STARDUST: CATCHING A COMET AND BRINGING A BIT OF IT HOME - Dr. Donald Brownlee of the University of Washington will describe the insights gained into the materials that initiated the formation of the solar system from the mission that brought back samples of the remarkably active comet Wild 2. What Physicists Do Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Monday, April 3, Schulz 3001, (707) 664-2119.
"I'M GOING TO KILL THE PRESIDENT" - A plucky and subversive theater performance by the Imagination Liberation Front. 7 p.m., Monday, April 3, Stevenson 3077. (707) 664-2815.
QUEER THEORY, RACIAL OUTING, AND KEANU REEVES - This presentation by Dr. LeiLani Nishime of the American Multicultural Studies Department at SSU will analyze the publicity and gossip surrounding the star persona of Keanu Reeves. Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon, Tuesday, April 4, Carson 68, (707) 664-2840.
SOCIAL SCIENCE BROWN BAG LECTURE SERIES - Lecture by Diana R. Grant of the SSU Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Her lecture topic will be "Talking About the '-Isms': How Do Students React to Class Discussions of Race, Class, and Gender Bias." Noon, Tuesday, April 4, Stevenson 201. (707) 664-2112.
POST-HOLOCAUST WRITING: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE - Lecture by Dr. Barbara Lesch McCaffry of Sonoma State University. Holocaust Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-4076.
SHAWN HIGGINS - Higgins is both the designer and director of Gallery Flux of San Francisco. His lecture topic will be "The Perception of Worth." Artist Lecture Series. Noon, Wednesday, April 5, Art 102, (707) 664-2364.
ARTS AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH FORUM - Dr. Mutombo M'Panya of the SSU Hutchins School of Liberal Studies will present his lecture "The Representation of the Other: Images of Africa." Noon, Wednesday, April 5, Schulz 3001, (707) 664-2146.
A UNIFIED APPROACH TO GRAPHIC RATIONAL FUNCTIONS - Lecture by Steve Wilson of the SSU Math Department. Rational functions of the same degrees can have very different looking graphs depending on the location of the roots for numerator and denominator. However, given degrees for numerator and denominator, it is possible to derive one formula that will cover all cases. M*A*T*H Colloquium. 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2368.
THE PATH TO A SUSTAINABLE CALIFORNIA - Lecture by Robert Girling and Art Warmouth. Sonoma County in the Balance Lecture Series. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, The Cooperage, (707) 664-2691.
GERMAN FILM SERIES - The film "Barfuss" ("Barefoot") will be screened. 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, Multi-Purpose Room, Student Union, (707) 664-2351.
MARK STERNER - Lecturer Sterner will talk about on alcohol use, abuse and personal responsibility. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Apr. 5, The Commons, (707) 664-2214.
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM - Lecture by Dr. Andrew McCall of the Section of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Davis. His lecture topic will be "Herbivory is More than Leaves: The Effects of Floral Herbivory on Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila Menziesii)" Noon, Thursday, April 6, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2189.
THE SELF-SPLITTING NEURAL NETWORK - Lecture by V. Scott Gordon of CSU Sacramento. The self-splitting neural network attempts to tackle problems by dividing the input into chunks, and assigning a separate neural network to each chunk. Using a variety of splitting methods, large problems not typically solvable with standard neural networks have been learned quickly and with excellent generalization. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, April 6, Salazar 2016, (707) 664-2667.
DEE HIBERT JONES - Artist discusses her work in sculpture, performance and public art. All are invited. Art Department Guest Lecture Series. Noon, Thursday, April 6, Salazar 2021.
KAFFEESTUNDE - Weekly informal get-together in German. All are invited. Noon, Thursday, April 6, Charlie Brown's Cafe, (707) 664-2351.
PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHT - Explore the night sky at the SSU Observatory. This night, special emphasis will be placed on Saturn, the moon, and bright galaxies. Call before coming if it appears possible that clouds or fog may force cancellation. 9 p.m., Friday, April 7, SSU Observatory, (707) 664-2267.
SECOND ANNUAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MATHEMATICS CONFERENCE - Undergraduate mathematics students from universities and colleges in Northern California and Southern Oregon will present 28 different talks on a variety of mathematic topics. 9 a.m., Saturday, April 8, Cooperage, (707) 664-2238.
CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
THE GREEN BIRD - An 18th century fairy-tale comedy for adults, written by Carlo Gozzi, is a story of twins who flee their foster parents in search of their true parents. It also includes a talking giant, a beautiful female statue that comes to life, singing apples and dancing waters. And, of course, the Green Bird. April 6-13, Evert B. Person Theatre. Center for Performing Arts box office, 4-2353. For further information, visit Green Bird.
SONOMA FILM INSTITUTE:
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP - A special repeat screening of the masterful mock-epic tale of the friendship between a British officer and a Prussian officer over four decades. Sonoma Film Institute. 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.,
THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR - Former lovers, Bernard and Mathilde find themselves reunited as neighbors in a small French village seven years after the violent breakup which ended their passionate love affair. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2606.
BEST OF YOUTH - Part 1. Conceived as a TV mini-series but then released theatrically in Italy, Marco Tullio Giordana's film offers a revealing and deeply touching look at forty years of social and political change that transformed a nation. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Friday, April 7, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
Sonoma State University's School of Business and Economics and New College of California's Green MBA program have teamed up to host the first Sustainable Enterprise Conference for Northern California on Friday, April 7 at Sonoma Mountain Village, 1212 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park .
The one-day conference offers a unique opportunity for business leaders to learn about managing an organization to be environmentally friendly, socially just, and economically viable. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about building sustainable enterprises through workshops, interactive panels, and networking sessions.
The theme of the conference is "Practical Tools for the Transition." The keynote speaker is Paul Dolan, former Fetzer Vineyards CEO and author of "True to Our Roots: Fermenting a Business Revolution."
He will describe how Fetzer developed sustainable practices to preserve the environment while strengthening the community and enriching the lives of their employees without sacrificing the bottom line.
Workshops and talks will be led by regional sustainability leaders including: Terry Taylor, President of Global Genesis; Susan Briski, founder of Sustainable Progress; Jerrell Ross Richer, Professor of Ecological Economics at both SSU and New College of Calif., and J. David Erickson from the Climate Protection Campaign.
The conference has an emphasis on Northern California to foster sustainable development in the region. "People are attracted to the Northern California region because of the quality of life and open environment. It is essential that businesses located in this area operate in a way that sustains that quality of life," says Robert Girling, Professor of Business Administration at SSU and event organizer.
Current sponsors for the event in addition to Sonoma State University and New College of California include: Global Genesis, WSP Environmental, Sustainable Progress and Simplers Botanical Company. Register to attend, sponsor or exhibit by visiting www.sec2006.com.
For more information contact Genevieve Taylor, event director, at (707) 829-8454.
For interviews, contact:
John Stayton, Green MBA Program Director (707) 484-1124
Robert Girling, SSU Professor (707) 664-2228
Jerrell Ross Richer, SSU and Green MBA (707) 664-2919
Terry Taylor, Global Genesis, (707) 829-8454
.he natural beauty and diversified environment of Sonoma County continues to attract and maintain an ever-growing population. Residents pay a premium in housing prices just to live in the Sonoma County region. How can the county's natural splendor and ecological health be preserved while its economic vitality is maintained?
These questions will be the focus of "Sonoma County in the Balance: The People and the Environment," an eight-week lecture series sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Sonoma State University.
The series will be held on Wednesday evenings, April 5 to May 24, from 6:30-8:15 p.m. in the Cooperage. Admission to the entire lecture series isavailable for $80, and it is also available as one course in the Osher LLI membership package. Parking is an additional $2.50 for each lecture.
Scientists, historians, planners, management experts, political activists and more will speak about the area's natural history, immigration issues, development, watershed and agricultural concerns, coastal preservation, and share perspectives on the future of Sonoma County.
For further information or registration, phone (707) 664-2691.
The complete program is:
April 5, "The Path to a Sustainable California"
--Robert Girling and Art Warmouth
The United Nations Brundtland Commission that met from 1983 to 1987 identified sustainable development as a process of developing land, cities, business, and communities that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Sonoma County residents living in one of the most beautiful places in California, need to find ways to grow our communities without compromising our natural environment. In the past decade a growing number of enterprises are seeing opportunities and benefits from leading change to reduce their environmental footprint and act more responsibly. In this session, we will identify some of the valuable thinking and activities by business and the community that can provide the basis for a vibrant and sustainable economy.
Robert Girling is a Professor of Business Administration at SSU, has consulted consulted in 20 different countries and for the World Bank, USAID, and the United Nations. He was selected as Sonoma State University's outstanding professor in 1994 and is the author of over 50 books and articles. Art Warmouth is a Professor of Psychology at SSU. He is a member of the Sebastopol Economic Forum, dedicated to sustainable development for the City of Sebastopol. He recently received the SSU Founders Award for Community-Based Learning.
April 12, "Urban Development and the Natural Landscape"
--Nathan Rank, Phil and Denise Cadman
We will take a close look at the current status of the biological environment that surrounds urban areas in Sonoma County and how the environment has changed biologically over the past 60 years. Our discussion will include a focus on oak woodlands, grasslands, and the vernal pools and wetlands found in the Laguna de Santa Rosa. We will look at changes in the natural communities and the abundance of vertebrates and native plants. In addition, we will review effects of some management practices on biological diversity and evaluate the possible consequences of the introduction of invasive species to our region.
Nathan Rank and Phil Northen are Professors in the Department of Biology at SSU who both have a keen interest in the biological environment in Sonoma County. Denise Cadman is a natural resource specialist for the city of Santa Rosa and an adjunct faculty in the Life Sciences Department at SRJC.
April 19, "Basins of Relations: Thinking like a Watershed"
--Brock Dolman
Occidental Arts and Ecology Center biologist and educator, Brock Dolman offers a series of slide images and interpretations about water, watersheds, human development patterns and restoration ideas that support regenerative ecological integrity and social resiliency. Water is the 'element of life' on Planet Water and the conservation of biologically diverse native ecosystems of all sorts of swimming, crawling, flying and walking life forms is absolutely dependent upon hydrologically intact watersheds. This talk will span a diversity of scales from global water issues to a more detailed look at the balance of water for the people and environment of Sonoma County.
Brock Dolman is a co-founder and co-owner of Occidental Arts and Ecology Center and the Sowing Circle Intentional Community. He is the Director of OAEC's WATER Institute, Permaculture and Ecological Design Program, and Wildlands Restoration Program. He is currently a Sonoma County Fish & Wildlife Commissioner and an active member of the Dutch Bill Creek Watershed Group, West County Watershed Network, and Russian River Watershed Council.
April 26, "The Peopling of Sonoma County"
--Gaye LeBaron and Dan Markwyn
From the earliest inhabitants, who lived so lightly on the land, to the impact of the 21st century population, Sonoma County has experienced the power of people to change the face and the character of their surroundings, and to be changed, in turn, by what surrounds them. The first contact of the Southern Pomo, the Coast Miwok, the Wappo and the Suisun with the Russian otter hunters, Spanish soldiers and Mexican padres was dramatic. And the waves of immigrants that followed found, each in its own time, opportunity beyond expectation. The story of these immigration patterns is an important part of the 150-year history of agriculture in our coastal valleys. But it is also the familiar story of urbanization, of the infrastructure people have created -- the cars, the highways, the pipelines, the building, the paving, and the waste-- and how all this has changed the land.
Gaye LeBaron wrote a popular column about Sonoma County history for the Press Democrat for forty-two years, and has given three courses for the Osher LLI program. Dan Markwyn was a Professor of History at SSU where he specialized in the history of California and Sonoma County and has taught three courses for Osher LLI.
May 3, "Making Decisions on Development and Land Use"
--David Keller and David Gouin
At some point all of the political, environmental and economic interests need to be brought together and decisions have to be made. How does this process work? What are the roles and relative influences of the actors who are involved? What tradeoffs and compromises must be made for economic development, job creation, redevelopment, low income housing, environmental, neighborhood revitalization and other interests to have a voice? How is the "public interest" represented and served? At this session a panel of individuals experienced in these matters will discuss the decision-making process and answer questions as to how it proceeds and how we can get involved.
David Keller, former Petaluma City Council member, focuses particularly on downtown Petaluma development, transportation and watershed and water supply management. He is now Bay Area Director for Friends of the Eel River. David Gouin is the Director of the Department of Economic Development and Housing in Santa Rosa where he is involved daily in decisions that affect the availability of housing and the city's economic vitality.
May 10, "The Greening of the Northbay"
--Richard Walker
The San Francisco Bay Area is more greensward than asphalt jungle, more open space than hardscape. The making of the civic greensward--building parks, saving the bay, protecting the coast, setting aside wildlife reserves, purchasing development rights, drawing green lines, and the rest--has followed a long and arduous route. Country in and about the city is not something apart from the city, something left over from nature's beneficence. The process has been political, through and through. Not surprisingly, it has been mostly a preoccupation of the upper classes, and, more specifically, the work of women. Professor Walker will focus on the "greening" of the Northbay and Sonoma County in particular.
Richard Walker is Professor of Geography at the University of California, Berkeley, where he has taught since 1975. His Ph.D. is in Geography and Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Walker has written on a diverse range of topics in economic and urban geography, his latest book being The Country in the City: The Greening of the San Francisco Bay Area (University of Washington Press, 2006.
May 17, "The Changing Role of Agriculture in Sonoma County"
--Greig Guthey
In the nineteenth century, Sonoma County was a leading and diversified agricultural county. But there has been immense population growth fueled by the economic engines further south in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, by land use politics in neighboring Marin and Napa County, and by the county's own "vino-techno-economic" shifts. So at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the county's agriculture finds itself down in some ways, but definitely not out. It remains, by many measures, at the leading edge of agricultural innovation in terms of the ways that county farmers are connecting their farm products to environmental quality, to the region's territory, and to the city. Much of this change is a result of the dynamic connections forged between local farmers and the county's unique dynamics of place. And it hasn't hurt that the county has become a sought-after and more down-to-earth wine destination than Napa County to the East.
Greig Guthey is an economic geographer who received his PhD from UC Berkeley. He specializes in the Northbay region and has conducted extensive studies of the dairy and wine industries in Sonoma and adjacent counties. He presently teaches at San Francisco State University.
May 24, "The Environmental Awakening of Sonoma County: It All Started on the Sonoma Coast"
--Bill Kortum and John Crevelli
Sonoma County has a unique consciousness about its landscape and environment, creating and voting in new measures to preserve its heritage. Each generation's attitude toward the environment has impacted the county and changed it in dramatic ways. The Sonoma Coast was a place where the local environmental movement was born and many citizens were politicized. They challenged every level of government to bring about environmental protection. The history of this new outlook in its political confrontation with traditional interests on the coast and throughout the county is a fascinating and sometimes inspiring story. The presenters will trace a number of events that they know about and have participated in during the last 45 years.
Bill Kortum, is a past county supervisor and chairman of COAAST and the California Coastal Alliance, and present chair of Sonoma County Conservation Action. He participated in Battle of Bodega Head, the Salt Point Acquisition, the Sea Ranch controversy, and formation of the California Coastal Commission and Conservancy. John Crevelli was a history instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College for 28 years where he frequently taught the History of Sonoma County. He was a charter member of COAAST, and received Conservationist of the Year Award in 1977T
OPTICS WITH SLOW LIGHT - Dr. Mukund Vengalattore of UC Berkeley will discuss the basics of "slow light" and present some recent results on using laser-cooled atoms to create optic elements such as amplifiers, switches and slow light wave guides. What Physicists Do Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Monday, Mar. 27, Schulz 300, (707) 664-2119.
JENNIFER'S COMPLAINT: HOMOPHOBIA AND SPORTS - Last December, the National Center for Lesbian Rights filed suit on behalf of Penn State basketball star Jennifer Harris against her former coach because of homophobic harassment. In this presentation, attorney Dora Dome will discuss this case as well as her own experiences in the competitive world of collegiate basketball. Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon, Tuesday, March 28, Carson 68, (707) 664-2840.
AN UNCOMMON FRIENDSHIP - Lecture presented by Dr. Fritz Tubach and Bernat Rosner. Holocaust Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 28, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-4076.
WRITERS ON WRITING LECTURE SERIES - Lectures by poets Rae Armantrout and Catherine Wagner. 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, Schulz 3001, (707) 664-2140.
SETH KOEN - With simple material and tools-yarn, thread, muslin, lentils, needle and hooks-Koen invents ambiguous forms that defy utility but encourage thought. Artist Lecture Series. Noon, Wednesday, March 29, Art 102, (707) 664-2364.
IN THE HEART OF THE HEART OF ANOTHER COUNTRY - Local poet Etel Adnan will give a reading from her latest compilation. Noon, Wednesday, March 29, Schulz 3001, (707) 664-2491.
HOW TO UNTIE A KNOT (AND BECOME RULER OF THE WORLD) - Thomas Mattman of Chico State University will examine Alexander the Great's method of untying knots and how recent research connecting mathematics and physics has given new insight into this program, M*A*T*H Colloquium. 4 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 29, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2368.
CINEFORUM - The film "Todo sobre me madre" ("All About My Mother") will be screened. Admission is free. 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, Stevenson 3072, (707) 664-2351.
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM - Dr. Samantha Hopkins, UC Berkeley will present her lecture, "Macroevolution of Ecology: Studying the Causes of Convergent Evolution of Ecomorphology in Small Animals." Biology Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, March 30, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2189.
WOMEN'S HISTORY LUNCHES - Dr. Theresa Alfaro-Velcamp will present her lecture, "Immigrant Women: Challenges to Historiography," to be followed by "Queen Ealswith and the Mercians," presented by Dr. Judith Abbott. Noon, Thursday, March 30, Salazar 2021, (707) 664-2313.
BIOINFORMATICS SUPPORT OF PATHOGEN DIAGNOSTICS AND FORENSICS - Lecture by Tom Slezak of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This talk will discuss the LLNL team's involvement with computationally designing pathogen DNA signatures and various outbreaks (SARS, monkeypox, Avian Influenza, Exotic Newcastle Disease, etc.) Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Mar. 30, Salazar 2016, (707) 664-2667.
SONOMA FILM INSTITUTE
WHEEL OF TIME - Filmmaker Werner Herzog's latest nonfiction adventure is a visit to Bodh Gaya, India, where the Kalachakra, the world's largest Buddhist gathering, is taking place. Sonoma Film Institute. 4 p.m. Sunday, March 26, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
CLAIRE'S KNEE - When a diplomat is on vacation without his fiancee, he is introduced to two young teenage girls who prove difficult to ignore. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2606.
Low cost physical examinations and health appraisals for well adults and children are available through the Sonoma State University's Family Nurse Practitioner Program on Wednesdays from March 29 - May 17.
The exams are supervised by nursing faculty and performed by Family Nurse Practitioner students who are registered nurses enrolled in the Master's nursing program.
Services include a complete medical and health history, identification of health risk factors, complete physical examinations and screening tests such as blood pressure checks, vision testing, audiology testing, urinalysis, hematocrit (for anemia), cholesterol testing, and Pap smears for cervical cancer.
These services can be used for annual exams, sports physicals, pre-employment physicals, camp physicals and Class II DMV licensing physicals. Appointments are available only to Sonoma County residents.
Costs are: physical examination,$30; Pap test $35; and cholesterol check $25. Hearing tests are free and a DMV physical examination is $60. Copies of records are given to clients upon request as well as mailed to private physicians or agencies.
Appointments may be made by calling SSU's Nursing Department from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (707) 664-2466.
Bruce Owen has combined kites and archaeology into a fascinating pursuit of ancient South American treasures
The Sonoma State University adjunct professor will discuss his research methods in a lecture called "An Archeologist Flies His Kite: Kite Aerial Photography in Peru," from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21 in Stevenson 2011 at Sonoma State University.
Satellite imagery and air photos from planes are great, but to clearly see archaeological sites or other human-scale things, one needs to fly lower, Owen says.
One solution is to hang a camera from a kite. Last summer, Owen used kite-aerial photography to take pictures of archaeological sites and excavations in Peru. He made photographic maps by combining shots into mosaics.
Owen will show how it works, from the kite and homemade hardware through the computer work, along with the pros and cons and practical experience.
The public is invited.
NASA astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa is the special guest at the "Expanding Your Horizons" conference on Saturday, March 18 at Sonoma State University.
Ochoa will be available for media coverage according to the following schedule:
Noon -1 p.m.
Salazar Courtyard
NASA booth during lunch hour signing autographs with students.
1-2 p.m.
Evert B. Person Theater
After opening remarks by faculty leaders, Ochoa will give her 45-minute presentation (with video) and answer questions from students.
2 p.m.
Evert B. Person Theater
Ochoa will be available to talk to media
Selected by NASA in January 1990, Dr. Ochoa became an astronaut in July 1991. She is currently Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations, helping to manage and direct the Astronaut Office and Aircraft Operations. A veteran of four space flights, Dr. Ochoa has logged over 978 hours in space. She was a mission specialist in a 1993 mission, was the Payload Commander in 1994, and was a mission specialist and flight engineer in 1999 and 2002. She has visited the International Space Station several times on these missions.
The conference fosters an awareness of career opportunities in math, engineering, science, and technology-related fields, as well as provides opportunities for young women to meet and interact with positive role models who are active in math and science-related careers.
This year's workshop topics range from constructing lemon flashlights, exploring veterinary careers to learning more about NASA's "scale universe." Participants will include seventh and eighth grade students, adult educators and parents from Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties.
Full details, including Ochoa's biography, can be found online at http://eyh-soco.org/.
BEYOND THE ROCKS - This film offers a chance to see two stars of uncommon magnitude - Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino - paired for the first and only time. Sonoma Film Institute. 4 p.m. Sunday, March 19, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
NANOWIRING THE FUTURE - Dr. Peidong Yang of UC Berkeley will discuss how semiconductor nanowires will impact photonics, energy conversion, nanoelectronics, and other areas. What Physicists Do Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Monday, March 20, Schulz 3001, (707) 664-2119.
BECOMING EVIL - Lecture by Dr. James Waller of Whitworth College. This presentation is the 2006 Robert L. Harris Memorial Lecture. Holocaust Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-4076.
"WE'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY! A HER-STORY OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN SPORT" - Kinesiology professor Beez Schell discusses the history of women in U.S. professional sports. Women's History Month lecture series 7 p.m., March 21. Cooperage. (707) 664-2845.
THE MATHEMATICS OF COMPLEXITY - Debora Hammond of the Hutchins School will give an overview of cutting-edge work in the field of complexity, focusing on such topics as non-linear dynamics, agent-based modeling, networks and power laws. M*A*T*H Colloquium. 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2368.
GERMAN FILM SERIES - The film "Harry Potter und der Genfangene von Azkaban" ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban") will be screened. Admission is free. 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, Multi-Purpose Room, Student Union, (707) 664-2351.
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM - Dr. Michelle Marvier of Santa Clara University presents her lecture, "Evidence-Based Risk Analysis: Learning from our Experiences with Genetically-Modified Crops." Noon, Thursday, March 23, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2189.
WOMEN'S HISTORY LUNCHES - Dr. William Poe of the SSU History Department presents his lecture, "Sex in the Temple: Fantasy or Slander?" Noon, Thursday, Mar. 23, Salazar 2021, (707) 664-2313.
LOTTERIES AS A MECHANISM FOR CONTRACTING VIA THE INTERNET - Lecture by John Mamer of the UCLA Anderson School of Management. The Internet holds the promise of bringing vast computing power, currently locked up in idle computers, to bear on problems of commercial interest. Mamer will explain that the key to unleashing this computing power is the ability to contract for computing resources via the Internet. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Mar. 23, Salazar 2016, (707) 664-2667.
ARTS AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH FORUM - Tania de Miguel Magro of the Modern Languages and Literatures Department will present her lecture, "El Cid: The Legend" and Michael Ezra of the American Multicultural Studies Department will present "What I've Learned from Studying Muhammad Ali" Noon, Thursday, March 23, Schulz 3001, (707) 664-2146.
HIROSHIMA, MON AMOUR - A French actress, in Hiroshima to make and anti-war movie, meets and falls in love with a Japanese architect. In the 24 hours before she must return home, the lovers are haunted by their memories of their different wartime experiences. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2606.
WHEEL OF TIME - This film is a visit to Bodh Gaya, India, where the Kalachakra, the world's largest Buddhist gathering, is taking place. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS - Come explore the night sky at the SSU Observatory. Special emphasis will be placed this night on galaxies and Saturn. Call before coming if it appears possible that clouds or fog may force cancellation. 8 p.m. Friday, March 24, SSU Observatory, (707) 664-2267.
GALLERIES
MELANIE KENT STEINHARDT: THE LIFE AND ART OF AN EMIGRE - The University Library Art Gallery is exhibiting the artworks of Melanie Kent Steinhardt (1899-1952) through March 24. Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m., University Library Art Gallery, (707) 664-4240.
CONTEMPORARY ART FROM LOS ANGELES - Exhibit featuring the work of Tetsuji Aono, Soo Kim, Sandeep Mukherjee, Evan Holloway, Jason Meadows, Eddie Ruscha, Cannon Hudson, Faris McReynolds and Jesse Simon. Through March 19. Tuesday-Friday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 12 p.m.-4 p.m. University Art Gallery, (707) 664-2295.
EINSTEIN'S UNIVERSE AND BEYOND - Lynn Cominsky will show how high-energy observations of radiation from exploding stars, blazing galaxies and monstrous black holes illuminate Einstein's vision in ways that Einstein could only imagine. What Physicists Do Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Monday, Mar. 13, Schulz 3001,(707) 664-2119.
RACIAL HETEROSEXUAL IDENTITIES: BLACK AND WHITE HETEROSEXUALITIES - Lecture by Dr. James Dean examines the ways in which gay visibility is shaping the lives of black and white heterosexuals to both bring attention to the dominant status of their heterosexual identities as well as how dominant racial codings mark homosexuality as white and heterosexuality as black. Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon, Tuesday, March 14, Carson 68, (707) 664-2840.
JAPANESE WAR CRIMES-ACCOUNTABILITY, REDRESS, JUSTICE - Lecture presented by Dr. Peter Li of Rutgers University. Holocaust Lecture Series. 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-4076.
WRITERS ON WRITING LECTURE SERIES - Lectures will be presented by poets Brian Henry and Graham Foust. 5 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 14, SSU Art Gallery, (707) 664-2140.
QUEER ATTRACTORS: A QUANTUM PERSPECTIVE - Lecture by Ignacio Valero, Associate Professor of Diversity Studies, Critical Studies and the MFA Program in Design at the California College of Art. Artist Lecture Series. Noon, Wednesday, Mar. 15, Art 102, (707) 664-2364.
WHEN QUILTERS AND CARVERS MARRY, STARS AND POLYGONS HAPPEN -Lecture by Ann Herbst of Santa Rosa Junior College addresses divisibility problems in number theory as well as various geometric construction methods and approximations. M*A*T*H Colloquium. 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 15, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2368.
CINEFORUM - The film "La Flor de mi Secreto" ("The Flower of My Secret") will be screened. 6:45 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 15, Stevenson 3072, (707) 664-2351.
SEXY OR SEXIST? WOMEN IN THE MEDIA - Using examples from ads, magazines, MTV and "slasher" movies, author Gail Dines will examine how these images affect the way people think about themselves as males and females, as sexual beings and as potential victims and victimizers. Admission is free. 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, The Cooperage, (707) 664-2785.
BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM - Dr. Claudia Luke of the Bodega Marine Laboratory at UC Davis will present her lecture, "Research Sites for a New Millennium: Field Stations and Marine Laboratories in a Changing World." Noon, Thursday, March 16, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2189.
WOMEN'S HISTORY LUNCHES - Dr. Nan Alamilla Boyd will present her lecture "Male Impersonators in Early 20th Century San Francisco," which will be followed by Dr. Steve Estes' lecture, "Dykes or Whores: Sexism, Homophobia, and Military Women's Catch-22." Noon, Thursday, March 16, Salazar 2021, (707) 664-2313.
WHAT DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN? - Lecture by Tina Amper of Blue Sky Solutions/ADIC, San Francisco about the best practices for business continuity and disaster recovery management. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, March 16, Salazar 2016, (707) 664-2667.
SONOMA FILM INSTITUTE
AU HASARD, BALTHAZAR - Balthazar the donkey is the central character of this film; passed from one owner to the next, he is both witness to and victim of their suffering. The other main figure in the film is a young farm girl (Anne Wiazemsky) who befriends Balthazar and suffers some of the same fates. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, Stevenson 1002, (707) 664-2606.
BEYOND THE ROCKS - Beautifully crafted and visualized, "Beyond the Rocks" offers a chance to see two stars of uncommon magnitude - Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino - paired for the first and only time. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Friday, March 17, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2606.
AT THE GALLERIES
MELANIE KENT STEINHARDT: THE LIFE AND ART OF AN EMIGRE - The University Library Art Gallery is exhibiting the artworks of Melanie Kent Steinhardt (1899-1952) through March 24. Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m., University Library Art Gallery, (707) 664-4240.
CONTEMPORARY ART FROM LOS ANGELES - Exhibit featuring the work of Tetsuji Aono, Soo Kim, Sandeep Mukherjee, Evan Holloway, Jason Meadows, Eddie Ruscha, Cannon Hudson, Faris McReynolds and Jesse Simon. Through March 19. Tuesday-Friday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 12 p.m.-4 p.m. University Art Gallery, (707) 664-2295.
Featuring music, couture, and the traditions of Asia and the Pacific Islands, SSU will host the 17th Annual Asian Heritage Night at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 in Evert B. Person Theater. This year's special guest and featured performer will be "Last Comic Standing" winner Dat Phan. Admission is free to SSU students with valid school ID and $10 for the general audience.
While Phan is relatively new to the stand-up comic scene, he was the winner of NBC's 2003 reality show "Last Comic Standing." Originally from Vietnam, he emigrated to the U.S. with his mother and was raised in Southern California. Much of his act centers on growing up with his family and the Vietnamese community. A portion of Phan's act can be seen at http://www.myspace.com/dphan.
Sonoma State students will also be participating in the evening's entertainment, showcasing both modern and traditional aspects of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Performances include traditional Cambodian, Hmong, and Filipino dances, a fashion show, along with modern songs and dances.
This event is sponsored by the Asian Pacific Islander Organization, Associated Students Productions and the SSU Student Union. For more information, please call (707) 664-2382.
Spanish flamenco, German comedy sketches and classic French accordion tunes share the stage at the fourth annual Language Festival at Sonoma State University from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 18.
Spoken language is a also big part of the day as local middle school and high school students compete in language contests with the encouragement and support of SSU students and faculty. These contests include poetry, diction, public speaking, and literary competitions in French, German and Spanish. SSU students will serve as greeters, judges, and language-specific tour guides for this portion of the event.
"Students often have the chance to compete athletically, but opportunities for academic competitions are much more rare," says French professor and Department Chair Suzanne Toczyski. "The Language Festival gives students of all levels a place to show off all that they've learned in a real-world context."
"The students love displaying what they have learned in a fun and entertaining way; at the same time, this is a serious academic contest and all participants should be proud of their achievements. Winning in the contest may also enhance the students' future college applications, which is a nice plus," says German professor Michaela Grobbel.
After a short brown-bag lunch, SSU students, high school students, and faculty will join together in a cabaret extravaganza in the Cooperage, including musical and dramatic performances in French, German, Spanish, Farsi and Japanese. In between the various numbers, the audience will be entertained by jazz musicians from SSU's music program.
"It's so fun to hear people singing in other languages!" says Tamara Bunge, co-president of the Cercle Francais, SSU's French Club, while Spanish professor Tania de Miguel Magro calls it, "Cultural diversity at its best. Get ready to travel the world without leaving the campus. Who knows, you might end up watching a French student wearing a kimono and singing flamenco in German!"
In 2004, over 200 people attended the Festival and many went home with a wide variety of prizes for their competitive efforts. This year's prizes include French music CDs, German Soccer Cup-related items, a variety of Swiss books, posters, computer games and other language-related software, gift certificates to local restaurants and more.
Admission to the festival is free with the exception of the cabaret, which is $3 at the door. The public is welcome.
For more information, contact Suzanne Toczyski, Chair, Department of Modern Languages & Literatures, at (707) 664-4177.
"China: The Sleeping Giant Awakes" is the title of a free public lecture by Edwin Williams from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 in Schulz 1121 at Sonoma State University. The event is sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Willaims has traveled to China 12 times since the early 1980's and witnessed first hand China's spectacular economic growth since the inception of the "free-market economy."
Now president of TraveLearn and former Director of International Programs at Kean University in New Jersey, he was in China a few months before the 1989 uprising in TiananMen Square. He has also visited the Three Gorges Dam project.
He was also in China during the 16th Party Congress of the Communist Party which announced a change to the current leadership and also brought successful capitalist entrepreneurs into the party.
A question and answer period following his lecture will allow for responses to issues related to contemproary China, travel in China and the country's past.
For more information, please contact Joni Boucher at (707) 664-2615.
