zing!

Either way, this thing in Iowa tonight is just the beginning.