What is it: This book showcases the power of checklists using real stories about their application.
Why is it cool: Although checklists are often looked down upon, psychologists say they empower people with a sense of control over a chaotic world. The level of rigour checklists deliver goes hand in hand with high levels of quality and discipline.
Where to find it: here!
Submitted by: 
John Cucka
What is it: One of the bloggers at freakonomics.com recounts helping his daughter with her homework. She was struggling to answer some general knowledge questions, but when confronted with the question “What are the three R’s?”, she said, “This one is easy!” and proceeded to write her answer:
“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”
Why is it cool: How times change! And perhaps there’s still hope for us!
Where to find it: here!
Submitted by: John Cucka
What is it: In the two linked articles, Freakonomics economists identify two ways where the new technological infrastructure can be (in the case of Google), or is being (in the case of Southwest Airlines) leveraged to challenge revenue streams and ways of doing business.
In the case of Southwest Airlines, when you order a ticket you are now asked how much of a refund you’d accept to be bumped to a later flight. As a solution to the common “over booking” phenomenon amongst airlines, this is a great way to prioritise passengers to bump at the minimum cost (both in terms of dollars and goodwill).
In the case of Google, a blogger challenges whether a “pay per impression” passed on to the audience is one way to add efficiency to the advertising market. Its similarity to the way online research has passed along some of the recruitment costs to panellist participants is remarkable and sensible, and pre-sages the emergence of an “attention economy”.
Why is it cool: By identifying and opportunistically taking advantage of these changes, leaders like Google and Southwest not only gain profit and competitive advantage, but they fundamentally change the way companies, third parties and end users interact. Truly an exciting time to be alive!
Where to find it: here and here!
Submitted by: John Cucka
What is it: It’s being reported that the medical profession has been hard work changing the manners of health care professionals. The article goes into some detail why this profession in particular suffers, and the negative consequences this has on both the various employees as well as their patients. Importantly, it includes data that this focus has changed the perceptions, of at least the staff, in its implementation over the last 3 years.
Why is it cool: This is a timely illustration of the importance of being nice to people, no matter how frustrated and distracted you are, no matter how much they might deserve the tongue-lashing you so dearly would like to give. The article uses the words of the 12th century philosopher Maimonides to sum this up aspirationally:
“The perfect man needs to inspect his moral habits continually, weigh his actions, and reflect upon the state of his soul every single day.”
Where to find it: here!
Submitted by: John Cucka
What is it: A fascinating blog entry, in which long-time police officers speak frankly about how they regularly operate outside the law to get better criminal deterrent results than courts provide.
Why is it cool: Not only do many of these things sound reasonable (picture the things mums and dads do to keep their kids in line), but it’s funny how much web 2.0 resembles community policing, where the network of individuals directly involved make a consensual decision on how to deal with their rogue elements.
Where to find it: here!
Submitted by: John Cucka