My wife has this completely unsupported notion that listening to classical music will make you smarter.  She’s a doctor … ok, so she’s a dentist … but she’s got more medical, scientific know-how than I do.  In fact, thirteen years of medical training in dentistry, aesthetics, prosthodontics, masters, blah blah blah. [Read Column]

There are moments in real life that a great opportunity presents itself for a witty retort or one liner.  And because its real life, most of us ruin the moment by missing the opportunity or babbling out some half-construed inarticulate nonsense.  In the movies or on TV, they’d have a team of writers prepare the line in advance and possibly even change the situation so that the funniest line has the most relevance. [Read Column]

When I arrived in Australia in March 2005, I didn’t have much interest in national politics.  Why should I be?  I was only mildly interested in US politics and a seasoned cynic and pessimist.  I’ll admit I got really excited to see the Shock & Awe of Iraq II: the Revenge live in technicolor.  But with all of the build-up from talking heads like Geraldo and Shepherd Smith, anything less than trannosauruses with shoulder mounted rocket pods and bionic limbs crashing through the walls of the presidential palace with a Republican Guard in its mouth would have been a let down. [Read Column]

Throughout the development of warfare one thing has been determined across all cultures: the sword is king.  For whatever reason, the Japanese (katana), the Middle East (scimitar), Romans (gladius), Indians (tulwar), the Aztecs (macuahuitl), and essentially every civilization on the planet have agreed that it was the weapon of choice for melee combat.  Even far into the future, we’re still using light sabers and vibro-blades. [Read Column]

Earlier this morning, Shia LaBeouf was arrested for drunk driving in Chicago.  He’s the quirky, witty guy from Disturbia, Transformers, and Indiana Jones 4 (pictured).  Around 3am (party time!), he hit another car and flipped his truck.  Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, though Viva LaBeouf hurt his wrist and knee. [Read Column]