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whining about math

I have always been annoyed by the statement that sqrt(-1) = i.

Note: I'm perfectly fine with the assertion that i^2 = -1.

in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

whining about math
The reason for this is that by the same logic, I could argue that sqrt(1) = -1. We're either constraining the answer to positive numbers or we're not.
in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

piecewise function definitions are a thing though, like the abs function for instance

abs(x) = x, for all positive x
abs(x) = -x, for all negative x

sqrt(x) = positive y, for all positive x
sqrt(x) = i * sqrt(-x), for all negative x

I also find arctan really weird, because it only works if you fiddle with the domain (yet it clearly does exist, and is useful)

I enjoy the unpleasant feeling I get when I realise that all maths is made up!

in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

whining about math

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I have never understood hunting as a sport. I cannot bring myself to trust someone who kills things for enjoyment.
in reply to Eric Gerlach

@Eric Gerlach I... guess, but I'd imagine there are less violent ways to feel that control.

Maybe that's just me.



I am kinda behind schedule today because every time I looked at my tablet (where I consult my to-do list) the cat took it as a personal insult and insisted I pay attention to him instead.


Wearing white clothing while using a #FountainPen is always a gamble. I lost that bet today.
in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

Fortunately fountain pen ink is water soluble so it often washes right out if you get to it immediately.

Thank God it wasn't my Baystate Blue.

in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

it’s not a stain it’s just Alternative Swatching

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Perusing the terms of service my phone is requiring me to agree to after the update.

Under the section about how they safeguard my data, it reads:

We take data protection seriously. We have put in place physical and technical safeguards to keep the information we collect secure. We also take appropriate measures, in compliance with applicable law, to ensure that the personal information collected by third parties remains secure. However, please note that although we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no website, Internet transmission, computer system, or wireless connection is completely secure.


That's a very verbose way to say "trust us, bro."

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Just signed up for DoorDash yesterday to try to diversify our income a little.

Got an email from them this morning. I opened it in neomutt to read that my account had been suspended "due to [my] repeated lateness violations", which is impressive considering I haven't even done a shift yet.

When I tried to show the email to Katy on my phone, the email instead read as a generic welcome letter.

It turns out that the plain text and and HTML parts of the email are completely different.

Things are off to a fantastic start, I see.

Edit: proofreading is for suckers

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in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

ohhh we love it when that happens! it's incredibly difficult to get people to understand that problem!


Every time I read #UnixSurrealism it makes me want to switch to #Plan9.

This is absolutely not a reasonable option for me, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to do it.

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in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

the urge to OS-hop is permanent but the desire for comfort and stability fights it constantly, it is an internal battle we all face


CW: food (vegan)
We got a little impatient waiting for it to reduce, but we made a delicious lentil dahl today.
in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

CW: food (vegan)

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