"When I was a young lady," the octogenarian said, "I was mild-mannered and had patience to spare. Now, I'm a old bat. But, by surviving eighty-seven years on this planet, I've earned the right to be crotchety."

After years as an acclaimed physicist, she had a bout with depression and fell into a . With therapy and medication, however, her period of inactivity was short-lived and she was once again full of ideas and hypotheses.

"Bring up the ! Roll the camera! I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille!"

When a disturbance broke out in London's West End, the bobbies were called to quiet the .

"Polly want a cracker?" the said from its cage.