#11 Nerd Nite Hamilton – 8th July, 2024
Talk 1: Carbon Cash: How Rebates Can Save the Planet and Your Wallet
Ever wonder how getting money back from the government could help save the planet? In this talk we’ll deep dive into the world of carbon taxes and rebates, where we’ll explore how these programs are designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging clean energy use. We’ll look at Ontario’s Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments, uncovering what people know (or don’t know) about them and how they use their rebates. Expect a fun talk that is a win-win for your wallet and the environment!
Talk 2: Embodied Robotics: What Breakdancing Robots Tell Us About The Human Mind
In recent years, embodied robotics has revolutionized our perspective on artificial intelligence and human cognition. This talk explores the intricate relationship between the body, environment, and mind, illustrating how physical embodiment plays a crucial role in shaping intelligence. Through captivating examples, including breakdancing, flipping and running robots, the evolution of robotic design from rudimentary constructs to sophisticated machines will be showcased. We will delve into the fascinating insights gained from these advancements, emphasizing how they reveal the interdependence of the human mind on our physical form and surroundings. Join us for an engaging journey through the history and future of embodied robotics, challenging conventional views on what it means to be intelligent.
Speaker: Mark Miller, Ph.D. is a philosopher and cognitive scientist. His research explores what recent advances in neuroscience can tell us about happiness and well-being, and what it means to live well in our increasingly technologically-mediated world. Mark is currently a senior research fellow at Monash University’s Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, and cross affiliated at the University of Toronto and Hokkaido University.
Talk 3: Uncovering Toronto: The Hidden Rivers Beneath the Concrete Jungle
Discover a side of Toronto you’ve never seen before! Join historian Matthew Jordan as he takes you on a fascinating journey beneath the city’s surface. In this captivating talk, you’ll learn about Toronto’s buried waterways, ancient cliffs, and the world’s largest ravine system. Explore centuries of waterfront transformations and uncover the hidden ecological and geological treasures that make this city truly unique. Matthew’s passion for Toronto’s rich history and urban ecology will inspire you to see your city in a whole new light. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this talk promises to deepen your connection to Toronto’s remarkable past and present. Get ready to explore the hidden rivers of Toronto!
Speaker: Matthew Jordan is a historian of science and technology. Growing up in the GTA, he had a very narrow concept of Toronto as a city of stadiums and skyscrapers. But as he explored more, that concept literally flipped upside down: Toronto is a city of rivers, ravines, and extraordinary urban ecology. Matthew created The Hidden Rivers Tours to share his enthusiasm about Toronto with locals and tourists alike.