HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY!

Todays Brain Drain Question:

OVER 20% OF MARRIED COUPLES SAY THAT THEY FIGHT ABOUT THIS THE MOST.

-LAUNDRY (NO WINNER)



CELEB PIC OF THE DAY

"Marge Simpson"'s Playboy cover. The issue hits newsstands Friday.

WAYS WOMEN HAVE REPLACED MEN WITH TECHNOLOGY

Developments in science and technology are rapidly advancing -- and this is allowing women to slowly, but surely, replace the men in their lives.

Here are some ways in which men are becoming obsolete to the needs of women:

1. Artificial Insemination -- Who needs a man when you have a turkey baster?

2. HGTV and Power Tools -- Since the first tools were crafted from stone and metal, fix-it projects have been the domain of men. Not anymore. The HGTV cable network along with do-it-yourself stores like Home Depot and Lowes have given women the access to tools and the know-how to use them.

3. Bug Spray -- Men used to be handy because they were in charge of spider-squashing. These days, women no longer need men to step on the bugs. They just need to reach for the Raid.

4. Pepper Spray and Tasers -- Once upon a time, women were afraid to be out alone at night without a male bodyguard. The invention of pepper spray and tasers meant a new degree of freedom for women.

5. Sex Toys -- The no-brainer.

THINGS WOMEN THINK ARE CUTE -- BUT AREN'T

According to Ultimate Hate List, here are some things women think are cute, but just aren't:

• Short Hair
• The 1980s
• Big Sunglasses
• Dancing on the Bar
• Reading Harry Potter Books
• Apple Martinis
• Pouting
• Uggs
• Some honorable mentions include Mini Coopers, ice coffee and throw pillows.

8 Habits That Can Wreck Your Relationship (Posted 3:00 AM, 10/12/2009)

Here are eight pesky behaviors that can kill a relationship ... 1. Having an affair with his "potential" Sure, you want him to be the best he can be, but acting like he'll be great following an "extreme makeover" will only leave you both feeling blah. You're failing to appreciate the mate you HAVE, and he's going to feel like you don't value him at all. Try the 80/20 rule: 80 percent of the time, praise them for all their greatness ... and in the tiny little 20, you can suggest room for improvements. It's also best to consider that the same goes for you. 2. Major Mood Swings It's easy to take stress out on one another, but that doesn't mean it's OK or good for your relationship. The occasional mood swing is acceptable -- it happens to the best of us -- but when moody is the norm it might mean your partner is going to want out. Wouldn't you? Try to take a breather when you realize you're being difficult. Take a walk, take a break, but don't take it out on your partner. 3. Complaining To Your Friends We all like to blow off steam, but if you're picking up the phone every time he upsets you -- you're going to have more of a relationship with your friends and less with your guy. Try talking to him when something upsets you. If you have to seek advice on how to approach it or write it out first that's OK, but build a partnership with your partner. 4. Melodrama If dating you means he has to get you flowers every time he leaves the toilet seat up ... he's likely to find a lower maintenance gal. Can you imagine having to make it up to him every time you had a mood swing or were late to dinner? Save the show-stoppers for something worthy ... Did he cheat on you? Have at him! 5. Mothering Him Taking care of each other comes with the territory, but if you're the one cutting his nights short because he's got a "big day tomorrow" or yelling for the Guitar Hero to be turned off, you're rapidly turning into mother not a lover. Avoid demanding, nagging or scolding; instead, ask for your needs in a clear respectful manner -- the way you would like to be addressed. 6. Too Much Together Time There's bonding and then there's bondage. Avoid being glued to your mate 24/7. Men like secure, independent women and enjoy their space. Remember who you were before you met him? That's the girl he fell for, and who you really are. Indulge in your favorite pastimes and do things without him now and again. You'll give him a chance to miss you and create interesting things to talk about when you get back. 7. Jealousy So, you found a guy who actually tells you he loves you, but you're still checking his phone, hacking his email and suspicious of his every moment away from you? STOP IT! Would you settle for a man who did this to you? A bit of jealousy is normal, but acting on it and letting it run your life is unattractive and unproductive. 8. Getting too comfortable Eventually the sweats come out and the routine kicks in, but that doesn't mean it's time to abandon all effort! Be sure to keep romance alive and grooming a priority (at least most of the time!). Take the time, on occasion, to look your best, create a romantic evening and show you're not taking him for granted. A special night "just because" usually gets reciprocated, and that's extra reason to make the effort!

ON THE TUBE: Monday(Posted 3:00 AM, 10/12/2009)

Regis & Kelly (synd) -- Forest Whitaker (Where the Wild Things Are) Ellen DeGeneres (synd) -- Vince Vaughn (Couples Retreat) The View (ABC) -- Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano Colbert Report (Comedy Central) -- Dr. Sanjay Gupta Jay Leno (NBC) -- Dana Carvey David Letterman (CBS) -- Garry Shandling (Mad Men) Conan O'Brien (NBC) -- Jamie Foxx (Law Abiding Citizen) Jimmy Kimmel (ABC) -- David Duchovny (Californication) Craig Ferguson (CBS) -- David Boreanaz (Bones) Jimmy Fallon (NBC) -- Kathie Lee Gifford T-L-C unleashes a new season of Little People, Big World.

HAVE A GREAT DAY
RC