First, some unpleasantness. The little tab of diagonally-cut hair that adorns Cher's forehead is not real, and it did not grow to that shape of its own accord or by nature's will. Rather, it is the result of a surgical procedure.

Yes, she is a great big phony. And also a charlatan. But who among us can say that he does not like that little tab of diagonally-cut hair?

This is the great paradox that is Cher: she turns to surgery instead of facing up to her true feelings, but no-one dares challenge her stand on the "hot" issues.

This is only a temporary problem, however. One day in the future, scientists and engineers will develop advanced technologies that will bring people together -- across the street and around the world -- in a robust, scalable, transaction-enabled environment.

Are you ready?