Sexy Mathematics was my Valentine's

Yup! Mathematics is sexy

Mathematics and Music, an ideal connected pair. Both mind boggling. Both my loves ; and

Mathematics might just be equal approximately very very close to Architecture

So much for staying up till 4 am yesterday finishing up my Geometry past years', I automatically woke up at 6.45. So proud of myself! I woke up FRESH, MOTIVATED and SO WIDE AWAKE! So I figured, it's a sign, a sign that I should take this advantage to study and revise. So I decided to stay home today just finishing up my Geometry paper works prior to my exam next week and start on my reading on Actuarial surveys for my courseworks... and in between juggling those numbers, I managed to take breaks in between and bake a batch of Vanilla and Strawberry cupcakes and another batch of Double Chocolate Chip cupcakes, both topped with cream cheese! Yummyliciously therapeutic. I've been baking quite often lately. Such a stress relief. Best! :) 

Anyway, yes, I've been seeing so many numbers lately, I can vomit equations and theorems soon. I mean, my countless encounters with numbers have made me go number crazy, everytime working my brain to crunch those numbers and so willingly would I sit and spend precious time trying to solve equations and problems. I do enjoy that feeling of pure satisfaction that you get when you are able to solve a difficult question. It's just, high. Optimal! It's at that utility maximization point at the peak. Numbers numbers numbers. 

Yes I am doing a Maths degree, and never have I regretted it one bit. Ever. Thanks to Mama and Daddy, Aunty Esah, Shura and Uncle Shukor for making me see this. I love numbers and I'd spend a lot of time, just to solve those number questions. It's as if there exist no diminishing marginal utility theory when it comes to juggling jumbled up numbers. To me, it's like a big messed up puzzle that you need to rearrange to get a solution and so I think Mathematics is SEXY. Sexy in it's own kind of way :) 

Have you ever wondered what's so special about an A4 piece of paper? The proportions.

Fold it in half, and WALA! You get an A5 size. The resulting proportions are precisely the same.

Then, there exist cubes, squares and rectangles, where the sides are in perfect ; Whole number ratios to each other. It's like frozen music ( Music, another love of my life ), because it captures exactly the proportions that Pythagoras recognised as producing combinations of  of notes that sounded harmonious to the ears. 

Take a rectangle for example. Dulu in school we always had to do those "0.5 multiplied by base times height". Ingat tak? Ingat tak? hahaha! Take one which has it's long side twice the length of the short one and if you cut two pieces of strings to the lengths as the two dimensions of the shape, and then now hold them under the same ketegangan ( tension ). You guitarist (or musically inclined, music crazy people) , would discover that, when these strings are plucked, it would give notes that produce a perfect octave apart. Amazing isn't it? Now if you were to do the same on a rectangle whose sides have a 2:3 ratio, you will hear a perfect fifth.

( No, I never did finish my music grades. I only managed till Grade 7 before I gave up completely. Wasted that I never completed till Grade 8, but I think I preferred being tortured and abused being a gymnast. At least it was a torture I enjoyed rather than being asked to sit and practice my pieces. hehe...Sorry PaMa, tak dapat jadi your dream music-prodigy-child ).

Zaha Hadid. I'm sure it rings some bells. Well especially if it is a name so famously mentioned by ALL architecture students. The notable British Iraqi deconstructivist Architect with a first degree in Mathematics, she was trained as a Mathematician in Iraq and afterwards captured this connection in the piece she built for the 2008 Venice Biennnale. She connected the shapes of the waves produced by these harmonic notes as an inspiration.

And there is Palladio, an architect in the 16th century who stood by the "A4 paper size theory".

With a belief in this "theory", he would have built a room by starting with a perfect square, then continue to draw a diagonal line across the room from one corner to another. (K picture this one really hard now k? It's actually quite simple ). Now, move this line round to make the side of a new wall (Lost yet?) and tadaaaa!! A room constructed with this as the long wall and the side of the original squares as the short one will be in the proportions of an A4 sheet of paper! That's when you learn Mathematics the fun way :). Because if it was Pythagoras, you can easily calculate using his theorem that the proportions of this room would just be 1 to the square root of 2.

In other words it's a ratio of 1 : (2)^ 0.5

Amazingly, it cannot be expressed as whole-number ratios. Wait... but I always thought they never had calculators dulu dulu? Diorang ni, pure genius man! Square root of 2 which is also (2)^0.5, it cannot be expressed in fractions if you must know. It's infinite and most magical thing of all, it's infinite decimal expansion NEVER repeats itself. How they discovered also I don't know. I thought high technology only existed when we came into this world?

In Music language, I learnt that two notes corresponding to these lengths would produce a rather challenging interval called an augmented fourth. ( I need Ms Liew to prove this right, right about now. I vote her my scariest music teacher for what seem like the longest 6 years at that Yamaha Music School in KJ ). Yet in Architecture language, because of its close relationship to the perfect square it worked. So many things are magically beautiful in this world, Alhamdulillah.

So there we go, a geometric move that would contradict if we talk Mathematics language, challenges in Music language and purely beautiful in Architecture language 

From my previous sentence, I am surprised? Nothing oh-so-special because even Pythagoreans themselves were startled, in their own language, they were...

Startled by the revelation that simple Geometry gave rise to such disharmony that they tried to suppress the news and even drowned the person who had made the discovery.

But today, I believe every respected architecture firm is full of mathematically literate architects who, as well as knowing their P's and their Q's, know their threes from their square root of twos.

For now, I just feel so special to have the opportunity to learn geometry. I used to whine at how complicated it is, but this discovery...though may not be related to the exact topics I am learning in lectures at this current point in time,  it's surely a motivation for me! It's still about GEOMETRY at the end of the day :) 

Happy Valentines! ( though not like I celebrate it :) Not something we celebrate in my religion)

 xx

up uP and AWAY!

So here's the break down that would probably have acted as a wake up call to many of us. Pretty sure most of us have been following the numbers and by now would probably see the one way pattern of it. Upwards. Yes. That's how the curve would have been like ( if it ever existed !) if we had a relationship between time (on the x-axis) and number of unemployment (on the y-axis) during a financial crisis. 

Expected graduate vacancies to decline by more than 5%

with Banking and Financial Services to decline by more than 10%

and worst of all Investment Banking and Fund Managers by close to 30% 

I guess then that this would only mean an expected increase in revenue for those business schools and post graduate courses in many academia, because I am also one of the many who might be one amongst the thousands and millions that would start contributing to that expected revenue. Yes, it is in one of my list-of-options, to look into furthering my studies upon graduation. With, a SIXTY freaking PERCENT of increase in applications in the MSc courses (Mind you, this is JUST for Cass Business School), I sure will have a lot of competition with what seem like the rest of the world! ( faints ). Did I mention 60? Haiyo...I need some air, too crowded...thanks.

Haha...who are we kidding? 

Why further your studies? Haven't you been studying since you were born? Of course the main reason would be, (well acknowledging that I am only 21 and I, of course still have the time to take the challenge and gain knowledge a step further and not tempted to do Masters just because), when asked would be as simple as "I've graduated and cannot find a job." Well it is true! Especially now! Recession, unemployment,etc., but not the answer that would impress? Or so I heard. One said that you should do it only if it makes you more employable because if furthering your studies is not going to give you more skills, then why do it? Ditto! and then I asked myself, should you further your studies, wouldn't you have gain more knowledge and have a better and in depth understanding in what you're studying. Hence, when you are able to apply what you learn, you are more skillful? D-uh. Tak ke? 

Assertions. Everything is debatable in this world...and then comes democracy. Everyone's entitled to argue their opinions. The best policy? It always ends up to be a "smudged painting", to me. haha...you gauge it yourself. 

So to do or not to do? A politically correct answer would be "It depends". hahaha! This is what we are taught here in Queen Mary. I used to think that my lecturers were playing tricks on us but then, I started to believe them. In economics, everything, depends. As it is, if you could assume this and that in your final exams economics paper, there's obviously many answers to one question. No?

So, until I :-

• know my direction and how to progress upon ( InsyaAllah ), earning that BSc Economics, Mathematics and Statistics in countable months away
• am able to answer "Why do I want to do MSc?" and not just cling on the hope that a further higher certificate of education will me to do something new without having any real plans ( since IT IS risky out there in the current market now, no doubt bout that alright ); and
• really understand what employers want and where opportunities would be plentiful

would my answer then not be "It depends" any more. I just hope I won't be idle. AT ALL. or at least idle for too long upon graduation. For now, it's all about my final hurdle. My final exams.

Such a sunny happy day :)

I see her so often, every other day when I go and play squash. I see her when I sit my lazy bum on the very comfortable couch watching Gilmore Girls or Gossip Girls or American Idol or Music videos, with a deliciously fresh blend smoothie at Drapers in Uni. I see her sometimes in the library, and I see her most of the time in the same place...where I play squash. The place where people exercise, whilst Alia Ishak, more often than not have a smoothie in her hand, dressed in her sporty attire complete with her Adidas sport shoes that is obviously dying soon, BUT never actually playing squash and instead sit and watch Alex play whilst multi tasking and watching tv too. My Adidas, it's so worn out. I go to school with it, play in the snow with it, go for outings in it, go for meeting with it too...I feel like I only have ONE pair of shoes. My Adidas, a true survivor :)

So today, I saw her again, with a smoothie, seems to me like she has just finished working out. So I went to approach her, and told her all about me seeing her so often. She told me "I know! I've seen you a lot too, but never actually met met you". I smiled and offered my hand "My name is Alia." "Why hello, I'm Rosina". 

Such a happy day. It's nice to go up and make friends with easy going friendly people. Well, you won't know until you approach them would you? The risk you take, just in case you end up getting to know a beast instead. haha! Greater risk comes with a higher yield too. ( LOL! ). The sun was shining oh so brightly. So happpy! I woke up early today! So happy. I tend to get VERY VERY annoyed with myself if I wake up past 8. Weird I know :P  I walked to school with iPods in my ears listening to instrumental songs...the pleasure. So nice, so happy! Mama called and we spoke from the time I left home to walk to class till I sat in that lecture hall. Her voice always make me smile :) She was merely finishing up her iTalk minutes though. Understood my lectures today and had a very knowledge-filled chat with Prof Makedon. he's so full of humour. Oh so happy! And Faiza called to update me about her day since I didn't see her Uni today FOR THE FIRST TIME since 2009 began ( Excluding weekends ). The longest catch up like as if I'll not see her tomorrow also.

Such a fine day filled with happiness. 

Such a happy day today. It's either that or...I just get happy too easily. The former is just as equal as the latter I think :)

When I daydream and ponder

What's the difference between a recession and a depression?

A recession is an event when you lose your job

A depression  is an event when you lose yourself

How appropriate it defines itself...

(Warning! My dictionary doesn't define for all realistic life situation). I just had some spare time..

A loss to US, UKEC and Malaysia

(Standing, 5th from the left)

US = His friends everywhere, who he befriended, who he has helped and who he has touched deeply, his friends and acquaintances. WORLDWIDE.

UKEC = The United Kingdom and Ireland student council for Malaysian students in the UK

MALAYSIA = Where he owns and holds his nationality

Today at 4 am, most ex UKEC-ians were woken up by a very devastating news of a very precious lost. He may have gone, but never will he be forgotten for he has done too much. Too much for his friends, for the UKEC and the country. 

A true inspiration who has influenced and touched many, one who was always pure with his intentions and his faith in Malaysia and stubborn beliefs in the changes Malaysia can achieve, he has made many significant deeds and charities, specially for a better country and society.

A former regional chairman of UKEC, the one with brilliant ideas and the one who initiated the great ASEAN Student Leaders conference 2008. 

At this moment, I am still trying to believe that Markus is no longer contactable. 29th January was the last I heard from him...

May you rest in peace Markus Ng.

Always in our memories:- 

http://markusng.memory-of.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5H51HQ-0Jk 

29th January came in 4 days this year. I'm 21, eaten 23 cupcakes and 22 cookies

29/01/2009

The date I turned 21. Well, I know people make a great deal about turning 21, a big bash, a huge party, a gathering dedicated specially to the one who turned 21, but I felt the same a day after the day when-I-used-to-be 20 :) But hey, anything for surprises and cakes and cupcakes and many many presents!

I really wasn't in a I'm-21-tomorrow mood a day before 29th. Stuck in Uni with courseworks due, and a hell lot of reading to do, and to top it all off, it was the day when we were told that we're having an exam for all our modules in 2 weeks. A mid term. Pscchht. Thanks for the great advance birthday present. I really appreciate the thought!

That night I slept at 10.30, silent my phone and crawled under the duvet. Oh the comfort of sleeping. Little did I realize that my dear housemates had planned a surprise for me, and woke me up with the most amazing cake from Selfridges and a fully decorated house with 21,21,21,21,21 everywhere! *smiles*  and so...The next day, it was a day when I self-declared a I'm-21-y'all school holiday! haha! And the day went by just so superbly :) A day off from school, and a full day out planned.

Earlier in the morning, I was bashed with a cake with my very loving Uni mates! Oh the love... Then, parcels and email and personalized birthday songs came by the front door just before I left home, all those Melbourne loves :)  Headed to Oxford Street and went cupcakes hunting at Selfridges! Patiently my lovelies waited whilst I took what seem like the longest time to choose what I wanted. Then, we had a big breakfast at St Christopher's place with such a beautiful view and on the way home, we went for a retail therapy through all those shops. Faezah sure had a mission that did not end successfully! :P Headed back home afterwards, to be showered with more splendid gifts from Sally and Alex and much love in Uni with the rest and to my amusement, my housies brought me out to the best 4 course dinner ever! A place known to be one of the best in the world which....Just to add, they got lost bringing me to my surprise! haha! Such jokers, they make a wonderful company. 

My Friday was just filled with more cupcakes and cakes with Uni mates love. A trip down to hummingbird added to the many many KGs I gained after the clock struck 12 on January 29th! 

Phoebe arrived at night and the weekend then was just spent with my bestie and closest. Shura, Phoebe, and Aisyah :) added with bits and pieces of UKEC love and the longest night with my KTJ-ians. Sunday was the best Salmon brioche breakfast and Krispy Kreme and the ever delicious Strawberry geteau from Pattisserie Valerie!

The most precious personalized gift that came from the Shukor siblings, Shura and Zafir accompanied me through the weekend, and was I not luckily pampered with more great presents and gifts :)

My 4 days of getting to 21 was just amazing! and it's all thanks to my loves all around. The short period of feeling like a princess! I think my Uni felt bad that it did not declare a holiday on my birthday, they decided to repay a day and closed Uni today! Yay! But hey...That's just because of the very rare thick snow in the city of London. Well, anything for an extension in my assignment deadlines! That's what I need :)

Needless to say, my 21st birthday was amazing! 

So, after 4 long days of being pampered, I am now 21 years old and have eaten 23 cupcakes and 22 cookies! Blisfully, diabetic. Oh dear me...

Of the thickest snow in London 18 years!

As I look out my window at this moment, kids, boys and girls, babies, parents with kids...all of em are building up an igloo! Snow is waltzing down making it's way to land on the ground, accumulating and building by the seconds. Adding a quarter of an inch every few hours, and up till now it has become, 7 inches high?! Don't know la...just really high la. The fortunate luck we get staying outside central...MORE SNOW = LESS SCHOOL!

The thickest in London after once upon a time and for that, London transports are not in service, the flights from London airports are cancelled, and, London Universities and more than 2000 other schools are CANCELLED!!! :) In London, the entire bus service was cancelled for THE FIRST TIME in living memory!

( well, except for UCL that is ). It's still better than nothing. I, of all the people should be the last one jumping up the ceiling! After all, Queen Mary is just outside my front door. Pfftt. Don't believe me?

Oh well, it surely is a day to celebrate! :) Happy snow day people! So, I woke up as early as 6.45 for nothing coz this was what greeted me in the morning :-

Dear all,  Due to the adverse weather conditions the whole of campus will be

shut today (Monday 2nd February) so all lectures/seminars are cancelled. 

The college has advised that if you are already on campus then you should 

make your way home early, as the conditions are set to get worse.  

Schools nowadays DO cater to students' need :) 

So Alia and I ended up playing with snow and stayed in with a mug of hot 

chocolate hibernating in front of the heater. It's nice to have a long 

weekend :)  

We ended with a small one, but surely a happy Monday morning for us! Click here :)