“Look,” he continued, taking a seat next to me. “I know I have the reputation of being a bit…unpleasant, particularly to reporters.” “‘A bit unpleasant?’” I retorted. “You’re too modest. You thoroughly underestimate your ability to be an obnoxious jerk.” The boy was silent for a moment, mulling over my words. “I suppose I deserved that,” he finally said, “but there is a reason for the way I behave.” “You’re socially maladjusted?” I suggested.

As we chatted over caffeinated beverages at a downtown coffee shop, it was clear to me that he did possess an uncanny amount of knowledge on a wide variety of topics, and he wasn’t hesitant to express his opinion on any subject. It was also clear to me that if I did not wrap up this interview soon, I would strangle the little snot.