Reading While Eating for December 7: Before the Bubble Bursts

A researcher dressed in a panda costume puts a panda cub into a box before its physical examination at the Hetaoping Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan province. Researchers performing physical examinations on the cub wear panda costumes to ensure that the cub's environment is devoid of human influence, according to local media.

REUTERS/Stringer

Tuesday’s links chow down and fly high.

Domestic Doomsday: Are you one of those people who thinks America is resembling the Roman Empire these days? Then check out how the U.S. could collapse before 2025. (Salon)

Up in the Air: Dealing with the TSA at airports is one thing. Maneuvering an early flying machine is another. Check out the earliest planes invented. (LIFE)

Dog’s Life: A book critic reviews a “memoir” of Marilyn Monroe’s dog — writing in the voice of Brian, the dog on Family Guy. (New York Times)

Hokey Hipster: “Weird” Al Yankovic is known as that guy with the accordion who parodies songs. But is he suddenly, actually, cool now? (Splitsider)

Gluttonous Goal: On a diet? Lose your appetite as the folks behind Epic Meal Time create artery-clogging versions of sushi. (The Daily What)

Quick Shot: These high-speed photos of water balloons being pricked will take you back to summer, when you actually wanted to throw water balloons. (Gizmodo)

Elsewhere on TIME.com: To commemorate Pearl Harbor Day, see the Top 10 Unforgettable Dates.

Must-See: Not every holiday parade can be full of cheer. Watch this Rudolph balloon meet its grisly fate. (via Vulture)