News Archives

Bookquick: The Teapot Book

From the history of teapots to theories of their construction, from suggestions for their firing to instructions for the making of a proper pot of tea, "The Teapot Book" contains all the components that today’s potters need to tackle this critical piece of their artistic development.

For Sheen, activism is reason for living.

Martin Sheen admits he’s taken some heat for his liberal views and, especially, his vocal opposition to the policies of President George W. Bush. But he says no amount of criticism will keep him quiet. “I love my country enough to risk its wrath,” said Sheen, who entertained a crowd of more than 1,200 at Irvine Auditorium March 29 as part of Penn’s Connaissance series.

Food (and drink) for the brain

What did Einstein win the Nobel Prize for in 1921? What color hair was Einstein born with? In the book “Driving Mr. Albert,” Michael Paterniti and Thomas Harvey rode across country to deliver something to Einstein's granddaughter. What was it? If you answered “physics, black and Einstein's brain” to the above questions, you could very well have won some free drinks had you been at the recent Penn Science Café at University City's MarBar.

Movable Feast: Pizza!

Thick or thin, white or red, pizza is a perennial favorite. Students love it because it’s easy on the wallet and convenient to scarf on the run. The rest of us like it because, well, do we really need to waste words? To help you satisfy your next craving for melted cheese and baked dough, we taste-tested two of the best places on campus for a pie or slice. Pizza Rustica 3602 Chestnut Street, 215-985-3490

Developing trust, and finding answers

When Penn sociologist Kathryn Edin wanted to find out why so many poor young women in America have children out of wedlock, she went straight to the source. With her husband and two small children, she moved to Camden, where she lived for two and a half years, immersing herself in the local life and getting to know her neighbors.

At Work With...Corky Cacas

Make your voice heard

Here at the Penn Current, our goal is to publish an interesting, insightful and useful publication that Penn faculty and staff will enjoy reading. Over the past few months, we’ve been making changes—large and small—with that goal in mind. Whether it’s been new layouts or new features, changes in our coverage or the elimination of less-than-exciting content, we’ve been working to make the Current better than it’s ever been.

Ask Benny: I want to write a living will—who can help?

Dear Benny, The recent media coverage of the Terry Schiavo case has started me thinking about living wills—and whether I should prepare one. The problem is, I don’t even know where to begin. I have read some human resources departments can offer living will services, however, and was wondering if Penn was one of them.—-Seeking Help Dear Good Planning, You’re not the only one here at Penn that has been asking that question.

A new housing alternative in West Philly

The "Left of Center" neighborhood around Penn has the kind of housing stock other areas can only dream of. Block after tree-lined block of handsome 19th-century homes—some admittedly in need of TLC—beckon those in search of square footage and historical appeal. Abundant green space, a weekend farmers market, and cozy neighborhood coffee shops all add to the allure. And now, with the Penn Alexander School thriving at 43rd and Spruce, there’is even a good public school.

News briefs

We’re honored