We've reached that time in the year when retrospective analyses litter many news stories and blogs. 2009 has certainly been a year of change, growth and dramatic falls and here are just a few links that package them all.

Time magazine seem to take the reigns when it comes to highlighting the Top 10 of almost everything. From the best inventions to best performing politicians, the Time website covers entertainment, sports and education.

For Why Democracy? the project has successfully expanded into its distribution and outreach stage. An 11-disc/ 5 language DVD box set has been developed that includes a facilitator's guide to encourage debate and discussion after a screening. A modest achievement but critically important to the purpose of the Why Democracy? project which is to stimulate debate about democracy around the world.

Although we have not managed to compile our own Top 10 list, 2009 has certainly seen the films become an important education tool.