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Calling All Brainiacs . . . and Cine-maniacs

Comedy. Techno thriller. Documentary. Science Noir. On Wednesday, October 22 at 7 PM, we’ll be showing a selection of short films that are in competition for big prizes sponsored by Nature magazine and the Imagine Science Film Festival. You get to contribute to the judging—AND meet some of the filmmakers. The first-ever Imagine Science Film Festival is the brainchild of SSC resident scientist/filmmaker, Alexis Gambis—he’ll be on-hand to answer your brainiest questions and oversee the mixing of the cocktail of the night: the Lab Rat.

But wait, there’s even more filmic fun to be had . . . The Imagine Science Film Festival runs from October 16 to 25 at a whole host of venues around town. Don’t miss the festival’s opening night kickoff party at the New York Academy of Sciences on Thursday, October 16 at 7 pm—which is sponsored by our pals at Science & the City. For $25 ($15 for students), you get:

--a panel discussion on science, film and fict…

Secret Science Alert: This month, we will be meeting at the Bell House, an all-new all-awesome venue in Gowanus, Brooklyn, created by the owners of Union Hall (our lovely hosts).

Move over Sudoku! Cosmologist Tony Rothman of Princeton University lectures on SACRED MATHEMATICS!!!!

At work, Tony Rothman studies the Big Bang and the early Universe. He also researches black holes on the verge of becoming naked singularities. But what does he do for fun? He does sangaku—clever math puzzles that decorated Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in 17th-century Japan. Wha—?? He even wrote a book about it: Sacred Mathematics: Japanese Temple Geometry. It all adds up! Don't forget to bring your slide rules and pocket protectors!!

Before and After
--Groove to an ever-multiplying collection of science-loving tunes and videos

--Stick around for the calculating Q&A and to get a signed copy of Dr. Rothman's new book!

--Sample our cocktail of the night, the Bamboozler. (It’s a conundrum . . . try …