Three scientists \u2014 Papaia, Banani, and Ravioli \u2014 and their assistant Igor, who work at NASAL, begin to take an interest in creationism. Their superiors, worried, send them to see the psychologist, Professor Faggioli, a dubious character determined to get them fired by making them seem crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Faggioli\u2019s Office<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia is undergoing a psychological evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you remember when your mother started treating you as the one responsible for your siblings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes… I was six years old. And I was the youngest. It\u2019s absurd, I know. But my mom expected me to convince my brothers not to do certain things. As if I could…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FLASHBACK \u2013 Outside, playground \u2013 Day<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia, just six years old, sits on a low wall holding a sandwich too big for him. Not far away, his older brothers, Mino and Nino, are scheming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(looking at the sweet cart)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the plan: I pretend to faint. The vendor runs over to me, and Nino makes the grab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three bags of candy, then we run!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But… but that\u2019s stealing! We can\u2019t do that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then you convince Mom when she punishes us. Actually\u2026 no. Let\u2019s say it was your idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Either you cooperate… or we get you into trouble. Again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia looks at the cart, then at his brothers. He\u2019s scared and doesn\u2019t know how to stop them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plan begins. Mino falls to the ground writhing; the vendor rushes over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino grabs the sweets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the vendor notices what\u2019s happening and manages to catch only Papaia, the only one left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Home \u2013 Shortly after<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom, furious, listens to the vendor. Papaia stands there, trembling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You were supposed to stop them! You\u2019re the youngest, yes… but you\u2019re smart! (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I… I said it was wrong…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then you should\u2019ve made yourself heard! (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always making excuses! Go to your room!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia lowers his head and disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back to Faggioli\u2019s office<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You were the youngest… but for your mother, you were already responsible for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tony the Sock slowly comes out of the drawer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TONY THE SOCK<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia in trouble! The usual big softie! Ha, ha, ha!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hey, Papaia, you\u2019ve got a head on your shoulders! Sure? Maybe you left it at home! (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve got a head and the other two don\u2019t? What did they need the candy for? (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I mean\u2026 how would they have eaten it? (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyway, you should have made yourself heard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should\u2019ve remembered what your mom taught you\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not listening to me? Here comes the baseball bat! (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discipline\u2026 with style!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Faggioli\u2019s Office<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia\u2019s session continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if anyone dared to say something\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom would take out the baseball bat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait a minute. Did you say\u2026 baseball bat?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, I think it was a baseball bat\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Huh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brand. Model. Wood or aluminum? Championship year? Was it autographed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2026 I don\u2019t know, professor\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unacceptable. Really disappointing, Papaia. It\u2019s details like these that distinguish the aware victims from the simply confused! (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(sighs, then with a nostalgic tone)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You see, Papaia\u2026 my father was better than your mother! (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Huh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My father? He was the real deal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Really?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course! A great man. You see, he didn\u2019t use a vulgar baseball bat\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No! Of course not! My father\u2026 he was a man of class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He used a billiard cue. And he\u2019d whack us on the hands with it. (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Me, and my brothers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(He drifts into memories)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026A Brunswick cue, solid Canadian ash wood. Elite model from \u201958.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
147 centimeters. Weight: 540 grams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perfect balance. Perfect\u2026 for perfect discipline!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Ah, when it landed on your hands\u2026 you heard that crisp, precise tap\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every strike a work of art. (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then he\u2019d add written punishment, in Gothic handwriting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was real justice. Discipline with style. (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course. Elegance, sadism, and professional rebound. (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Tell me one thing, Faggioli: did your father also dress up as a player to beat you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe with a shirt covered in sponsors? (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Did he ever put you on a table with a green felt mat? (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026And satisfy my curiosity: did you or your brothers ever get \u201cpocketed\u201d? (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Brunswick Elite from \u201958\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I bet while your father was whacking your hands, you were trying to read the writing on the cue in motion! (laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Unfailing Witness<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are in the waiting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said there is a lot of evidence. So can we be 100% sure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the abundance of evidence, it\u2019s important to understand that, from the standpoint of observational science, no one can absolutely prove how young (or old) the universe is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, there is one dating method that is absolutely reliable: a witness who doesn\u2019t lie, who has all the evidence, and who can tell us when the universe began!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Really? A witness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who is it, God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly! The God of the Bible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He gave us a specific story, which begins with the six days of Creation and continues with detailed genealogies that allow us to determine when the universe began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And how did you talk to God? Did you pray?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, Ravioli. You can pray, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But God left us a written testimony: His Word. The Bible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, but how did He write the Bible? Did He come down to Earth? Or did He make it appear already printed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course not, Banani!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
God inspired men who wrote it guided by Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hard to believe. Especially for a scientist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet, as you have already seen with your own books, there is evidence that God exists, that He created the universe, and that Jesus rose from the dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well! One more or less miracle\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet the Bible is full of prophecies written centuries before they came true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who else could have known these things?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That would be an argument worth exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And it\u2019s good to do so!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, according to the biblical narrative, the universe began about six thousand years ago \u2014 about four thousand years from Creation to Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t know\u2026 that\u2019s a very strong claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And how do they calculate this date?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Bible, there are genealogies, from Adam \u2014 the first man \u2014 to Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing that Jesus was born around year zero, you can calculate the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interesting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So the first step is to believe in the Bible, and then we can proceed to verify the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m not telling you to believe it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But at least, give it a chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You mean God inspired men and revealed the past to us, starting from Creation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m not asking you to believe right away, just to start from this assumption and see where it leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So\u2026 we should give this hypothesis a chance, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try to use the idea that the historical information in the Bible is accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you will see that the evidence does not contradict this assumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I think I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And tell me: what are these proofs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio the Parrot<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are in Faggioli\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you tell me more about your mother, related to your childhood?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me think\u2026 uh\u2026 yes, there was the parrot\u2026 Ottavio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The parrot Ottavio?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio Diamond XII, to be precise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pet my mother was most attached to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes\u2026 tell me more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That parrot\u2026 he was out to get me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\u2026 parrot? How can you be so sure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because he played tricks on my brothers and then blamed me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How is that possible? Wasn\u2019t he just a bird?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A diabolical bird. He framed me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He played tricks, then imitated my voice to make me look guilty. And my mother\u2026 she believed it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What you\u2019re saying sounds a bit exaggerated, Papaia. Birds don\u2019t have that kind of intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common birds don\u2019t. But he did\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That parrot was a psychopath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Papaia\u2026 are you telling me that a parrot named Ottavio, with a Roman numeral in his surname, sabotaged your childhood with vocal imitations and criminal mastermind tactics?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes. And my mother always believed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Papaia, you realize this isn\u2019t possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Isn\u2019t it more likely you were deceiving yourself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Absolutely not\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scene fades into a flashback\u2026 but Igor, off-screen, interrupts the transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio Diamond XIII?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You mean there were twelve other Ottavio Diamonds before him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 where? In the entire history of parrots or just in your family, Papaia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and what happened to them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 better not investigate. Anyway, the parrot was a psychopath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 I didn\u2019t know there were psychopathic parrots! What do they do? Make anonymous threatening calls to famous actresses?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(imitating an eerie parrot voice on the phone)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHi Scarlett\u2026 I saw your latest movie. GREAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But way too little screen time for birds, DON\u2019T YOU THINK?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTomorrow I\u2019ll send you a feather. Guess where it comes from.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cQUAAAAACK.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 or maybe we have mythomaniac parrots\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah, yeah! Psychopathic mythomaniac parrots are the worst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They lie, manipulate\u2026 and convince themselves they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 war veterans:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI lost my beak in Fallujah, kid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 reincarnated ancient pharaohs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am Tutankafruff. Bring me my sarcophagus and some dried mango!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 retired secret agents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMission Rio, \u201987. Undercover clandestine in a toucan\u2019s beak. I\u2019ll never talk about it again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 news editors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not how it happened in Vietnam! I was there, QUAAAAACK!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino\u2019s Cake<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Kitchen \u2013 Day<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia\u2019s mother, wearing an apron, is kneading something. On the table: flour, broken eggs, sugar, a huge bowl full of soft dough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hi Mom\u2026 are you making the cake?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM (without looking at him)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes. But it\u2019s not for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s for Mino\u2019s birthday. My jewel. My firstborn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He turns eighteen today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On a chair near the table, Ottavio Diamond XIII watches motionless like an Egyptian statue, with a mischievous look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ah. Mino. Right. And\u2026 can I help\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But not too close to the dough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At that moment, Mino enters, wearing a tank top and gym pants, fixing his hair with a reflective spoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hey! I smell sugar\u2026 or is that just my vanilla shampoo?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM (all smiles)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My darling! Look how I\u2019m making the cake just for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milk, eggs, flour\u2026 and lots of love!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s hope it doesn\u2019t suck like last year\u2019s!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA (whispering)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were still shells in it…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM (angrily)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THAT WAS EXPERIMENTAL ART!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sudden silence. Then Mino turns to Papaia with a smirk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hey Pap. Pay up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He gives him a playful punch on the shoulder, laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ouch! Stop it! I don\u2019t like this game!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While everyone is distracted, Ottavio has already jumped on the cupboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He pushes the pantry door with his beak, opens it\u2026 and pulls out a half-open packet with flashing red letters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FIRE PAPRIKA \u2013 Level: VOLCANO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTTAVIO (imitating Mino)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s hope it doesn\u2019t suck like last year\u2019s!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR (off-screen)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nice cake, Papaia\u2026 what\u2019s the recipe called?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saint Honor\u00e9, tiramisu\u2026 or \u201cnot for you\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 breathe, Papaia, but don\u2019t sniff too much!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 the cake isn\u2019t for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 your mother treated you all fairly\u2026 but I think she had a little preference for Mino\u2026 which she hid well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 who would\u2019ve guessed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 sorry, Papaia, but were you really that poor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your brother had to fix his hair with a spoon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 wasn\u2019t there a mirror in the house?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and you couldn\u2019t even afford real shampoo? One that didn\u2019t smell like sugar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 wait a minute\u2026 sugar smell?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And why would sugar have a smell?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 there was really a lot of it in that homemade shampoo!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 now I understand the spoon for the hair!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 maybe, your brother, Papaia\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The real cake was already in his head!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forensic Science<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are in the waiting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait! Before you show us this evidence, I want to understand something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If we really have a mountain of scientific evidence collected by researchers that clearly contradicts the idea of billions of years\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
then why don\u2019t more people accept the truth of a young Earth, based on the Bible?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The problem is that, when dealing with origins, all the so-called \u201cevidence\u201d must be interpreted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Facts don\u2019t speak for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interpreting the data becomes especially difficult when trying to reconstruct historical events, because no human was there to observe everything that happened and record how that evidence formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I saw a documentary once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s called\u2026 \u201cforensic science.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forensic scientists have to make many assumptions about things they cannot observe directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like\u2026 what was the original environment like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Were different processes at work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Was the scene contaminated afterward?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just one wrong assumption, or even a small missing piece of evidence, can completely change the reconstruction of the events that led to the evidence we see today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now I\u2019m totally confused!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Didn\u2019t you say the evidence proved the Bible?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, Banani!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a matter of starting points, didn\u2019t you get that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And our starting point, unlike that of evolutionists, is the Bible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So\u2026 if the Bible says something, we don\u2019t question it, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And once we take the Bible as a reference, the evidence confirms what it tells us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We will never find evidence that disproves our starting point!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now I get it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s like with the Grand Canyon issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uniformitarians, looking at the evidence, say it was the river carving it over millions of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the Bible talks about Noah\u2019s flood, and starting from that assumption, we explain the Grand Canyon as a series of layers deposited rapidly and then eroded by mud and lava flows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the evidence confirms this: like those vast fossil graveyards we saw earlier in the book, spread all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can explain the Grand Canyon in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
the millions-of-years version is full of mysteries and contradictions\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
while the flood version works perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Postman<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Kitchen \u2013 Afternoon<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino runs out of the kitchen toward the living room, ready for his favorite video game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m off to crush it at the video games! Good luck with the cake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom and Papaia stay in the kitchen. Suddenly, the doorbell rings insistently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who could it be at this hour?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It must be the postman. Go check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia goes to open the door while Mom keeps kneading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It really is the postman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
POSTMAN<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good morning! Is Mom home? I need a signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moooom!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ugh! The usual bills!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia takes the registered letter and sets it aside while Mom signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA (voiceover)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Actually, I was supposed to keep it safe\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since I was the one who went to pay the bills at the post office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Ottavio Diamante XIII has perched on the table next to the batter, holding the paprika packet in his beak. Nobody notices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTTAVIO (imitating Mino)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s hope it doesn\u2019t taste as bad as last year\u2019s!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skillfully, he opens the packet with his beak and dumps all the contents into the batter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he stirs with precise movements, puts the empty packet back in the cupboard,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
and returns to his place. Motionless. Innocent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like a sacred statue in a temple\u2026 of evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ugh! The usual bills! The ones we can\u2019t pay\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because we still have to buy a mirror and shampoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 but at least we save on sugar!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and what about Mino? Model son, champion of affection, portrait of gratitude!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 diplomacy and tact: his specialties!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 all with some sugar crystals falling from his hair!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and Ottavio? Consistent as always: with all that paprika, the cake wouldn\u2019t have tasted as bad as last year\u2019s\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worse!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBurn Them Alive!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Living Room I \u2013 Afternoon<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia and Mino are sitting on the couch, gamepads in hand, engaged in a cooperative game against hordes of enemies in a two-player shooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO (shooting and dodging)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cover yourself, I\u2019m coming with the rocket launcher!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA (raising the virtual shield)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks, I\u2019m on fire! Behind you, a group!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ll destroy them! Now together we do the final blow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA (excited)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait, I have an idea\u2026 burn them alive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The camera zooms in on Ottavio Diamante XIII, perched on a nearby chair. He watches the scene with sly eyes and a mischievous smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The match ends with the two brothers winning. They get up laughing, setting down their controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not bad, you\u2019re a good teammate, little bro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA (smiling)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You too\u2026 but next time let\u2019s burn more enemies!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They walk off toward the garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scene closes with Ottavio, in a theatrical tone and perfect imitation of Papaia\u2019s voice, exclaiming:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTTAVIO (imitating Papaia)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait, I have an idea\u2026 burn them alive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio flaps his wings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obviously, the parrot wanted to play a game!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bible: A Trump Card<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waiting Room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what if they\u2019re making fun of us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You must not be fooled! That\u2019s why, when discussing the age of the Earth, you need to be ready to explain the importance of starting points and assumptions. To reach correct conclusions, you have to start from the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So\u2026 they are the ones starting from the wrong point of view?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apparently yes. Because the explanation they come up with still has problems and unsolved mysteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So the Bible is that starting point!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly, Banani! You see, years ago I realized I was living a lie. Like you, I studied and investigated a lot, and I understood that the Bible isn\u2019t just a collection of books. It\u2019s the revealed Word of the Almighty, faithful and true Creator, who was present observing all the events in Earth\u2019s history and who gave humanity an infallible account of the key events of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But why would God reveal these things to us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the same reason He sent us Jesus: because He loves us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, the Bible is like a kind of \u201ctrump card\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly. The Bible, God\u2019s revelation to us, gives us the foundation that allows us to build the right worldview, to correctly understand how present and past are connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wow\u2026 that\u2019s incredible! I never would have thought that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You see, Banani, all other documents written by humans are fallible. Unlike the infallible Word, \u201cinspired by God,\u201d as we read in 2 Timothy 3:16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fiery Birthday<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Room decorated with balloons, streamers, and colorful banners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia\u2019s mom, visibly excited, has made a big effort to decorate the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino\u2019s friends and some relatives are seated at tables: chatting, laughing, taking photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The music lowers. Everyone turns toward the door as mom enters carrying a large cake decorated on an elegant plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM (proudly)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the cake for Mino\u2019s 18th birthday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lights go out. The lit candles shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone sings the classic birthday song. Mino blows out the candles with a puff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO (smiling)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom starts cutting the cake and handing out slices to the guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a few seconds, the first suspicions arise. Then\u2026 chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coughing, watery eyes, screams, desperate running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GUEST 1 (shouting)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is this?! It\u2019s burning!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GUEST 2 (looking for water)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Water! Does anyone have water?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some run to the sink, others to the bathroom, someone gulps the melted water from the ice bucket just to put out the fire in their mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the general panic, Uncle Alejandro appears, from Mexico, wearing a poncho and sombrero. He eats with gusto, satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UNCLE ALEJANDRO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a1Ay, this cake burns like a dragon,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
but I love it\u2026 tastes like passion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The camera slowly moves to Ottavio Diamante XIII, perched on a shelf, watching the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTTAVIO (imitating Mino)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s hope it\u2019s not as bad as last year\u2019s!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, in a theatrical tone, he imitates Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTTAVIO (imitating Papaia)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait, I have an idea\u2026 let\u2019s burn them alive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He flaps his wings, satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino blows out the candles and says \u201cfinally!\u201d \u2026 but what did he mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 Finally\u2026 did he figure out which side of the cake was the front?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 Because they promised him that after blowing out the candles, he could hit Ravioli?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 \u201cFinally\u201d is the only word he can say without stuttering when he\u2019s excited?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 Actually, he always says \u201cfinally\u201d randomly. He started in 2019 and hasn\u2019t stopped?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 Finally\u2026 yes, because mom stopped singing. Was she on the third verse?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 Did he mean he finally understood which way to blow? Did it take him thirty-eight years?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Trap<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Room \u2013 Late evening<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The party is over. Deflated balloons, napkins scattered everywhere, overturned glasses, extinguished candles, and pieces of cake abandoned like evidence of a crime. The room looks like a battlefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino stands in a corner, offended, arms crossed and a sour face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINO (muttering)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The worst birthday of my life\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom is furious, hands on hips, facing Papaia, who stands there like a lost lamb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only YOU were in the kitchen with the cake when the postman arrived! Who else could have done it?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA (defending himself)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But\u2026 it made no sense! Why would I do it?! It was for Mino! I\u2014I didn\u2019t even touch it\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell the truth, Papaia. You were jealous!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom approaches with a dark look. Ottavio flies in as if nothing happened, stops, perches on a stool and perfectly imitates, saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTTAVIO (in Mino\u2019s voice)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s hope it\u2019s not as bad as last year\u2019s!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then changes tone, imitating Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTTAVIO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait, I have an idea! Let\u2019s burn them alive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silence. Mino looks away. Mom narrows her eyes at Papaia. Ottavio smooths his feathers, expressionless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM (declaring)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few minutes later, Papaia, wearing an apron and holding a bucket, is on his knees scraping cake crumbs off the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM (offscreen)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And no dinner for a month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zoom on Papaia\u2019s tired face as he looks at the crusted cake and sighs. Ottavio silently watches from the chair\u2026 then lets out a small chuckle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo dinner for a month\u201d\u2026 careful Papaia, next time you might lose lunch too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026then you only have one last chance left: breakfast, before starving to death!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Usual Crossroads<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waiting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI: But I heard that some theologians have tried to make the Big Bang compatible with the Bible\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO: The Bible clearly and unequivocally describes the creation of the universe, the solar system, and the Earth about six thousand years ago. We know it\u2019s true based on the authority of God\u2019s own character. \u201cFor when God made a promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself\u201d (Hebrews 6:13).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI: But if God doesn\u2019t lie, then we don\u2019t even need evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO: In a way, God\u2019s testimony is all we need; however, God Himself urges us to give a reason for our faith (1 Peter 3:15). Therefore, it\u2019s also important to conduct scientific research, which is part of the task of subduing the earth, as was said to Adam in Genesis 1:28.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAVIOLI: Also because this way we can show it to others, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO: Excellent point! Through this research, we can challenge those who reject the clear Word of God and defend the biblical worldview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI: In the end, we\u2019re always at the same crossroads! It\u2019s always a matter of faith!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PACO: Indeed, God\u2019s testimony must have such a central role in our thinking that it almost seems reductive to call it the \u201cbest\u201d evidence for a young Earth. It is, in fact, the only foundation on which all other evidence can be properly understood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia Catches the Parrot<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are in Faggioli\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me get this straight\u2026 a vengeful parrot who sabotages parties, imitates your voice, plays tricks on your brothers, and always gets you in trouble. And your mother\u2026 always punishes you. Because of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not my fault if the truth sounds unbelievable, doctor. But it\u2019s the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You expect me to believe that a talking bird ruined a human\u2019s childhood\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It took me years to prove it. But I did it. At the end of high school\u2026 I hid a phone under the sideboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli stops writing. He freezes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAGGIOLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026You spied on a parrot with a phone?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I caught it red-handed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silence. Faggioli stops writing and stares at him for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia opens the phone and looks for something. Then he finds it and hands the phone to Faggioli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PAPAIA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Dress<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the video on Papaia\u2019s phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shot is shaky and slightly tilted. We see a corner of the room, a decorative vase in the foreground. Papaia enters briefly, checks the framing of the hidden phone, and adjusts it better behind the vase. He leaves. Cut. Now the room is empty, well-lit. Silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suddenly the sound of the front door is heard. Chantilly rushes in carrying a huge shiny bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANTILLY (excited):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mommmm! Look what I found at Luxury&Things! It was on sale, only 270 euros!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She pulls out a long, sequined dress, flashy to say the least. She shakes it proudly and carefully hangs it on the bookshelf shelf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom\u2019s voice (from the hallway):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another dress, Chantilly? And where are you going?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANTILLY:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For tonight! I\u2019m going out with Josh!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this point, Mom enters the room. She\u2019s covered in flour, hands on hips, with a stern look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Josh? The one with the tricked-out motorcycle and tattoos, who looks like a delinquent?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANTILLY (smiling):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ugh, Mom! You\u2019re always the same! Josh is intense, not a criminal. And he makes me laugh!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He makes you laugh? A man who has a skull tattooed on his neck? What kind of future can a guy like that give you! You\u2019ll only end up in trouble!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANTILLY (more firmly):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You never approve of anyone! Every time I meet someone, you find something to say!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t approve of anyone? But every time you pick bad company! Look at Gianpietro, the neighbors\u2019 son! Now he\u2019s a decent guy: polite, diligent, and studious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANTILLY:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again with this story, Mom? How many times do I have to tell you that Gianpietro\u2019s not for me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah\u2026 because he\u2019s not a drugged delinquent like the ones you like! That\u2019s your type, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANTILLY:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s too much, Mom! Josh is not a drug addict!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if he were, you\u2019re not going anywhere tonight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANTILLY:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hey! I\u2019m an adult and I can make my own decisions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not as long as you live in this house!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANTILLY:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enough! My life is mine and I do what I want!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Really? We\u2019ll see about that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The situation gets tense. Chantilly suddenly leaves the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom stays for a few seconds with a thoughtful look, then leaves too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room is now empty. The only living being present is Ottavio, perched on the back of the sofa. He tilts his head mischievously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTTAVIO (imitating Chantilly\u2019s voice):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My life is mine and I do what I want!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 My life is mine and I do what I want!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia\u2019s mom was a determined type. Despite the two failed birthday cakes, she never gave up making them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BANANI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two fails? Why two?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IGOR:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, there\u2019s the spicy cake at Mino\u2019s birthday. And the one the year before that, which, according to Mino\u2019s illustrious opinion, \u201cwas awful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 According to Chantilly, that guy, Josh, her new boyfriend, wasn\u2019t a criminal, he was\u2026 intense! How intense? Like an espresso?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 And he made her laugh! Especially when he wore that funny mask\u2026 to rob banks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Obviously virtues she didn\u2019t find in Gianpietro, the boring neighbors\u2019 son. What a boring future: a responsible husband, a house, a car, kids in college! Who would want such a dull life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Better in jail, a nice conjugal visit once a month! Bills to pay, unemployed kids! Now that\u2019s an \u201cintense\u201d life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Chantilly\u2019s phrase \u201c\u2026 I do what I want\u201d fit perfectly in the beak of the mischievous parrot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Yes! Ottavio was quite creative in taking it literally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Little Ocean Sedimentation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waiting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Okay. We talked about evidence and assumptions. What are these proofs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: You know the sea, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: According to traditional geology, sediments have accumulated on the ocean floors for three billion years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Okay, so?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Then the ocean floor should be buried under sediment layers many kilometers deep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: And it\u2019s not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: No, Banani! Let\u2019s do a quick calculation. Every year, water and wind erode about 20 billion tons of soil and rock debris from the continents, depositing them on the ocean floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: That\u2019s a huge amount of material!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: I would never have imagined!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Here\u2019s the point, friends. Most of this material accumulates as loose sediments near the continents. Yet, the average global thickness of all these sediments over the entire ocean floor does not even exceed 400 meters (1,300 feet).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some sediments are removed as tectonic plates slowly slide (a few centimeters per year) under the continents. It\u2019s estimated that about 1 billion tons of sediments are removed every year this way. The net gain is therefore about 19 billion tons per year. At this rate, 400 meters of sediment would accumulate in less than 12 million years, not billions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: So basically, after 3 billion years, we shouldn\u2019t even have seas or mountains anymore?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: I couldn\u2019t tell you that. The fact is that this evidence fits better with the cataclysm of the Flood described in Genesis, not with the idea of slow, gradual geological evolution. In the final stages of the global Flood, which lasted one year, the waters rapidly receded from the dry land, pouring their sediment loads offshore. Thus, most ocean floor sediments accumulated rapidly about 4,300 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: But maybe sediments were deposited more slowly in the past than today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: That \u201crescue device\u201d doesn\u2019t hold up, Banani! Like the sedimentary layers on the continents, the sediments on continental shelves and margins \u2014 which make up most ocean sediments \u2014 show features that clearly indicate deposition much faster than current rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: In other words, the exact opposite!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Exactly. For example, the layering and grain size distribution in these sediments are identical to those produced by underwater landslides, when dense, debris-laden currents (called turbidity currents) rapidly flow over continental shelves, depositing thick sediment layers over large areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another problem for the old-Earth theory is that there is no evidence of a significant amount of sediment being subducted and mixed into the Earth\u2019s mantle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Incriminating Phrases<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The video from the hidden recording resumes. The room is still empty after the argument between Chantilly and her mother. Ottavio is perched on the back of the sofa, absentmindedly cleaning one foot with his beak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The front door opens again. Papaia enters, carrying a backpack over one shoulder and talking on the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (on the phone, with an agitated but playful tone):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen, they\u2019ve been bothering me all year with this library schedule thing… The life is mine, okay? If I want to stay home building models, who\u2019s gonna tell me otherwise?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stops in the middle of the room, looks around for a moment, and continues on the phone, now with a more theatrical tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So… take this! Highest score at the modeling tournament, and you stay quiet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A laugh is heard from the other end of the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Haha, come on, see you tomorrow. Bye!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia leaves the room, the backpack bumping lightly against the door. Silence for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio slowly turns his head toward the camera, like an actor aware of having an audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio (imitating Chantilly\u2019s voice):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The life is mine, and I do whatever I want!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio (perfectly imitating Papaia\u2019s voice):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The life is mine, huh? So… take this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio\u2019s Revenge<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The video continues, the shot still fixed from Papaia\u2019s hidden camera. The audio records the rustle of an apparently empty room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the background, Chantilly\u2019s new dress is still visible\u2014elegant, flashy, hanging on a thin hanger on a bookshelf. It looks like a trophy on a runway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Above it, on a higher shelf, there is a jar of glossy red paint sealed with a plastic lid. It\u2019s been there a few days: Papaia just finished repainting the walls and hasn\u2019t put everything away yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suddenly, a shadow passes in front of the lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio Diamante XIII enters the scene, flying gracefully and silently. He grabs the shelf with his claws, right next to the jar. He looks around, then gently pushes the jar with his side, aligning it perfectly with the dress hanging below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio (imitating Chantilly):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The life is mine… and I do whatever I want!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He starts tapping the jar\u2019s lid with his beak until he manages to pull it off with a sharp flick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio (imitating Papaia, in a perfectly dramatic tone):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The life is mine, huh? So… take this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With one last decisive tap, he pushes the jar over the edge: the paint spills, slow and relentless, cascading directly onto Chantilly\u2019s new dress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio watches his work with a satisfied peck… then flies down from the furniture, returns to perch on the back of the sofa, fluffs his feathers, and stays there, still and innocent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silence. As if nothing happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia Framed<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The video starts again. The door suddenly opens. Chantilly rushes into the room, followed by her mom, both talking animatedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly stops, eyes wide. Still hanging on the bookshelf, the dress is covered in red paint, which is still dripping onto the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My dress! It\u2019s all covered in paint. What happened? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look there, on the shelf. The paint jar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it was sealed. Someone took the lid off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who did it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly (furious)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was you! To stop me from going out with Josh!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (shaken)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Me?! I wasn\u2019t even in this room!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly (crying)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stop lying! I know you don\u2019t want to see me happy! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (offended)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you crazy?! What are you saying?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A voice interrupts them. Metallic. Mocking. Coming from above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio Diamante XIII, proud on the back of the sofa, tilts his head slightly and\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio (imitating Chantilly)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The life is mine… and I do whatever I want!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A moment of silence. Then again, the same tone, but this time it\u2019s Papaia\u2019s voice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The life is mine, huh? So… take this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A flap of wings, and he flies away fluttering with fake innocence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zoom on Mom\u2019s face, which slowly twists into a mask of suspicion, anger, and condemnation. She turns toward the camera (unaware it\u2019s recording) and shouts furiously offscreen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (shouting)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaaaaiaaaa!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The video cuts off. Black screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy dress\u201d\u2026 \u201cwhat happened to it\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 He was jealous of the tablecloth and tried to be more lively. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 He was trying to disguise himself as barbecue sauce. For his own reasons. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 He wanted to fake being hurt to avoid going out with Chantilly. \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 The dress saw Josh and threw up paint. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 It was just a dress. But now it\u2019s a legend. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 It said \u2018the life is mine and I do whatever I want!\u2019 \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 It chose freedom. And it ended badly. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Mom doesn\u2019t want to see Chantilly happy with Josh? Who\u2019s the one who can\u2019t finish sentences and talks with their chin? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Dear Chantilly, if your mom didn\u2019t want to see you happy, she would\u2019ve just ironed your dress and handed you to Josh! Now THAT would be hate! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio for Science<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back to Faggioli\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli (astonished):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s not a parrot\u2026 it\u2019s a criminal genius with feathers. This animal should be studied! Seriously!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (shrugging):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Actually, that\u2019s exactly what happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia takes the phone back from Faggioli, searches for something, and hands it back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli looks puzzled. On the screen is a website with a big title:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ottavio Diamante XIII \u2013 The Smartest Parrot in the World<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subtitle: Property of the Center for Cognitive Neuroethology, Utrecht<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As soon as Faggioli clicks, videos start playing. Ottavio solves complex transparent puzzles, opens combination jars, fits shapes into their slots, recognizes written words, and reacts accurately. In another video, he pulls a lever to free another animal in a cage\u2014but only after carefully observing the human behaviors around him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They sold him to a research center. They say he has an IQ equivalent to a seven-year-old child. One of the scientists, a neuropsychologist, wrote an article\u2026 saying Ottavio acted to protect Mom. He had developed such a strong emotional bond that he perceived anyone bothering her as a threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli (in disbelief)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So… he sabotaged your brothers but made you take the blame?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (nodding)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He just wanted Mom never to get angry\u2026 and if he had to punish someone, it would be me. Since I was good at cleaning anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli (still amazed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is\u2026 the craziest session of my career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What career? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 ventriloquist career? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 or farmer? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Part 1\/19 Three scientists \u2014 Papaia, Banani, and Ravioli \u2014 and their assistant Igor, who work at NASAL, begin to take an interest in creationism. Their superiors, worried, send them to see the psychologist, Professor Faggioli, a dubious character determined to get them fired by making them seem crazy. Interior \u2013 Faggioli\u2019s Office Papaia is … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5470","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-episode"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5470","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5470"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5470\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5471,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5470\/revisions\/5471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5470"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5470"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5470"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}