Free dog and cat adoptions now available

MANATEE -- Manatee County Animal Services is offering dogs and cats for free adoption today through Saturday, while supplies last.

All adopted pets will receive a health check, be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

A $15 license certificate/tag will be required for Manatee County residents.

The offer is available at Animal Services locations in Palmetto, 305 25th St. W., open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and in Bradenton, 1002 B., Manatee Ave. W., open 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Preview available animals by visiting www.mymanatee.org/pets. Information: 941-742-5933.

Lecture series to make science understandable

SARASOTA -- A series on lectures are scheduled in January on new scientific discoveries, designed to be understandable by everyone.

Presented by Jeff Rogers, director of Bishop Planetarium and director of education at the South Florida Museum, the Tuesday afternoon lectures cover a variety of topics. All lectures start at 2 p.m. hosted by the Center for Humanistic Judaism, at Unity Church, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota.

The schedule:

n Jan. 8: The Big Picture -- from the big bang to our place in the universe.

n Jan. 15: The nature of space, time and matter. How do we know what we know and what don't we know?

n Jan. 22: Our solar system and earth as a habitable planet, new solar systems in our galaxy.

n Jan. 29: Life -- what is it? How did it start? How does it evolve? Is evolution really just a theory?

The lectures are free to CHJ members. All others, fees are $10 per class or $30 for all four.

Information: 941-929-7771.