Chapter 1: A Journey of Learning and Laughter

What are you most proud of in your life to date? Let's delve into that together.

Photo Credit: Laker, at Pexels

In June 1995, I had the privilege of joining a grant-supported initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of future teachers in Pennsylvania. This program, known as PA-STEP (Pennsylvania Science Teacher Enhancement Program), spanned three weeks and was packed with hands-on learning experiences.

As part of the program, we embarked on a bus trip from Slippery Rock, PA, to Wallops Island, VA, where we spent three to four days immersed in the study of “seashore biology.” Our bus transformed into a “home away from home,” and each evening, our instructor, Miss Olivia, would gear us up for the next day's adventures. Her excitement was infectious, and she always laid out the objectives for our upcoming activities.

Without fail, she would ask the same trio of questions: “Does anyone have any questions?” she would inquire. “Any questions about anything? Any questions about anything at all?” It was that final inquiry that sparked my imagination, opening up a world of possibilities for questions I could pose.

I yearned to ask something challenging, and I realized I had the perfect setup to do so. On the campus of Slippery Rock, there is a Foucault Pendulum, prominently displayed at the entrance of the Science Building where our class was held prior to our trip. This pendulum operates using the Earth's rotation to methodically knock down pins arranged in a circle around its path—an intricate scientific phenomenon.

On the fourth night of our Wallops Island adventure, as our day wrapped up, Miss Olivia stood at the front of the bus, announcing the loading time for our morning departure. My anticipation heightened as she delivered her customary end-of-day briefing. Please let her ask those questions tonight! “Does anyone have any questions?” she began. “Any questions about anything? Any questions about anything at all?” Others chimed in with their inquiries, but I eagerly awaited my moment.

Miss Olivia, as always, repeated her three questions, and then called on me by name. I stood up, whispering to my seatmate, “Get ready. This is going to be an unforgettable question.” I paused dramatically, ensuring everyone could hear what I was about to say.

“You know,” I began, “when you enter the Science Building back on campus?” “Yes?” Miss Olivia responded, encouraging me to continue. “And that enormous pendulum inside the Science Building?” “Yes, Denise, I’m aware of that pendulum,” she said, her patience commendable as she fought the urge to roll her eyes. I allowed for the perfect dramatic pause before delivering my pièce de résistance: “Well, …exactly how DOES that thing work?”

For a deeper understanding of this fascinating concept, here is a link to a Dartmouth professor explaining the Foucault Pendulum.

Chapter 2: The Art of Comedic Delivery

Key Takeaway: The essence of great comedic timing is undeniable—it has always been about the timing.

Many thanks to the real “Miss Olivia.” You know who you are!

The first video title is "My Top 10 Comedians OF ALL TIME!" This video features a countdown of the most influential comedians and highlights their unique styles of delivery.

The second video title is "Conan O'Brien - It's All in the Delivery (Paley Center)." In this video, Conan discusses the nuances of comedic timing and the art of storytelling.