PM Justin Trudeau gives reporter quick lesson on quantum computing during visit to Waterloo

[rug]

April 15, 2016 1:17 pm
By Alex Maveal

What is quantum computing? It seems Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has at least some knowledge of the burgeoning technological field.

Before going into politics, Trudeau taught at the elementary and high school level in Vancouver, studied engineering and started a master’s degree in environmental geography. On Friday morning in Waterloo, Ont., Trudeau reached into that background in dealing with a reporter’s question about quantum computing.

“I was going to ask you to explain quantum computing but…” the reporter said before asking a serious question about Canada’s role in defeating ISIS.

But Trudeau answered the question anyway.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2641108/pm-justin-trudeau-gives-reporter-quick-lesson-on-quantum-computing-during-visit-to-waterloo/?utm_source=Article&utm_medium=MostPopular&utm_campaign=2014

sigh

[malthaussen]

1. Did Mr Trudeau answer the other question?

The clip ends before we find out.

Interesting that the reporter had questions about tech and geopolitics. While one could find a connection if he wished (and if the situation in the Mideast isn't a great model of quantum states, I don't know what is), it wouldn't be immediately apparent to the casual viewer.

-- Mal

[randome]

2. Yes, there's some indeterminacy about that.

for comparing the Mideast to quantum states.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]I'm always right. When I'm wrong I admit it.
So then I'm right about being wrong.[/center][/font][hr]

[malthaussen]

3. One could push the metaphor further, if he was so inclined...

... one might suggest that the on/off state is similar to the black/white construction of thinking that so impedes making any progress in an indeterminate world.

But then, I also believe that the glass half empty/half full conundrum is fallacious, because the state of the glass is not static. I call this "fluid dynamics."

-- Mal

[rug]

4. I can't give you a ys or no answer to that.

[smirkymonkey]

5. Why can't we get candidates like that?

*sigh*

[Helen Borg]

6. Trump will know quantum physics so well your heads will spin!

In entangled ways!

[Hoppy]

7. If you would turn off your TV and read a bit, you would have the answer to your question.

Why just last week, Sarah Palin explained that scientists don't really know anything. Trudeau has a science background. So he must be ignorant in things that are important in the world. That's why he shouldn'ta been elected to anything.

[smirkymonkey]

10. I don't watch TV.

[Jarqui]

9. I think we did in 2008 and 2012

Obama didn't necessarily know stuff about quantum computing but he was a very knowledgeable person on many things and a great thinker.

When the president gets the heck kicked out of him all over the world, as many president have, it does take away a bunch of the appeal to attract good candidates. Good people can find better things to do with their lives than subject themselves to the media meat grind and character assassination for 4-8 years.

In the Eisenhower-Kennedy years, the office was more respected. They were not subjected to what they are today. Nixon came along and helped mess it up. Even a man as wonderful as Jimmy Carter got dishonestly ripped.

There are consequences for what has gone on and I think that will continue until we change our ways and collectively demand better.

In the interim, we get to endure Trump, Cruz, Palin or the chronic dishonesty of Hillary Clinton.

[Jack Rabbit]

8. I'm impressed

Quantum mechanics is a pretty hard thing to grasp.

[suffragette]

11. Harper constantly attacked Trudeau as "Just not ready."

Seeing Trudeau respond so capably, in a way to help people readily understand a complex issue and with such ease and alacrity really underscores what an improvement he is to Harper.

[dembotoz]

12. wow