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The Amygdaloids played their first show at Union Hall's Secret Science Club last fall. Since then, the four scientists/rockers have performed at the Cornelia Street Cafe and even Madison Square Garden. Celebrate the release of their new CD, Heavy Mental, and hear new songs about the brain, mind, and emotions at Otto's Shrunken Head on Monday, October 22.

The party starts at 7 pm--and the Amygdaloids play at 8 pm.

Otto's Shrunken Head, 538 East 14th St. (between Aves. A and B), East Village, New York City.

MICHAEL RAMPINO LECTURES ON "MASS EXTINCTIONS AND THE HISTORY OF LIFE" AT 8 PM
As chronicled in the fossil record, the history of life is marked by violent and devastating episodes. Mass extinctions—the eradication of 75 to 95 percent of Earth's species—have repeatedly altered the course of evolution. Michael Rampino has searched six continents for the causes of these ancient mega-events, investigating asteroid impacts and large-scale volcanism.

A biologist and geologist at New York University and research associate at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Dr. Rampino asks: Why was 95 percent of ocean life wiped out 250 million years ago? Was human evolution influenced by the eruption of a super-volcano? Who benefits from mass extinctions? (Answer: Not dinosaurs.)

BEFORE AND AFTER
Groove to earth-shattering tunes and video in Union Hall's subterranean grotto, stick around for the Q&A, and don't forget to sample the Secret Science Club's Shock-tail …