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An interview with Oakland University engineering professor Barbara Oakley in Michigan is presented. When asked about her experience with science and math, she mentioned how she was horrible at the subjects growing up. Oakley believes that a little practice daily is needed to build good, solid memory structures. She also discussed ways to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields more interesting to people.

Mathematics has become increasingly important as technology has advanced, as math is the ultimate tool for the transfer of technology. Mathematical advances are being made at a rapid rate, and even the most abstract theories are finding there way into real-world applications. For this reason, what appear to be purely philosophical advances in math should not be overlooked, as these advances are likely to be sources for future technology.

There is a general perception that mothers are automatically incompetent at math to the degree that doctors will not explain simple graphs and Mothers' Day cards including math are hard to find. A survey of books about mathematicians reveals little information on male mathematicians' mothers despite their probable influence while a book on women mathematicians only included three who were also mothers. Active participation by parents in math instruction is important and involvement of mothers could counteract some of the negative stereotype.

The article presents an interview with Chawne Kimber, associate professor of mathematics and director of the Summer Program to Advance Leadership (SPAL) at Lafayette College. Kimber discusses the relationship between mathematics and social justice. When asked about the incorporation of social justice concepts into mathematics education, Kimber comments on her students' volunteer work in a program of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which helped low-income individuals complete tax forms.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Rough Play," in the June 2009 issue, "The Promised Lands," in the May 2009 issue, and "Math Bombs," in the May 2009 issue.

The article presents information from a British study on pupils' attitudes toward mathematics. Researchers from King's College and the Institute of Education, both in London, England, indicate that students lack confidence in their mathematical abilities and many who succeed in the subject drop it because they do not see how it will be useful to them. Students listed subject difficulty, increased strenuousness, and disinterest among reasons for not pursuing A-level mathematics courses.

The article presents commentary on public view of mathematics in Great Britain, its effect on how the subject is presented to students, and students attitudes toward it. The author recalls the 2006 media coverage of mathematician Grigory Perelman's solving of the "Poincare conjecture"; he wonders why it wasn't used to introduce students to the problem and to topology. He notes the importance of mathematics to technology and culture and encourages better mathematics curriculum.

Comments on the impact of computers on children's communication and on children's use of mathematics language for understanding and talking. Reasons for the increasing number of toddlers in Great Britain who are unable to communicate because they spend too much time watching television; Impact of the use of computers in schools on the oral communication skills of students; Advice for young mathematicians.

The article offers information on how to enrich a library program through mathematics collaboration. Topics discussed include the ways on how to gain the interest of mathematics teachers regarding a partnership, helping mathematics teachers identify partnership ways for the success of a student, and the use of LiveBinders, a tool that supports a curriculum. Topics also discussed include creating virtual displays on mathematical topics and the importance of parent involvement.

Focuses on the differences of individual impressions about mathematics. Offering of enjoyable experience for mathematicians; Possibilities of a sense of defeat and victory in dealing with math; Three aspects of math; Famous sayings about mathematics.

This article briefly describes the Google Inc. Mail Goggles application, which presents a series of mathematical problems to writers of electronic mail to ensure that they are not drunk before sending their messages. The potential for this program to avoid mishaps in emailing is considered. The consequences of failing the sobriety test are also considered.