If you work part time as a teacher, for instance, try working at a weekend tutoring program.

WSJ: Make a Second Job Work for You

In such places, the least hopeless course may be to ensure as wide a measure of democracy as possible at the lowest local level (for instance, in last weekend's Bosnian town elections, whose results are not yet clear).

ECONOMIST: Devolution can be salvation

Bangkok jeweler Acharavadee Wongsakon, for instance, on June 30 led a procession of several hundred protesters through the city's famous Chatuchak weekend market and the Khao San Road backpacker district to persuade Thais and foreign tourists to show more respect.

WSJ: In Thailand Today, Teen Monks Express the Spirit to a Rock Beat