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Not for the faint of art. |
Complex Numbers A complex number is expressed in the standard form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is defined by i^2 = -1 (that is, i is the square root of -1). For example, 3 + 2i is a complex number. The bi term is often referred to as an imaginary number (though this may be misleading, as it is no more "imaginary" than the symbolic abstractions we know as the "real" numbers). Thus, every complex number has a real part, a, and an imaginary part, bi. Complex numbers are often represented on a graph known as the "complex plane," where the horizontal axis represents the infinity of real numbers, and the vertical axis represents the infinity of imaginary numbers. Thus, each complex number has a unique representation on the complex plane: some closer to real; others, more imaginary. If a = b, the number is equal parts real and imaginary. Very simple transformations applied to numbers in the complex plane can lead to fractal structures of enormous intricacy and astonishing beauty. |
Let's see what the random numbers give me for "JAFBG" ![]() How was 2021 vs. your expectations for the year? What are you expecting in 2022? That's the great thing about having low expectations: Usually (not always), they're exceeded. I expected 2021 to be a massive, epic shitshow. As it turned out to be merely an epic shitshow, I was pleasantly surprised. I don't think I had any specific predictions for last year. I'm not Nostradamus. I couldn't have nailed the January 6 trators' insurrection, or the death of Betty White at the end of the year (though those two events neatly bookended the shitshow); I just expected Bad Shit to happen in general. On New Years Eve of 2020, I wrote in a blog entry: "I just think all the folks who are going to breathe a huge sigh of relief just because the clock strikes midnight are going to be in for a rude surprise." Bad writing aside, the other great thing about having low expectations is I either get the pleasant surprise of something good happening, or the pure joy associated with being right. In this case, it was the pure joy of being right. On a personal level, the year wasn't so bad, even with getting my car totaled. But it sucked from a global perspective. As for what I'm expecting in 2022? Well, more of the same, of course. Probably worse. Almost certainly worse. Want some specific predictions? Go here. ![]() Who knows? Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised again. If not, I'll settle for being able to smugly say "I told you so." |