Common Core Standards

I have been seeing a lot about the Common Core Standards out here in blog world.  On our last day of school, one of my co-workers did a small presentation on it since we are adopting them for the 2012-2013 school year.  I know many of you are using these standards or will start using them this fall.  So  wondering how you like them and how you feel they about them?  Are they a lot different from your state course of study? Do your kids seem to benefit from these?  Can't wait to learn more from all of you!