Marcus’ hiccups are driving Ruby crazy! But Marcus explains to his sister that there’s nothing he can do to stop them, since hiccups are controlled by involuntary muscles. He helps Ruby to understand the idea of involuntary muscles by giving her examples of other involuntary actions, such as breathing and blinking. From there, he goes on to discuss how voluntary actions, like touching our noses, are ones we actually have to think about. Ruby enjoys learning about voluntary and involuntary actions, until she realizes that Marcus is using his examples to make her look silly! Key Words: Kids, cartoon, hiccups, involuntary muscles, educational Open on Ruby and Marcus Snarkis sitting on the floor of one of their bedrooms. Ruby is playing with Barbie-like doll and Marcus is working on his homework. Marcus begins to hiccup. The hiccuping gets louder and more obnoxious with each outburst. The hiccups come faster and faster. Ruby shoots him a glare. The hiccuping continues. Ruby finally snaps. She pulls the head of her doll and turns to Marcus. Ruby (yelling): Marcus, will you stop that hiccuping? You’re driving me crazy. Marcus : That’s a short drive. Ruby : What did you say? Marcus: I said, I can’t stop my hiccups. Ruby : What do you mean? You’re just hiccuping to annoy me. Marcus : No really! I can’t control it. (Hiccup) Hiccups are an involuntary action. Ruby : What’s that supposed to mean? Don’t try to confuse me with your fancy pants words. Marcus: It’s the truth! Hiccuping is an involuntary action. That means that my body does it without even thinking about it. Ruby: I don’t buy it, runt. I think you’re just trying to bug me. Marcus: Do you think about things like (hiccup) blinking, breathing, or making your heart beat? Ruby: What with ballet lessons, tuba lessons, tap lessons, yoga, hang gliding, Future hair stylists of America meetings…I don’t even have time to think about clipping my toenails these days. Marcus: That’s exactly what I mean Ruby. (Hiccup) You couldn’t possibly keep track of everything your body is doing at any given moment. Here… take a look at this brain. Marcus pulls out a model of the human brain out of his toy box. Marcus: The part of your brain called the brain stem is in control of involuntary actions. Ruby: I grow weary of this topic. Marcus: You’re missing the point Ruby. (Marcus sighs and tries again.) Your brain stem and the involuntary muscles allow you to do things like digest food, (hiccup) pump blood, and breathe, (hiccup) without you having to focus on them every minute of every day. Ruby: Ok Mr. Smarty Pants… what’s a voluntary action then? Marcus: Well, voluntary actions are where you move by choice. You use your brain to tell your skeletal muscles what to do. It’s kind of like (hiccup) you always telling me what to do. Ruby: It’s not like you ever listen to me. Marcus holds up the model brain again. Marcus: The cerebrum and cerebellum are parts of the brain that control voluntary actions. (hiccup) When you want to move your arm, for example, your brain tells certain muscles in your arm to contract or relax causing your arm to move. (Marcus lifts his arm.) People can do even more with their muscles if they exercise! Power, strength and endurance can all be increased if you regularly exercise your muscles. You should exercise your muscles with 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Here…let me to show you something (hiccup) Ruby: I’ll allow it this time, just because I’m so bored Marcus: Good! If you will stand up we can begin. (hiccup) Ruby stands up and has a grumpy look on her face. Marcus: Perfect! Now if you will kindly lift your left leg and (hiccup) touch your nose with your right hand. Ruby follows the directions. She grunts and groans. Marcus: Good! Now, cross your eyes, (hiccup) bounce on your foot, and make duck noises. Ruby follows the directions. Ruby: What does all of this stuff have to do with voluntary actions? Marcus: Nothing. I just like making you look silly. (hiccup) Marcus giggles. Ruby stops and gets a psycho look on her face. Ruby: Come here Peewee I have a voluntary action I want to show you. Marcus zips out of frame. Ruby runs after Marcus Fade to black Marcus: V.O. Scream. Hey! I think she scared my hiccups away. Scream again. End