♪ Every day when you're walking down the street ♪ ♪ Everybody that you meet has an original point of view ♪ (laughing) ♪ And I say hey ♪ Hey!

♪ What a wonderful kind of day ♪ ♪ If we could learn to work and play ♪ ♪ And get along with each other ♪ ♪ You got to listen to your heart, listen to the beat ♪ ♪ Listen to the rhythm, the rhythm of the street ♪ ♪ Open up your eyes, open up your ears ♪ ♪ Get together and make things better ♪ ♪ By working together ♪ ♪ It's a simple message, and it comes from the heart ♪ ♪ Believe in yourself, for that's the place to start ♪ ♪ And I say hey ♪ Hey!

♪ What a wonderful kind of day ♪ ♪ If we could learn to work and play ♪ ♪ And get along with each other ♪ Hey!

♪ What a wonderful kind of day ♪ Hey!

♪ What a wonderful kind of day ♪ Hey!

Hey, D.W.!

Hey!

Whoa... (crash) Today's episode is all about the brain.

Hi, everyone.

Welcome to my show.

Hey!

Not that Brain.

This brain.

Did you know that our brain is one of the most complex things in the entire known universe?

Each brain is made up of lots of teeny-tiny cells called neurons.

I wonder how many neurons there are in a human brain.

BRAIN: Over 80 billion.

Can I come out now?

Wow!

80 billion?

One of the most amazing things about the brain is how much it can remember.

Hey, speaking of memory, you owe me 50 cents for that vanilla yogurt I bought you yesterday.

It was 25 cents and it was a blueberry yogurt.

It was 50 cents and I distinctly remember it was vanilla.

(sighs) We'll talk about it later.

Did you happen to notice the strange things that just appeared in Buster's room?

There were five of them.

How many can you remember?

We'll check back with you at the end of the show.

BRAIN: I'll tell you what's strange.

The amount of dirty socks in here.

Yech!

(pot lid rattling) (dings) (bubbling) (bubbling continues) Oh, Brain, you've really outdone yourself this time.

(laughing evilly) What are you doing up?

It's past midnight.

It is?

I was so busy preparing for our spring egg hunt I lost track of time.

I better get a flashlight.

You can hide the eggs tomorrow morning.

But the kids are coming at 10:00!

I need time to find super- challenging hiding spots.

Tomorrow, Alan.

(birds chirping) Aah!

D.W.: It's the toughest egg hunt in all of Elwood City.

Once he hid an egg inside an orange.

And the peel wasn't even broken.

I only found it because I got hungry.

Well, this Mr.

Brain has finally met his match.

I'm the best finder in the whole wide world.

Oh, really.

It's true.

Mom says I have a gift.

I can even find things before they're lost.

That doesn't make any sense.

Well, I pinky-bet you... two paperclips and a marker that smells like strawberries that I find more eggs than you.

Well, I'll see your two paperclips and a marker that smells like strawberries and raise you a giraffe sticker and a bendy straw.

Deal!

I can smell those strawberries now.

BRAIN: The theme of this year's egg hunt is... great men and women of science.

Every egg has the name of a scientist on it.

Whoever finds the most scientists wins... a most egg-cellent prize!

(Brain laughing) Gimme a break.

I woke up late and only had five minutes for puns.

Okay, ready... set... go!

(grunting) Sweet sassafras, it's a unicorn!

Where?

(D.W. growls) Thanks!

(groans) Kepler, Niels Bohr and Marie Curie.

Vicita has three.

Those are rocks, not eggs.

(sighs) Tommy and Timmy: zero.

Ow!

I got seven!

I got seven, too!

Well, I guess we have a tie for the win...

Wait, who got Pierre Paul Broca?

The 19th century French doctor instrumental in discovering that different areas of the brain have different functions.

Nice try.

So you mean there's still one more egg out there?

He's probably buried it.

I bet it's under his sweater.

Fork it over!

Hey, cut it out!

It's not in either of those places.

It's, um, it's... Now, where did I put Broca?

Was it in that black hole?

No, that's where I put Stephen Hawking.

For the life of me, I can't remember where I put Broca.

Think, Mr.

Brain, think.

There's a marker that smells like strawberries at stake here.

I'll remember.

I just need a little peace and quiet.

It's in here somewhere, Brain.

You just have to find it.

Broca... Broca... a pioneer in the study of the brain.

Hmm, where should I...?

Oh!

(yells) Huh?

I don't remember there being any hole here.

(screaming) Where am I?

(sparks crackling) "You are here."

Huh, I guess I'm inside my own head.

And I must be standing on my brain.

BUD: It's gotta be around here somewhere.

D.W. Let's just start digging.

No, stop!

No digging in my brain!

Let go of my pickaxe!

That was pretty sneaky of you, hiding the egg in your own head.

It's not in my head.

It's in the yard somewhere.

(all screaming) Great!

Now we're stuck inside my brain.

Let's ask that hippo if she knows where the egg is.

Hello!

Welcome to Brain's brain.

How may I help you?

I must confess, I'm a little disappointed.

I thought the inside of my brain would be bigger.

Oh, it is.

You're just in the tiny area here called the hippocampus within the temporal lobe.

See?

The brain is made up of tons of sections, which all do separate things but also work together to produce movement, thoughts, feelings...

It's a wonderful place to work.

Although I haven't had a vacation in nine years.

This is really interesting, but we're kind of in a rush.

We're in the middle of an egg hunt and he... can't remember where he put the last one.

Well, memory is a very tricky thing.

We do store a lot of memories here, but in order to retrieve the memories, you'll have to visit other parts of the brain.

I better get you a guide.

Pavel!

Report to the hippocampus, please.

You have a tour waiting.

(bat squeaking) Hello, I am Pavel, tour guide bat from Czech Republic.

What on earth is a Czech bat doing in my brain?

It just means you're getting batty.

Okay, now we go.

Please keep hands at sides while moving through the blood vessels.

(kids scream) We are now in brain stem, very important part of brain which controls body functions, like heartbeat and breathing and movements in eyes and face.

So what would happen if I press these?

(laughing) Hey, cut it out!

Quit making my face move!

Okay, now we go to frontal lobe, very advanced part of brain.

This is part of brain where thinking is happening and decisions are made.

I'm getting a message from the pleasure center.

Brain wants to go downstairs and eat a cookie.

Issuing command...

Wait!

I just got a signal that Brain thinks maybe he should wait 'til after dinner.

But he also wants that cookie.

I'm issuing the command... No, don't!

It's just empty calories!

Let go!

He needs that cookie now!

Look at them.

They're like the Tibbles.

Stop fighting and look for the egg.

Can we go straight to the place for memories?

I gotta get home soon.

Take that!

Ooh!

He wins.

Give Brain the cookie.

PAVEL: Now we're back in temporal lobe, but different area from hippocampus.

This area of brain has many long-term memories.

I remember that.

That was when I hit the winning run against Mighty Mountain last year.

Oh, yeah.

And that was from my superstitious phase.

Let's move on.

Huh?

When did that happen?

Hey, I think I found something.

D.W.: The eggs!

Quick!

Paint the next panel.

We have to see where he put them.

I'll help.

No, this is memory from today.

The paint is still wet.

PAVEL: It is very dangerous to tamper with it!

BRAIN: Stop!

You're going to damage something!

Um, we were just looking for the bathroom.

Kitchen?

I'm sorry, but I still don't remember where I put Pierre Paul Broca.

All I remember is this crazy dream with a Czech bat and...

Wait a minute!

My brain was trying to tell me, "Check the bat house"!

That's amazing!

Great.

So it's still a tie.

You two can share the prize.

It's a two-volume set of Sir Isaac Newton's Arithmetic Universalis.

It's a great read.

Huh, now where did I put it?

Hey, welcome back.

Did you remember the five strange objects?

They were... A flying banana.

A sombrero.

A chicken.

A rake.

And an umbrella.

How many did you get right?

Aren't brains amazing?

Both kinds.

And now a word from us kids.

My name is Jelani and I'm in Miss Huttle's second grade class.

Who's ready for a brain challenge?

Today we're giving our brains a workout.

We're doing brain teasers and physical challenges.

The first thing we did was called movement memory.

We had to memorize a bunch of exercise moves.

One, two, three, four, five... Next we built a cup tower.

Building a cup tower is a brain workout because you need to plan it out and concentrate.

(cheering) Different parts of your brain are good at different things.

ALL: Ohh...!

Hey, everybody, now close your eyes.

We are playing a memory game.

Look closely at all the things and try to remember them.

Can you see what's missing?

Paper clip!

Paper clip!

Look it.

I said it.

It's the paper clip.

So our next challenge is to arrange ourself by birthday without talking.

We had to go from youngest to oldest.

It's hard to communicate without talking.

I think we got it.

February.

April.

August.

November.

(applause) Try to make your own brain workout.

Huh!

And now, back to Arthur.

MAN: Three, two, one, zero... Ignition, lift-off!

Do you know what I love about astrophysics, the study of how planets and stuff move through space?

Hey, what's this button for?

You can predict exactly what they'll do.

Earth and Mars circle the Sun in predictable patterns called orbits, so even though they're traveling at about 50,000 miles an hour and are millions of miles apart, our rocket won't get lost.

Hey!

Come back, peas!

All we have to do is aim for where Mars will be when we get there... eight months from now!

Eight months?!

What are we going to do on this tiny ship for eight months?

Chess!

(engine roaring) You see?

It's eight months later and we're right on target.

ARTHUR: And... checkmate!

That's 3,100 games to 3,099.

You cheated.

You moved your king while I was out space-walking.

Oh, yeah?

When I get this seat belt off, I'm gonna space-walk all over you!

Don't you love how you can rely on science?

Whoa!

If only people were the same way...!

RADIO ANNOUNCER: And that was Bach's Violin Concerto #1 in A-minor.

For all you amateur astronomers out there, you can watch the Carlsaganids meteor shower tonight at approximately 8:14 p.m.

This time, nothing will stop me.

Don't forget, Alan.

I need your help tonight with that big ice cream order for Crosswire Motors.

Way ahead of you, Mom!

Tonight's the big meteor shower so I asked Arthur if he'd sub for me.

The Curse won't get me this time!

That's fine, dear.

"The Curse"?!

What curse?

BRAIN: Every time I try to see a meteor shower, something happens and I miss it.

I missed the Perseids... (doorbell rings) (door opens) MRS.

POWERS: Alan, look who showed up for a surprise visit... Grandma!

(sighs) BRAIN: I missed the Draconids...

Thanks for helping me clean up.

Now go see your meteor shower.

Everything here is under control.

(sighs) BRAIN: And I missed the Quadrantids.

This is kind of embarrassing, but would you know how to change a tire?

(sighs) Wow, you really are cursed!

Want my lucky corn muffin?

(muffin thuds on table) Thanks, but I'm prepared this year.

I've spent weeks mapping out solutions to everything that could go wrong.

I did all my homework ahead of time.

I finished up all my chores for the school band and the computer club.

And I got Arthur to agree to help out in my mom's ice cream shop... out of the kindness of his heart.

This time, my plans are foolproof.

(Arthur coughing) Is it me or is it really hot in here?

(coughing) No!

You're sick.

Don't worry, Brain.

(sniffles) I can definitely still sub for you to... (coughing) The Curse!

The Curse!

Your sub is gonna need a sub.

Oh...!

Where can I find someone who loves ice cream enough to spend a whole evening in my mom's shop?

I'm available.

Where can I find someone responsible who loves ice... Aw, come on, Brain!

I already have a list of innovations in my head.

What do you think your mom would say to a hot fudge sloppy Joe?

I'd say that I'm probably gonna regret this.

But you're hired.

And don't worry.

It's not like I'm gonna catch what Arthur has.

Oh, beans!

(bell rings) Alan, about the paper you handed in early... Is there something wrong with it?

Oh, no, it's excellent!

I was wondering if you'd read it aloud at the open house for incoming students tonight.

Tonight?!

But tonight is...

I really think it will inspire the next generation.

I really appreciate that, but... Fern's the real author in our class.

I'll bet she's written something even better.

Could you let her read at tonight's open house instead?

The open house for incoming students?

Tonight?

But I'm only on my sixth draft.

Well, I'd have to see her paper.

We'll get it to you soon.

But I have a process.

Writing is like preparing a stew.

You have to stir the ingredients and let them marinate in the juices.

What's more important, Fern?

Cooking a meal or inspiring the next generation?

What if I take a look at it before you hand it in?

Every writer needs a good editor.

Okay.

It's a deal.

I saw it all, you genius.

Brain, I think you're finally going to beat... Oh, hey-- coach just posted the new schedule and guess whose turn it is to clean the equipment after soccer practice.

The Curse!

The Curse!

FRANCINE: Heads up!

I know it's just practice, but could you focus?

I am focusing.

What's another word for "cat-like"?

I've got it!

"Feline."

Can't you help out on the field?

Can't you take over washing the equipment for me after practice?

(out of breath): Told you... Muffy's dad... hosting a drive-in movie.

Promised Muffy I'd help sell treats.

Ahh... (blows whistle) And... time.

Great practice, everyone!

Practice is over already?

I'm only on page two.

(sighs) Hmm, I'm quite impressed.

Okay, Fern, you're on.

Alan, you can go.

Thanks, Fern.

I don't know where I'd be without your lyrical style.

Lyrical?

What do you mean, lyrical?

Just that it's very, um, descriptive.

You're saying I use too many adjectives, aren't you?

I knew it!

I'm starting over.

What?!

No!

It's perfect!

(sighs) "And so, the first astronauts on the moon learned that craters "are formed by the impact of meteorites, "stones drawn to us by gravity from the far reaches of space... and our imagination."

(applause) So, what's a meteorite again?

(sighs) Buster, perfect timing!

I'll run in and get my gear and you can put on an apron and help my mom.

Hey... (coughing) Is it hot out here, or is it just me?

I don't know why you're still here, Brain.

(coughing) I'm fine.

I have this... covered.

Covered in germs!

It's the Curse!

It's not a curse, Alan.

You're just delayed because you're being so nice and helpful.

Now run.

I can handle the rest myself.

You want me to put these strawberries in the freezer, Mrs. P?

(sneezes) Out.

Would you help me cross the street?

(crossing light beeping) Really, it's fine.

You don't have to tip me.

Oh, I insist.

(coins jingling) (sighs) The best time to see most meteor showers is late at night, when it's dark.

But the Carlsaganids happen early in the evening, and this year, there's only a thin crescent moon.

So we'll get a great view much earlier.

8:10 p.m.

I can't believe I made it!

I'm away from the city lights for better viewing, with my camera, green tea and... What in the name of Copernicus?!

(lots of people chatting) Hey, Brain, welcome to Muffy's dad's drive-in movie.

I told you I'd get better soon.

Me too!

I'm... (coughing) the picture of health.

How come you're not watching the meteor shower?

It's too bright.

Want some ice cream?

How 'bout some... (coughing) popcorn?

No!

That's it!

I give up!

The only I thing I can count on in this world is that I'm cursed to never, ever see a meteor shower in person!

MR. CROSSWIRE: Welcome to Crosswire Motors' temporary drive-in theater.

Enjoy the film Do uglas the Talking Dune Buggy.

(applause) Boy, Brain looks so sad.

He tried so hard, but the Curse got him.

I wish there was something we could do.

Maybe there is.

(whispering) (crowd grumbling) WOMAN: Hey, where'd the movie go?!

Uh, technical difficulties, everyone.

But in the meantime, look up!

(crowd "oohs" and "ahhs") The Carlsaganids.

Wow...!

See, Brain?

There is something else you can count on.

Us.

BUSTER: To watch more Arthur and play games with all the Elwood City friends, visit pbskids.org.

You can find Arthur books and lots of other books too at your local library.

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org