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Special Events

WMY 2000 High School Outreach Program

An AMS-MAA committee consisting of Philip C. Curtis, UCLA; Robert L. Devaney, Boston University; and Frank Morgan, Williams College, is developing a program for high school students and teachers and incoming college freshmen in the Los Angeles area titled Chaos Games and Fractal Movies. Some of the most fascinating new ideas in mathematics and science revolve around the interrelated fields of "chaos" and "fractals." These ideas are no more than a quarter century old, though their roots in mathematics go back almost a century. Both of these fields have come into prominence lately primarily because of the computer. With today's high speed computers (and especially computer graphics), scientists now understand that many physical and biological systems exhibit a surprising degree of irregularity called chaotic behavior. Using graphics, they can plot the chaotic regimes of these systems, and surprisingly, they often see a remarkable and incredibly beautiful pattern, the fractal patterns of chaos.

Although this is a relatively new development in mathematics, these ideas have found applications in many different fields, including data compression, weather forecasting, and even Hollywood animations. Most wonderful of all, these ideas are accessible to students with only a high school background in mathematics. Interested high school teachers and students and incoming college freshmen should contact Donna Salter at the AMS for more information (dls@ams.org). There is no charge for this program, scheduled for Sunday, August 6, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Social Events

In addition to the unparalled scientific program, many social events are being planned for the enjoyment of participants in this unique meeting.

Opening Ceremonies and Reception

At the conclusion of the AMS-MAA Presidents' Lecture by Ronald L. Graham, all participants are invited to the Mathematical Challenges Opening Ceremonies on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. in UCLA's spectacular Royce Hall. As we hear from organizers and distinguished guests, we will begin to explore and celebrate the glorious future of mathematics. A reception will be held immediately following remarks by the speakers.

The Math Challenges Pub, a private cash bar, will be open for meeting participants only on Monday through Friday evenings on the terrace outside the Grand Horizons Ballroom in Covel Commons. The Commons is adjacent to the hotel-style residence halls where meeting participants will stay and serves as the dining facility. The terrace overlooks the beautiful UCLA campus. Join your colleagues for a glass of wine, beer, or soft drinks at the end of the day to discuss mathematical issues (blackboards will be provided) or simply to watch the sunset.

On Saturday, August 5, 2000 All participants are invited to a reception at the new NSF-funded Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM). See www.ipam.ucla.edu/ for more information on this new institute, whose main purpose is to encourage the cross-fertilization between mathematics and other scientific disciplines and to broaden the range of mathematical techniques used in science. Time to be announced.

UCLA Department of Mathematics invites all participants to a reception on Monday, August 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Association for Women in Mathematics: Carolyn R. Mahoney, California State University, San Marcos, will speak and lead a discussion on Demographic trends and challenges for mathematics, on Monday evening, August 7, from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. The talk and discussion following will be of interest to a general audience. A reception will follow.

Ticketed Events

Based on availability, tickets for the Barbecue and Millennium Banquet will be sold at the meeting.

Getty Museum Tour-Sunday August 6, 2000

The Getty offers a vast collection of European paintings, decorative arts, Old Master drawings, medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, and American and European photographs. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature tranquil gardens and panoramic views of the city, mountains, and sea. Buses will leave the UCLA campus at approximately 10:00 a.m. and return at 3:00 p.m. For those on the UCLA meal plan, box lunches will be provided. There are restaurants at the museum. Cost for this trip is $5/person; there is no charge for a child sitting on an adult's lap. Space is limited, so reserve early during advance registration! See www.getty.edu for more information on special exhibitions, programs, and children's activities.

Southern California Barbecue-Tuesday, August 8, 2000

Bring your appetite for a country shindig! Feast on mesquite-grilled chicken, pork spareribs with hickory barbecue sauce, tossed green salad, red potato salad, corn on the cob, and country biscuits. Top it all off with some mouthwatering strawberry shortcake! So kick off your shoes, relax with your colleagues outdoors in Sunset Village, and enjoy this bountiful buffet. Cash bar available. Cost is $27 per person; children 5 to 11 are $12; no charge for children 4 and under.

A Night at the Hollywood Bowl-Thursday, August 10, 2000

Here is your chance to experience this historic outdoor amphitheater, the Los Angeles Philharmonic's summer home. This evening's theme will be "Thunder and Lightning", featuring the music of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. Buses will take us from the UCLA campus at about 7:30 p.m., returning at approximately 10:30 p.m. Cost is $45 per person, including round-trip bus transportation. Reserve early during advance registration! Tickets are limited for this fabulous evening of music under the stars.

Millennium Banquet-Saturday, August 12, 2000

At the conclusion of the week's plenary talks, come join your colleagues to summarize what the mathematical challenges of the 21st century will be. Enjoy a beverage at the cash bar, then dine on grilled fillet of salmon glazed with a caramelized orange sauce, accompanied by herbed orzo and a salad of fresh tomatoes, grilled vegetables, and goat cheese, dressed with a champagne vinaigrette; dessert is blackberry sorbet garnished with fresh berries. Complimentary wine will be served with dinner. This evening's event will feature a special presentation by Persi Diaconis, probabilist, magician, and expert on the mathematics of card shuffling, in addition to being a very stimulating lecturer. Don't miss this marvelous event celebrating the achievements of mathematics! Cost is $35 per person.

Remember, this truly is the meeting you don't want to miss!


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Last Updated: 18 JUL 00
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