The Universe: What was it at the Beginning? (Part II)

In Part I of his talk at Toronto Oasis (June 2nd), our featured speaker, Alex Beckmann, gave us an overview of the Big Bang - what we know about it, how it happened and some of measurable traces of the Universe in its very early stages of life. In Part II of his talk, Alex will address the following questions: What can we learn about the early Universe from particle physics? How constant are the constants? Can vacuum have energy and can there be many of them? And finally, what can we learn about the Universe from ourselves?

Alex studied physics in Kharkiv, Ukraine. He did his Ph.D. in theoretical physics in String and Field Theory. He taught physics at the high school and university levels in Ukraine and Germany. Alex currently lives and works in Toronto. His work in Toronto is in IT and involves cloud-based solutions for markets, investment banking, and research. However, Alex still enjoys teaching physics!

Our featured musician will be Cassie Norton. Cassie Norton is the music director of Toronto Oasis and a Toronto-based singer-songwriter. She is a classically trained violinist/folk leaning tunesmith with a punk rock heart. She has recorded two full length albums, Little Strength (2009) and Quiet Wilderness (2010). She teaches a variety of private and ensemble classes at Regent Park School of Music, and at her private studio. Check out her website: www.cassienorton.com

Every week we gather to be inspired, entertained, motivated and build our secular community in Downtown Toronto. Our core values are: People are more important than beliefs. Reality is known through reason. Meaning comes from making a difference. Human hands solve human problems. Be accepting and be accepted. Typically, we have a featured speaker and live music! Check out our website: www.torontooasis.org.