So who would have thought a few Tunisians protesting would seen such a ripple effect through the Arab World - Mubarak toppled but the Army still retain power, Gadaffi killed and Libya free from despotism, Syria engaged in a brutal conflict. Who knows how this will all pan out ?

The Americans have pulled out of Iraq but we hold our breath whether that's going to turn into a sectarian civil war or not. It's one thing overpowering a tyrant, it's another knowing how to replace him.

Elswehere, Bin Laden was finally killed and Kim Jong Ill died. Who knows where Al Queda and North Korea go from here ?

Christchurch was rocked by a massive earthquake and Japan suffered a sickening tsunami.

Africa's once largest country is no more - now there are two Sudans.

The Ice Caps continue to melt and temperatures continue to rise as does the population of the Earth, now 7 billion and counting.

The Euro is in crisis and the UK saw it's worst riots since the early 80s. The recession threatens to get worse. A year in which people are questioning the very concept of capitalism.

Throw in the royal wedding and and the deaths of some very key people - Steve Jobs and Gary Speed spring to mind.

In years to come I think I may be reading a book about 2011. Let's hope 2012 is happier. The greatest show on Earth is coming to London next year.

None of the above really affected my life. The ongoing recession isn't good for me of course but that wasn't a 2011 thing, just another year of it. Same with the climate issues for me and my planet.

Was still a big year for me as we got a dog!

A Scottish Terrier called Kenny?

Or maybe you got a clapped out dog from the RSPCA called Stevie G?

yep like the alien invasion of London during the 2012 Olympics next year

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/dec/0 ... acy-theory

So very sad

How can we change this semi detached suburban I'm all right Jack little Englander ignorant bubble?

Murf is not English

So how did they actually affect your life (ongoing, non-2011 specific, recession aside)?

Genuine question, awaiting an answer.

Do things have to effect your life to matter to you?

That's the point

And totally NOT what I said.