Smile or Die

RSA: Smile or Die

What does it mean for social groups to encourage individuals to always have a positive attitude or to be a "team player"? Barbara Ehrenreich describes the phenomenon as a example of social control that was prevalent in totalitarian governments like the U.S.S.R. as well as the United States. So, remember kids, don't be different - bureaucrazy knows best!

Reverse Trick or Treating

http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/news/2010/10/06/this-halloween-give-chocolate-back/

Americans off to save children. Or Africa. Or something.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/magazine/24volunteerism-t.html?hpw

Singapore Math in the US

Singapore Math is being adopted in US schools as an alternative to other programmes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/education/01math.html?hpw
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Math_Method