Life, The Universe, and Everything

Are you learning to speak either English or Japanese?

Would you like to practice speaking in either English or Japanese in front of other beginners, and having a discussion with them?*

Then join us for this online session!

Prepare a short** summary of a book that you read recently, or a movie that you saw, or share something else that is interesting:)
The books can be fiction or nonfiction, and "movies" includes documentaries.

This is an international online meetup. All are welcome.
However participants should turn on their video feed while participating.
The meeting will last approximately 1 hr.

Kindly update your participation if there are changes in your plans as there are limited spots. Thanks.

Online Bookclub for Beginners in English or Japanese)
Saturday, 18 May · 2:00 – 3:00pm
Time zone: Asia/Singapore
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/njg-qwva-uim

*There will be at least one person fluent in English, and at least one person fluent in Japanese at this session, so if you are not fluent in one of those languages and would like to practice one of them then you will be able to do so.
**Something that you can present in about 2-3 minutes without rushing.

Have you heard of "Quantum Theory" but don't know what it is?
Or, do you have some knowledge of quantum theory but want to clarify some concepts?
Or, did you attend the physical meetup on this topic a few weeks ago but have some follow up questions?*

Then this Online meetup might be for you!
(As the quantum joke goes, you wont know until you interact with it!)

In this online session, a theoretical physicist will provide a brief introduction to the key concepts of quantum physics at a level accessible to newbies.

If you are not a complete newbie but would like to ask some question you may join us too.

Online Science Club
Saturday, 18 May · 4:00 – 5:00pm
Time zone: Asia/Singapore
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/agm-imey-zdu

*This online meetup will be a condensed version of the physical meetup held earlier, highlighting some key points and leaving time for Q/A.

In this session a theoretical physicist will explain Einstein's theories of relativity.

We will start with the Special Theory which tells us that space and time are not independent and absolute concepts but rather are part of a unified 4 dimensional spacetime!

Consequences: Time is a relative quantity and is affected by motion! The maximum speed of information transfer is the speed of light in vacuum, and mass is a form of energy (E=mc-squared). Time travel into the future is possible. All this has been experimentally verified.

The General Theory tells us further that energy and matter can affect spacetime, causing it to curve, and that gravity is not a force but a manifestation of curvature (particles move as straight as possible in this curved space but their path looks curved to us if we think of space as flat).
Consequences: Time slows down near strong gravity.
Gravity can become so strong that it traps light and black holes form.
All this has been experimentally confirmed.

An application: The GPS would not work precisely if the Einstein's theories are not taken into account.

More exotic possibilities might exist: wormholes and closed time like loops. These require unusual physical conditions to be realized. They might allow time travel to the past (maybe, in theory).

This session will be a very elementary introduction, aimed at INTERESTED newbies. The presentation will be mostly qualitative, with analogies, and some hand-waving. (Don't be intimidated by the equation in the image above. It will all be explained)

We will attempt to clarify misconceptions, and answer questions you might have. You should then be able to appreciate news events which have those buzz words in them, and decide which science fiction movies are realistic!

We will meet** at the Food Republic Foodcourt at the 5th level of 313@Somerset (Above somerset MRT. Be sure to check and go up the correct building as there are a few buildings above that MRT).

We will sit at the round tables near the Giraffe, or the square tables in front of the Giraffe. The coordinator will have some books on the table if he reaches first. He will have short hair and be dressed in a T shirt and shorts.

If you reach first, reserve two of the tables, and the chairs and post a comment here so others can find you.

The session might last about 2 hours or even longer and continue over a meal, depending on the interests of the participants and the flow, but you may of course leave earlier if you need to.

**Kindly update your RSVP if you change your plan from 'Going' to 'Not Going', as there are limited seats available. Thank You.

Join us as we explore the laid back Mountbatten and Katong** districts!

These areas in the East have some beautiful luxury bungalows of various shapes and sizes in secluded and quiet streets lined with ample greenery, giving the area a very peaceful and unique vibe, different from most other residential parts of Singapore.

We will start at Katong Park, which used to be much larger, and which used to front the sea. It still has some interesting historical artifacts which we will examine.

We will then take a leisurely walk through parts of Meyer Road, Mountbatten Road, and the numerous side streets, to admire the diverse architectures and gardens of the houses, some of which are in their original state, but most of which have been renovated with a unique modern take.

We will then walk down parts of Tanjong Katong Road and head down to East Coast Road to explore the "cool" hangout places of the residents, and to admire some of the historical sites that have been preserved.

After all that walking, it would be natural to re-energize at one of the food places. We will choose an accessible and inclusive place, eg. the famous Marine Parade Central Hawker Centre to fill up and chit-chat.

Those are looking for a final relaxation of the day can then head to the beach, which is just at the back, to sit by the sea and chat or meditate while listening to the waves.

We will meet at the new Katong Park MRT Exit X (to be confirmed), at street level. The walk will start at 5.30pm.
So you should plan to arrive a few minutes earlier. Thanks.

Dress for comfort and walking. It might still be very warm when we start.
Recommended to bring a water bottle and a cap (to protect from sun/rain).

Total walking distance: About 2 km
Total walking and sightseeing time: about 2.5 hrs
Dinner and chat: about 1hr

In case of heavy rain, the event might start later or be postponed.
Please check the comments section on the day of the event.

If you are very familiar with the area you are welcome to join us to share your knowledge!

Kindly update your attendance status if there is a change.

** This event complements the earlier Geylang-Joo Chiat-Katong
walk which explored the other side of the district.

***

Take this Quiz to see how much you already know about the area!:

Quiz:
Coming soon.