Online auction for the Franklin Institute

If you are in the mood to pick up some nifty gifts and support a worthy place, try bidding on these online auction items. Bidding starts Friday.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I’d really like the telescope and lessons from Derrick Pitts.

The Franklin is Dead, Long Live the Franklin Institute

In case you missed it in the Daily News (like I did), we’re back to calling to calling the Franklin Institute the Franklin Institute.
It was a nice try, but I’m glad to see it back.

Science on Tap: Penn Plant Ecologist Brenda Casper (4/13, 6pm

[ April 13, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] As I posted yesterday, a couple of Philly science institutions have teamed to create another science cafe: Science on Tap. The more the merrier, I say.

But the way my calendar thingy works (and it is working again, I need a separate post for each entry. So here’s the one for Brenda Casper, a Penn [...]

“Unlocking the Secrets and Powers of the Brain” at the Franklin, 11/18 7pm

This one is a must-see for enthusiasts of good science writing and/or neuroscience. The Franklin Institute is hosting a meeting of the minds moderated by Carl Zimmer, whose hem I am unworthy to touch.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 · 7PM Franklin Theater
The Franklin, Discover Magazine and the National Science Foundation present a fascinating
symposium featuring five [...]

Coolest backyard inventions of 2008…

…so far, I’d guess.
From Popular Mechanics, nifty homemade doohickies and whatsits.
This dovetails into a train of thought I’ve been riding on how to encourage people to become more technically adept. Every high school (…every science museum?…) should have a junk lab where kids can experiment under limited supervision with tools, junk and electronics [...]

And now for something completely different: Pirate Quizzo 7/26

[ July 26, 2008; 8:00 pm; 8:00 pm; ] Quizzo moves out of the bar and onto the plank. The Franklin is hosting Philly’s Own Johnny Goodtimes to host quiz night Saturday night (8 PM) at the Fel’s Planetarium. Of course, this relates to the Pirates exhibit (ongoing until November). From Johnny’s website:

Alright gang, should be a great show this Saturday. The [...]

Score The Score: Booksigning (6/19, 7pm)

[ June 19, 2008; 7:00 pm; ] Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Faye Flam entertained, enraged and educated with her science-of-sex column “Carnal Knowledge,” which has now led to her new book “The Score: How the Quest for Sex has Shaped the Modern Man.”

The first local signing will be at the Penn Bookstore (a Barnes and Noble on 36th and Walnut) on June 19th [...]