If you think I'm exaggerating, you've never been to the Exploratorium. How can I describe it to you? It's like you walk into a room and suddenly you've been given the gift of magic. Only instead of magic, it's SCIENCE.
1. Remember those 4x5 objets d'art you'd find next to the Newton's cradle in fancy offices, with those pins that conformed to whatever shape was pushed into it? And more often than not, that meant your 6-year-old face? Well, there's one of those at the Exploratorium. Only, it's a table.
2. If you've ever been curious to see what ice crystals look like as they form (and let's face it, who hasn't), feel free to pour a warm shock of water over a very cold glass table and watch it freeze before your very eyes.
3. Hey! It turns out, if you put a mirror underneath a bowl of water and cup some air between your hand and the surface of the water, the reflection of the water looks like you're cupping a handful of water in your dry hands!!
4. Giant bubble wall.
5. Jostling aside the 5th graders on their field trips is an unfortunate necessity. But we can't all hog the cool lights, and they've got to learn manners somehow!
6. Since we all secretly loved bullying in elementary school, relive fond memories by posing with a friend at the end of a mirror! Look Ma, a wedgie!
7. Appear even taller than usual, or tall in general (and especially tall next to children)!
8. When you convince your friend to "just try it, it'll be fun," stand on the other side, wait for her to head toward the shoe and then scream when she touches it. You know, to mix things up a little.
9. Discover the joys behind hidden treats like musical water fountains.
10. Heck, you might as well go all out and make the cafeteria food look better than it tastes or even more expensive than it costs!
11. Giant bubbles.
12. Giant bubbles.
13. Impress your friends by learning the nuances connecting Hokusai and rubber duckies.
14. Wander around outside to look at the mallards and the buildings.
15. Take pictures with your friends.
16. Get suckered into eating at an adorable Euro-style eatery in North Beach.
Congratulations! In 16 short steps you've spent a memorable, exciting third day in San Francisco and unlocked the key to your imagination with science. Tune in next time when we ask, is stupid as really as stupid does it as? Is?
p.s. Prepare to have your mind blown. This is Ladle Rat Rotten Hut.
