Tonight, the University of Memphis hosts mathematician and philosopher William Dembski, who will give a lecture titled “The Scientific Status of Intelligent Design.” Dembski’s support of Intelligent Design and affiliation with the Discovery Institute has made him a controversial figure. The lecture will be at 7 p.m. in the Michael Rose Theatre.

In more evolution news, is it just happenstance that Dembski’s visit coincides with the opening of Theatre Memphis’ run of Inherit the Wind? Read Flyer staff writer Chris Davis’ take here.

Burke’s Book Store, a Memphis institution since 1875, may be forced to close unless it can resolve its increasingly bleak financial situation.

Owners Corey and Cheryl Mesler mailed a letter to the store’s customers this week, saying “we are not generating enough revenue to pay our bills.” They cite a number of reasons: “Sales are down. Superstores are soaking up every available book dollar from independents. And people are shopping online instead of browsing.”

The Meslers say they are searching for a way to save the store, located at 1719 Poplar. Among other things, they are encouraging people to do more shopping there. In the long run, however, “it must be said right now that we need cash in the form of donations.” This may seem like a desperate move, but they point out that other communities have saved bookstores this way.

“And Burke’s, we are sorry to say, has come to that,” concludes their letter. “This is our plea for help. We are hoping for a positive response.”

For more information, visit the Burke’s Book Store Web site here.

…and take the kids with you. At 7 p.m. tonight, the Sierra Club’s offering a backpacking clinic to teach you how to pack and head for the mountains. And they’ll be doling out advice on bringing the little ones along.
No word on whether that means stuffing them into your pack when they ask “are we there yet?” for the 20th time.
The clinic will be held at the Poplar-White Station Branch library at 5094 Poplar. For more info, call 826-2448.

After Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte began plans for renovating the governor’s residence, she realized some things would have to go.

Because she wanted to give Tennesseans the opportunity to see and buy the items — which include a Jacuzzi, pool table, and several toilets, including this black Kohler model from the governor’s master bath — they have been posted online here.

The toilet, which looks like crap, is up to $75. But governors’ bare butts have touched this, which surely makes it a collectors’ item.