* In eight years the U.S. will be a major energy exporter. * Researchers believe Olympian lifespans—2.8 years longer on average—could be possible for mere mortals. * Abu Dhabi takes on its burgeoning obesity and diabetes epidemic. * What's wrong with the wheat you're eating: It&
* With more than 26,000 petitioners, White House will address a request for construction of a Death Star. * Acronym of the week: the FUKUS coalition—France, UK, and U.S. together recognizing Syrian rebels. * Next year should be one of great progress in the “steady, slow boring stuff” of anti-
* Joe Lieberman's lonely departure. * A map of the probable range and accuracy of North Korea's missiles. * An informal network of astronomers tracks near-Earth asteroids—but nobody knows who's going to stop one from making impact. * Mike Deri Smith consults with disaster experts to
* Russian government admits Syria may lose battle to rebel forces. * Sweden "coughs up" thousands of migrant workers for Norway, where they're widely mocked. * Poynter's annual list of the worst media errors of the year. * Chris Heath on one Greek politician attacking another on TV,
* How the U.S. let industry pollute its underground water supply. * Medical evidence continues to prove daily aspirin can help prevent cardiovascular disease and even cancer—why aren't more people taking it? * Study suggests women who are light smokers—smoking even one cigarette a day—double their chance
* White House recognizes Syrian rebels and seeks greater influence. * Homeland, Obama's show. * The idea that political views have a genetic component is now widely accepted, and has its own field: "genopolitics." * Philosopher goes anti-natalist, rebelling against notion that philosophers must be parents first. * Economist addresses
(One clue to get you started: The map doesn’t represent gross national anything.) {image-9} [Answer]
* Spending earned political capital in a new way, Obama's "permacampaign" could change Washington from the outside. * The UN wants control of the internet to ensure member nations' security—but it's not possible. * Afghan design student creates wind-powered spheres that detonate land mines.
* Cairo prepares for rival rallies ahead of a referendum ordered by President Morsi. * New Gazan cologne, M-75, named after Hamas' rockets, costs twice as much as other perfumes. * Genomic study confirms Europe's Roma came from a single group that left India "about 1,500 years
* South Korean musician Psy apologizes for rapping about killing American torturers. * Psychologists try to use brain science to "cure" boredom. * The true meaning of Hanukkah—war, resilience, hope—is better for being complicated. * "Mysterious monkey in posh miniature winter coat found alone at Toronto Ikea." * From
