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 random rerun comes from just over a year ago, which pushes very close to my self-imposed one-year exclusion: "Another Avocado Article" Because it's a year old, and based on an article a year older than that (the link is still valid), there's not much to comment on. But I did find a few things, all quotes from me. Does the pumpkin seed paste come with pumpkin spice? I'm asking because, though the article is from last November, it's almost the autumn equinox here and now—peak pumpkin spice season. And I'm not immune: I just picked up a six-pack of Atomic Pumpkin Voodoo Ranger, a seasonal beer offering from New Belgium out of Colorado. You know, I completely forgot to pick up APVR this year. It simply didn't occur to me. I did buy a couple of packs of Pumking, the Imperial pumpkin ale produced by Southern Tier out of New York. Excellent beer. They also make Warlock, which is a pumpkin stout; and a caramel Pumking, which is not nearly as good as it sounds. Anyway, maybe the Atomic Pumpkin Voodoo Ranger is still available. I'll have to check. Eh, whatever. I rarely eat guac anyway. I didn't get into the reasons for this, but it's not that I dislike the stuff. Depending on how it's made, it can range from okay to delicious. It's just that I'm too lazy to make it myself, and restaurants tend to price it like an appetizer. That's how you get people to stop consuming something: price it out of their range. Now, just to be clear, I'm not arguing for or against avocados. Personally, I can take them or leave them; the avocado industry could dry up (pun intended) tomorrow and I doubt I'd miss it much. I don't think this came off as I intended. I like avocados (but only the Hass variety), and I use them occasionally; I just don't make guacamole. I'm pretty sure I would miss them if they disappeared, if only because the surest way to ensure I want something is to make it so I can't have it. Still, they're not exactly what I'd call "essential," not like beer, pizza, or ground beef. (Avocados can be really good as a hamburger topping, but they suck on pizza.) |