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Complex Numbers
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.
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Which 'semi-famous' Hollywood star would you like to meet? Why? When I say semi-famous, I don't mean a major film star. I mean someone you've seen in several movies, but never in a starring role. So no Matt Damon's or Sandra Bullock's please. Example: I'd love to meet Michael Pena. I've seen him in a lot of movies, he's a good actor, would be nice to meet him, talk to him and learn how he came into acting. Would also like to know his interests and hobbies.
By the way, I have met Michael Flanagan (Director and writer of Oculus), and Katee Sackoff (starred in Oculus, and was Captain Starbuck on the 2004 Sci-Fi version of Battlestar Galactica. Sadly, I didn't really get to talk to them, since I was their server while working in a small micro-brewery.
Wait, Katee Sackhoff is into craft beer? Well, now, that elevates her from "kinda want" to "massive crush." Consequently, I'd have to go with Katee Sackhoff. Though she played a villain in The Flash who was over-the-top melodramatic. I mean, the chick in that show was hammier than a Smithfield smokehouse.
Okay, but seriously, I don't get the whole wanting to meet celebrities thing. I mean, I guess it kinda worked out for Adam Duritz?
Story goes that this song was an ode to actress Monica Potter, and after it was released (20 years ago, gods help us all), Adam (the lead singer, with the dreads) actually managed to hook up with her for a while. Not sure if it's true, because I can't be arsed to follow Hollywood gossip. Only reason I know about it at all is that Adam Duritz is a fucking genius, and this song in particular is brilliant, so one day I decided to track down its genesis.
So I throw my hand into the air and it swims in the beams
It's just a brief interruption of the swirling dust sparkle jet stream
Well, I know I don't know you and you're probably not what you seem
But I'd sure like to find out
So why don't you climb down off that movie screen
Anyway, I don't generally engage in celebrity-worship of any sort. There are people I admire, but sometimes when you meet your heroes, they turn out to have feet of clay, as it were. I'd rather maintain my illusions.
And yet, if I bumped into Duritz on the street (or at LAX like my friend Mike did once), I'd have to at least say "thank you." But movie stars? Between all the make-up and acting ability, combined with a minor case of face-blindness that I have, I'm not even sure I could pick one out of a crowd. Nah - stay on that movie screen, and we'll be fine.
If dreams are like movies, then memories are films about ghosts
You can never escape, you can only move south down the coast |
© Copyright 2024 Robert Waltz (UN: cathartes02 at Writing.Com). All rights reserved. Robert Waltz has granted InkSpot.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
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