New human origins discovery

In a public lecture Aug. 27, 6-8 p.m. at the Museum of the Earth, artist-in-residence John Gurche will discuss the newly discovered hominin Australopithecus sediba from South Africa. He will also talk about his sculptures now on display at the Smithsonian Institution. Information and admission prices.

Three films on utopia

As the first decade of the 21st century draws to a close, utopias seem increasingly out of reach while the dystopian futures depicted in novels and films are unsettlingly familiar. Cornell Cinema reflects on ideas of utopia/dystopia with a semester-long film series at Willard Straight Theatre that begins with the dark cult classic "Brazil" (1985), directed by Terry Gilliam, Aug. 27 at 9:45 p.m. and Aug. 29, 7 p.m. The series will continue with François Truffaut's 1966 adaptation of Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451," Aug. 28 at 7:15 p.m. and Aug. 30 at 9:15 p.m. On Sept. 1 at 7 p.m., Jim Williamson, visiting professor of architecture, will introduce "Reidy, Building Utopia," which depicts the role of architect and urbanist Affonso Eduardo Reidy in Rio de Janeiro's emergence as a modern city. Information and ticket prices: http://cinema.cornell.edu.

Late-night festival

More than 3,000 Cornellians are expected to gather on Ho Plaza for Street Fair, Aug. 28, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. This event will feature clowns, magicians, dance troupes, a cappella groups, carnival games, prizes and free popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. Open to the Cornell community. Information: http://rso.cornell.edu/welcomeweekend/.

Get involved

Clubfest will feature 300 student groups, each showcasing what their club has to offer, Aug. 29, 1-4 p.m., Barton Hall. Ithaca's WVBR will emcee the event. Information: http://rso.cornell.edu/welcomeweekend/.

Bienvenidos BBQ

Meet members of Cornell student organizations and departments and become acquainted with the Latino Living Center at the 2010 Bienvenidos BBQ, Aug. 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m., in the courtyard of Anna Comstock Hall. Information: Benjamin Meoz, 607-254-5111 or e-mail bcm57@cornell.edu.

Folk music on Sundays

Bound for Glory opens its 44th season with Andrew and Noah Van Norstrand, Aug. 29, 8-11 p.m., Anabel Taylor Café. The brothers write and perform songs that blend old-time country and bluegrass, Celtic and contra, swing and jazz, alternative folk rock, and various world music influences.

WVBR's Bound for Glory provides free, live folk concerts every Sunday evening at the Anabel Taylor Café and on WVBR. Information: http://wvbr.com/ or contact Phil Shapiro, 607-844-4535 or e-mail pds10@cornell.edu.

Fresh veggies for sale

Support Cornell's student farmers by buying fresh vegetables at the Dilmun Hill student farm market every Tuesday through Nov. 2, 3-5 p.m. near the Mann Library entrance, Ag Quad, and Fridays, 3-5 p.m., Ho Plaza. Open house, Sept. 2, 5-7:30 p.m., 705 Dryden Rd., Ithaca. Open to the public. Information: http://www.cuaes.cornell.edu/cals/cuaes/ag-operations/dilmun-hill or contact Melissa Madden, 607-351-3313, e-mail mam233@cornell.edu.

Humanities lecture

The fourth Cornell Arts and Sciences Humanities Lecture, "Fertility, Medicine, and the Divine in the Classical World," will be given by Rebecca Flemming, university senior lecturer, University of Cambridge, Aug. 31, 4:30-6 p.m., Hollis E. Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall.

Flemming has broken new ground in gender and social history studies: By using contemporary social data to reconstruct practices in antiquity, her innovative work illuminates the social implications of medicine, both in the Roman Empire and in contemporary society. A reception at A.D. White House will follow the lecture. Both events are open to the public.

Reacting to nature

Do scenes of natural beauty put people in touch with something transcendent and perhaps spiritual, or do people simply project their own desires and values onto the natural world? Examining this question, Cornell professor of English Harry Shaw will present the William H. and Jane Torrence Harder Lecture, "Is Nature Natural? A View from Britain," Sept. 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m., B45 Warren Hall.

The lecture will examine two kinds of scenes in literature: those in which characters (and readers) learn to see nature in new ways and those in which nature impinges on characters (and readers) in ways that make a difference. A garden party will follow the lecture. Open to the public. Information: http://www.cornellplantations.org.