Some uses of maths

One practical use of mathematics is to define order and system. Without mathematics, life would be chaotic. We'd worry over imbalances in pricing of goods, how much time we have in a day and food that can taste differently everyday. Mathematics helps define quantity. And the importance of defining quantity cannot be over- emphasized. Take, for example, building a stadium. If we do not know exactly the length and breadth of a rectangular stadium and its capacity before building it, how are we going to find the number of concrete pillars, metal framework sets and amount of cement needed for the construction?

Mathematics can also be a mind game and the practical use in this case is to keep the human mind sharp and active. Counting fast is a useful skill. Mathematics is deeply connected to memory of the mind and how the brain captures and processes information. When a certain formula is learnt and applied in mathematical problems, what the mind actually does is memorising and putting into effective use of an order learnt.

Mathematics is simply counting. And I believe that all the things around us exist in its different positions and manner according to formulae that can be calculated out.

Safe city

The other day I was buying dinner and something set me thinking. I realized that we live in a blessed country. I'm talking about how safe our streets are.

Not long ago a vicious robbery attack happened across the Causeway. It was horrendous. Not only was it a gruesome attack, it also came from nowhere. Without warning. Imagine thinking you are living just another day. You think it's going to be just as planned. And something unimaginable just struck.

I was seated facing the seafood stall. A man in a smart blue shirt came to the stall. I saw his fingers slide open his black wallet. Big purple notes. And a few shiny brown ones. I could see them in small stacks. If he was in JB, he'd be in trouble. The clothes he's wearing send a message. A prime target. He could just be overpowered by a few men and get robbed easily.

Fortunately it's Singapore. Many factors contribute to the great state of security in Singapore. The police is efficient, reliable and respectable. The community is civic- minded. And the poor gets adequate help from the government.

But I still do not know what prompted the vicious attack. It was not human.

New technology

As a country modernize, it will be harder to protect the environment from pollution. Technology is about improving lives. It's about speed. It's about computers. Globalisation. But there can be a drawback from technology. It can hurt the environment. It can hurt us. This is something any modern country will face. So how can a country progress in technology and still care for the environment?

Minimising pollution itself can be a technology. Hence, industries and companies should seriously think about environment- friendly technology. At least change the way of manufacturing so that pollution can be minimised. History has shown that we can advance in this new technology. Biodegradeable plastic is a good example. By empowering this new technology, technological progress can be in tandem with protection of the Earth.

A clear format

I suspect something amiss in our phone bills. As much as the likelihood of human error, are we always billed correctly? Human error is inevitable. So are computers. Telcos can generate a lot of money through over- billing. I suspect that is a business strategy.

There has to be a clear format for how the telcos report to customers the billing details. Starhub's report is a style of it's own. So is Singtel's. And M1's. These companies collectively profit in confusing customers. A clear format is a good transparency initiative. It benefits the customers. And stop telcos from earning through unscrupulous ways. Telcos should earn honestly. Before talking about innovative ideas, please get your moral principles right first. I wonder why the telcos CEOs can't think of the clear format for billing? A clear format that the layman can read and comprehend.

Canada's no. 1

I'm excited. It's not everyday you get to see face- to- face with a world- class athlete. A world- class Olympic runner. He was in the 2003 1500m Men's Gaz De France international meet finals. He was alongside the greatest runner of the era, Hicham El Gerrouj. He is simply world- class. He is in the top ten 1500m runners on Earth. Can you imagine how good is that? I'm not exaggerating.

Kevin Sullivan. 33. 1500m personal best: 3: 31. Top 1500m runner in Canada. Holding both 1500m and 3000m indoor records in Canada. And this season, he's currently the best white in 1500m. 3: 31 is not world- class. It's in the better league of the world class.

A few days ago the Canadian Olympic team came to Gombak. And I saw Canada's top 1500m runner training. High knee lifts. Powerful strides. And that no- nonsense, serious and world- class competitive aura. Do you know how big is Canada? That guy beat anybody else in the entire Canada in running. And he's here now in Singapore. Running around while i'm training with my buddies.

Kevin's an exceptional athlete of great intense focus. He must have a strong mind to go that far.

I might meet him tomorrow on the track. Might run against him.

Healthy food?

It's really amusing. Can the Cheeseburger be healthy food? What's calculating and telling me the number of calories and energy it provides for? And they talk about the fresh ingredients they work hard to put in the meals. I just find it amusing. And mildly disgusting.

McDonald's markets well. The 'M' sign is global and ubiquitous. They even want to sponsor the Olympics. Which is supposed to be a sport event. Which really has something to do with health. Ridiculous.

When I bite into the Cheeseburger, oil oozed out and I could feel it on my lips. It was nothing like what I cook at home. It's just sinful. How much oil is there? Very much. Now that's cholesterol which could possibly do something to your body. I'm sure there's an effect.

McDonald's shouldn't lie. Even if they want to claim their food healthy, at least do something to them. I bite on the same Cheeseburger five years ago.

And stop advocating that 'balanced diet' idea that has now become a cliche. A disgusting one.