I was doing homework for a class and noticed one of the questions that the professor luckily had not assigned.

Actual homework question: "Contact your local state legislator and obtain a copy of one hazardous waste bill currently being considered. Prepare a brief synopsis of the bill, indicating your opinion as to whether it should be passed."

Had he assigned this, I would have had approximately 36 hours to contact my state legislator, explain what I needed, pick up paperwork at the state capitol, write a response, and finish 20 other problems. Small miracles, eh?