Michelle Francl
@MichelleFrancl
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Latest book Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea from RSC Books/ Professor of Chemistry, Bryn Mawr College & Adjunct Scholar, Vatican Observatory.
Bryn Mawr, PA
Joined April 2009
What are the challenges facing Pope Leo? I have thoughts & so do some of my fellow Catholics. I am thinking about our current moment, where is mercy is routinely mocked by those in power and people are not just silenced but vilified, deported, erased. https://t.co/4anWPxl8Kn
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The new pope is an Augustinian. What is an Augustinian?
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The Roman seagulls and I are back watching the chimney at the Vatican. Unlike the seagulls, I'm doing commentary at the Philadelphia Inquirer! Day 2 is here:
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The Roman seagulls and I are back watching the chimney at the Vatican. Unlike the seagulls, I'm doing commentary at the Philadelphia Inquirer!
inquirer.com
As Catholics around world await the emergence of white smoke from St. Peter's to indicate the selection of a new pope, Philadelphians offer their informed commentary as it happens with live analysis...
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What did Social Security pay out in 2023? Its total budget was...wait for it..about $1.4 trillion. Just what you'd expect if SS went to the people "honestly" eligible. I call BS, Elon. This may be the biggest fraud ever, but I don't think the payments are the problem.
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The Social Security Administration says that the average annual payment is $24,000. So that means we should pay out 59,200,000 x $24,000 a year. That's about $1.4 trillion.
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One way to estimate roughly the number of social security recipients is to say everyone in the US over 65 collects it. (Not true, but Fermi's approach says look at the big effects.) In 2023 that was 59.2 million people.
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I teach my students Enrico Fermi's technique for getting quick estimates, good enough numbers to help direct you toward a more accurate solution. Also great for detecting bullshit. Let's see how it works for Elon's claim!
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A simple Fermi problem can show that Elon Musk's claims of massive fraud at the Social Security Administration are BS. 🧵
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Giving infectious disease research a break, as promised by the MAHA agenda. Let's break down what exactly this Executive Order is *really* saying. Fortunately, I speak fluent anti-vax grifterese & can translate. https://t.co/3TjI4SZID2
whitehouse.gov
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1.
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What I have been writing! Cutting NIH funding puts my life on the line — and maybe yours as well | Opinion https://t.co/tirr11aRuh via @phillyinquirer
inquirer.com
Private investment in pharmaceutical research can't replace the National Institutes of Health. Both public investment and the private sector are needed to be world leaders in health care.
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Caffeine! One of the most beautiful molecules in my opinion.
Big news - we are officially announcing our 2025 annual #conference! Save the date for our celebration of the #chemistry of food at Providence College. More information, including a call for proposals and registration details, will follow in the next few months. See you soon!
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There was that inauguration where I spent 30 days in silence, meditating on choices. I chose not the prosperity Gospel, not a stance that vilifies immigrants. I chose to reverence everyone as I reverence Christ. Including my LGBTQ+ brothers & sisters.
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Join me on Friday Nov 15th, for a short talk and a virtual tea soiree! If you want the link, send me a message.
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Oh no! Even salt won’t rescue this!
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This is a fantastic program for those thinking about becoming department chairs or center heads or deans or…apply soon!
Mid-career teacher-scholars in chemistry, physics or astrophysics with interest in leadership should apply by Nov. 1 for 2025 Academic Leadership Workshop, to be held Feb. 20-22, 2025, at Johns Hopkins. Supported by a #CottrellScholars Collaborative award.
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A reprise of my op-ed in the Inquirer. St. Augustine wrote that the courage to challenge injustice was a daughter of hope. To live in hope…is to stretch my heart wide enough to encompass the needs of my neighbors as my own... I am voting for hope.
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When in Rome…I do as one does and have morning coffee!
This morning I had coffee with an expert on tea, @MichelleFrancl (No international incidents ensued this time.)
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