Camels paraded outside the Penn Museum (3260 South St.)  yesterday as part of the “Secrets of the Silk Road” exhibit, which opens this weekend. The camels will be back today and we suspect they may enjoy the weather a little more. (Photo by Julija Kulneva)

Here are a few things plucked from a full slate of weekend activities on the left bank. If we missed something that you are dying to tell us about, write editor – at – westphillylocal.com.

Friday, January 21

• Taxing Carbon: The Simple Solution to the Climate Crisis • Tabernacle United Church • 3700 Chestnut St. • 7 p.m.

Charles Komanoff, a widely known for his work as an energy-policy analyst, transport economist and environmental activist in New York City will talk.

Saturday, January 22

• Clark Park Farmer’s Market • Don’t forget that it’s open in the winter too • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

African Cultures Day • Penn Museum • 3260 South Street • 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. • Free with museum donation ($10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for kids)

The program highlights include a performance by Penn’s African Rhythms Student Dance Troupe, music by the Women’s Sekere Ensemble, traditional African storytelling by Momma Sandi, neo-African drum and dance from LaSalle, a folkore workshop with Queen Nur, games, crafts, food, etc.

• Sonic Liberation Front meets Bobby Zankel and the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound • The Rotunda • 4014 Walnut St. • 8 p.m. • FREE

Sonic Liberation Front is an afro-futuristic creative music ensemble. Its members are a who’s who of Philly’s finest genre-bending improvisers, composers and folkloric musicians (and sometimes dancers).  Bobby Zankel leads an innovative jazz outfit. The Boston Phoenix wrote that Zankel “deserves any Talent Deserving Wider Recognition Award that the Jazz Press might offer.”

This little male tabby was found near 43rd and Pine. The finder says he seems like he wants to go home. If you recognize him write: comm-hrgvv-2140711774@craigslist.org

…and it feels so good.

Michael writes:

Another successful reunion.  The owner had just moved on Saturday when the dog bolted.  Animal control had the match. I am so glad.

This smiley pup was found Jan. 1. Friendly, mellow dog, maybe 50 pounds. Black and brown. Found near 48th and Springfield.

If you know him or her contact Michael.

Philly and New York are going head to head all day today at the Palestra (235 South 33rd St.). The 4th annual Villa Holiday Classic high school basketball tournament, which pits four teams from Philly against four from New York, tips off at noon today. Tickets are $12-$25.

At 1:45 defending Philadelphia Public League champs Imhotep willl take on New York Public League champs Boys and Girls. Both teams are nationally ranked. The line-up also includes defending Philadelphia Catholic League champs Neumann Goretti against New York’s nationally ranked Christ the King in the 5:30 finale.

The Palestra box office can be reached at 215-898-6151.

Mummers don’t float your boat? There are alternatives on New Year’s Day if you are looking for something to do a little closer to home. Here are a few things to do on 1X4 (1-1-11).

• Philadelphia’s seventh Pecha Kucha night will be held at Studio 34 (4522 Baltimore Ave.) Jan. 1 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Japanese word for “chit-chat,” Pecha Kucha (peh-CHAK-cha) nights involve lightening quick presentations by innovators, thinkers and all around interesting folks. The rules are simple. Wired magazine summed them up well: “Say what you need to say in six minutes and 40 seconds of exquisitely matched words and images and then sit the hell down.” Basically, you get 20 slides, 20 seconds each.

According to organizers, Vol. 7 will feature talks about girls who rock, podcasts about Philly, goats that groom urban spaces, and more! The suggested donation for the night is $5.

• One way to work off the hangover blues is to share your pain. One place to do that on New Year’s Day is Local 44 (44th and Spruce Streets), our friendly neighborhood pub, which is celebrating its second anniversary (yep, they opened Jan. 1, 2009) with a day-long brunch. They will have fare for veggie and meat lovers alike and a lengthy anniversary draft list.

• Perhaps the best way to get your mind and body right is with some good old fashioned acupuncture.  Philadelphia Community Acupuncture (50th and Baltimore, above Dock Street) is open both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. They offer affordable acupuncture on a sliding scale.