A Pi Day for the Base 9 Family!

Happy π-Day 2019!  Today is Pi Day from a certain point of view.  And that view is from the a base 9 numerical system.  Because with nine digits 3.12 is the correct value of π, end of discussion.

Instead of Einstein being the honorary hero of the day, we have a John the Baptist figure: Simon Newcomb, who was born on a March 12 and was an out of the box mathematician.  Mr. Newcomb was born 44 years before Einstein. Like John B, the mother load of scientific glory was to rest upon a later chosen one to represent Pi: Al Einstein.

Newcomb was a Canaydiyank, born in Nova Scotia, yet became an American citizen and subsequently joined the US Navy.  Newcomb was also a self taught mathematician and discovered Benford's Law in 1881 before Benford, who wrote in about in 1938.  Another fun fact on this spin off of Pi Day concerns his daughter, Anita, was the founder of the US Army Nurse Corps.  

Like Einstein, Newcomb was interested in the speed of light.  Simon also conducted an experiment to determine its value.  So it is so, very appropriate that the glory of Pi Day be spread out a little more to Canada and the US as well.  Now the US Navy has a Pi Day hero!

Happy Pi Day! At least for the Octal Denomination!

Funny thing is that most people celebrate Pi Day on March 14th.  However, it is mere serendipity that sets it to that date.  But there is more than one π Day depending on the type of number system employed.

Likewise, as with any holiday there should be a counter-point view on the whole take of π, as with politics and religion, the prime example is with Christmas vs Hanukkah.  Now when somebody says happy Pi-Day on the 14th of March, you can retort, "I don't celebrate Pi-Day, rather I celebrate Piannukkah on the 11th of March." 

 In this case Pi Day is celebrated on March 11 as calibrated to the base 8 numeral system, which calibrates Pi as the 3.11 to the third place value.

So in honor of the minorities everywhere, March 11 is a kind of π-annahkah?  This flag commemorates the number as the tri-bar represents the number three in international maritime code, and the red disc with in the disc represent 11ths of the Octal Numerical system.

Instead of celebrating Einstein's birthday, the Octal Faction of Pianukkah honors Urbain Le Verrier.  Verrier used math to pinpoint the discovery of Neptune by using mathematics first, instead of combing the nights sky with a telescope.  With Verrier, we verily discovered the 8th planet of our solar system on the night of September 23/24, 1846 (note: Eighth planet for numerical system based upon 8) Le Verrier was born on March 11, 1811—that's 03/11/1811. 

So there you have it, there is more than one way to celebrate π-day!  We now have 'diversity' with Pi.

Cellular Respiration - Goal Flags of Electrons & Protons for ATP Production

The life force of all multi-cellular organisms is dependent upon an evolutionary symbiosis, I would assume united by the love of life.  Basically this process allows all plants and animals to live.  The net result is the generation of ATP which is represented in this model by Mario's Flower Power.

There are two flags which represent the final destination of the electrons and protons in this process.  The coin flag represents electrons end point, when they unite with oxygen to make water.

The flower power fireball flag represents the final end point for Hydrogen ions, which help make flower power ATP from ADP.   However, those fireballs (H+) that enter the Matrix via ATP Synthase will be sucked back across the membrane by the red, yellow, and purple pipes (proteins) of the Electron Transport Chain!

If you use this to study or understand this process (everyone taking Biology), add in the sound effects with your imagination!

Karate Kid II - Family Clan Flags on Okinawa

Every once and a while a Hollywood produces a gem or two.  In 1986, the awesomeness of the Karate Kid resulted in a sequel, The Karate Kid II.  Our hero "Daniel-san" went to Okinawa to fight not for a pride or ego, but rather for love and honor.

In the background of are the Japanese style family clan flags.  The yellow flag has a stylized turtle imprint.

 You can see other flags behind the antagonist, which are black, white, and blue.

Nintendo Based Modeling - Electron Transport Chain in the Mitochondria "The Electric Slide"

They asked for it!  So here it is!  Notice the blue flag near this finish spot!

If you have ever seen in image about the electron transport chain, they are as dry as looking at tax documents or crazy alien schematics.  Well here we have a Super Mario Bros. themed diagram.  Basically the electrons are represented by coins.  They do an "Electric Slide" across five proteins.  As the 'Coins/Electrons' move towards the right, protons are pumped into the inter-membrane space.  In our fun model here protons are represented by fire balls.

So what happens is that all the bouncy/fire balls get concentrated in 'inter-space'.  You can imagine them moving and feel free to add the Nintendo sound effects in your head.  Just remember with mushrooms are the source of the elections when fall into their similarly coloured pipes.  Eventually in the final purple pipe (Complex IV) the coins/electrons combine with oxygen and create water.

Finally an artistic, fun, and familiar electron transport chain diagram that does not rely on blobular drawings.

Heptadecial Pi Day - March 5th

A π-day flag based upon the seven digit numerical system.  It is dedicated to Geradus Mercator, who was born on March, 7 1512.

The flag combines the maritime flags for 3, 0, and 5.

That Pesky Krebs or Citric Acid Cyle or CAC or Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle or TCA Cycle?

The Krebs or Citric Acid Cycle is common stumbling block for high school biology students across the USA.  Most diagrams are bat-poo crazy for interpretation.  They often look more like schematics for information flow or something like an astrological table reading.  Nonetheless, here is a simplified version made with items that people are more adept to understand.

Basically the dice represent the carbon compound being cut down.  Likewise familiar Nintendo items that relate to power ups have been added where most kids and people under 55 will understand.

In order to "PLAY" the "Cellular Respiration Game" you need to deposit a "25¢ Pyruvate Coin" into the system and you will get a bunch of power ups, which are represented by the 1up green mushrooms, enlarge red mushroom, and fire flower.  Also note that the cycle consumes one drop of water, right after you get the enlarge red mushroom. 

Enjoy!

PS. Oh year there is the Mario Star flag on the right, as this is a flag blog after all.  And if this doesn't help see maybe the awesome Amoeba Sisters can help?