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. |
I've been told that the source for today's amusing link (The Daily Mash, basically The Onion but British) is blocked in non-UK areas. Obviously, it's not blocked for me; there are ways around location-blocking. But if that's too much work, I'll understand. Obviously, the link contains swear words, and would probably be 18+ on WDC. BRITAIN leads the world in swearing, until British people attempt to say things that Americans would call ‘cuss words’. I was under the impression that "cuss word" is pretty much a Southern thing ("cuss" being a mangling of "curse" as "y'all" is a mangling of "you all"), but I wouldn't expect Brits to understand that nuance any more than I'd expect a Yank to know the difference between a Yorkie and Mancunian accent. Asshole Given that we in the UK already have the vastly superior phrase ‘arsehole’, there’s really no need to be pronouncing the word ‘ass’ at all. On this point, I can agree. "Arse" is indeed vastly superior in most instances. Motherf**ker Just call him a wanker, it’ll sound better. Here, I have to disagree. Not that it wouldn't sound better; it definitely would, no matter what your accent. But "m-f'er" and "wanker" are two different insults with two entirely different purposes, coming from two completely different takes on sexual practices. Also, the former is far more versatile, being applicable to a much wider variety of situations than merely accusing someone of incest. Douchebag ...It never sounds right coming out of a British mouth... Phrasing! Also, I suspect it doesn't work in England because it's too obviously French. And "douche" is a perfectly legitimate French word that translates to "shower," as in the kind you take in the morning to get yourself clean for the day. Darn Even our most pathetic swearwords are infinitely superior to theirs. Except, and I must emphasiz(s)e this to keep my US passport, for m-f'er. Pussy Whether used to convey the fact that you think someone is weak or a pathetic way to refer to a woman’s genitalia, British people really can’t pull this off. Right, like "fanny" is any better. And the article specifically claims British ownership of "twat," which is obviously wrong. There's more explanation at the link, if you can view it. If not, just remember it's because of those darn arsehole douche wankers on the other side of the pond wanting to keep their comedy to themselves. |