During my niece’s recent visit, we bought a science kit. In a few easy steps, you can make a model of the human brain. The kit includes a brain-shaped mold. This can mean only one thing. Jell-O* brains!
When I heard a friend’s birthday was near, I knew the time was right. I fairly ran to the store. A box of strawberry Jell-O was only fifty nine cents. I bought two. In science, you must always be prepared for the first test to explode. I read through the directions before starting (also something every true scientist should do).
I attempted to replicate the gray color of the brain model. Instead, I ended up with a dark grayish red. I put the mold in the refrigerator to coagulate and went to bed.
Visions of sugar lobes danced in my head.
The next morning, all seemed well. I deliberated on whether to keep the brain in the mold or decant it. I decided to remove it and deliver it on one of my charming blue willow plates. There was some difficulty. But, I got the brain out of the mold and onto the plate. Sadly, there was no “shhhlllluuuuuppp” sound. Science is always more fun with the proper sound effects. Covering the plate and brain in cling wrap, I went outside to wait for the bus.
Seeing that a long wait was in store, I put down my backpack. Fearing that I would drop the plate, I put it carefully atop the backpack. Time passed. I checked on the brain.
I know many things. I am a veritable fountain of useless information, a treasure trove of trivia. But, until that moment I lacked a very useful piece of information. To wit-Jell-O* melts at high temperatures. The brain was beginning to liquefy. I picked up the plate and my fears were confirmed. My backpack, friend of many adventures, was stained with rivulets of de-gelled Jell-O*. Horrified and saddened, I consider my chances of getting the brain to its destination. I saw that it was not to be. I unwrapped the plate and tilted it. The brain fell to the pavement with a satisfying sound. It slid several feet before coming to rest against a trash can.
Later, I was stunned to learn that all my friends knew that Jell-O* melted in the heat. Strangely, none of them had thought to tell me this. They were stunned that I did not know. Several quoted Socrates “What do you mean, hemlock is poisonous? Every one is always asking me ‘Socrates, what is truth?’ or ‘Socrates, what is the nature of wisdom?’. Nobody ever asked me ‘By the way, did you know hemlock was poison?’.”
So, I share this vital bit of knowledge with you. Jell-O* melts in the heat. Go forth and spread the word.
- Jell-O is a registered trademark and should be used only to refer to Jell-O brand gelatins and puddings.