How Old is Your Brain?

Check this out. It will make you nuts! The instructions are in Japanese, so read these unless you know Japanese. It starts out easy and then becomes impossible. Some number people and those with freakish memories would find it all easy, I'm sure. That would not be me. My brain is around 34. It's ranged from 29-35.

1. Touch 'start'
2. Wait for 3, 2, 1.
3. Memorize the numbers positions on the screen, then click the circle from the smallest number to the biggest number.
4. At the end of game, the computer will tell you the age of your brain.

Test Results

I like these results. I'm not sure how much like Katherine Hepburn I could be but do see some similarities in the description. I'd love to be Cary Grant if I were a man!

Your result for The Classic Dames Test...

Katharine Hepburn

You scored 29% grit, 24% wit, 38% flair, and 29% class!

You are the fabulously quirky and independent woman of character. You go your own way, follow your own drummer, take your own lead. You stand head and shoulders next to your partner, but you are perfectly willing and able to stand alone. Others might be more classically beautiful or conventionally woman-like, but you possess a more fundamental common sense and off-kilter charm, making interesting men fall at your feet. You can pick them up or leave them there as you see fit. You share the screen with the likes of Spencer Tracy and Cary Grant, thinking men who like strong women.

Your result for The Classic Leading Man Test...

Cary Grant

You scored 7% Tough, 19% Roguish, 43% Friendly, and 33% Charming!

You are the epitome of charm and style, the smooth operator who steals the show with your sophisticated wit, quiet confidence and flirty sense of humor. You are able to catch any woman you want just by flashing that disarming smile, even if you're flashing it at a kindly aunt or engaging child at the time. When you walk into a room, women are instantly intrigued and even the men are impressed, but you're too nice a guy to steal anyone else's girl...unless the guy deserves it. You're stylish, yes, but you can also be a little bit nutty. However, you're primarily seen as dashing, suave and romantic. Your co-stars include Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly, stylish women with a sense of fun.

Nada

I got nothing today! That's right! Nothing! Zilch! I can't think of anything to write about. The well is dry. Maybe something will come to me eventually. Otherwise, no more blogging for me! LOL

Einstein Quote of the Day

My passionate sense of social justice and social responsibility has always contrasted oddly with my pronounced lack of need for direct contact with other human beings and human communities.

Thanksgiving Friday

I don't shop on the day after Thanksgiving. It's too crowded and frantic. There are people who love doing it, get up at 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning, and head out with their lists and coupons. Not me.

I went to Mother's and took the tape I recorded of the Barbara Walters interview with the Obamas. We were discussing it Thanksgiving, and she missed it. She looked at me and scolded, "Why didn't you tell me that was on?" I told her she usually kept up with all that. So fortunately I hadn't deleted it from my DVR, so we enjoyed watching it together. I'd seen it but missed some of it because I often watch TV and am on my laptop at the same time. I'm not as good at multi-tasking as I used to be. Since she had some good leftovers from yesterday, we had a good lunch.

This bronchitis is finally getting better. Yesterday I thought I'd have to go to the doctor today, but my lungs quit hurting so much. Maybe I'll make it now.

I hope all of you are enjoying your holiday. What did you do?

T-Day

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! There are many things I'm thankful for, and part of it is making some new friends this year. I look forward to reading your blogs and appreciate your reading and commenting on mine! Long-time friends and family are blessings, so thanks to all of you for everything!

Albert the Plumber

Einstein Quote of the Day

If I would be a young man again and had to decide how to make my living, I would not try to become a scientist or scholar or teacher. I would rather choose to be a plumber or a peddler in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available under present circumstances.

DWTS - Season Seven Winner

It's just been around a couple of months, but I'd almost forgotten some of the early dance-startestants. They all returned to dance on the finale in the order in which they were eliminated. Jeff Ross, Ted McGinley, and Kim Kardashian were the first dancers. Misty May-Treanor said she'd just been cleared for walking but wished she could get out there and dance. It was good to see Rocco DiSpirito again. Cloris Leachman was, well, Cloris. What can we say?

Warren and Kym performed the hustle and got a total score of 80/90. Lance and Lacey jitterbugged their way to a total score of 81/90. Brooke and Derek danced the Viennese waltz with elegance and grace for a score of 88/90. There were a couple of sweet moments at the end of their dance after the phrase, "Mothers be kind to your daughters" when Brooke danced over to her two daughters and hugged and kissed them. Then when the judges were praising her, we could see her fiancee fighting back tears. It was touching.

Now to add the audience votes to those of the judges.

And the winner is ... Brooke Burke and Derek Hough!



This is only one of two pictures I could find of her with some clothes on. There are many of her in bikinis, topless, and in almost nothing. Well done, Brooke!

In second place ... Warren and Kym!

Without Ruth

The more stuff I get rid of the more ruthless I get. It's overwhelming for sure, and at times I am not sure I can do it. Sally helped me get started. This is going to be a long, involved undertaking, but I'll get there eventually. I told Mother I was going to send a couple of people before and after pictures. She said she thought I should just send the after pictures. No one could appreciate the difference if I did that, but I understand how embarrassing my house is for her since hers is always neat, clean, and decorated. Mine used to be. It's embarrassing to me, too. I haven't let anyone in my house for a few years except for a very few people I know like me anyway and won't have me committed.

All the clutter experts say that a traumatic event usually triggers this kind of house chaos, and that is the case for me. Just getting the living/dining room done makes me feel lighter and as if I've lost weight. I can't wait until I get the whole house back again!

Weird Trivia

I'm not sure what this means to us, but I thought I'd share it with you.

The squirrel monkey’s brain accounts for roughly 5 percent of its body weight, the largest percentage of any animal. The human brain, by comparison, makes up about 2.3 percent of body weight.

Enough Already!

I'm sniffling, coughing, and complaining. My doctor prescribed an antibiotic z-pack, which I have one more day on. I'm ready to feel better and for this to leave! Yuck!

I didn't pay that much attention to it when I first started feeling allergic and sinusey. Then my lungs got involved and made me feel draggy. Maybe it is more than I first thought, but it's overstayed its welcome.

DWTS - The Finals

First each couple showed their two favorite dances on tape they thought they did the best performing. They chose a ballroom and a Latin dance. The couples are doing a group samba smackdown, so we voters can watch them perform side-by-side. They checked out the competition during rehearsal but don't want to show all their moves. They were talking trash, and Warren said his dance would blow Lance's out of the water and then added, "Samba la vista, baby!" Well, I thought it was sort of funny.

They'll also have their free-style to do. My favorite in seasons past was Drew and Cheryl's cowboy dance. The weirdest was that doll dance Marie Osmond did.


• Brooke Burke and Derek Hough
Dance: Samba / Freestyle
Score: 28 + 30 = 58

Brooke and Derek chose their beautiful quickstep and intense Paso Doble. Derek said she has had consistently high scores and the highest average score.

Brooke's and Derek's samba was energetic, smooth, and good. Theirs was probably first. Her body is amazing. She must spend hours every day doing yoga, pilates, and all kinds of things to get in that shape.

Their freestyle is a jitterbug they danced to "You're the One I Want" from Grease. Their outfits were reminiscent of that era and changed by a breakaway for Brooke and added jacket for Derek. They'll probably get all 10's for this. Bruno said it was one of the best freestyles he's ever seen, and so did Len. All the judges loved it. Just as we've suspected all season, Brooke will undoubtedly win.


• Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer
Dance: Samba / Freestyle
Score: 26 + 27 = 53

Lance and Lacey showed their goth tango and the mambo. Lacy thinks Lance needs to win because he's the most improved and beat Brooke twice. Why don't I like them?

Lance did a good samba. He and Lacey looked great and were probably second.

OMG, they have on t-shirts that say LANCEY. Cute or gaggy? You decide. Their dance is a hip-hop. It was energetic, youthful, and good but not equal to Brooke and Derek. The judges were mixed in their critique but all gave them 9's.


• Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson
Dance: Samba / Freestyle
Score: 25 + 28 = 53

Warren's and Kym's favorites were their elegant Viennese waltz and their Matrix Paso Doble. Kym said Warren should win because he lights up the dance floor and excites the crowd. He started not knowing anything and can now dance all these dances.

Warren has amazed me every week with his footwork and style. Good job! They probably were third. Yep, I called 'em.

Their freestyle had all kinds of lifts, some of which looked a little awkward. They also did some costume changes during the dance to "Proud Mary." It was energetic and sometimes sort of frenetic. I don't think they'll get all 10's, but the crowd loves them. Len said he was a star and that no one touches him as an entertainer. Their routine was Carrie Ann's favorite. Len gave him a 10 based on entertainment.

They'll have one more score from the judges tomorrow night which will be half their score. Now let's vote!

Say It Ain't So!

I'm bummed that Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone are being cancelled. I love those shows. The writing is original and quirky and intelligent. Both shows have excellent casts and are entertaining. They'll keep some lame shows but cancel these. The horror of it! I'm still not over West Wing being gone.

Einstein Quote of the Day

Again with the socks, Einstein!

Even on the most solemn occasions I got away without wearing socks and hid that lack of civilisation in high boots.

Baby Otters

Oh, look what they added to ZooBorns recently! They are African spotted-neck otter pups. Look at the expressions on their faces - how cute!! Feel free to caption this if you feel inspired.

Progress!

Sally came down this afternoon and helped me with my house. We made a lot of progress in four hours. If I get brave enough, I'll post some pictures about it, but you'll see how bad it was. It's going to take a long time to get the whole house finished, but the living room and hall are great now. The dining table is cleared off, but there are some more magazines and other stuff that has to go from the dining area. We took many, many magazines and newspapers to recycling and threw away some other stuff.

So far, so good. She's spending the night with Mother and will be back in the morning. We went over there for dinner and visited with my sister-in-law Janelle who stopped by. That was relaxing and fun. My mother's house is organized, clean, and always looks wonderful. She's amazing!

The Economy

Ronni Bennett wrote a wonderful piece on her blog Time Goes By titled "Restoring Confidence in the Economy." Please check it out if you get a chance. You'll be glad you did. The comments are good on it, too. Here's an excerpt from it.

Just last week we were treated to news that some banks have set aside several billions of bailout money for executive bonuses this year. With the exception of one or two, there has been no announcement that the CEOs and other leaders of banks and corporations who wrecked the economy (leaving many elders and others destitute of a lifetime of savings) have been fired. No salaries have been reduced to governmental levels even though bailout banks are being partially nationalized.

While these people keep their several mansions, Bentleys, yachts, art that belongs in museums, dozens of $5,000 suits, astronomical salaries and bonuses, the American people are paying for it all in blood, hunger and cold in winter.

DWTS - Results

While watching Julianne Hough sing on the show, I thought about Jessica Simpson who also made a country music album. Jessica was so phony as if she were "acting" the way she thought (I use that word loosely) that's how they did it. The expressions on her face and strange posturing are laughable. Julianne really sang well and performed authentically. She might make it.

DWTS has become a showcase for performers since it's so popular. Aretha Franklin, Leona Lewis, and John Legend sang on tonight's show.

The handsome guy I thought was Brooke's husband is her fiance, David Charvet. He was chewing gum, remember? Not cool. They have two children, and she has two from a previous marriage.

Well, just as we thought, cute little ol' Cody had to go. He did a great job making it to the final four!

Balance of Power

Have any of you been in a relationship with someone who made much more or less money than you did, was lots better or worse looking than you, or was many years younger or older? Usually people feel most comfortable with someone from a similar socio-economic group and who represents about the same number of looks that they do (as in someone who is a 3 not with a 9). How did it work for you if you were involved with someone in a different category like that? Was there an imbalance of power where you were aware of this and couldn't get beyond it?

I've dated and was married to someone who made quite a bit more money than I did, which isn't that hard to do with teachers' salaries being what they are. With the exception of a couple of times, it went well. Sometimes men acted as if they could make all the decisions and "take care of me" in patronizing ways, but they didn't get to stick around. I guess when the woman makes more money, is taller or older, or has a position of power in her career, things could be more difficult since those are not our role models. Lipstick Jungle has been dealing with this with the characters on there. I've been in relationships where I was from 10-15 years older than the guy I was going with, so I know something about that. In some cases it posed a problem but had more to do with other issues. Generally it was OK.

How do some of you same-sex couples handle this? The latest episode of Brothers and Sisters made me wonder since the gay couple on there dealt with one of them becoming more successful than the other who had made more money before. Does being equal play a big part of your relationship or not?

Anyway, what about you? Any thoughts on this?

DWTS - Week Nine - The Semi-Finals!

I had much more than this, but it didn't make it. I added the scores and some information but didn't recreate everything I wrote before. There was some funny stuff in there, too. :-(

We're down to four couples. Now they'll perform a dance they haven't done this season and one of the new dances. Here are the semi-finalists!


• Brooke Burke and Derek Hough
Dance: Jive / Salsa
Score: 21 + 28 = 49

The only woman in the competition, Brooke has consistently been the best dancer. Derek worked on Brooke's performan as well as the choreography. Their jive was sort of frenetic. Brooke seemed a little bit stiff or something I can't quite put my finger on. Len pointed them out for me. He said it was a disaster with many mistakes. Bruno said it had wow but no how. Carrie Ann was upset about the lift. Brooke said she missed the first step and couldn't get on track after that. Ooo, all 7's - their worst score of the whole season.

Their salsa redeemed them. Good job!


• Cody Linley and Julianne Hough
Dance: Paso Doble / Salsa
Score: 22 + 24 = 46

Julianne is back, and Cody was glad. He went to Nashville to see her at the CMA's. Julianne said the main difference she saw in Cody in the two weeks she was gone is his determination. Their Paso Doble was different. It looked 40's with Army uniforms (or parts of them) Cody was intense and focused. Bruno not so much, nor Carrie Ann, and Len not at all.

Cody has improved so much and did a good salsa. Len said he didn't realize he was such a strong lad, and Bruno said he came out like a little cheeky devil.


• Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson
Dance: Mambo / Jitterbug
Score: 24 + 25 = 49

Warren flies to Philadelphia to do Inside the NFL after the results show and then back and forth again. Kym went with him for them to rehearse again. He's so tired but won't quit he said. The judges praised Warren's performance ability but said he needed more content and more difficult moves. All 8's - best score tonight so far. I think the competition is taking its toll on the celebrities because they all seem determined to make it to the finals and are nervous.

Warren is a competitive performer. He really moves well and is fun to watch.


• Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer
Dance: Mambo / Jitterbug
Score: 28 + 29 = 57

Lance flew his father and grandfather from Mississippi to watch him dance. He said his grandfather was his inspiration since he used to do the jitterbug. Their mambo was really good, and they got the best score of the night so far.

Very good jitterbug and high score! Two tens!

Cody will probably go home tomorrow night based on how things went tonight.