November 2009

The EPR Paradox

Posted on November 20, 2009 at 11:51 pm in

The physics department just had a talk by a researcher from Wilfred Laurier University, discussing the EPR (Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen) Paradox. This is a very counter-intuitive quantum effect which is very difficult to describe. The speaker this afternoon did an excellent job of describing it in regular language. I was very impressed. It really is true, you can only really explain something to someone else once you fully understand it yourself.

In short, Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen were bothered by the weirder conclusion from quantum mechanics. So they proposed an experiment that you could do which would show that the quantum model was incomplete. Unfortunately for them, the counter-intuitive results of the experiment actually did occur, proving that quantum mechanics actually is correct. This experiment was the beginning of quantum entanglement, and all of the wonderful weirdness which grew out of that.

Shawn Graham is an idiot!

Posted on November 3, 2009 at 1:20 pm in

Well, it’s official. Shawn Graham, our esteemed Premier, is a first-class, grade A, idiot. The current Liberal government is all set to sell off all of the most valuable parts of NBPower to HydroQuebec. And basically at a fire-sale rate. HydroQuebec is simply going to pay off the debts owing on these assets, and promise not to gouge us for the next 5 years. After that, the rates will be tied to the rate of inflation, and to “new developments”. What the hell are new developments? Also, Shawn Graham has alluded to the fact that there is a formula in this deal to calculate what future rates will be. What is this formula? I have degrees in physics and computer science. I’m pretty sure I won’ t be stumped by the math. So common Mr. Graham, show us the money. Also, I have not heard any mention about guaranteeing power supplies, or guaranteeing infrastructure. If it becomes more profitable for HydroQuebec to sell power generated here to the US, what will stop them? As far as I can see, we would be left quite literally in the dark. And as for transmission lines, what is to stop HydroQuebec from saying that it is too expensive to repair transmissions lines to smaller communities? I have not heard any talk around these subjects. If anyone else has, please let me know. I would really like to know.

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