Malcolm Gladwell complicates the tug of war between destiny and determination. On one hand, he doesn't think Gifted and Talented Education Programs can or should pick out high-achievers at age 8. But on the other hand, he says aspiring hockey players born after the first 3 months of the year don't stand much of a chance of going pro.

Michael Barrier is the guy you call if you have a big profound question about Looney Tunes. He explains that Wile E. Coyote isn't pitted against the Road Runner--he's up against a universe that's out to get him.