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. |
Today's stumble down memory lane took me all the way back to 2007: "This Day in History" Just a couple weeks more than 16 years ago, this December entry celebrated one of my most beloved holidays: the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. This year marks 90 years. If I'm still alive in 2033, the century mark, that should be one hell of a party. I didn't note it in here this year, because I was traveling and other matters took priority in the blog, but you can bet I celebrated in the appropriate manner. (Get it? Bet? Because I was in Reno that day? Yeesh, tough crowd.) Apparently, it was also the Day of the Ninja, but I always forget about that part. Hell, December 5 is also Krampusnacht, but even that is overshadowed by the greatness that is Repeal of Prohibition Day. The original entry up there contains a link. It's no longer viable. Don't click on it. From what I can tell, the former site, "ninjabeergarden" wasn't about drinking, but some sort of site that sold stuff. It's just that the name combined the ideas of ninja and beer (but, sadly, not Krampus). I guess. I don't even remember what sort of shit they sold. The internet in the noughties still retained some of its weirdness. I miss that. |