What I learnt at the TEDxWaterloo Event (Mar2013)

For a much more interactive presentation of my key take-aways; check out THIS LINK Otherwise, read on for a summary of my presentation...

I had a great experience at my first TEDx - I would highly recommend this event! The speakers expanded my knowledge in a variety of topics and inspired me to think BIG with CREATIVITY and CURIOSITY. 

The day was planned around 3 themes: 

homeWITHIN 

• Bacteria of the Gut: Emma Allen-Vercoe, Microbial Ecologist 
• There 10x as many microbes in your body than human cells (500-1000 different types, with a unique "poop-print"). 
• Makers & Fixers: Mag Ruffman, Actor, Author & Contractor 
• Mag's vision is to get people working with their hands. "It's never too late to become the person you might have been"
• Chris Eliasmith, Theoretical Neuroscience 
• This topic was fascinating even though I am not an expert in this field by any means! I've been reading up on Neuromorphic Hardware/Engineering and the possibilities are incredible. 

homeTOGETHER 

• Should kids get to Vote? Miles Corak: 
• There is no upper boundary on the right to vote, why have a lower boundary? Some teens may be more capable of making an informed decision than some seniors.
• Deported to a Death Sentence? Sudz Sutherland, Writer & Director 
• "Systemic changes are needed to address the root cause of why some immigrant parents are not getting the Citizenship for their children". His movie is 'Home Again'
• Healing beyond a Cure; Mark Greenerg, Pediatric Oncologist 
• Do patients have the 'right' to make all decisions? Patients are not always able/rational to make the best decisions for long-lasting repercussions. 

homeBEYOND 

• Particles, the Universe & Curiosity; Alison Lister, Physicist 
• "We are losing our curiosity about the world - and that should worry you!" 
• Earth Cast; Wade Larson, Space Visionary 
• Plans to broadcast HD video from the International Space Station by end of 2013. www.urthecast.com  
• Mars Curiosity Project; Rob Manning, Engineer 
• Proof exists that Mars has energy within its core that could sustain life. 

Final thought... "Home is a place where you can be yourself". I hope you find your home. homeWITHIN (in reference to becoming a 'maker' if you love working with your hands)