Monthly Archives: March 2018

Learning the Ropes: Communication in the Entertainment Industry

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by Robine Jean-Pierre

I am majoring in Entertainment Technology here at City Tech, and I have spent the last three years getting to know the entertainment industry. I have remarked that it takes a team to put on any production or performance; there’s hardly such a thing as a “one man show.” Think about the credits at the end of a movie; all of those names represent someone who contributed in some way, whether as an actor or a makeup artist.

Because it takes a team of people who specialize in different fields, all working together to make one big project come alive, communication is very valuable to this industry. My major requires me to take four semesters of Technical Production, a course that allows me to experience what it’s like to work on a real crew and put on real productions in our school. This is the class where I have learned most of the communication norms and standards we use on site.

Danger!

Being in the entertainment industry can actually be dangerous. We are often dealing with ladders, heavy objects hanging in the air, electricity, and power tools, just to name a few things. The primary need for effective communication is to protect everyone’s health and safety.

For example, above the stage area of the Voorhees Theater hang two long, lattice-like structures called trusses. These trusses are attached to motors which enable them to be raised toward the ceiling or lowered all the way to the ground. They are used to hang lights or other equipment. Since the trusses are huge and the motors are very powerful, the person operating the motors typically alerts everyone in the vicinity by saying in a loud and clear voice, “We’re going to be lowering (or raising) the truss.” That would be the cue for everyone else to move out of the way. (Generally, the other crew members shout back “thank you” as a courteous gesture.)

Moving Heavy Objects as a Team

the Yamaha PM5D mixing console on a stand

courtesy of SoundBroker.com

Sometimes it takes four or five people just to move one piece of scenery or equipment. Take the huge Yamaha PM5D sound mixing console, for instance. Just opening up its protective road case and lifting it up and out onto a table can take five minutes. Our professors, Erica Stoltz and John Huntington, kept repeating to us that before we did anything, someone had to take initiative to be the leader, announce the method of lifting/moving, and then count it out (“on three… one, two, three”).

One method we often use (perhaps unofficially called “up and over”) means lifting an object straight up and then sliding it over horizontally to its desired location. It’s important to first state the method and also count it out because if everyone is in sync, the job will be accomplished more smoothly, but most importantly, the chances of someone getting hurt will be reduced.

Ask for Help

One thing I have appreciated about the professors in the Entertainment Technology department is that, for the most part, they do not believe in “dumb questions.” Many of them are accomplished technicians with loads of experience and knowledge; as intimidating as they might at first seem, they are not shy about sharing it. In my Technical Production Skills and Health and Safety courses, we were constantly reminded to ask for help if we needed it. It is way safer to consult the teacher or a fellow classmate on how to use a radial arm saw, than to just wing it and risk losing a finger!

What are some other industries or disciplines you can think of in which communication is crucial? Do you feel as if communication is very significant in your major? How so?

Life After Undergrad: A very Happy Birthday

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In a post that strays a little from my theme this semester, I would like to wish my daughter Ava a very Happy 9th Birthday!!!! On this day nine years ago I was in labor with Ava, I was 18 and freshly out of high school. Today on Ava’s ninth birthday I am a college grad, who is pursuing her Masters Degree. On the day Ava was born I had no idea what the future held because the picture I’d painted had dissolved into a whole new reality as a teenage mother. On Ava’s second birthday  I was failing out of John Jay College and was giving up slowly on myself and my future. On Ava’s third Birthday I used my whole tax return to throw her an elaborate themed party to mask how much I felt like a failure. I figured if all looked well then nobody would notice that I was working a crappy retail job and couldn’t figure out what I was going to do about college.

When Ava was four I went back to school and I had a firm sight on where I wanted to be– and nothing would get in my way. This June I will walk in my graduation ceremony and it will be the second time that Ava will have seen me receive a degree. I do this not only to provide from her but to show her that you can fall as many times as you want so long as you GET BACK UP!

My college career is Ava’s as much as it is mine because I’ve never been in college without Ava. Even when she was just a baby bump, she came to college with me. She’s sat through lectures with me, said goodnight to be over the phone, sat and watched me type essays and annotate article after article. While some nights she did complain, she always tells me I’m doing a good job and that makes it worth it– even on the days she is driving me insane. This year as Ava turns nine I see more of myself in her than ever, and I want better from her. I know she can be better, do better and reach higher than I ever have– and it frustrates me when she doesn’t. Nonetheless I know she is bound to be great and make a name for herself– after all, a queen only raises a queen!

Wherefore Art Thou Denise

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Fringe_01

I am a woman of many names.

Nowadays, I often times simply respond to whosoever directs a statement towards me, regardless of the name used. In reality, my given name is Denise Claire.

(I had typed in my name for a group project and the team leader looked at me and scoffed. I’m not trying to be pretentious, my dude. Nah, that’s my given name.)

wherefore art thou Pebbles_1

Although I am officially Denise Claire, at home my family and friends call me Pebbles. I’ve adapted this into my day-to-day life at City Tech and for the most part, my professors and fellow students haven’t had a problem with it. (Of course there are some who look at me funny. Do they think it’s a gang name or a self-appointed nickname? I’m not sure.)

wherefore art thou Pebbles_2

My maternal grandmother has taken to turning Pebbles into Pablo—Blo for short. In middle school, I befriended one Emiliano Sanchez, who continues to refer to me as Dennis the Menace Who Plays Tennis in Venice. My best friend from high school refers to me as Denchik. A girl in my advanced painting class in high school called me Brenda. My middle school assistant principal called me Rose. My Confirmation name is Rita. And of course, the wonderfully horrendous Key and Peele skit “Substitute Teacher” that haunts me with “De-NICE! Say your name correctly!”

wherefore art thou Pebbles_3

My father tells me that he had initially wanted to name me Abigail Xena, if memory serves me correctly. Xena after the hit Xena the Warrior Princess. I’m not sure how that kick-ass name was replaced with Denise Claire, but I think it worked out. I don’t think I seem much like an Abigail
.

Which makes me think:

Is there really much to a name? Do you make your name or does your name make you?

Do I look like “a Denise” or does “Denise” look like me?

What does “a Denise” even look like?

wherefore art thou Pebbles_4

If a cat was actually called “fish,” would it be the same? If a cat were called a “fish,” a wolf a “rabbit”
 Would we even realize the difference?

wherefore art thou Pebbles_5

Is my name a reflection of me or am I a reflection of my name?

 

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Hi, y’all! I tried something new for the art this week. I really prefer traditional methods, but I still have to figure out how to scan it in so it looks at its best! Also, its all a learning process, so I hope you won’t be too hard on me! Thanks for reading and I’ll see you all next week!

 

All artwork by Pebbles.

Finding Myself

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cake with fondant flowers and butterflies

Image by: Brianna Vasquez

Writing has become my safe haven
a place where I can emote and be completely honest by utilizing the words that I could never say aloud out of fear or anxiety. This is my fourth year working for OpenLab’s The Buzz. I am so honored to still have this platform
this opportunity
this venue to publicly talk to students by way of the internet. When I first started writing for The Buzz, my theme was anything food related. This would differ from food news, food innovations, new technology for food, new food machinery, or any interesting recipes. Being that my major as a student at City Tech was hospitality management and my area of focus was pastry arts, I was drawn to discuss any food topics because I wanted the fuel the City Tech society with a love for food that I had already developed.

a cake with gold shards of cookies

Image by: Brianna Vasquez

This semester is going to be a bit different, in terms of my theme for my future posts as I want to still discuss food but I want to allow my writing to be more raw, candid, and personal by way of my own struggles. I want my writing to mean something more than just informational; I want it to be relatable. I would love for my writing to speak to people, for my voice to be heard through unspoken words
to help others by my own personal journey through life. I figure that every college student is struggling in some way in their lives, and so I want my posts on The Buzz to reflect those issues, to allow students to not feel alone in their woes. My entire life was academics; I literally forgot what life was like before school had taken over it. I could not remember my life in simpler days without the hassle of classes, homework assignments, group projects, exams, quizzes, midterms, and finals. My life was encompassed by the academic world
I felt as if my worth as a person solely relied on final grades and grade point averages.

superhero themed cupcakes

Image by: Brianna Vasquez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here I was, a new college graduate who had no idea what to do with her life now. I had no clue what my next step would be. I was so accustomed to attending school that I almost didn’t know how to be self-sufficient without it. It was heartbreaking and devastating. I had thought I knew all along what I wanted, but when I finished, I didn’t know what career to pursue. And honestly, I still don’t. So much has changed in my life during my collegiate years and I am finding it difficult to rekindle my focus onto my future, which includes my career. But, in the meantime, I have been trying to hone my skills in my love for pastry arts. I have made quite a few cakes and other desserts for a combination of friends or family members to become a better pastry chef. And it has allowed me to find my passion within this amazing career that I had somewhat lost after graduation. Each day, I am closer to finding myself
finding myself for a career role
finding myself without academics involved
finding myself as just a human being.

flower vase cake

Image by: Brianna Vasquez

Black is Power!

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Man, anyone else feeling a bit tired or sleepy? Want a quick fix without caffeine in pure black coffee? Well, I think I have the perfect thing for you, Black Tea! According to Teavivre it’s history in china can be dated back to the Ming Dynasty being around the late 1500’s. The first black tea was produced in Fujian province around the Wuyi mountain. Personally for me I drink black tea in the mornings mainly to get myself to wake up. Black tea also has a healthy amount of caffeine as well as antioxidants. According to Organic Facts there are many benefits to drinking black tea. The first benefit of black Tea is that it prevents cardiovascular diseases. As we age it gets tougher to protect our hearts so why not make it easier for ourselves and drink a cup of black tea? A cup a day can keep coronary artery dysfunctions away. According to the American Hearts Association it’s also a good way to reduce your cholesterol level, this same study can also  be corroborated with Organic Facts.

Have an upset stomach? Not able to perform your daily tasks because of a stomach virus or flu? Black tea can also help you with digestion problems. Another benefit of this tea is that it treats diarrhea. As shown in Organic Facts “This tea has a healing effect on intestinal disorders due to the presence of tannins. It is advisable for all diarrhea patients to sip plain, black tea slowly for maximum benefits.” It’s due to this same factor being tannins, that black tea is also great for improving digestion. On the note of bodily systems black tea also helps people with asthma or if someone is sick with the common flu. The article further explains this effect, “as it expands the air passage, thereby allowing them to breathe more easily.”

Lastly but not the least important is that black tea prevents breast cancer, yes ladies and gents, it prevents the scary cancer that’s dangerous to us all. Going back to a paragraph seen in Organic facts:

“ Drinking tea, either black or green, aids women in preventing cancerous growth in the breasts, especially women in the pre-menopausal phase. Tea also assists in raising the level of globulin hormones during the menstrual cycle. The presence of theaflavins in black tea destroys abnormal cells in the body before they cause any major damage or change into cancerous cells.”

Definitely a beneficiary tea in my books, which is why I have a plethora of black teas in my household to drink in the mornings. Loving tea yet? Because I know I do, want or need any recommendations on what teas to try? My personal favorite is Darjeeling black tea which is also known as the “ Champagne of Tea.” Lemme know in the comment box below on what you think!

Whiteout while its white out

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Today, a wet and icy mix falls from the pale sky. The sun is casted by thick clouds of vapor accumulation and their secretions cascade down on everything below. Ultimately baptizing New York City in the side effects of a cold front colliding with warm. Everything gets washed away at one point then it freezes over; preserving the dirt and grime that lies beneath it. It will never see the true beauty of pure daylight that could potentially grace the city since the clouds stay well passed the sun’s departure and the moon comes out to play. As dusk rolls in like oceanic waves, the sky deepens; getting darker and darker by each minute. Our eyesight acclimates to the new surrounding as we acknowledge the absence of pure sunlight. Artificial light pours from street lamps, in different shades of orange, yellow, and fluorescent white. We’ve missed the daylight for so long; our skin craving to be kissed by those beautiful rays of light and warmth. What it is the power of light? What is it about light that makes everything so special and important? It has the potential to make the most beautiful things undesirable and the most ugliest of sorts seem so lively and stunning. As we live through the last few weeks of short days and long nights, we have to find a way to survive without the sunlight that we adore so greatly.

a bed of lit orbs hovering over the lawn at Madison square park

To aid us in our imminent imagination, we have 19,800 square feet of light that illuminates the cold grass on Madison Square Park. 900 golf ball sized spheres seem to hover over the icy compacted ground in the wake of the sun. They angulate in a certain premeditated rhythm. The light appears to move through the spheres in the form of an optical massage. The pattern fades in and fades out, goes fast then slow, makes twists and turns, and switches from one space to the next. It’s beautiful and the most relaxing thing to watch in that part of the city. Surrounded by taxi horns, rude New Yorkers, the everlasting darkness, and harsh lighting from the city, Whiteout creates its own definition of nighttime in the city and ultimately celebrates it.

lit white LED orb

Whiteout was made by Austrian born artist, Erwin Redl. He now lives in New York City, making artistic light installments for building facades. He went to an performing arts school in Austria named University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna studying electronic music. Redl then came to America and studied computer art at the School of Visual Art, here, in New York City. After graduating in 1995, he was a featured artist in the Whitney Biennial 2002.

the motion of the light traveling through the system of light orbs

Redl explains that this piece was inspired by the darker and colder months of winter and how the grand scale was odd for such an urban setting like NYC. He reports in a press release which can be found in this Architectural Lighting article, “I am intrigued by the Park’s option of a large-scale installation that blurs the border between the virtual and the real. The physicality of the swaying orbs in conjunction with the abstract animations of their embedded white lights allows the public to explore a new, hybrid reality in this urban setting.”

a bed of the light orbs juxtaposed a tree

The two beds of lights are built with a steel frame which hangs each light a foot over the ground. The cage is 12 feet tall.

the base of the structural cagethe suspension cables that make the structural cage of the art piecea structural element at the top of the cage

Whiteout has been on display since November 2017 and will remain until March 25, 2018; which is five days after Spring would have begun. Enjoy it while the last weeks of winter graces us with its brutal beauty.

Who Run The World? Girls!!

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Quote Picture

Retrieved from EllevateNetwork

It’s Women’s History Month!!
I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I think it’s safe to say these past two years, 2016 and 2017, have been “years of the woman.”
I mean EVERY year is our year, and EVERY day is our day, but we’ve truly witnessed what we can consider a new revolution!

We came this close to a female president.

woman holding pointer and thumb close almost touching

Retrieved from imgflip

Women have stood up for themselves and supported each other unapologetically. Feminists have organized in phenomenal ways such as the Women’s March, and the #MeToo movement, to get our voices heard and make sure we were not ignored. We broke records in film and media, politics, sports, and more.

woman posing and smiling

Photo of Shonda Rhimes Retrieved from IndieWire

girl in air mid somersault

Photo of Gymnast Simone Biles Retrieved from Jezebel

large group of women marching holding signs

Photo of The Women’s March Retrieved from The NYTimes

sign with fists saying me too

Photo of #MeToo Sign Retrieved from NBCNews

We represented.
Period.
As an unapologetic feminist myself, this all just makes my heart SCREAM with excitement!

For example, read about these 50 times that women SLAYED the life out of 2017 !!!
Don’t pass this link by; you have to read it!
I am so impressed by us, we really just do not play.

woman smirking in front of microphone

Photo Retrieved from Women.com

A few weeks ago, one of my blog sisters Brianna gave me one of the best compliments ever.

“I love your boldness of women power. You create such a world of female domination.”
Brianna my love, you made my day when I read that, I could just cry.

girl smiling and crying happy tears

Photo Retrieved from Buzzfeed

Every morning I wake up I am thankful I am a woman. We are the most powerful, divine, resilient, magical, beautiful, and strong beings to walk this earth and I am so proud, so honored, and so happy to be one.

woman flexing muscle

Photo Retrieved from InvestorPlace

Now, I love to hear about well-known-woman wins. At the end of the day, a win for one of us is a win for all of us, but in ode to Women’s History Month, I’d like to acknowledge some of the phenomenal women that I know personally who are not in the public spotlight. I want to let them know that I see them and I’m proud of them. I want to tell them that they inspire women and young girls to work hard for what they want, to follow their dreams and desires, and most of all that if they fall, to get back up stronger. These women are examples of female divinity, empowerment, and strength and success in their own rights.

  1. Meet Rachel. Mother of 5, grandmother of 3. Second mom to everyone she’s ever met—My mother. You all should feel like you know her at this point; I’m always talking about her, lol.

    two women smiling

    Me and My Mom
    Photo Credit: Moi

    I’ve watched her do these things called “mothering” and “life” without breaking a sweat. I know it wasn’t easy, but she sure made it look bearable, even during hard times. She has the purest heart and has forgiven people for things I don’t think I ever could. Through every obstacle, like a phoenix she rises from the flames stronger than ever. When people admire someone they usually say they wish to be “half the person” they are, but nope, that’s not how she wants us to see things. She always says “I don’t want you all to be like me, I want my kids to be better than me.” If I could be as amazing of a woman as she is, I would be content and believe that I could do and conquer anything.

  2. Meet Afiya. As a teen mom, I’ve seen my older sister, Afiya, work retail, work as a bank teller, and do whatever it was so that she could that provide for her family. I’ve watched her struggle as a parent but keep working to come out on the other side triumphant, and provide the best life she can for my niece. My sister started as a school safety agent and didn’t stop there. She continued climbing her way up the ranks. Five years ago she became a Corrections Officer, and today, she is a Captain Officer. Working in a jail has to be one of the hardest places to be all day, even though you’re on the other side of the bars. I know it isn’t easy, but she does not falter on hard days, and keeps taking it one accomplishment at a time. I don’t think I’ve ever even told her, so Afiya, I’m proud of you sister. When the road gets rough, one thing about you is you go out and buy your own cement mix and repave it yourself.
    woman graduating in police force

    My Sister Afiya, Photo Credit: Moi

    P.S it’s her birthday in 3 days
..

    quote picture

    Photo Retrieved from Pinterest

     

  3. Meet Lauren and Stefanie. Three years ago I met a woman at work, Lauren, who challenged all my insecurities and then also challenged me to really access my full potential unapologetically, and without fear. She’s the type to stop you
    mid-sentence when you utter the words “I can’t.” Through that woman I met another, Stefanie, and they both exemplify the image of women standing in their power and influence to empower other females.
    Empowered women empower women.

    two women standing with another woman crouched between them

    From Left to Right: Stefanie, Me, Lauren

    two women smiling

    Lauren and Stefanie, Photo Credit: Unknown

    Lauren and Stefanie continue to inspire me through regular conversation, their podcast Not Your Momma’s Podcast, and just knowing I have them in my corner. Watching them grow and flourish only pushes me to water my own seeds.

  4. Meet the Queens of The Buzz. Last but never least.

    We have like a “Sis-mance” with each other, we’re always talking about each other in our posts lol. These ladies inspire me to own my voice, personality, and my opinion. They affirm me all the time. They affirm that I don’t have to “turn down the volume” which I sometimes think about myself. They remind me to always keep an open heart to new people because these people can influence your life greatly in a short period of time. We share many of the same stresses, life experiences, and determination, and together we are truly a force to be reckoned with. The world deserves to hear all that you ladies have to say.
    Thank you for accepting me into your hearts. 🙂

    To all my beautiful females out here working on your dreams and goals, taking care of your families, taking care of yourselves, hustling out here every day on campus for your degree: You are Woman. You will not be stepped on or stepped over. You don’t need permission. You are UNSTOPPABLE. You are a fierce queen! You are not inferior to anyone else, regardless of sex, status, or age. You are in your own lane and you deserve it all! I can go on and on!

    Sisterssss let’s celebrate each other.
    Brothers, celebrate the women in your life this month: your mothers, sisters, partners, friends, daughters, any woman that inspires and influences you!

    I celebrate all year, but I’m REALLY celebrating all month, baby!

    Happy Happy Happy Women’s History Month! Our time is now and forever.

    Love You All !

    female symbol with crown

    Logo Photo Retrieved from GooglePlay

Do You Speak Sarcasm?

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by Robine Jean-Pierre

Growing up, sarcasm was practically my native tongue. I spoke it most fluently with my siblings. It was something we naturally did to mess with each other, without giving it much thought. I can hear my older brother and sister saying mockingly, “Nooooo…. Really?” in response to what they deemed was an obvious, redundant statement on our part.

As I got older, however, I gradually decided to minimize my use of sarcasm. I felt that I was being unnecessarily condescending and rude by primarily using sarcasm to mock my younger sister and cousin. It had gotten so bad that when I did stop, they had to keep asking me, “Are you being serious or sarcastic?”

Another factor in my decision to reduce, if not altogether eliminate, my sarcastic comments was the fact that “sarcasm is not universal.” (While it can be argued that the use of sarcasm actually is universal, its uses may vary from culture to culture. If you are interested in more, see this LanguageLog post on irony and sarcasm.) This phrase was repeated at Camp Rising Sun all summer, which I attended during high school. The camp consisted of about 60 girls from all over the world, so it was a potpourri of cultures, interests, and preferences. Many of the international girls were uncomfortable with a New Jersey camper whose sarcastic comments they took literally, not knowing any better.

A similar awkwardness initially infringed on our friendship when I had realized that my fiancĂ©, Angel, did not fully understand sarcasm. I’ll admit, the discovery was a little disappointing; I would not be able to tease him (or subtly express an offense) in the way I best knew how. In spite of this, it still slipped out with him sometimes, especially when I had a bad day. For instance, if I said something like, “Wow, I overslept and the trains are running with delays. Isn’t that just wonderful?” rather than scoffing with me, Angel would nervously reply, “No, that’s not wonderful, honey…” and try to lighten the mood.

On another occasion, Angel had been texting me all about how an event had gone that morning, and how happy and “fired up” all of the attendees had been. I, on the other hand, had not been there and was waiting impatiently to tell him how I was doing. Feeling peevish and “salty” (as they say nowadays), I texted him, “My morning was great too, thanks for asking.” As you can imagine, he was not very happy about this, and I told him what was on my heart. I realized then that, in most cases, it would suffice to be straightforward and honest, not passive-aggressive.

Now I save sarcasm for the situations that would least likely cause offense. I crack sarcastic jokes on the MTA all the time, and even Angel chimes in now and then. (He’s learning!) I still say “oh, great” or “that’s nice” at times when I literally mean “this is awful.” And naturally, I am more likely to use sarcasm with people who also use it, so that there is a mutual understanding (which is the key to all communication!).

How do you feel about sarcasm? Do you use it or understand it? Why or why not, and when? Please feel free to share your thoughts below.

Life After Undergrad: People don’t always grow up, they just get better jobs

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When I was younger my mom told me that sometimes adults can be more childish than actual children. I didn’t quite get this idea until I started working full-time– more so in a leadership role. At first it baffled me how people who were in positions of such esteem and regard could be so immature and petty. I witnessed grown adults holding grudges, gossiping and being cliquey– worse than middle school girls. My first thought was “well I’ll just avoid all of that and mind my business” but unfortunately gossip culture will find you; and it will test you.

I figured that by being nice to everyone, not overstepping the work/ socializing boundary that I could avoid that whole whirlwind of picking sides– I was wrong. In being nice to everyone and chit chatting over the water cooler, I opened myself up to other employees prodding for information about their coworkers because I seemed to get along with everyone. When I didn’t play into the game I became a scapegoat and a goody-two-shoes. While I don’t often let idle gossip bother me, dealing with such petulant behavior from adults was tiring. I ended up putting my foot down and just making it clear to all that if something was amiss or there was confusion I should be asked directly– and not relayed messages through the grapevine.

In my middle school days, gossip and ally making was rattling to me and I wanted to badly to be on the right side. I found however, that the “right” side often meant compromising my character or my morality and I just couldn’t do it. In elementary school I was an outcast for making friends with a girl who had an accident and in middle school I was made fun of by proxy because one of my best friends was a little overweight. Once I reached high school I was over it entirely and I built myself a network of girlfriends who didn’t give a damn what people thought of them and although not all of us keep in touch anymore the lesson they taught resonated.  

I don’t need to be liked or loved by everyone to do my job, or to be good at it and I certainly don’t owe anyone anything. The most important thing that I can say is to be firm in your footing; stand up for what you believe in and who you are. Most of all, do your job, do it well and don’t tread anywhere the ice may be too thin.

The Scientific Method

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The-Scientific-Method_01

The scientific method is something we are all familiar with. Basically, it is the systematic observation, measurement, experimentation and modification of a hypothesis.  

I am a great believer in the scientific method. It is never scientifically proven until it can be repeated multiple times with the same result and I am proud to say that I have been conducting thorough scientific observation since my formative years.  Take for example, the research I helmed in electrical conductance and insulation:

The-Scientific-Method_02

As any famed scientist should, I shall share with you the findings of my experimentation. And because I am also a storyteller, we shall set the scene


It was midday somewhere in the hills of Cebu City, Philippines. A young Pebbles has been sent to bed for a nap before she attends pre-school. With the doors shut and the sun shining, our rebellious little scientist refused to shut her eyes. Instead, she discovered one of her father’s pens, laying on the bed beside a stuffed animal.

Now rumor had it that if one  were to put a metal something into a socket, it would electrocute said idiot. But, it was Pebbles’ hypothesis that if there were a buffer (the teddy bear) between the metal something (the fancy pen) and herself, there would be no cause for injury. And so, our little scientist set to work


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There is a moment in every young scientist’s life that she realizes she’s made a grave mistake. As the daylight suddenly turned to darkness, little Pebbles–

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Rumor had it, that if one were to put a metal something into a socket


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Rumor had it…

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It was now three p.m. The sun was lower, but our young scientist had exhausted her resources. Her blackout in the name of science had been longer this time around. It was now time for preschool. Rumor had been true and her hypothesis false. Conclusion:

Teddy bears are terrible electrical insulators.

 

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Anyone recall their childhood science experiments?

 

All artwork by Pebbles!