These few examples are reflective of the type of thought-provoking and practical topics Ben touches on in his writing.

FORBES: VC Blogs You Should Follow (and Why): Ben Horowitz

" More cynical attendees might opt for practical discussions on topics like, "How to Sound Contrite Even Though You're Not a Bit Sorry.

CNN: World's leaders aren't doing their jobs

One of the most practical and useful topics covered involves teaching dogs to become good canine car passengers -- particularly important for those of us who see our car as our second-best friend (after Rover, of course).

CNN: Site-Seer: Fetching an obedient dog from the Web

The 10 sessions will combine Champagne- and wine-specific topics with more general, practical business education, including marketing, human resources and brand management.

CNN: Learning to lead in Champagne

As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission has organized a coalition of public- and private-sector organizations to provide practical tips on a wide range of topics.

WHITEHOUSE: THE WHITE HOUSE

Business professors often still view themselves as the campus underdogs and, keen to boost their credibility, tend to favour dry topics to impress academics in other disciplines, rather than finding practical applications for their ideas.

ECONOMIST: The Gordon-Howell report of 1959

For our company, an online magazine geared towards providing practical advice to young professionals, we offered to work with contributors on authoring articles on the topics of their choice, as well as free passes to career development and training courses.

FORBES: Get Noticed