Gotye’s Somebody that I Used to Know is very popular right now.

Because of that, it has spawned many covers. I’m really impressed by the acoustic version by Walk Off the Earth in which all five band members simultaneously play a single guitar:

This version is so popular that it, in turn, has inspired many parodies. The best is this one by The Key of Awesome. I think it might even be my favorite of the three. Love the Tito Puente line!

My sister and I went to see the 1943 technicolor extravaganza The Gang’s All Here. Billed (by the local theater) as a “gay hairdresser’s acid trip” the film did not disappoint. The disembodied heads at the end, though, were a bit much.

The highlight was, of course, Carmen Miranda. They just don’t make big musical numbers in which showgirls dance with oversized fruit anymore. More’s the pity.

More amazing pancakes at http://saipancakes.blogspot.com/

Why does the do-not-call list not work?

From Science Friday.

http://www.dailybunny.com/daily_bunny_d8/2012/02/occupy-living-room.html

It’s been quite a year…

It started out quiet enough, but that all changed in June.  First the accident, then the months living with my parents, the endless medical tests, the eventual diagnosis and treatment, and—once I moved back to my apartment—adjusting to a much constricted way of life.

But today I bought:

It’s a scary new world.  I’ve been strangely hesitant to get back out there and drive after 6 months of not driving. I hope that fear goes away with time.  I’m not sure I’ll ever be up for a long road trip again.

I’ve been kind of proud of my self-sufficiency and comfort-level with the bus, though I know the “comfort” aspect of it would disappear once the bitter winter finally arrives. But I have also depended on my selfless family and friends for many rides as well.  Thanks!  You’re the best!

Although it’s been so crazy, I think this is one of the best years I’ve had.  Part of it is gratitude for not injuring or killing anyone else or being seriously injured myself.  Whether it was luck, a guardian angel, or merely chance,  to have emerged with just a few scratches is a miracle.

Living with my parents those first months was wonderful too.  It’s for precisely that reason that I moved back to Minnesota: you can depend on family (and they can depend on me too!).  They never let me feel like a burden.  And, although I wasn’t expecting it,  it was really nice to not live alone for a while after so many years.  (Plus Mom spoiled me with home-cooking!)

All in all, a very good year.

So…….what should I name the car?

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!