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'm not feeling very well right now. No, I have no reason to believe it's that; I just maybe overindulged in some of my favorite beverages after completing a particularly grueling research / writing project. So today's entry will be blessedly short. https://www.cracked.com/article_28286_5-weird-details-fictional-universes-nobody... 5 Weird Details Of Fictional Universes Nobody Told You I have strong opinions about fantasy/SF writing; one of them is the idea that one should overwrite one's backstory, and then never let anyone else see it; just use relevant ideas from it as needed in the story. Apparently, some of these writers did just that, though not every one of the six examples is an example of pre-plotted backstory; and, obviously, someone else (us) is seeing it. I won't do my usual call-and-response thing here because I can't be arsed today. Suffice it to say there's something in there for almost every flavor of nerd, including Star Trek, Star Wars, and the ever-popular works of Tolkien. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be in better shape to contribute something marginally more useful. |