September 26 through October 3 is Banned Books Week. Sponsored by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the National Association of College Stores, this nationwide celebration of the freedom to read and ( Read more... )

Did you know that in Australia voting is compulsory?  That's right.  It is against the law NOT to vote in Australia.  Those who don't show up at the polls on election day are asked to explain their absence, and if they can't give a satisfactory explanation, they can be fined.  Voter participation in Australia is typically above 90%.

In many third ( Read more... )