Mano Singham is a theoretical physicist and currently Director of UCITE (University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education) at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the author of three books: God vs. Darwin: The War Between Evolution and Creationism in the Classroom (2009),The Achievement Gap in US education: Canaries in the Mine (2005), and Quest for Truth: Scientific Progress and Religious Beliefs (2000).”

It might be of interest to get a feel for our speaker’s sensibilities by going to Dr. Singham’s blog. Even if you are not able to attend the meeting, you will find some interesting reading there.

Copies of his latest book will be available for purchase.

Where: Carnegie Science Center

When: Thursday, October 13, 7:00 pm

Cost: $5 (free to Friends of the Center)

Parking in the Science Center lot is $5, ($3 for Carnegie Science Center members).

Dr. Singham will be joining us for dinner at Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36 at 5:30. Anyone who wishes to may join us. The restaurant is about an 8-minute walk from the Science Center, so you can park in the Science Center lot and walk to the restaurant without having to move your car or pay for parking a second time.

This year, we are doing something a little different – for those who prefer a little extra challenge, we are offering three different options for participants to choose. All of the excursions end at the outfitters location in West Newton – the differences are in the put-in locations. You have the choice of 1.a fairly short run (2 hrs or so) from Cedar Creek Park, or 2. a medium length run (4 hrs or so) from Smithton, or 3. for those desiring something a little more lengthy, putting in at Whitsett (6 hrs or so). Every one can arrive at the outfitter at the time appropriate for their run and be transported to the put-in location. Then, as the group works its way downstream, those who have opted for the shorter runs can join the group as they get to the other put-in locations. By the time we get to West Newton, we should have a veritable armada – well, flotilla, anyway.

Rate schedule is as follows: $30 from Cedar Creek Park, $35 from Smithton, and $40 from Whitsett. This price is per canoe, two people per canoe. A third person can ride in the canoe for an additional $3. This is great if you have a child or a friend who wants to participate. And for those of you who have your own canoe, the outfitter will transport your canoe to the put-in for a nominal fee ($3 or $4 I think).

So if you are looking for some summer fun, come on along for the ride. Maybe YOU can enjoy the rope swing – or not. To reserve your canoe, e-mail BillK at unkabeard@verizon.net and send a check for the correct amount to:

CFI-Pittsburgh
PO Box 19003
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Reservations need to be in and paid by July 31st.

The recent high winds snapped a pole along Route 51 near Francesco’s Restaurant. This not only killed power to the restaurant, but created a hazard that forced the blockage and a detour of Rte. 51. Ten tough old birds managed to challenge the blockade or wait out the detour, but in the intervening hour delay, many prospective attendees turned back, including our speaker for the evening, Darwin impersonator David Campbell.

You can still catch Dr. Campbell’s wonderful show for the next three Saturdays at 2pm, at the Carnegie Science Center. Some might scoff at the notion of this as a Valentine’s date, but really what is more romantic than natural selection? (Just ask the Skepchicks!)

And without further ado, let me show you the awesome birthday cake, CFI’s Victor Bernard made that we missed:

Quoted from a message from CFIC-Pittsburgh’s Steering Committee Treasurer Chuck Bobich:

CFI Community of Pittsburgh will hold tonight’s general meeting at the Carnegie Science Center, starting at 7:00 PM and lasting to about 9:00. We’ll meet in the Digital Dome, where dome operator Frank Mancuso has outlined a program that promises to be even more spectacular than last year’s, including:

• A brief review/overview of the Digital Sky System – a how and why explanation
• A few updates in the world of Astronomy.
• The Digital Universe fly through with some modifications to make it different from last year, but still “flying out to the edge.”
• “Hubble Views” – a 4 minute tribute utilizing some Hubble Telescope images.

This program goes far beyond what is normally shown to the public. There is no charge to our members for this event. However, we’ll make our normal voluntary collection to cover expenses, plus a twist…in the best secular humanistic tradition, one-half of tonight’s proceeds will be donated to the Pittsburgh Food Bank.

You can track tonight’s event at this link plus get other news from our Community’s website.

CFIC-Pittsburgh is lucky to number a facility like the Carnegie Science Center among its resources. I hope a sizable number of you decide to join us for tonight’s special show.

——

You are also invited to join us at Bettis Grill 36 for a pre-meeting dinner at 5:30!

(Non-burger options available.)

Pre-meeting dinner:
When – Thursday December 11th 5:30-6:30ish
Where – Jerome Bettis’ Grill 36 (ground floor Del Monte Bldg.)
393 North Shore Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Meeting:
When – 7pm-9pm
Where – Buhl Digital Dome, Carnegie Science Center (North Shore Drive)

More Upcoming December CFI Pgh Events:

CFI Pittsburgh’s Structured Discussion will be continuing their look at the historical Jesus, Tuesday December 16th at the Quaker Meeting House in Shadyside. This lecture series by Bart Ehrmann, with discussion led by Victor Bernard has been going on for a bit but you are welcome to jump in.

Movie night will be at our gracious host Bill H’s place the evening of Wednesday December 17th. For information on either and contacts please see the CFI Pittsburgh site.