The turning of the year...

Well, another long weekend awaits me, which means that my next post is likely to be a few days into January. Thus this post of end-of-year goodness for those inclined to reflection (or just looking for a few diversions):

• Time Magazine offers the year in photos, with vivid reminders from hurricanes to papal passings.
  (indirectly via BagNewsNotes)
  
  
• For the slightly more scientifically inclined, National Geographic offers their own top ten photos of the year.
  (via Follow Me Here)
  
  
• Even further afield, you might be amused by the top cryptozoology stories of 2005, from real animals we thought were extinct to unknown animals only partly glimpsed.
  (via Follow Me Here)
  
  
• Merriam-Webster reveals a list of the words most frequently looked up in the last year, which carry a lot of topical charge. I'd be curious if the question was one of meaning or of spelling...
  (via knotted knickers)
  
  
• Planned Parenthood looks at the best and worst of 2005 in terms of reproductive health access, from pharmacies to politicians.
  (via knotted knickers)
  
  
• The San Francisco Chronicle looks at those who passed away during 2005, and gives brief notes on who they were.
  (via Follow Me Here)
  
  
• Then there's always the Onion's top headlines of 2005, which are about as close to reality as most of us want to get...
  (via dragonballYee)
  
  
• And finally, for everything else you might be curious about, one crazy site is attempting to compile all the "best X of 2005" lists in one place, whether it's some publication's favorite movies, a statistical list of top Yahoo searches, or a compendium of annoying people. This place could keep you busy for a while . . .
  (via Follow Me Here)

Best winding-down of the year to all of you, and a peaceful start to 2006!