From the unconventional and awe-inspiring to the hilarious and heartwarming, here's a look at some of the most interesting photos, videos and stories that have our newsroom talking today. What's capturing your attention, filling your inbox and cluttering your Facebook/Twitter feed? Comment below with the stories you're talking about or tweet them to us using #InstantIndex and they could appear on World News.

Tonight's Instant Index:

Power of a Smile A new study from the University of California, San Diego, has discovered that powerful people don't smile often at people they consider competitors or important. They smile most at those they believe are less of a threat.

A Country Without Homework If President Francois Hollande has his way France will become a country without homework. The new leader wants to end homework as part of his education reforms because he does not believe it is fair that some kids receive help from their parents while others, who come from more difficult upbringings, don't. Hollande's new plan would increase the number of teachers, increase the amount of time spent in school and redo the curriculum.

Image credit: Christophe Ena/AFP/Getty Images

The World in Time Lapse It took six months and locations ranging from San Francisco to Istanbul for filmmaker Reid Gower to capture the world in his video "Natural Phenomena." He wrote on Vimeo: "Open your eyes to the world you've grown accustomed to, and rejoice in the fact that you can participate in the human project."

Apple Announcement Apple sent out invitations today for an Oct. 23 media event in San Jose. At the event, the company is expected to announce the iPad Mini. The invitation reads: "We've got a little more to show you." The tech community believes that Apple, as it has done in the past, dropped a clue about its new product with the word "little."

Image credit: Apple

Beyonce to Perform at Super Bowl According to the Associated Press, Beyonce will be the halftime performer at Super Bowl KLVII on Feb. 3, 2013 in New Orleans. The AP's source said the official announcement is scheduled for Wednesday.

Image credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Survival of the Fittest In the last 100 years, humans have accomplished more to extend life expectancy than during the previous 6.6 million, according to research published by the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers said that a Swede born in 1800 had an average life span of 32 years; in 1900, it had increased to 52 years; and today it is 82 years. According to researchers, "72 is the new 30."

Image credit: Getty Images

Made in America Martha Stewart launched the " American Made Awards" Monday evening. Stewart and her editors selected 10 rising small-business owners as finalists and one will be chosen by Stewart's online audience to receive the "Audience Choice Award." The winner will receive $10,000 and be honored at an event in New York City. Stewart wrote in USA Today that the awards are designed "to salute creative entrepreneurs whose efforts are a powerful engine for economic development and growth."

Awards Reunion Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will be the hosts for the 70 th annual Golden Globe Awards, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced Monday. The two comedians worked together on "Saturday Night Live" and in the 2008 film "Baby Mama." The ceremony will air Jan. 13 on NBC.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage