We describe volunteer computing games, a new paradigm for computing which merges volunteer computing and online casual games. In volunteer computing, the main goal is to harness the computational power of many users' computers to solve a large computational problem. Unfortunately, participants in volunteer computing come from a very limited demographic—primarily middle-aged male computer experts. Since casual games have an almost universal appeal and, consequentially, a broad player base, we argue that volunteer computing games will significantly impact volunteer computing efforts by attracting and retaining more users. We describe one framework for implementing volunteer computing games to solve problems whose solution space can be modeled as a search tree. We argue that the full power of volunteer computing games occurs when human computation is added to the mix. An ideal volunteer computing game will attract men and women of all ages and harness the computing power of both the users and their computers. We conclude with a very brief discussion of volunteer computing within Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs).

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Women's and Gender Studies Program at UNL. Enjoy dinner with old and new friends, an entertaining program about the program's past, present and future, and birthday cake!

Tenor Kevin Hanrahan and pianist Michael Cotton will perform a recital featuring two works looking at love. First, Robert Schumann’s Dichteliebe (Poet’s Love) explores the emotions of unrequited love and betrayal of the Poet by his lover. Considered by Schumann to be one of only two true song cycles composed by him, it is the quintessential example of the union of poetry and music. Second, Gerald Finzi’s A Young Man’s Exhortation depicts love and life from two different perspectives, young and old. As Finzi’s only true song cycle, it follows a path from youthful vigor and idealism to a peaceful farewell to life. The first part of the cycle is subtitled with the text “In the morning it flourishes, and grows up” while the second part is subtitled”In the evening it is cut down, and withers.” Tickets: General admission $5, student/senior $3, available at the door approx. one hour before the performance.