Didja Know...Dinner Party Part 2

I heard the "did you hear about" edition was a hit, so we're doing it again this week.  I've included a follow up question so you can prolong your dinner party conversation.  Remember, use these lines at a dinner party or on a blind date or any forced conversation- maybe you'll be a hit!

So, here goes:

Did you hear about the guy who broke the world record for parachuting on Friday?  He fell at the speed of sound!  He set off a sonic boom!  So...what do you do when you are that guy next Friday???

Did you hear Banksy was caught by police?  Or just caught on camera?  Or, wait...was it all a hoax?   Is that really a picture of Banksy?  Do you think Banksy should be caught?  (Wait-Do you know who Banksy is?  If that link isn't enough- do your research!)

Just because it is especially on my mind....do you know how the US compares to countries around the world in regard to maternity leave?  Should we have more paid leave?  More leave in general?  Check out this map (source here):

And out of the comments last week-- did you know that a study showed that posting calorie counts is not working?  They confirm that posting the equivalent exercise needed is the way to go, just like the Atlantic article told us!  If exercise equivalencies were posted, would that motivate you?

No clever quip for this one-- simply, did you read the NY Times article on the ISIS hostages that were beheaded?  It is heart wrenching, but well written and well researched.  While I did not know James Foley personally, we are alums of both Northwestern and TFA and have crossed many similar paths, and this piece, for me, was both difficult and important to read.  No additional question, just share thoughts.  (Ok- maybe this one is not the best for the dinner party convo!)

(Depending on the dinner party, try either--) Have you heard the depressing study that shows that the brightest and best low income children may not even compare to richer failures?  How does that make you feel about your work?  OR Do you want to talk about how socio-economic status really DOES determine a child's future-- that there is not yet a level playing field?  How do you justify that? Check this out.

Did you hear about how a group of "foodies" were duped into thinking that McDonalds was fancy pants?  Do you think it could happen to you?  What if I told you the wine in your hand right now cost $85...does it taste better?

If you are on facebook, you've seen this in different forms-- but did you know that Friday makes 87 school shootings since Newtown?  What do you think should be happening as a result?

Did you see the newest cover of Time Magazine?  Is it yet another war on teachers? (Protests have been more about the cover than the content of the article itself)