U.S. college textbook prices have risen more than 1,000% since 1977. Because college students are forced to purchase every book their professors choose, they are considered ‘captive customers’. Due to a student’s obligation to buy these books no matter what they cost, prices have increased at 3x the rate of inflation.  (, , )

People are helping premature babies by crocheting tiny octopuses. The tentacles are thought to mimic the feel of an umbilical cord, and babies who cuddle an octo are less likely to pull out their monitors and tubes. When hospitals that participate in the Octo Project noted an increase in the overall health of their preemies, volunteers around the world began flooding them with donations. (, , )