Thursday, March 14, 2013

Pi Day

Today is Pi Day. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159 (hence March 14, or 3/14 being designated Pi Day).

According to the official Pi Day web site (http://www.piday.org/) "Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. As an irrational and transcendental number, it will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern."

There is something fascinating about a number (the ratio of a perfectly rational structure -- the simple circle) that goes on forever. I am no mathematician, but maybe one reason I find Pi so fascinating is that Ocracoke is in many ways as unusual and quirky as Pi...islanders are at times "irrational" and "transcendental" and it's sometimes difficult to see a pattern in their unconventional lifestyles and behaviors.

Happy Pi Day!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the unique "Ocracoke Greeting." You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022113.htm

8 comments:

  1. Bill Walker9:42 AM

    Philip, I learn new stuff from your blog. Never knew about Pi Day. I really like looking at and drawing geometric figures. I think us quirky people have more interesting lives than the "normal" people.

    Side note: Can you please inform the right person that the OCRACOKE ALIVE Website has been down for several days.
    Thanks

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    1. Bill, I left a message on David's phone. I don't know if he is aware that Ocracoke Alive website has been down for a while. I'll post another comment when I know more.

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    2. David is aware of the issue. Ocracoke Alive is transferring its domain name to another web host, and the site is temporarily shut down for just a few days. It should be back on line shortly. Bill, thanks for the alert.

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  2. debbie s.8:24 PM

    i made chicken pot pi in honor of the occasion LOL (complete with a pi decoration on top!)

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  3. Anonymous10:25 AM

    Google "youtube pi video" and click on Mathematical PI Song. It is very funny. You will love it. You will play it over and over.

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    1. I hosted a Pi Day potluck dinner last night, and we sang that song (well, we made an attempt at it, anyway). The tune, especially the chorus (with the original lyrics and/or with the "Pi" lyrics) is now embedded in my brain!

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  4. Anonymous11:44 AM

    For quirky people - on Pi day 2015 at 9:26 in the morning, it will be 3-1-15 9:26. Big!

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    1. Anonymous11:54 AM

      Oops, correcting a mistake on the 11:44 comment for quirky people: on Pi day 2015 at 9:26 in the morning, it will be 3-14-15 9:26. Big!

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