Almost all of the finer things in life are free or nearly free. You don't have to pay for the sky at night or snow in the morning or a kiss on the nose when you're sick. Forgetting that may put you at the mercy of those who seek to profit by convincing you to want whatever it is they have to sell.

Be able to analyze statistics, which can be used to support or undercut almost any argument.

Be able to notice all the confusion between fact and opinion that appears in the news

Teens think listening to music helps them concentrate. It doesn't. It relieves them of the boredom that concentration on homework induces.

Spending waiting moments doing crossword puzzles or reading a book you brought yourself.

A good leader needs to stand behind his or her followers as often as he or she needs to stand in front of them.

Common sense comes from experience, and kids need to fail as well as succeed in order to learn it. It's difficult to develop common sense when you spend a lot of time in your room where nothing much happens.