Abstract: I will first explain a pseudodifferential calculus for the canonical dynamical system associated to the noncommutative two torus which is a special case of Connes' pseudodifferential calculus for C^* dynamical systems. Then I will report on a recent joint work with M. W. Wong where we define a noncommutative residue for classical pseudodifferential operators on the noncommutative two torus, and prove that up to a constant multiple it is the unique trace on the algebra of classical pseudodifferential operators modulo infinitely smoothing operators.

Abstract: There are various mathematical models and solution strategies for the sudoku puzzle. In this expository talk, I will use the language of graph theory and hyperplane arrangements to approach the sudoku enumeration problem. In particular, I will show how sudokus suggest a finite field interpretation of the characteristic polynomial of hyperplane arrangements. If time permits I will also discuss a Groebner basis algorithm for determining whether a given sudoku puzzle has a solution.