Having donated to a foreign-language learning program at my sons' school, for example, I felt motivated to write letters of protest when it became threatened by the school board.

WSJ: How to Be More Charitable

In four of the schools covered, more than half the pupils at ages 14 to 16 had stopped learning a foreign language.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Education | Language teaching 'too boring'

Its steep learning curve is not something to shy away from -- much like learning a foreign language, once immersed in the game play, players will pick up the necessary skills along the way.

CNN: Technology - Open-source, networkable shooter has Linux gamers buzzing

We spent one afternoon with well-dressed students at Kim Il Sung University and later at a foreign language high school where very bright 16-year-olds were learning English complete with American slang.

CNN: Blitzer in North Korea: Life in a tinderbox

"Learning English isn't a sin, but teaching a foreign language in the mosque would provoke people's sentiments, " the Taliban commander says.

WSJ: Emboldened Taliban Try to Sell Softer Image

Even with skills that are primarily mental, such as computer programming or speaking a foreign language, it remains the case that we learn best through practice and repetition the natural learning process.

FORBES: Why Apprenticeships Are the Fastest Way to Acquire Skills

Deplorable living conditions, difficulties learning the English language and dealing with the rustic surroundings of minor league baseball in a foreign country were commonplace issues.

FORBES: Reflections on 'Top of The Tenth Inning'