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. |
Well, that was a year. I know I said yesterday that I'd do a recap or something, but I can't be arsed. Besides, there's not much about this year that I want to remember. Best thing about it is I got my eyes fixed. Yay me. I'm not one for making New Year's resolutions. I used to, but I do try to learn things in life, like not to keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results. My mother liked to chant, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Which, now I think of it, is ironic for someone who tried over and over to have a child only to end up adopting one. One who ended up being a gigantic disappointment. I'm also not a fan of social media in general, but there is one app that I use regularly. It's called Untappd, and it's a place to record what beers you've tried and rate them. I call it "social media for drunks." I kind of wish they also did wine, or at least that I could find a different one for that purpose. But my first love is beer, so whatever. So I was looking in my Untappd records a few days ago, and discovered something distressing. In 2020, I checked in 648 times. In 2021, my number of check-ins was 520. I can't go on like this. I mean, a 20% reduction? That's outrageous. So my goal for 2022 is to drink at least 650 beers. They don't have to be all new to me, but I want my numbers back up, dammit. I know, I know, that sounds like a lot, average almost two beers a day, but remember, a good number of those were from tasting flights. As in, a lot of times, I just took a couple of sips of the brew. The only way, therefore, that I can get back to my 2020 numbers is to visit more breweries and get more tasting flights. What with everything going on right now, whether that's possible or not is up in the air. But it's something to reach for, and everyone needs a hobby. Speaking of hobbies... One-Sentence Movie Review: The King's Man A movie that reimagines the events leading up to and surrounding WWI and the Russian Revolution, the best thing about this movie was the character of Rasputin; other than that, it's pretty standard political/spy stuff that thinks it's more clever than it actually is, but also features several great fight scenes. Rating: 3/5 And so ends 2021, and good riddance. Everyone have a happy New Year, and, at the risk of sounding clichéd, see you next year. As it has become my habit to post one of these just after midnight, remember tomorrow's entry won't follow that pattern, as I will be in no shape to post then. But I'll get one in on New Year's day. Sometime. |