MRTLog 2: Understanding the Time Conundrum
This is the second part of my mini project MRTLog 2.
Having conducted the empirical study in August and having concluded that whilst there was indeed a lengthening of travel time on the MRT, the additional 2 minutes shouldn't have had such a big impact on the psyche of public transport commuters.
So, I did some research on influencing factors affecting man's perception of time. Through this search, the key words that kept appearing were "time dilation", "time perception" and "life-threatening".
Whilst used interchangeably and freely on the Web, the most apt term should be "time perception" instead of "time dilation", by which differences in real time is actually caused by factors such as relative velocities and curvature of space and time in proximity to a massive object eg Earth. This is supported by Einstein's field equations and theory of relativity which warrants a separate topic altogether.
In case I lost you on the last paragraph, this means that time is not absolute; it's relative to where you are in the universe. Depending how close you are to massive bodies eg stars, planets, the actual flow of time will vary.
But being bound on this Earth, the "lengthened" time that we experience in the trains is not due to physical time dilation but the psychological "time dilation" effect, time perception that influences how our minds perceive time instead.
The mind does funny things to our experience of time.
In 1962, a French cave expert Michel Siffre went to live in a cave that was completely isolated from mechanical clocks and natural light. He soon began to experience a huge change in his perception of time. When he tried to measure out two minutes by counting up to 120 at one-second intervals, it took him 5 minutes.
After emerging from the cave he guessed that he was inside for 34 days. He'd actually been down there for 59 days.
Other supporting tests also concluded factors that directly correlate to lengthened time perception include:
- stress / sense of danger
- temperature (heat)
- attention intensity and span
- lack of personal space
In our context, common events that happen during our travel and lengthen our perception of time will likely include:
- Before travel - timeliness and expectations
- travel stress - from entry to exit
- standing throughout the trip
- sensory invasions - smells, sounds, sights, touch
- faulty ventilation
- lack of personal space
- occasional conflicts
- hard jerkings / delays
- looking out for "priority" beings
- pretence on the psyche
- identified deviants
If you happen to encounter one (or worse, a combination) of the abovementioned events, you will likely experience an "extended" and usually less-than-pleasant trip.
Therefore, we can conclude that for us to enjoy a more "pleasant" journey, the perceived flow of time should be addressed and managed for the commuters.
For the common commuter, trying to manage (or alleviate) the problems faced is almost impossible. In fact, several policies and habits established during travel in fact worsens the situation eg. reminders of train delays, indulging in electronic and mobile entertainment devices to "shorten" travel time. Time perception inevitably occurs and ironically results in a "longer" trip instead.
So, what can be (or should be) done?
If we take a more holistic view of the problem, would it be possible to explore how the frequency and length of transportation could be reduced instead?
Or is there a different way that we can potentially adopt to disentangle us from this wicked problem that most cities face?
That, my friends will be explored in Part 3...
MRTLog 2: Findings and Comparisons of Travel Time between 2007 and 2012
Aim
This empirical study is a follow-up from the previous one conducted in 2007 after my trip to Japan.
https://sites.google.com/site/alwinwoo/mrtlogs
Inspired by the recent challenges that the transportation system exhibited (in particularly the trains), instead of relying on gut feel, I wanted to find out the following:
- If the trains actually (empirically) ran slower
- If they did, by how much (empirically)
- Whether if the drop in performance was station-specific
Methodology
Having changed jobs and with a duty to ferry my school-going kids, this new study recorded the timings of trains leaving Ang Mo Kio in the morning between 8.30 to 8.45am in the direction of Outram Park. The return journey was taken on trains between 6.15 to 6.30pm.
Using a stopwatch application for my Nokia E7, timings were taken when the train doors opened at each station. All timings were to the nearest second.
Results
Table 1: Log of Travel Times in 2007 from Ang Mo Kio to City Hall
Table 2: Log of Travel Times in 2012 from Ang Mo Kio to Outram Park
Following the same methodology in 2007 (Table 1), 2 weeks' worth of data was collected between 13 and 24 August on travel times between Ang Mo Kio and Outram Park (Table 2).
The first instance of a date indicates the times taken to travel between two stations on the southbound trip (towards office); the second represents the times taken on the northbound trip (home).
Detection of Outliers
Not done during the 2007 study is a check to determine if there were any outliers (in this study, outliers are defined as timing values that are 140% or more than the nearest value). This was applied to both the maximum and minimum timings recorded in both periods.
2 maxima outliers highlighted in yellow (one each in 2007 and 2012) were detected and thus omitted from the results. The maximum times were then adjusted to 141 and 148 (from 224 and 212) respectively.
There were no minima outliers.
Determining Maximum, Minimum and Standard Deviation of Travel Times
With adjustments to the 2 maxima outliers, the following four graphs (1 to 4) were plotted to determine and compare the maximum, minimum and standard deviation of the travel times taken in 2007 and 2012.
Graph 1: Minimum, Maximum and Standard Deviation of Travel Times in 2007
Graph 2: Minimum, Maximum and Standard Deviation of Travel Times in 2012
Graph 3: Cumulative Travel Times (Min, Average, Max) in 2007, 2012
with publicly available SMRT timings
with publicly available SMRT timings
Graph 4: Range of Travel Times between AMK and City Hall Stations
based on 2007 baseline (minimum) and 2012 ceiling (maximum)
based on 2007 baseline (minimum) and 2012 ceiling (maximum)
Conclusion
Based on the following graphs, some of the more significant (in my opinion) observations are highlighted below:
- This study empirically shows that travel times have increased; this is accompanied by greater variance in travel times, particularly at the AMK and Bishan stations
- Travel times from AMK to Bishan can potentially increase by 200% when compared to 2007's fastest time (from 120 to 360 seconds)
- The variance of travel times between Braddell~Toa Payoh and Dhoby Ghaut~City Hall actually decreased from 2007 to 2012
- The published travel times from SMRT reflected the average travel time in 2007 and are slightly higher than the fastest (most optimistic) travel time in 2012
- The cumulative travel time lines (fastest and average times for 2007 and 2012) from AMK to City Hall are almost parallel
- The time difference between the fastest travel times in 2007 and 2012 was less than 2 mins
- The difference between the estimated travel time and slowest travel times in 2012 are quite significant (180 vs 360, 780 vs 1346, 1080 vs 1876)
- The time difference between estimated and average travel time in 2012 is about 2 mins
Wrap-Up
This begets another interesting question that I intend to follow up to find out more, which is:
"If travel time has only changed by 2 minutes, why then does the train trip take so much longer?"
Exercise completed
Over these last two weeks, I've recorded down the time taken for the train trips that I make from Ang Mo Kio to my office in Outram.
I will be collating, comparing the data and write down my findings over the next few days.
I hope the findings will be interesting.
MRT Logs Round 2
By coincidence, I came across a very old post of mine written on the increasingly crowded trains, which led me to a project that I conducted in 2007.
https://sites.google.com/site/alwinwoo/mrtlogs
I am now attempting to replicate the study in 2012 to determine if trains are travelling slower now; and if so, by how much and where the major choke points potentially are along the NS line.
If you're interested in knowing the result, stay tuned over the next few days as the data comes in!
National Duty?
If you haven't watched the Mentos video "National Night", perhaps it's a good time to do so before you read this post...
Now that you have, what are your thoughts?
A "naughty" video perhaps, but it does touch on something that can be sensitive to Singaporeans in many ways.
Inevitably, the opportunity costs of bringing up these little critters in our country will be raised.
Intertwined closely with the Government's desire that local residents copulate and multiple (not replace themselves) is the import of foreigners (usually known as "foreign talent") tp address the "shortfall" (actual, perceived or otherwise) that the local economy needs in order to remain "competitive".
So, are you ready to do your National Service tonight?
How to raise children well
Some thoughts gleaned and thought about during a MindChamp briefing today:
* Raising children who are mentally tough
* Setting expectations of their own
* Avoid formation of negative thoughts
* Teach them how to handle adversity of their lives
* Children are already bogged down with school work, why give them more to demoralise them
* desirable mindset: self confidence, communication skills, interpersonal social skills, learning flexibility (learn-unlearn-relearn), relationship to learning
* how a child learns and reacts to the world is dependent on his/her relation to their parents and how they view the world themselves
* lessons should be understood, stored, recalled and applied
* cannot expect changes if same method is used all the time
* information needs to be curated for the child, need to relate the purpose
* english: read, write, listen, speak
Kudos to my uncle
My uncle is dying.
But not by his own hand or accord.
Someone made a mistake and my family is considering legal options against the transgressor.
Though I didn't know him very well or was very close to him, I will remember him as a man who is fiercely independent, kind and filial.
Being a portly figure, I will always remember my mom telling me how he and his late wife (also substantially large) climbed onto a camel for a photo shot and made it go "oof"!
Through him, I realise how important family members are to support us in times of trial and tribulations. If he had been a sole child of my grandma, it is likely that he would just be considered as a statistical figure in a report.
But his brothers and sisters are rallying around him. So even though he's now lying in the ICU fighting for his life, he's not alone.
I can't do anything but pray for his suffering to end; But for the other family members, it's just starting.
But not by his own hand or accord.
Someone made a mistake and my family is considering legal options against the transgressor.
Though I didn't know him very well or was very close to him, I will remember him as a man who is fiercely independent, kind and filial.
Being a portly figure, I will always remember my mom telling me how he and his late wife (also substantially large) climbed onto a camel for a photo shot and made it go "oof"!
Through him, I realise how important family members are to support us in times of trial and tribulations. If he had been a sole child of my grandma, it is likely that he would just be considered as a statistical figure in a report.
But his brothers and sisters are rallying around him. So even though he's now lying in the ICU fighting for his life, he's not alone.
I can't do anything but pray for his suffering to end; But for the other family members, it's just starting.
Old Man's Phone (continued)
After using the phone over a weekend, here's my observations on the Nokia E7.
Things I liked about the E7
QWERTY Keyboard
It was the reason why I bought this phone in the first place. I found it tough to slide the keyboard out at first, but given some practice, it became second nature. Typing with a qwerty makes a world of a difference and it didn't disappoint.
Phone Interface
I like Belle UI and found it quite refreshing when compared to Android's GB stock and GO Launcher UI. Of all the UIs that are on phones now, my favourite one is still WP7's. But I'm still getting used to switching off the phone via the unlock switch (which is not present on my previous phones).
Camera
Whilst the camera isn't the top-of-the-line and doesn't have autofocus capability, the shots (in good light) are still quite acceptable. Sharing of photos via FB works quite well and quickly.
Phone Quality
Reasonably hefty, it seemed that it had taken a beating at the hands of its previous owner but could still render good service to its current one.
Things I didn't like about the E7
Battery Life
With Exchange, WhatsApp actively pushing mails and updates, I managed to squeeze out only about 3-4 hours of phone use before requiring a charge. Considering it's a smartphone, I expected it to last at least a day.
Camera
The minimum distance of 20cm constrained composition for photo-taking. Not exactly a show-stopper but that was something that I had to sacrifice when I decided on the E7 instead of the N8.
Keyboard
Though I liked the keyboard a lot, it was a little hard to type given the width of the screen. This meant that the keys were a little more. Typing and balancing the phone on one hand was quite impossible.
Old Man's Phone
I eventually changed my Arc S for a second-hand Nokia E7.
When I showed my wife the phone and why I got it, she laughed and
called me an old man...
Anyway, after taking over the phone, I immediately wiped the phone
clean from its original condition. However after the wipe, I was
unable to access the Ovi store at all.
But after getting home and installing Ovi Suite to reinstall Belle, I
managed to get back and upgrade Ovi Store.
My first impression was that the difference between the app stores is
starking. If Android's a sea, Ovi's is a desert.
Will write more later as I customise the phone.
Itching for a new handphone
After close to 3 months, I'm itching to change my phone again.
In general, the Arc S is an excellent piece of work - the generously huge screen, the ability to transfer files easily through USB, the numerous Android apps that I can pick and choose to use, and of course the great pictures that I have taken of my children using this camera.
However, it's the niggling bits that got me irritated and wanting to look around for a new model: The especially tiny camera button (which I had identified as a potential problem) which is almost impossible to trigger and the close proximity of the camera sensor to my left hand which gets blocked from time to time. And of course the lack of a QWERTY keyboard.
I'm eyeing the 808 Pureview but considering that it's only offered by Singtel and I'll need to top up more than $400 for it without contract, I don't think I can stomach the cost.
So, after looking around, there're actually two (old) phones that I'm considering now: N8 and E7.
I'm tempted to get the N8 for the camera but the ability to use a QWERTY keyboard with the E7 is also extremely enticing. I've missed the QWERTY on my old phone, the SE Vivaz Pro but am still uncertain if I can live without one.
So: N8 or E7... I guess it'll be up to my budget to decide for me.
In general, the Arc S is an excellent piece of work - the generously huge screen, the ability to transfer files easily through USB, the numerous Android apps that I can pick and choose to use, and of course the great pictures that I have taken of my children using this camera.
However, it's the niggling bits that got me irritated and wanting to look around for a new model: The especially tiny camera button (which I had identified as a potential problem) which is almost impossible to trigger and the close proximity of the camera sensor to my left hand which gets blocked from time to time. And of course the lack of a QWERTY keyboard.
I'm eyeing the 808 Pureview but considering that it's only offered by Singtel and I'll need to top up more than $400 for it without contract, I don't think I can stomach the cost.
So, after looking around, there're actually two (old) phones that I'm considering now: N8 and E7.
I'm tempted to get the N8 for the camera but the ability to use a QWERTY keyboard with the E7 is also extremely enticing. I've missed the QWERTY on my old phone, the SE Vivaz Pro but am still uncertain if I can live without one.
So: N8 or E7... I guess it'll be up to my budget to decide for me.
Just shoot me
Was asked to be in front of the camera.
I don't like forced smiles.
Hopefully this will be the first and last time that they ask me.
Passed My PMP
Friday the 13th.
That was when I passed my PMP test :-)
Hopefully it'll be more useful to my career than what my wife thinks.
That was when I passed my PMP test :-)
Hopefully it'll be more useful to my career than what my wife thinks.
Review of the Sony Ericsson Arc S
Having owned this phone for 3 days, I think I've been able to pen down some thoughts of my personal experience with it.
Weight and Handling
The first thing that came to mind was compared to my previous phone LG's Optimus 7, this phone feels light and almost like a toy.
It's a little slippery because of its glossy back and I have, on occasion feel it slipping out of my hands.
However (fortunately), it hasn't done any damage to the floor yet but it does give me an impression that it would from time to time.
The wider screen (4.2" vs 3.8") also makes it slightly more wieldy but IMO, the Galaxy Note's even more challenging in that aspect.
Screen and Viewing Quality
In the past, when I step out of the MRT station, the screen would be washed-out by the ambient glare.
But now even in the afternoon sun, I'm now able to watch my videos or check emails on the move.
Photos and videos also appear more vibrant on the Arc S' screen.
Media
With Android, I can just take out the micro-SD to transfer videos, pictures etc. directly from my network drive to the phone.
More conveniently, I did find an app, AndSMB which allows me to connect directly to my network drive to download the files.
This means I can download my media files without even taking out the card.
Apps
Android has most of the apps that I had been using, so I didn't encounter any problems here. The apps currently on my phone are:
- AndSMB
- Angry Birds
- Camera360
- Dolphin HD Browser
- Evernote
- Gmail
- GO Launcher
- Google Search
- Mindjet
- MX Video Play
- Pudding Camera
- QuickPic
- Show Nearby
- SG Buses
- Skitch
- Snapbucket
- SpeedTest
- Wifi Analyser
- YouTube
The battery can support a day's worth of surfing, SMSing and watching videos, but it does come precariously close to being critically depleted when I return home.
Camera and Buttons
The 8mp EXMOR camera sensor was one of the main reasons why I had upgraded my phone. However, I haven't had the opportunity to review the imaging quality much so far. But initial impression is that shutter button is too small to be used properly. However, I have found some photos apps that are able to remap the volume buttons and will be testing the camera more comprehensively.
Cost
The phone is now priced at $168 with the M1 iPhone Value plan.
Coupled with a $100 trade-in value from my Optimus 7, I think it's a steal for $68.
New Phone - Sony Ericsson Arc S
After a long deliberation, I finally got a SE Arc S (white) yesterday.
Am using it today and will pen down my thoughts on it.
Initial impressions are quite good, except that it seems to have problems retaining its APN settings, which affects internet access.
Am using it today and will pen down my thoughts on it.
Initial impressions are quite good, except that it seems to have problems retaining its APN settings, which affects internet access.
My home just got smarter
Went Best Denki and bought an LG BD660 Bluray player yesterday.
Even though I don't have a Bluray disk or any intention to get one in the near future, I got it because of the following reasons:
• relatively affordable ($149)
• dlna-compatible
• can watch YouTube videos
Other than the faulty HDMI cable (free, but I intend to get it changed), the setup was quite painless.
Reading files from my network drive was effortless and the upscaled picture looked great on the 20" TV in my room.
However, there are limits to what it can do.
Due to the use of LG apps, which were limited (less than 10), there's not much you can do on the internet. YouTube videos stream at normal res, not HD. My optimus 7 couldn't stream to the player as well. And most challenging of all was to type your searches without a proper keyboard.
That being said, I'm quite happy that I bought it and will try it on a larger TV in the living room to see if it will serve us better there.
Even though I don't have a Bluray disk or any intention to get one in the near future, I got it because of the following reasons:
• relatively affordable ($149)
• dlna-compatible
• can watch YouTube videos
Other than the faulty HDMI cable (free, but I intend to get it changed), the setup was quite painless.
Reading files from my network drive was effortless and the upscaled picture looked great on the 20" TV in my room.
However, there are limits to what it can do.
Due to the use of LG apps, which were limited (less than 10), there's not much you can do on the internet. YouTube videos stream at normal res, not HD. My optimus 7 couldn't stream to the player as well. And most challenging of all was to type your searches without a proper keyboard.
That being said, I'm quite happy that I bought it and will try it on a larger TV in the living room to see if it will serve us better there.
Redefining Evaluation
Rather than compare specs, I used BC comparison instead.
Choosing my new Phone
After a long wait, my M1 contract has finally crossed the 20 mth mark and I can now upgrade.
Though I'm using the LG Optimus 7 now, which is a great phone (I DO like the WP7 platform), I feel that it has some quirks which I'm not comfortable with.
In contrast with my dear wife who already decided that iPhone is her way to go, I'd rather focus on phones that are a bit lesser "mainstream".
Here's a quick list of the pro/cons of my current phone and the ones that I've been considering.
Optimus 7 (current)
• affordable (bought $200+ wo plan)
• WP7 platform (it's cool IMO)
• HD video recording
• nice ergonomics and design
• need for Zune / no USB mass storage mode (iPhone anyone?)
• camera not up to par / startup speed / shutter lag
• metal cover feels hot with sustained use
• internet wifi connections seem flaky - not sure due to ISP and home network
• current usage with surfing and watching movies requires charging during the day
xperia S
• newest Sony phone
• excellent screen resolution and size
• capacitive buttons (home, back, menu) challenging to press
(tested at AMK Hub shop, registering a touch seems to be a hit-or-miss affair)
• expensive (salesgirl estimated $800+ without contract)
• 12mp size / bigger jpg files
• feels a little heavy
xperia Arc S
• practical (IMO) 8mp camera resolution
• good screen resolution
• small camera shutter button (touch shutter)
• skinny android buttons
• poor internal storage
xperia Pro
• physical keyboard (great for typing long notes or posts like this)
• small camera shutter button (touch shutter)
• poor internal storage
xperia Ray
• affordable ($398 no plan, $98 with M1)
• small and light for capability package
• no camera button (however touch screen shutter is quite fast)
• small screen (though sharp) might be unable to see if picture is sharp
• poor internal storage
n9 64G black
• affordable ($98 starhub plan)
• 64G internal storage (non expandable)
• good resale value
• uncertain OS (obsolescence, apps?)
• no shutter button
• choppy video (reported)
• need to switch to starhub
• contract-free only in may / availability / penalties
Have been doing research for the past few weeks and it seems that I'm leaning towards the Ray and n9.
However, with the recent release of the xperia P and U, Nokia 808, I haven't been able to get down to a final decision yet.
And so the thinking continues...
Though I'm using the LG Optimus 7 now, which is a great phone (I DO like the WP7 platform), I feel that it has some quirks which I'm not comfortable with.
In contrast with my dear wife who already decided that iPhone is her way to go, I'd rather focus on phones that are a bit lesser "mainstream".
Here's a quick list of the pro/cons of my current phone and the ones that I've been considering.
Optimus 7 (current)
• affordable (bought $200+ wo plan)
• WP7 platform (it's cool IMO)
• HD video recording
• nice ergonomics and design
• need for Zune / no USB mass storage mode (iPhone anyone?)
• camera not up to par / startup speed / shutter lag
• metal cover feels hot with sustained use
• internet wifi connections seem flaky - not sure due to ISP and home network
• current usage with surfing and watching movies requires charging during the day
xperia S
• newest Sony phone
• excellent screen resolution and size
• capacitive buttons (home, back, menu) challenging to press
(tested at AMK Hub shop, registering a touch seems to be a hit-or-miss affair)
• expensive (salesgirl estimated $800+ without contract)
• 12mp size / bigger jpg files
• feels a little heavy
xperia Arc S
• practical (IMO) 8mp camera resolution
• good screen resolution
• small camera shutter button (touch shutter)
• skinny android buttons
• poor internal storage
xperia Pro
• physical keyboard (great for typing long notes or posts like this)
• small camera shutter button (touch shutter)
• poor internal storage
xperia Ray
• affordable ($398 no plan, $98 with M1)
• small and light for capability package
• no camera button (however touch screen shutter is quite fast)
• small screen (though sharp) might be unable to see if picture is sharp
• poor internal storage
n9 64G black
• affordable ($98 starhub plan)
• 64G internal storage (non expandable)
• good resale value
• uncertain OS (obsolescence, apps?)
• no shutter button
• choppy video (reported)
• need to switch to starhub
• contract-free only in may / availability / penalties
Have been doing research for the past few weeks and it seems that I'm leaning towards the Ray and n9.
However, with the recent release of the xperia P and U, Nokia 808, I haven't been able to get down to a final decision yet.
And so the thinking continues...
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