Page 8 • March 2015 • Golden Gazette
Pi Day – the most accurate one in 100 years The annual, worldwide celebration of Pi Day will be recognized this year on Saturday, March 14. Pi Day is a yearly commemoration of the mathematical constant of pi, better known as π, which equals approximately 3.14. This irrational, transcendental number represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, and is significant not only because it continues infinitely without repetition or pattern, but is constant in circles of any size. Pi Day is celebrated March 14, written in date form as 3/14, to represent the first three digits of pi in decimal form: 3.14. Pi Day has been
recognized and celebrated yearly by scholars and mathlovers since 1988, when the staff of San Francisco Exploratorium hosted the earliest known celebration of pi. Visitors were invited to the Exploratorium to participate in pi-related activities and enjoy a slice of apple pie. Pi Day has since been
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observed in many ways, the most popular including discussions and activities about the significance of pi as well as the baking, eating (and sometimes throwing!) of pies. This year, Pi Day will have a special significance due to the sequential date and time that will occur on 3/14/15 at 9:26:53 p.m. This combination represents the first 10 digits of pi, 3.141592653, and only occurs once every 100 years. This makes March 14, 2015 the most accurate Pi Day that many people on Earth will live to see. The symbol of pi, π, was first used in 1706 by William Jones. Because “p” was chosen to represent the perimeter of a circle, the use of π became popular after it was adopted by mathematician Leonhard Euler in 1737. Though pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point, only 39 digits are needed to accurately calculate the spherical volume of our entire universe.
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In my day (I’ve gotta come up with a better expression), there were no designated hitters or runners. There were no closers. I remember seeing Bob Feller pitch a double hitter on the 4th of July. No, I didn’t. But I heard he did. There was no instant replay back then, like we’re going to have to put up with from now on. What’s next -- laser beams at home plate, so there’ll be no more yelling at the ump? I guess they’re trying to do away with human imperfections. Pitchers are throwing close to a hundred miles an hour these days, and we’ve got radar to prove it. They do have a shorter shelf life, but we don’t get as attached to players as we used to. So it’s not that hard to see them go. Why isn’t the number 11 pronounced onety-one? Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren’t they just stale bread to begin with? If people from Poland are called Poles, then why aren’t people from Holland called Holes If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?
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If it’s true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?
I know, you’re wondering, “What’s my problem?” But I’m not really talking to you. I’m talking to my grandkids, and pretending they’re listening. I played ball with a $4 bat and $8 glove. Your folks are paying $200 for a bat, and traveling 200 miles for a playoff game. Photographers and trophy stores are getting rich off your little league teams. Am I getting through? So much for my baseball rant. Yes, their grandma and I will be out there every weekend this summer (and fall) to cheer ’em on. “Good eye, Ashley!” “Good cut, Sophie! “Good gawd, Wesley!”
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GOLDEN GAZETTE is published monthly by Word Publications, 1310 Avenue Q, Lubbock, Texas 79401. News items, letters to the editor, photographs, and other items may be submitted for publication. All letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, address and telephone number. Letters may be edited. Advertising rates are available upon request. To subscribe, send a check to Golden Gazette for $24 for a one-year subscription, or $48 for a two-year subscription. Editor: Jo Stone Staff: Jo Anne Corbet, Don Cotten, George Dawson, Mary Ann Edwards, Mike Lankford, Gary McDonald, Cathy Mottet, Cary Swinney, Carole Taff, Clayton Errington, Cara Vandergriff Contributing writers: Dr. Elva Edwards, Karon McDowell, Margaret Merrell, W.E. Reinka, James K. White, Colin Esler Contributing jokester: Calva Ledbetter View the Gazette online at: www.wordpub.com