Darwin's Theory: July 2012

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Learning and Challenging the Mind

Last Month, family went to San Franciso and decided to spend a few hours at the Exploratorium Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception. We ended up staying and exploring for a good 4 hours!

I heard Manila also has a Science Museum in Taguig. Great!

Math Equations That Changed the World

Mathematics is a foundation of technology. Any new cellphone, gadget, or practically any scientific discovery was inspired by Mathematics. Yahoo published a list of the most important Math equations courtesy of Professor Stewart of the University of Warwick. Here they are:

According to Prof. Stewart, the following 17 equations have changed the world:
Pythagoras's Theorem, Logarithms, Calculus, Newton's Law of Gravity, The Square Root of Minus One, Euler's formula for Polyhedra, Normal Distribution, Wave Equation, Fourier Transform, Navier-Stokes Equation, Maxwell's Equations, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Relativity, Schrödinger equation, Information Theory, Chaos Theory and Black Scholes Equation.

Math Equations that changed the world:

1. Pythagoras's Theorem:

$a^2 + b^2 = c^2\!\,$

In any right triangle, the area of the square whose side is the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the areas of the squares whose sides are the two legs (the two sides that meet at a right angle).

2. Logarithms

$\log_b(xy) = \log_b (x) + \log_b (y). \,$

The logarithm of a number is the exponent by which another fixed value, the base, has to be raised to produce that number.

3. Calculus

$\frac{dy}{dx}=f'(x),$

4. Newton's Law of Gravity

Every point mass attracts every single other point mass by a force pointing along the line intersecting both points. The force is proportional to the product of the two masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them:
$F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}\$

where:

F is the force between the masses,
G is the gravitational constant,
m₁ is the first mass,
m₂ is the second mass, and
r is the distance between the centers of the masses.

5. The Square Root of Minus One

i 2 = -1

The imaginary unit is sometimes written

\sqrt -1

in advanced mathematics contexts (as well as in less advanced popular texts). However, great care needs to be taken when manipulating formulas involving radicals. The notation is reserved either for the principal square root function, which is only defined for real

x \geq 0

, or for the principal branch of the complex square root function

6. Euler's formula for Polyhedra

Realized that Euler has a brilliant, brilliant mind. So any of his formulas could end up on the list. So the list was not talking about this formula:
$e^{ix} = \cos x + i\sin x \$

but rather this formula below.This is also called Euler's Polyhedron formula. Where V refers to vertices, E to Edges and F for Faces. One of the more people-accessible formulas from Euler.

$\chi=V-E+F \,\!$

7. Normal Distribution

$f(x;\mu,\sigma^2) = \frac{1}{\sigma\sqrt{2\pi}} e^{ -\frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{x-\mu}{\sigma}\right)^2 }$

Looks very complex, but this is one of the more practical in the list. Mathematicians call this the Gaussian function or the probability density function. To everyone else,this is the formula for the Bell Curve.

8. Wave Equation

${ \partial^2 u \over \partial t^2 } = c^2 \nabla^2 u$

the wave equation concerns a time variable

t

, one or more spatial variables

x 1, x 2, \dots, x n

, and a scalar function

u = u (x 1, x 2, \dots, x n; t)

, whose values could model the height of a wave

9. Fourier Transform

$\hat{f}(\xi) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x)\ e^{- 2\pi i x \xi}\,dx$

Expresses a mathematical function of time as a function of frequency, known as its frequency spectrum. More common in Physics or Engineering but of course a mathematics construct just like most of them.

10. Navier-Stokes Equation

Navier–Stokes equations (general)

$\rho \left(\frac{\partial \mathbf{v}}{\partial t} + \mathbf{v} \cdot \nabla \mathbf{v} \right) = -\nabla p + \nabla \cdot\boldsymbol{\mathsf{T}} + \mathbf{f},$

where v is the flow velocity, ρ is the fluid density, p is the pressure, $\boldsymbol{\mathsf{T}}$ is the (deviatoric) stress tensor, and f represents body forces (per unit volume) acting on the fluid and ∇ is the del operator. This is a statement of the conservation of momentum in a fluid and it is an application of Newton's second law to a continuum; in fact this equation is applicable to any non-relativistic continuum and is known as the Cauchy momentum equation.

11. Maxwell's Equations

could refer to several ground-breaking equations, as Maxwell is considered to be the godfather of Electromagnetism. The more popular one would be a derivation of Maxwell's concepts, more popularly known as Gauss's Law:

$\oiint$ ${\scriptstyle\partial \Omega }$ $\mathbf{E}\cdot\mathrm{d}\mathbf{S} = \frac{Q(V)}{\varepsilon_0}$

12. Second Law of Thermodynamics

A change in the entropy (

dS

) of a system is the infinitesimal transfer of heat (

δ Q

) to a closed system driving a reversible process, divided by the equilibrium temperature (

T

) of the system.^[1]

$dS = \frac{\delta Q}{T} \!$

The first law of thermodynamics provides the basic definition of thermodynamic energy, also called internal energy, associated with all thermodynamic systems, but unknown in mechanics, and states the rule of conservation of energy in nature.

However, the concept of energy in the first law does not account for the observation that natural processes have a preferred direction of progress

13. Relativity

E = mc²

The two postulates of special relativity predict the equivalence of mass andenergy, as expressed in the mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc², where c is the speed of light in vacuum

14. Schrödinger equation

Time-dependent Schrödinger equation (general)

$i \hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial t}\Psi = \hat H \Psi$

where Ψ is the wave function of the quantum system, i is the imaginary unit, ħ is the reduced Planck constant, and $\hat{H}$ is the Hamiltonian operator, which characterizes the total energy of any given wavefunction and takes different forms depending on the situation.

15. Information Theory

There are so many formulas from the Information Theory, but the most common would be this:

$W = K \log m$

16. Chaos Theory

$| \delta\mathbf{Z}(t) | \approx e^{\lambda t} | \delta \mathbf{Z}_0 |\$

where λ is the Lyapunov exponent. The rate of separation can be different for different orientations of the initial separation vector. Thus, there is a whole spectrum of Lyapunov exponents — the number of them is equal to the number of dimensions of the phase space. It is common to just refer to the largest one, i.e. to the Maximal Lyapunov exponent (MLE), because it determines the overall predictability of the system. A positive MLE is usually taken as an indication that the system is chaotic.

17. Black Scholes Equation

$\frac{dS}{S} = \mu \,dt+\sigma \,dW\,$

where W is Brownian motion. Note that W, and consequently its infinitesimal increment dW, represents the only source of uncertainty in the price history of the stock

The full yahoo article is in the link below:
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/17-maths-equations-that-changed-the-world.html;_ylt=AjJmzT_E5Dr.ZPoASLokzN71V8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTFqaTNjbzlmBG1pdANBcnRpY2xlIEJvZHkEcG9zAzMEc2VjA01lZGlhQXJ0aWNsZUJvZHlBc3NlbWJseQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTJyazB2ZzUyBGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDMDA5OWIxMzItNGUyZi0zOGIxLWI2YTctZThmMDQwNmFkZjQ4BHBzdGNhdANidXNpbmVzcwRwdANzdG9yeXBhZ2U-;_ylv=3?page=all

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Cebu Boneless Lechon Belly

In the Philippines, each province and city claims they have the best lechon in the country. Cebuanos and many non-Cebuanos alike are convinced that the best lechon is the Cebu Lechon.

At last night's episode of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, a new variety of the Cebu lechon has been focused on the limelight. After the very famous CNT, Zubuchon, Ayer, and the Talisay lechon, here comes the Cebu Boneless Lechon Belly.

Right now, it is only available at the Parkmall in Mandaue, Cebu. So we went last night fearing after the Jessica Soho feature, an avalanche of curious will add to the loyal lechon afficionados. The line was long, but the regular Cebuanos simply stand in line for their turn.

The Cebu Boneless Lechon Belly was surprisingly not pricey. It was sold at 115 pesos for 1/4 kilo for original, and 120 for the spicy variety. Compared to Zubuchon or CNT which are priced at ~500/kilo, this is a really good deal. They also have a budget meal with 100 grams of lechon belly for an affordable 60 pesos.

We ordered 1/4 of the original and 1/4 of the spicy.

The Verdict:

Taste: Definitely the best tasting lechon we have ever tried! Very crispy skin but really tender meat. Yes, to us, it is even better than Zubuchon or CNT. Of course, it is 10x better than the regular lechon in Manila like Lydia'ss or Mila's.

The spicy variety had a good kick, but still preserved the lechon taste. And actually helped reduce the "umay" (I've had enough) feeling.

Texture: Too crispy maybe we then began to wonder if this was really roasted. It felt that it was fried.

Price: Jackpot! As this is almost 10% cheaper than the regular Cebu Lechons. 20% cheaper than the usual Manila lechon

Summary: Exceptional taste. Very good texture - crisp and tender combination that is really difficult to achieve in a lechon. The only problem is that it is too greasy. I wanted to eat more because the taste was simply fantastic. But I cannot finish. There was just oil all over. So if you like your lechon sinfully delicious, then this definitely for you.

Whether you are up for the grease or not, you still have to try this one of a kind lechon. I have a feeling after all the hype and the features, prices will no longer be the same in a month's time.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Mantayupan Waterfalls in Barili, Cebu dries up

Pictures from the Mantayupan Falls not a full 2 months ago. Interesting how Mother Nature can sometimes be a bitch.

In one of the most devastating eco news this year, the once majestic Mantayupan Falls in Barili, Cebu has dried up. A sinkhole has been found in Mantayupan last week. A few days after, the Mantayupan Falls has completely dried up turning the once Tallest Waterfalls in Cebu as a sad-looking cliff.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/228773/sinkhole-drains-river-feeding-mantayupan-waterfalls

The Mantayupan Falls is a major source of livelihood in the whole community. The water from the falls serve as irrigation to the predominantly farming community. It also provides water to a good number of fish ponds around the area.

On July 16, the city government and the city has found a quick but temporary situation. They diverted the water from another source to the falls. So water now falls at Mantayupan. For how long, that is the uncertain part.

The Mantayupan Falls aside from the source of livelihood is a popular tourist spot, mostly among the locals. People swim on the body of water found at the foot of the falls. Pictures of the falls used as backdrop is staple when one visits the area.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Movenpick Cebu will undergo Renovation

Movenpick Resorts and Hotel in Mactan is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Cebu. The guests here are more international than say Shangri-la Mactan or Imperial Palace. This is probably because of the Movenpick brand which is recognized in Europe. So here you would see Koreans of course, and Japanese, Chinese but also Spanish, French and tourists from Mediterranean countries.

Formerly Hilton Hotel, Movenpick is shutting down its operations starting July 15 due to scheduled renovations. It is scheduled to re-open in time for the Christmas season on December 15, 2012.

I have mixed feelings about Movenpick Hotel. Hotel rooms are nice, but I feel that the lobby and the swimming area feels crowded. I do not get a relaxing feeling whenever I am here. Oddly, big as the area may be, one could get a feeling of too little personal space. There are so many unnecessary decorations present and the layout did not seem to maximize the shape of the floor area. You have a feeling of being cramped yet you see there is a vast space, I know it is ironic. un-Zen.

There are so many things to be liked at Movenpick though. This includes their eye-catching pink jeepneys, and their food. So many will be quite happy about the renovations.

Good Luck Movenpick.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

The god particle

This has to be one of the most ground-breaking discoveries in years! BBC and CNN had the feature on its headline. Inquirer had it in the Technology Section.

The discovery of the new subatomic particle "Higgs Boson" will pave the way for more convention-defying scientific breakthroughs in the future. Up until the discovery, the particle is a theoretical particle. And for years, scientists have worked hard on this. Friends from TTA said the research had been long and tedious which is why they originally called it the "Goddamn particle". But of course, they cannot publicly name it like that thus the God particle.

Why is the discovery important? How important is it?
As per the Associated Press article, "Discovery of the particle is seen as as the key to our understanding of why matter has mass, which combines with gravity to give an object weight. The idea is much like gravity and Isaac Newton’s discovery of it: Gravity was there all the time before Newton explained it. But now scientists know what a boson is and can put that knowledge to further use."

As a big fan of science, I began to reflect on what it was like during the time of Newton and Galileo. I could imagine the whole world thinking Newton was crazy when he was trying to explain the concept of gravity. Galileo probably had it worse when he tried to explain that the center of the solar system is the sun, not Earth. During that time decisions and facts - even scientific ones - are controlled by the church.

Good thing that the discovery happened now, when information flows freely thru various media especially the internet. So it would be more difficult to control.

Let's join the scientific community in celebrating the discovery of the century.

http://technology.inquirer.net/13327/eureka-physicists-celebrate-evidence-of-particle

Monday, July 2, 2012

NAIA Terminal 1 - Worst Airport in the World?

When the website www.sleepinginairports.net and Frommers called NAIA Terminal 1 as the 2nd World's Worst Airport, it seems only government officials are complaining. Pinoys usually do not publicly say something bad about their country nor its countrymen. But they know. They know that NAIA Terminal 1 is really really bad, what they are not sure is if it is one of the world's worst.

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/01/19/frommers-10-worst-airport-terminals-in-world/

I had been at Terminal 1 twice in 2011 and twice more this year. The sad part, it is not getting any better. Arrivals are huge burdens, but departure is a nightmare. I hope they do something about this, because Terminal 1 might just become #1 next year, since they are not doing anything about it.

What can be done to improve the Terminal 1 experience?

1) The NAIA Terminal 1 is too small. It can no longer accommodate the volume of people traffic, especially in the early mornings when there are 2 flights to the US, 4 flights to Asia and 3 flights to the middle east. So the queue is just unbelievably long. Can't we use Terminal 3 for some of the Regional flights to lessen volume?

2) Too many questions at the check-in counter. What they had been asking since 1990, they are still doing up to now. Who packed your bags? Did you receive gifts from unknown persons? Where were these bags since you packed them last night? Come on! If these are FAA required then why are these questions not asked at check-in counters in the US or in Singapore or even in Malaysia?

3) The restrooms need serious overhaul. They are old, dirty and not functioning. As the terminal is more than 25 years old, the comfort rooms are becoming similar to restrooms in bus terminals. Actually, even the restrooms at Terminal 2 are slowly becoming like Terminal's 1. I don't think we invested in high-quality products that can withstand the times. The counters are getting blacker and blacker and are starting to fall-off.

4) My nephew narrated their family's ordeal when they went home to the Philippines last Christmas. He was with his wife and then 1-year old kid. Terminal 1 is a nightmare for single travelers, I could only imagine how uncomfortable it is for families with small children, with more bags and not to mention the stroller.

5) Upon arrival, the Immigration Lines are unbelievably long. After a 24-hour flight from the US, the last thing you want to do is to stand in line for 20-30 minutes. They know the schedule of the flights. For one, I know that there are 2 flights from the US arriving every night, together with 3-4 Asian flights and a couple from the Middle East. Can they double or triple the number of Immigration officers at night?

The slogan it's more fun in the Philippines is getting traction worldwide. Over the weekend, Luzon and Cebu were listed in the Top 10 of the World's Best Islands in the highly-prestigious Conde Naste Travel Survey. But the first and last impressions on a country is formed at the airport terminals. Let us please do something about this.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Facebook - Unfriend a Friend without really Unfriending in Facebook

Meron ka bang Facebook Friend na nakakainis ang mga pino-post? Puros negative, puro paninira, jokes na corny at updates na puro kayabangan lang?

Ayaw mo naman makasakit ng damdamin kaya ayaw mo siyang i-unfriend. Paano kung malaman niya, e baka may away pang mangyari. Buti na lang, merong feature ang Facebook para sa mga ganitong sitwasyon.

Una, puwede mong piliin ang mga nababasa mong posts gamit ang SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. Asa kanang itaas na bahagi ito ng bawat Wall ng Friend mo. Puwede mo ring makita ito pag itinapat mo ang mouse sa pangalan ng iyong FB Friend.

Ang SUBSCRIBE button ay maaari mong magamit para malimitihan ang mga posts, updates, pictures at activity alerts na nakikita mo. So puwede mo talagang ma-control ang posts ng Friend mo na ayaw mong makita.

Facebook unscubscribe 168x300 How to unfriend a Facebook friend without really unfriending them

Select "Unsubscribe" to remove a friend's updates, photos, and other activity from your news feed.

Meron ka bang Frenemy (Friend na enemy)? O iyong FB Friend mo na ayaw mong mabasa ang mga updates mo? Puwede itong boss mo na nagawa mong friend, pero ngayon nagsisisi ka kasi di mo ma-upload ang pictures mo sa party. Puwede itong teacher na na-accept mo na friend, pero ayaw mong malaman niya ang mga gimmick mo.

May sagot ang Facebook diyan...Ang "Restricted" list. Puwedeng sabihin na para ito sa mga FB Friends mo na malapit mo ng i-unfriend pero di mo palang magawa ngayon.

Kapag nilagay mo ang isang Friend sa "Restricted List", di na niya makikita ang mga updates at pictures at activities mo. Isa pa, di mo na rin makikita ang mga updates nila.

At ang maganda dito, di nila malalaman na nilagay mo sila sa "Restricted" List. Nice di ba?

Facebook Restricted list 300x123 How to unfriend a Facebook friend without really unfriending them

You can banish a friend to Facebook purgatory by putting them on your Restricted list.

At ang OK dito, kapag nagbago ang isip mo, at malay mo balang araw gusto mo na silang gawing "regular" friend. Puwedeng puwede mong gawin iyan. I-alis mo lang sila sa Restricted List at back to normal na kayo. Di nila malalaman ang nangyari at makikita ninyo ulit ang isa't-isa sa mga updates at activities.

So parang nagkabalikan lang kayo. Good luck and enjoy FB!