All of the activities I am proposing are aimed at adults, although younger people will be welcome.
Plans for Daily Puzzles:
I propose that one mathematical puzzle be delivered daily to one or more locations in Bowling Green, KY, for enthusiasts who like puzzles. It would be nice if this could be done at some place where nutritious snacks and coffee are available, so that people who like to give themselves indigestion by trying to solve puzzles while they eat snacks can do so. Such meetings would also provide an opportunity to discuss technical questions that might arise in connection with the readings of the Mathematical Culture group. I think that running such puzzle sessions involves enough work that I will require competent volunteers to help me manage it. If you like puzzles and would like to attend such meetings, please let me know by email.
Plans for Lectures:
I am planning to give some lectures on more advanced topics in mathematics. It is rumored that there is already a university in Bowling Green and it is my intention not to duplicate its functions, in case the rumors turn out to have some basis in fact. In particular, the lectures will always be on topics not already rumored to be taught at the university. I haven't yet selected the topics of the lectures. Unlike the other activities, this lecture series will assume a genuine background in mathematics and some mathematical sophistication. I will probably give the lectures at Bread and Bagels on Broadway in Bowling Green. The main obstacle preventing me from starting is that I don't have a suitable blackboard. I'm in the process of building a portable one but my woodworking skills are virtually nonexistent, so it is taking me a while. If you want to donate a blackboard or if you are good at woodworking and want to help me finish building the one I started, please let me know. If you would like to attend the lectures, whatever the topic, let me know by email.
Math Videos:
I have received two videos that I would like to show publicly sometime in the near future. One is about knots and the other about turning a sphere inside out. The first is about 16 minutes long and the other about 21 minutes. Both have some pretty impressive graphics, which you might enjoy even if you don't understand all the details of the mathematics. The main obstacle to having such a showing is finding someone to provide a VCR and a color TV (or other suitable equipment) with which to show them. If you can provide these, please let me know by email.
Comments and questions may be directed to:
Allan Adler