Mathematical Graffiti

An artist’s lawbreaking pastime, whereby they irreverently paint math-related drawings, formulas, or symbols in forbidden areas or public squares without getting caught by the authorities—the artistic equivalent of a couple illicitly indulging in a quickie with zero public knowledge or suspicion.

Few illegal activities give the mathematical graffiti artist more thrill when working in a pressurized environment, compared to taking part in an annual pressure-free graffiti carnival approved by the authorities.

by MathPlus March 13, 2021

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

A question no parents would ask their child at Christmas, unless they are Donald Trump or a radical Islamist who views Christianity as a form of idolatry.

Barron was mad at his nominal Christian father when he asked him, “Do you believe in Santa Claus?”

by MathPlus December 25, 2018

Fake News

A phrase politicians use when they don’t like what the media are saying about them—headlines that expose them as liars or untrustworthy.

Probably no other world leader has uttered “fake news” more often than President Trump, who wants to demonize the free press by all means and at all costs—he denounces any article or broadcast that speaks ill of him and his administration as nothing but fake news.

by MathPlus April 20, 2018

I Mask, Therefore I Am.

When tens of thousands of people worldwide suddenly realize their existence or mortality after wearing a face mask in public, because they are conscious or paranoid of their physical look for vanity reasons or otherwise.

Trump, who ridiculed his political rival for publicly donning a mask, narcissistically told his diehard supporters after he’s infected with the coronavirus, “I mask, therefore I am.”

by MathPlus March 09, 2021

Kiasu

FOMO 2.0, which is about unhealthy or selfish fear and insufficiency. A Hokkien word for the oft-irrational fear of not getting enough or of losing out to others.

Members of the public in Singapore had to wait until February to get hold of the 2021 primary one math textbooks and workbooks, which is based on the new MOE syllabus, because a number of kiasu tuition center owners had called the bookstores in December to reserve dozens of these new titles, leaving zero copies for those who couldn’t buy them from school bookshops.

by MathPlus February 28, 2021

Virtual Civil War

When polarized people continue to fight even after election or referendum results have come in.

Virtual civil wars continue to be waged on social media since Brexit and Donald Trump’s victory more than two years ago.

by MathPlus January 10, 2019

Wear Confidence

The most beautiful thing you can wear, because the way you feel affects your decisions and actions.

Wear confidence, so that you can feel more confident in your own skin—it’s good for you and those who look up to you.

by MathPlus January 09, 2019