“TV rots your brain,” Mom used to say. And she was right- about most shows, anyway. Every now and then, however, shows come out that challenge our minds and actually teach us something. To prove this, MENSA, a club for really smart folks, recently released its top ten list of smart TV shows. They recognized Jeopardy, Frasier, Mad About You, and other ho-hum shows- mostly sitcoms (who knew science nerds had such a leaning toward comedy?). My first thought: “What the heck? Where’s Star Trek, Twilight Zone, X-Files, or other sci-fi shows that launched the careers of thousands of physicists, astronomers, astronauts, engineers, biologists, etc.? Where’s the love for the sci-fi?” And, just like that, my opinion of Mensa fell dramatically.

1. Astrophysics - Since the second demise of Star Trek, primetime had been void of any talk of wormholes, time travel, or space-time. With the introduction of the Island as a vortex of electromagnetic, swarming nanotech clouds, and time-tripping dilemmas, this subject was once again blown open to the American public. In fact, this show took it one step farther by adding in a slew of internet scavenger hunts that introduced floods of theories to those diligent enough to seek them. Needless to say, Lost has opened a proverbial Hatch for tomorrow’s physicists.

Popular Degrees
	Business Degrees Criminal Justice Degrees Computer Degrees Technology Degrees Health Care Degrees Nursing Degrees

3. Literature – As with philosophy, Lost dips also into the waters of literature, both classic and modern. The names of characters are very often taken from famous literary characters or authors. Desmond’s lady love, Penelope Widmore, for instance, gets her name from Odysseus’ wife, who, like Ms. Widmore, waited faithfully for the return of her lover from a long, bizarre journey. Sawyer inherited his name from the wandering adventurer/boy-hero of Mark Twain’s novel. A newly introduced baddie, Matthew Abaddon, got his name from Biblical poetry- his last name means “a place of destruction” or “realm of the dead.” Sounds like a nice guy.

5. Top-notch drama – If all the other stuff does not interest you, Lost is still one of the best dramas on television- and I don’t mean the kind of “drama” where everyone sleeps with everyone else, someone gets shot or gets a terminal illness every week, or people come in and out of comas conveniently. Lost represents the very best of drama, stories of falling and redemption, revenge and forgiveness, strength and weakness, love and hate, folly and consequence. Some episodes have actually moved me to tears by their sheer dramatic force.

When you go in for a check up, you need to trust your physician. They are doing what is in your best interest, despite what some people may tell you. You shouldn’t look for any chance you have to sue them, or look for any fault that may or may not have been in there control. There is no question that when a terrible mistake has been made the physician needs to be held responsible, but don’t jump to any extreme measures. Medical malpractice is hard to accept, and it can be very sad. Don’t use medical malpractice as a front though for trying to get money from doctors, only sue for legitimate reasons. 

Using the Internet to find legal advice can be a great place to start. You need to keep in mind though, that you pay for what you get. Most legal advice on the Internet is simply hearsay and contains no real legal importance. The Internet can help you ask the right questions when you meet with an attorney, no doubt about that, but the Internet will never replace a physical attorney with whom you can speak. Your case and everyone else’s is unique, so an Internet application that gives you a generic response simply won’t due.