2009-2010 Academic Year Calendar of Events

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(Faculty/Staff Only)

August 20, 2009

SOAR Mathematics Placement

All incoming Albion College students participate in Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR). During SOAR, students learn about the academic expectations of our students, take a placement exams, and register for their first semester courses. The department administers a placement test based on the academic background of each student to assist students in selecting the most appropriate mathematics and computer science courses as possible. See our webpage on Preparation for Albion College for more information on the placement process.

August 27, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: A cohomological approach to Serre's Minkowski-style bounds
Speaker:Giovanni Di Matteo (`06)
Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon (forthcoming)
Lyon, France
Abstract: In recent years, Serre has adapted a classical theorem of Minkowski to give bounds for the ℓ-valuation of |G(k)|, where G is a reductive group or semi-simple of inner type. It was observed by Serre that these bounds may be recovered from ℓ-adic cohomology. We illuminate the cohomological approach in the case of G = GLn.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10

September 10, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Planning for Graduate Study in Mathematics and Computer Science
Speaker:David A. Reimann
Associate Professor
Mathematics and Computer Science
Albion College
Albion, Michigan
Abstract: A degree in mathematics or computer science is excellent preparation for graduate school in areas such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, finance, and law. Come learn about graduate school and options you will have to further your education after graduation.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10

September 17, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Exploring the mathematical themes of M. C. Escher's artwork
Speaker:David A. Reimann
Associate Professor
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Albion College
Albion, Michigan
Abstract: M.C. Escher illustrated many mathematical themes in his artwork. In addition to developing many ideas independently, he was inspired by conversations with mathematicians throughout his lifetime. One thing that sets Escher apart from a strict mathematical illustrator is that Escher extensively used concrete objects to help illustrate complex abstract concepts such as infinity. In this talk, we will view many of Escher's artworks and explore some of the mathematical themes present in his work.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

September 24, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: N is a Number: A Portrait of Paul Erdős; A film by George Paul Csicsery
Speaker:
Abstract: A man with no home and no job, Paul Erdos was the most prolific mathematician who ever lived. Universally revered among mathematicians, Erdos, who was born in Hungary in 1913, was a wandering genius who eschewed the traditional trappings of success, dedicating himself instead to inventing new problems and searching for their solutions. He inspired generations of mathematicians throughout the world with his insightful approach and the wry humor with which he discusses politics, death, and the cosmic struggle to uncover proofs hidden by the most stubborn of adversaries - God.

N is a Number, a documentary filmed in England, Hungary, Poland and the United States over four years, presents Erdos's mathematical quest in its personal and philosophical dimensions, and the tragic historical events that molded his life. N is a Number was made with support from the American Mathematical Society, Film Arts Foundation, the Heineman Foundation, the Mathematical Association of America and the National Science Foundation's Informal Science Education Program.
http://www.zalafilms.com/films/nisfilm.html.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 PM

October 1, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Revolution OS - Part 1
Speaker:
Abstract: REVOLUTION OS tells the inside story of the hackers who rebelled against the proprietary software model and Microsoft to create GNU/Linux and the Open Source movement.

On June 1, 2001, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said "Linux is a cancer that attaches itself in an intellectual property sense to everything it touches."

Microsoft fears GNU/Linux, and rightly so. GNU/Linux and the Open Source & Free Software movements arguably represent the greatest threat to Microsoft's way of life. Shot in cinemascope on 35mm film in Silicon Valley, REVOLUTION OS tracks down the key movers and shakers behind Linux, and finds out how and why Linux became such a potent threat.

REVOLUTION OS features interviews with Linus Torvalds, Richard Stallman, Bruce Perens, Eric Raymond, Brian Behlendorf, Michael Tiemann, Larry Augustin, Frank Hecker, and Rob Malda. To view the trailer or the first eight minutes go to the ifilm website for REVOLUTION OS.

Companies such as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Oracle, Wipro, Ogilvy & Mather, OSTG, and Dreamworks Animation have rented REVOLUTON OS for private theatrical screenings. It has also screened in numerous film festivals including South By Southwest Film Festival, the Atlanta Film & Video Festival, Boston Film Festival, and Denver International Film Festival. REVOLUTION OS won Best Documentary at both the Savannah Film & Video Festival and the Kudzu Film Festival.

See www.revolution-os.com/ for more information.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

October 8, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Revolution OS - Part 2
Speaker:
Abstract: REVOLUTION OS tells the inside story of the hackers who rebelled against the proprietary software model and Microsoft to create GNU/Linux and the Open Source movement.

On June 1, 2001, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said "Linux is a cancer that attaches itself in an intellectual property sense to everything it touches."

Microsoft fears GNU/Linux, and rightly so. GNU/Linux and the Open Source & Free Software movements arguably represent the greatest threat to Microsoft's way of life. Shot in cinemascope on 35mm film in Silicon Valley, REVOLUTION OS tracks down the key movers and shakers behind Linux, and finds out how and why Linux became such a potent threat.

REVOLUTION OS features interviews with Linus Torvalds, Richard Stallman, Bruce Perens, Eric Raymond, Brian Behlendorf, Michael Tiemann, Larry Augustin, Frank Hecker, and Rob Malda. To view the trailer or the first eight minutes go to the ifilm website for REVOLUTION OS.

Companies such as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Oracle, Wipro, Ogilvy & Mather, OSTG, and Dreamworks Animation have rented REVOLUTON OS for private theatrical screenings. It has also screened in numerous film festivals including South By Southwest Film Festival, the Atlanta Film & Video Festival, Boston Film Festival, and Denver International Film Festival. REVOLUTION OS won Best Documentary at both the Savannah Film & Video Festival and the Kudzu Film Festival.

See www.revolution-os.com/ for more information.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

October 15, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Teaching Robots to See
Speaker:Nathan Sprague
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Abstract: I will present some recent research at the intersection of machine learning, computer vision, and robotics. The objective of my work is to understand how machines and organisms can learn to extract relevant information from the noise and confusion of unprocessed visual input. I will also describe recent work at Kalamazoo College to develop a simulator and controller framework for the iRobot Create robotic platform.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

October 22, 2009

Pizza and Pamphlets
Pizza Pizza and Pamphlets is the event where the Mathematics and Computer Science Department provides information about spring courses in Mathematics and Computer Science. All Math majors/minors, Computer Science majors/minors, Math/Physics majors, Math/Econ majors, prospective majors, and friends of the department are invited to join us. This year the event will be held at 3:10 pm in Palenske 227. Bring your friends; bring your questions; bring your schedule. We will also provide pizza and pop!

October 29, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: The Fibonacci Sequence: Melody and Harmony
Speaker:Vivek Dhand
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Mathematics
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Abstract: The Fibonacci numbers are famous for their intriguing appearances in art and nature, and their mathematical properties have been extensively studied. Remarkably, the Fibonacci sequence is periodic mod n, for any positive integer n. In fact, we can produce many such periodic sequences by simply changing our initial conditions. We interpret these sequences in terms of points on a torus, and then as a musical score.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

October 31, 2009

Michigan Autumn Take-Home Challenge
The 15th Michigan Autumn Take-Home Challenge will be held on Saturday, October 31, at college campuses across the extended Midwest, including Albion. Teams of 2 or 3 students will take an interesting 10-question, 3-hour math exam with topics drawn from throughout the undergraduate curriculum. Albion won the MATH Challenge in 2001; our most recent entry placed 9th of 64 teams representing 22 schools in 2007. Students interested in joining the math team for the MATH Challenge should contact Professor Mark Bollman.

November 5, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: The P2 + P problem and conjectures of Pólya
Speaker:Stephanie Edwards
Associate Professor
Department of Mathematics
Hope College
Holland, Michigan
Abstract: One of the problems stated in the Pólya and Szegö text from the early 1900's, "Aufgaben und Lehrsätze aus der Analysis," is: If P is a real polynomial with only real zeros, find the number of non-real zeros of P2 + P. If one removes the hypothesis that P has only real zeros, the problem becomes quite hard and was not solved until the 1980's. We will solve the P2 + P problem when P has only simple real zeros. Further, we will show how the problem can be restated in terms of the number of non-real zeros of the second derivative of a real entire function and discuss the research and progress which has been made in the area of distribution of zeros of real entire functions.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10

November 12, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Simplified Assembly Language Programming
Speaker:James T. Streib
Professor and Chair of Computer Science
Department of Computer Science
Illinois College
Jacksonville, Illinois
Abstract: Assembly Language is a low-level language that uses mnemonics and has a one-to-one correspondence to the machine language (which uses ones and zeros) of a particular processor. Understanding the fundamentals of assembly language need not be intimidating and programming can be simplified by using techniques involved in learning high-level languages. This talk is based on a previously published paper by the same name in the Journal of Computing for Small Colleges, November 2000, and also an upcoming text tentatively entitled Guide to Assembly Language: A Look at the Intel Processor to be published by Springer Verlag London Ltd.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

November 19, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Minimal Requirements for Representation in the Democratic Primary
Speaker:Michael A. Jones
Associate Editor
Mathematical Reviews
American Mathematical Society
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Abstract: In the Democratic Party Primary, presidential candidates are assigned delegates based on their share of the vote in each primary state using Hamilton's method of apportionment. However party rules state that candidates receiving less than 15% of the vote are not awarded any delegates. In this talk, we look at the consequences of such a cut-off for Hamilton's method and several other apportionment methods. For each method, we find the threshold of inclusion (the level of support necessary to possibly receive a delegate) and the threshold of exclusion (the level of support necessary to assuredly receive a delegate). We compare these values and determine the relationship between the thresholds and the Democratic Party cutoff of 15%. We also examine a new apportionment paradox that can arise when cut-offs are applied to Hamilton's method.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

January 29, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title:The Superbowl Box Pool
Speaker:Michael A. Jones
Mathematical Reviews
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Abstract:

Each year approximately 45% of U.S. households watch the Superbowl and approximately $90 million is bet on the game. A common office pool, the Superbowl box pool, sells each square of a 10x10 grid for the same price. After all squares have been sold, the row and column headings are revealed to indicate the units' digits of the scores of the two teams. At the end of each quarter, a percentage of the collected money is returned to the person who bought the square that matches the teams' scores modulo 10. Although the pool is fair because each square is equally likely to be purchased for the same price and the expected value is zero, certain scores are clearly better, e.g., (7,0), than others, e.g., (5,8).

After years of running a Superbowl box pool at a neighbor's house, I thought about how to create odds for the different scores. I develop both 200-state and 100-state Markov chain models of Superbowl play to determine the likelihood of end-of-quarter scores. Touchdown, extra point, field goal, safety, and two-point conversion data from the 2008 NFL season are parameters for the model. The outcomes are compared with end-of-quarter data from both the 2008 NFL season and past Superbowls. I also discuss the assumptions and limitations of the model.

Location:Palenske 227
Time:3:10 PM

February 5, 2009

Mathematical Contest in Modeling
The Mathematical Contest in Modeling is a contest where teams of undergraduates use mathematical modeling to present their solutions to real world problems. The contest begins at 8pm EST on the 5th and runs through 8pm EST on Monday, February 9th. Talk to Darren Mason for further information about this competition.

February 5, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title:The Evolution of Cooperation on Random Networks
Speaker:Thomas I. Treloar
Assistant Professor
Mathematics
Hillsdale College
Hillsdale, Michigan, USA
Abstract:

Understanding the mechanisms behind the emergence and perseverance of cooperation in complex systems is a problem of interest in varied disciplines including biology, physics, economics, the social sciences, and mathematics. The prisoner's dilemma in the setting of evolutionary game theory has become an important framework in which to study this cooperation phenomena. In the past several years, it has been well-documented that models of 'realistic' populations are very favorable to the sustainability of cooperation. In this talk, we will discuss the effect certain population structures (modeled by a graph) have on the success of cooperation in the population. A surprisingly simple relationship between cooperation levels in a population and a graph coefficient which relates the 'connectedness' of an average person to the 'connectedness' of the average neighbor will also be given. This connection will give us a new insight into the 'local' mechanisms which aid cooperation. A natural link to models of the spread of a disease in a population is also provided through this connection.

Location:Palenske 227
Time:3:10 PM

February 12, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Spherical geometry: The oldest example of a non-Euclidean geometry
Speaker:Celso Melchiades Doria
Professor
Departamento de Matemática
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
Florianópolis - Santa Catarina, Brazil
Abstract:

It will be introduced some historical aspects of Geometry, the formula for Pythagoras' Theorem on the surface of a sphere and also some metric relations (cosine and sine laws). As a by product, the well known Pythagoras' Theorem from Euclidean geometry will be obtained. Spherical geometry has been part of humankind since the rest beginning of navigations through the seas. Thus, since then, the measurement of distances and the description of positions on the surface of Earth have been essential. The GPS at those old years were the stars, the geographical points and later the lighthouses (Alexandria Lighthouse was the most famous one). The Pythagoras' Theorem, on the surface of a plane, has been known for a very long time as one of the most important tools to measure distances and angles, but unfortunately it could not be applied to measure distances and angles for the purpose of navigation. So, how much Geometry was used for the purposes of navigation? Answer: A LOT. Although the question concerning the 5th-Euclidean postulate took around 2000 years to be settled, it could had been settled centuries before if sailors and mathematician were acquainted with the fact that over the surface of a sphere the concepts of Geometry could also be defined and further developed. The main problem was, until 1820, nobody knew how to define a Geometry, it was wrongly thought that Geometry meant Euclidean Geometry (Kant argued that the truths of geometry were synthetic a priori truths, and not analytic).

Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

February 19, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: When is the Pen Mightier Than the Keyboard?
Speaker:Andries van Dam (Virtual)
Thomas J. Watson, Jr. University Professor of Technology and Education and Professor of Computer Science
Department of Computer Science
Brown University
Providence, Rhode Island
Abstract: User interface design is an important component of modern computer systems. An overview of new pen-based software is given. Examples are shown of pen-based applications in mathematics and chemistry. This video is available online from Purdue's Computer Science Videos.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

February 26, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title:Careers in Mathematics and Computer Science
Speaker:David A. Reimann
Associate Professor and Chair
Mathematics and Computer Science
Albion College
Albion, MI, USA
Abstract:A degree in mathematics or computer science is excellent preparation for employment in areas such as teaching, actuarial science, software development, engineering, and finance. Come learn about career opportunities awaiting you after graduation. Slides from the talk are available at http://zeta.albion.edu/~dreimann/talks/careers/careers.html.
Location:Palenske 227
Time:3:10 PM

February 28, 2009

Denison Spring Programming Contest
The Denison Spring Programming Contest challenges teams of up to four programmers to solve up to six programming problems in a period of four hours. The programmers have their choice of programming in Java and/or C++. The team with the most questions solved in the least amount of time wins. See David Reimann or the related Web page for more information about this competition.

March 3, 2009

Square Root Day
Square root day is celebrated on dates where the day and the month are both the square root of the last two digits in the current year. Other square root days include February 2nd, 2004 (2/2/04) and April 4th, 2016 (4/4/16). Come join us at 4:16 pm in Palenske 229 for some square root snacks!

March 5, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title:
Speaker:David L. Anderson
Visiting Assistant Professor
Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Albion College
Albion, Michigan
Abstract: In this talk, an overview of the physical problems faced by fire-control systems, including relative ship motion, wind velocity, the Coriolis effect, projectile drift due to rifling, and ship pitch and roll due to wave action. As continual advancements were made to control-fire systems, such as gyroscopic and gear-based computers, the practical firing range increased from several hundred yards to over 20 miles.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

March 14, 2009

Pi Day
Pi Day celebrates on of the most famous mathematical constants, pi.

Pi Poster
Click on the above picture for your very own printable Pi poster.

March 19, 2009

Pizza and Pamphlets

pizza
Pizza and Pamphlets is the event where the Mathematics and Computer Science Department provides information about fall courses in Mathematics and Computer Science. All Math majors/minors, Computer Science majors/minors, Math/Physics majors, Math/Econ majors, prospective majors, and friends of the department are invited to join us. This year the event will be held at 3:10 pm in Palenske 227. Bring your friends; bring your questions; bring your schedule.

March 26, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title:Finding the Best Way from Here to There
Speaker:Darren E. Mason
Associate Professor
Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Albion College
Albion, Michigan
Abstract:Given a task to accomplish, it is natural to ask what is the best way to achieve your goal? Maybe you are flying from Beijing to London and need the shortest flight path. Or you are selling fuel and you want to find a function P(t) that gives you the optimal price at time t to maximize your profit. Or you are crossing a river with a strong current and want to determine a propeller direction (as a function of time) so that you cross the river in the least amount of time. The number of possible questions like those above seems endless. During this lecture will discuss some of the above problems, a famous brain-teaser called the brachistochrone problem, and illustrate how to find solutions to these problems using a version of calculus that makes sense in infinite dimensions – the interesting field of variational calculus!
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

April 2, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title:A Novel Approach to 3D Facial Imaging for Biometric Security
Speaker:Robert McKeon
Graduate Student
Computer Science and Engineering
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
Abstract:Biometrics have become increasingly important in the field of security as related to national security and securing a person's identity from identity theft. 3D face recognition is one of the many biometric techniques currently researched because each person's face is unique. Many commercially available 3D sensors suitable for face image capture employ passive or texture-assisted stereo imaging or structured illumination with a moving light stripe. These techniques require a stationary subject. We describe an initial design and evaluation of a fixed-stripe, moving object 3D scanner designed for human faces. Our method of acquisition requires the subject to walk through a light screen generated by two laser line projectors. Triangulation and tracking applied to the video sequences captured during subject motion yield a 3D image of the subject's face from multiple images. To demonstrate the accuracy of our initial design, a small-scale facial recognition experiment was executed that showed the faces for this proof of concept are viable for facial recognition.
Location:Palenske 227
Time:3:10 PM

April 4, 2009

Lower Michigan Mathematics Competition
Albion College will host the 33rd Lower Michigan Mathematics Competition. Teams of three students represent small colleges in lower Michigan in solving a set of ingenious math problems. Calvin College is the defending LMMC champion; Albion has notched two LMMC wins in recent years, taking home the Klein Kup in 2004 and 2007. Albion's three teams last year finished 6th, 7th, and 20th. Contact Mark Bollman if you are interested in attending this year!

April 9, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title:Scientific Cyberinfrastructure and the Qualities of Lay Science
Speaker:Archer L. Batcheller
Graduate Student
School of Information
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Abstract:Scientific cyberinfrastructure consists of organizations, technologies, and practices that support science work at a distance. This research advances the stream of work on public engagement in science by focusing on a particular type of public engagement, lay research, as mediated by computing technologies. We investigate how lay scientists’ needs are represented in cyberinfrastructure, and how that impacts their engagement in science activities. In particular, cyberinfrastructure designs - social and technical - have the potential to help or hinder laity involvement in research. This work looks at active cyberinfrastructure-building efforts in several domains, including limnology and climate science, to see how lay scientists are affecting and affected by the growing cyberinfrastructure. The active cyberinfrastructure design work has surfaced relevant issues, providing a good opportunity to talk with those involved. Surveys and interviews with both professional and lay scientists, and technology-builders yield data about the background and goals of the scientists, and how those goals are being addressed as technical and social cyberinfrastructure grows.
Location:Palenske 227
Time:3:10 PM

April 16, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Code Rush
Speaker:
Abstract: This documentary film shows the final days of Netscape in 1998 as they are taken over by AOL in response to fierce competition by Microsoft. The film also depicts life in a software company in Silicon Valley during the .com boom of the late 20th century.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10

April 24, 2009

International Plaid Day
One of the highlights of Mathematics Awareness Month at Albion College is International Plaid Day, which is held on the last Friday of April. We have contacted people around the world who will join faculty, students, and staff on campus in wearing plaid to show their support of mathematics, and we invite you to join us.

April 30, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title:Student Presentations
Speaker:Students
Mathematics and Computer Science
Albion College
Albion, Michigan, USA
Abstract:TBA
Location:Palenske 227
Time:3:10 PM

May 3, 2009

Senior Dinner
The Mathematics and Computer Science Department will have its annual dinner for seniors who are majoring or minoring in mathematics or computer science. The dinner will be held from 5-7 pm.

May 9, 2009

Commencement

Come celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2009 at Commencement.

August 20, 2009

SOAR Mathematics Placement

All incoming Albion College students participate in Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR). During SOAR, students learn about the academic expectations of our students, take a placement exams, and register for their first semester courses. The department administers a placement test based on the academic background of each student to assist students in selecting the most appropriate mathematics and computer science courses as possible. See our webpage on Preparation for Albion College for more information on the placement process.

August 27, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: A cohomological approach to Serre's Minkowski-style bounds
Speaker:Giovanni Di Matteo (`06)
Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon (forthcoming)
Lyon, France
Abstract: In recent years, Serre has adapted a classical theorem of Minkowski to give bounds for the ℓ-valuation of |G(k)|, where G is a reductive group or semi-simple of inner type. It was observed by Serre that these bounds may be recovered from ℓ-adic cohomology. We illuminate the cohomological approach in the case of G = GLn.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10

September 10, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Planning for Graduate Study in Mathematics and Computer Science
Speaker:David A. Reimann
Associate Professor
Mathematics and Computer Science
Albion College
Albion, Michigan
Abstract: A degree in mathematics or computer science is excellent preparation for graduate school in areas such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, finance, and law. Come learn about graduate school and options you will have to further your education after graduation.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10

September 17, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: Exploring the mathematical themes of M. C. Escher's artwork
Speaker:David A. Reimann
Associate Professor
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Albion College
Albion, Michigan
Abstract: M.C. Escher illustrated many mathematical themes in his artwork. In addition to developing many ideas independently, he was inspired by conversations with mathematicians throughout his lifetime. One thing that sets Escher apart from a strict mathematical illustrator is that Escher extensively used concrete objects to help illustrate complex abstract concepts such as infinity. In this talk, we will view many of Escher's artworks and explore some of the mathematical themes present in his work.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 pm

September 24, 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium
Title: N is a Number: A Portrait of Paul Erdős; A film by George Paul Csicsery
Speaker:
Abstract: A man with no home and no job, Paul Erdos was the most prolific mathematician who ever lived. Universally revered among mathematicians, Erdos, who was born in Hungary in 1913, was a wandering genius who eschewed the traditional trappings of success, dedicating himself instead to inventing new problems and searching for their solutions. He inspired generations of mathematicians throughout the world with his insightful approach and the wry humor with which he discusses politics, death, and the cosmic struggle to uncover proofs hidden by the most stubborn of adversaries - God.

N is a Number, a documentary filmed in England, Hungary, Poland and the United States over four years, presents Erdos's mathematical quest in its personal and philosophical dimensions, and the tragic historical events that molded his life. N is a Number was made with support from the American Mathematical Society, Film Arts Foundation, the Heineman Foundation, the Mathematical Association of America and the National Science Foundation's Informal Science Education Program.
http://www.zalafilms.com/films/nisfilm.html.
Location: Palenske 227
Time: 3:10 PM

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