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. |
This one's from a very, very long time ago. Way back in 2011. Among the surest ways to get me to memorize something is to put it in the form of a song (think Schoolhouse Rock) or a joke. Most certain of all is if it's a joke song. Then, that shit never leaves my head. I don't think I'm alone in this. It is utterly impossible to say the place name "Istanbul" without someone chiming in with "NOT CONSTANTINOPLE." Today's link, a very short one, contains no songs. Just some bad "walks into a bar" jokes that, if you're anything like me, will fix some grammar rules in your head forever, like a pawprint in fresh concrete. 1. A comma splice walks into a bar, it has a drink and then leaves. Yeah, this is kind of like the old standby "Eats shoots and leaves." 4. Two quotation marks “walk into” a bar. I used to get unreasonably angry when I saw quotes where they didn't belong. Like one outside a restaurant in my town a few years ago: Genuine Turkish Street "Food." (I wonder if the owner is from not-Constantinople.) Maybe it's just me, but I'd much rather eat food than "food." 6. The bar was walked into by the passive voice. This one cracked me up more than it probably should have. Obviously, there are four more at the link. The only one that I found actually funny was #6 above, but the others at least elicited (NOT ILLICITED) a sensible chuckle. If I had more time today, I could probably make up a few more. Know any others? Feel free to leave a comment below. |