The U.S. Army presence is rapidly increasing in Africa, especially in countries with alleged ties to al-Qaida; according to Fox News, teaching children algebra is just another liberal ploy; meanwhile, some researchers have started studying the effects of the “natural experiment” resulting from China’s one-child policy. These discoveries and more below.

On a regular basis, Truthdig brings you the news items and odds and ends that have found their way to Larry Gross, director of the USC Annenberg School for Communication. A specialist in media and culture, art and communication, visual communication and media portrayals of minorities, Gross helped found the field of gay and lesbian studies.

AFRICOM’s Imperialist Quest

U.S. Army teams will be deploying to as many as 35 African countries early next year for training programs and other operations as part of an increased Pentagon role in Africa. The move would see small teams of U.S. troops dispatched to countries with groups allegedly linked to al-Qaeda.

Zionjuana – Netanyahu Headlines Birthright Rally

Since 1999, over 300,000 young Jews from around the world have embarked on the free, 10-day tour of Israel known as Taglit-Birthright.

Fox ‘News’ Claims that Algebra Classes Are a Conspiracy of Liberal Indoctrination

There’s actually a video clip of the Fox News dolts sitting around expressing dismay at 6th graders learning about algebra.

How the Video-Game Industry Already Lost Out in the Gun-Control Debate

Last week, Vice President Biden announced the establishment of a task force on gun violence. Invitations for input were sent to the NRA, of course, but also major gun retailers like Walmart and representatives from the video game industry.

The New Less-Social Psychology of China’s Generation Without Siblings

China’s one-child policy, introduced in 1979 and strictly enforced, succeeded in slowing population growth.

One Dad’s Ill-Fated Battle Against the Princesses

There’s no room in this family’s life for any more princesses.

Illinois Priest Was Trapped In Bondage Gear Because He Put His Handcuffs On Upside Down

By now, you have likely listened several times to the muffled 911 call placed by the Catholic priest who enjoyed slipping into a bondage mask and handcuffs inside a church rectory in Springfield, Illinois.

Diversity in the 113th Congress Looks Pathetic When You Plot It On a Map

The 113th Congress convened for the first time, and the freshman class has been billed as particularly diverse.

The Pentagon’s Man in Hollywood: I’m a Eunuch

For four decades, the Pentagon’s man in Hollywood was Donald Baruch, a former New York theater producer who looked the part.

Welcome, Chuck

Uri Avnery finds Chuck Hagel eminently likeable.