Tommy: You know what the Aztecs' problem was? They were at the wrong apex of the technological world arc.
Mary: I've never heard of that.
Tommy: Oh, it's my own theory. You see, technology begins in China in 5,000 B.C., with, um, literature and architecture and pasta and alcoholic beverages and fireworks.
Mary: Oh. Would you like an Oreo?
Tommy: Oh, thank you.
Mary: Oh, please continue. This is fascinating.
Tommy: So over the centuries the techno-arc moves through the Middle East, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Florence, Europe, the Americas, until it gets back to the Pacific Rim, but it always travels west.
Mary: So you're saying, the earth's rotation affects civilization.
Tommy: Exactly! And every dominant society is in sync with the arc.
Mary: And the Aztecs are-
Tommy: They're off the arc by 2,000 years, and that is why their advancements are never recognized.

Sally: Hey, guys! Good news!
Dick: What is it, Lieutenant?
Sally: I got a job. A real job. Look.
Dick: "Sally Solomon, Stern and Bower, Inc."
Sally: It's my I.D. I have a parking pass, medical, dental, pension, profit sharing. I'm thinking of retiring in Mexico.
Tommy: Well, your dollar goes further there.

Mrs. Dubcek: [inner monologue] [sings to the Jeopardy! theme] Thinking, thinking Thinking hard What's the use? I've burned too many brain cells Maybe I'll just fantasize Look at Alex and close my eyes