Philadelphia's Boy Robot - The Franklin Institute Automaton

Unerring is my hand, tho small,
may I not add with truth?
I do my best to please you all.
Encourage, then, my youth.

The above poem, though lovely in its own right, is made extraordinary by its author: a clockwork robot from 1810!

Benjamin Franklin's Treatise on Flatulence

  Benjamin Franklin, that noted statesman from Philadelphia and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a man of many talents and interests.  Among his many accomplishments outside of his role in the Continental Congress was the publishing of Poor Richard's Almanac, the establishment of the Postal Service, as well as the invention of bi-focal eyeglasses, and of the odometer to tell how far wagons (and later, automobiles) had traveled, the invention of the lightening rod, the invention of the household iron furnace (now known as the Franklin Stove), swimming fins, and the invention of an unusual musical instrument called the glass armonica (by which Amadeus Mozart was particularly impressed), and the production of numerous aids for the disabled, including an extension arm to grab things out of reach and the first flexible urinary catheter.

While Franklin was undoubetdly in possession of great mental faculties, and even though he had long-standing friendships with many scientists, statesmen, and philosophers, he held a quarrelsome attitude toward established academia.  He was particularly unimpressed with the academic socities of Europe, which he considered to be pretentious, and to produce little to benefit the common man by their works. 

It was in 1781, while serving abroad as United States Ambassador to France, that Benjamin Franklin expressed his displeasure with The Royal Academy of Brussels in a very colorful way.  The Academy had endorsed a "Prize Question" among its membership to produce a mathematical equation of staggering complexity, emphasizing that the winning contributor had to illustrate the UTILITY of his equation.  Franklin, seeing no practical use for a hypothetical equation produced by a top scholar over the course of an entire year, playfully suggested that the intellectuals' mental abilities might be better applied to flatulence.

3 Spirits That Should Haunt Your Liquor Cabinet

Penn 1681, Bluecoat, and Vieux Carré Absinthe...
Yes, real ABSINTHE is legal again!

Its no secret that the southeast corner of Pennsylvania has a lot to offer those who enjoy fine beverages in moderation.  Great beer from America's oldest brewery, Yuengling in Pottsville, as well as micro-brews from numerous sources, such as Weyerbacher in Easton, Victory in Downingtown, and Tröegs in Harrisburg, vie to satisfy the thirst of a region that already boasts over 50 local wineries.  Now the connoisseur may satisfy his or her jaded palette with a choice of three distilled beverages produced in this same area by Philadelphia Distilling.  

Alternative Living Expo, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

   The Alternative Living Expo will occur on March 5th and 6th, 2011, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.  The Expo is three shows in one, ModVic's Back Home to the Future Show, the Distinctive Pleasures Gala, and the Alternative Bridal Expo. 

Back Home to the Future Show
   The "Steampunk Home Show" will be of interest to anyone who admires victorian, neo-victorian, or retro-futuristic/industrial decor and art.  Exhibitors will include achitectural salvage companies, artists who reuse industial items to create household goods, designers who infuse modern objects with victorian flair, as well as antique and reproduction hardware and lighting suppliers. 

Distinctive Pleasures Gala
   The Gala showcases all manner of fun and pleasure including music, liquor, candy, games, fashion, beauty poducts, toys, and gadgets.  There will be an art gallery, food and drink samples, seminars and demonstrations, and live performances by Hubris, The Imperial American Air Corps, Penn Jersey Roller Derby, This Way to the Egress, Psyche Corp, Cryomancer, and others.

Alternative Bridal Show
   The expo for anyone who dreams of a very different wedding or commitment ceremony.  The creators of Wicked Faire, The Steampunk World's Fair, and Dracula's Ball have harnessed their expertise in hosting unusual events to lend a hand to brides and grooms looking to express themselves through unique bridal fashions, wedding cakes, florists, cake-toppers, invitations, honeymoon ideas, caterers, and more.

Tickets are $15 for all three shows, both days, if bought in advance at the Alternative Living Expo website.