I’ve known this for a while now, but they just announced it officially: I’ll be speaking at TEDxAlbany this year, on “The Exotic Physics of an Ordinary Morning”:
You might think that the bizarre predictions of quantum mechanics and relativity– particles that are also waves, cats that are both alive and dead, clocks that run at different rates depending on how you’re moving– and only come into play in physics laboratories or near black holes. In fact, though, even the strangest features of modern physics are essential for everything around us. The mundane process of getting up and getting ready for work relies on surprisingly exotic physics; understanding how this plays out adds an element of wonder to even the most ordinary morning.
This is, obviously, related to a bunch of stuff I’ve written over at Forbes (and also a new book proposal…). It’s not a talk I’ve given before, either, which means I’m in the process of writing it and making slides and all that fun stuff. But I’m pretty psyched for the opportunity, and expect it will be fun.
It’s an all-day thing, and if you’re in the area and interested, they’re selling tickets. All the talks will eventually end up online, if past years are a guide, and it may be available streaming on the day of the event, too. So, you know, if you want to see me give a big talk, here’s a great chance…
I wish I could be there. This is an awesome thing and you’re the one to do it!
That explains the toast picture. The heating elements are roughly described by a black-body curve that comes out completely wrong if described classically. If not for quantum mechanics, that toast would be toast due to the UV catastrophe in the classical calculation.
That is going to be a fun talk (for you and the audience)!