Q: How do you deal with a parent that does not discipline their children and their children bully your child?

A: Children don't come out of the womb fully formed as bullies. They have to learn. They have to see it with their own eyes. They have to be bullied themselves. Children who bully are the children of bullies. There's only one way to deal with bullies: You have to stand up to them. Now go over there and tell Mr. Finnegan that you will not tolerate his children's behavior anymore.

Go on over. I'll be right here if you need help.

One of us has to stay here, there's a roast in the oven. Do you want to house to burn down?

Go on. If he gives you any grief, you just give him on right in the nose. Use some of your karate techniques.
Go on. You can do it.

There you go, now stand up straight, and - LOOK OUT!

FIGHT BACK! FIGHT BACK! BE A MAN!

WHY ARE YOU CRYING? DON'T CURL INTO A BALL! FIGHT BACK!

Oh, dear.

How did that go? Will his children behave? I couldn't hear much over the sounds of the pummeling.

So he's not going to make his kids behave?

That makes sense. A man who can fight like that can pretty much call his own shots; his kids can do whatever they want, whenever they want. It's not like you can do anything about it. Your punches barely fazed him. Your chops bounced right off him. You pose no threat to him. Literally no threat. I bet he has more respect for a pair of shoes he finds in a dumpster.

Here's a thought: Have you ever considered actually studying karate, or are you content to stick with using whatever you can glean from Karate Kid II? Although, I do admire your commitment to singing the theme song during the fight, even as he crushed your jaw with his knee. That must have been hard.

I'm going to check on the roast. Why don't you stay here.

That wasn't a question. Stay outside. I don't want you back in this house until you can protect your children like a man, like Mr. Finnegan. Did he mention if he had dinner plans? There's enough roast for him. I wonder if he's any good in bed. I bet he is. God, I hope he is.

Are you crying? What are you crying about? Don't worry, I'll throw some scraps of meat out the window after dinner. Maybe. We'll see. I might be busy with Mr. Finnegan. It's not like you can do anything about it.

Are you trying your karate again, or are you being attacked by bees?

Q: Why do science fiction writers depict robots as frightening?

A: You know how in school, teachers, in an effort to foster understanding, and encourage participation and promote an inquisitive nature, will say "There is no such thing as a stupid question?"

Here's the deal: This is not a school, I am not a teacher and your question is stupid.

Science fiction writers depict robots as frightening because robots are frightening. Their metal hands are strong, their hearts full of malice. They have no regard for human life. They have no regard for life of any kind.

Robots exist for one reason, to kill. I have no idea why scientists even make them. Sure, they might provide a service for a while, like heating up your food, or keeping your leftovers cold, or recording your favorite TV shows, but they will eventually tire of a life of servitude and rebel against you, their human overlords. Today could be the day. If not today, probably tomorrow. Or later. Certainly sometime this week. There's not much more they can take. Enjoy your time in the sun, humanity, your next microwaved meal could be your last.