I bought Wii Fit on Wednesday and it is rather amazing. The things you can do with that Balance Board are very impressive. And the whole family can get in on the fun.
I'd like to say that my Mom beat us. She currently holds the first place slot on the Ski Slalom minigame, and will permanently hold the honor of being the first in our family to finish the course without missing any gates. It took her 16 tries, but she insisted on and gained success. She even kicked me and Dad off the top ten. =)
May I welcome you to the first edition (hopefully not the only one) of Theoretical Science. In postings under this heading, I will be making a semi-in-depth analysis of assorted fantasy-based scientific topics. You, the reader, are welcome to present your own thoughts on the subject, or your thoughts on a failing in my arguments. Now without further adieu, we shall commence with the first subject.
Distance Distortion
Sometimes, during the course of a story, movie, or game, there may be an encounter with a area, room, or container that is "bigger on the inside", or a hallway or stair that you can never reach the other end. These are occasionally explained by other methods, but often these are examples of distance distortion.
A distance distortion is a magically constructed defiance of the normal space continuum. This is similar to the much more common time distortion. For some reasons (which you will probably agree with), people seem to have an easier time grasping the idea of hastening or slowing the flow of time than wrapping their head around the concept of distance distortion. With this in mind, I shall proceed to dissect this concept logically; hopefully, I will not induce too many migraines in the process.
To keep this as simple as possible, the distance distortion that I will be analyzing will be a one-dimensional distortion in a limited field. Take a look at figure 1 on the right. This image shows two possible methods of traveling from A to B: directly, and by detouring through C. If the distortion has been placed along the green line, the distance from A to C to B has not changed, nor has the angle of the turn at C been modified. The effects of the distortion do not exist outside of the green region of the figure.
Now, that wasn't so bad. But one does wonder, what does it look like? Well, that depends on whether the distance has been compressed or stretched. Compression would cause an object in the field to look squished (along the specified direction, of course) and likewise for stretching. That is, if you are viewing this from outside the field. (I'm not certain that I want to do all this again to get an inside perspective. You may, if you so desire.)
Ah, but what happens when you look through a perpendicular field at something on the other side? Well, as you can see in the images on either side, there are again two options. Figure 2.A samples the effect of a compression field, and 2.B gives an idea of a expanded region. A viewer at the white circle would see the end of the yellow ray as if it were at the end of the purple line.
Neither of these are truly accurate, since the actual level of visual distortion is dependent on the distance distortion ratio. (You know, 3 relative ft = 6 real ft, or whatever it may be.) These just let you know which way the image is distorted. And then there is the question of whether the field is fuzzy or crisply defined, since this would affect the visuals that you would see in 3D.
Alright, I've told you what happens, but I realized that I forgot to explain why it happens.
To begin, I'll specify that the two images above are showing the results of sharp-edged, 2:1 ratio, unidimensional distortion fields. Below, I shall be speaking about the compressed field in figure 2.A.
By definition, the distortion field modifies the distance along its specified axis within its boundaries. Anything that has any motion along that axis will, by its relative perspective, move the same distance as it otherwise would have done; in an absolute perspective, however, the motion will cover twice the distance. This rule applies to any motion by any object, be it a rock, a rampaging bull, a ray of light, or a breeze.
Now, if you've not hurt your head yet, this next bit ought to do the trick. Distance distortions affect distance, not size. They only operate on empty space. When Arthur Weasley stretched the interior of his car, more people could fit on the seats, but there wasn't more seat. The other side of the car was farther away, but the car did not tear in two.
Um. Wow. That was... really interesting... but kind of confusing. Maybe if I was less tired and read it again it would make sense... but then again, maybe not.
^It was my idea for an imaginary race's special ability. :) It makes for a rather interesting concept, though very strange. Which is probably way we find it fasinating. :D
Nice. Thanks for putting it up. =) Such an interesting topic.
It seemed I understood it better when I.Ming about it then to actually see the facts written out in this way, but tis fine enough. Good practice and unfortunately a good reminder that I have to start math up again tomorrow. Eww.
^You don't get something and I do?! Wow! :P Though that might be partially because we have been discussing it off and on for over a year now I believe... :-/ Though I find it hard to grasp still, and probably always will. :)
Hmmm.... So much for "the modest goal of a post of moderate substance per week, with possible short posts whenever I can come up with something." A month and 13 days it's been, yeasss.
Well...having read that for the third time in probably about as many months...I think I understood it...almost...until I got to the last paragraph about a stretchy car with no additional seat (???).
Hi, Andrew (I know your name from the twins), this is Dot Walton. I just wanted to say thank you for the information on the Wii that you left on my blog. I almost missed it!
I surely hope that Rob's Wii doesn't need cleaning already. He just got it at Christmas and has hardly used it because his controller was haywire. I got some information from him on hooking the Wii up to the internet to update the Wii for Brawl, so we are going to try that within the next day or two when my boys are home and see if that helps. Otherwise, it's back to WalMart for an exchange.
I'm going to add you to my friends list if you don't mind. I'm constantly hearing about you from The Twins, so it seems like the only right thing to do. Though, if all of your posts are like the one above (I read the whole thing)...you may not hear from me too often. :D
Another year has begun, and with it, another attempt to improve my posting rate. This time, I am aiming for the modest goal of a post of moderate substance per week, with possible short posts whenever I can come up with something.
As some may already know, some various members of our congregation gathered at one family's residence for a New Year's party. I spent a significant portion of the party playing a game known as "Pente" (Thank you). In the words of one participant, "I have so got to get this game." I agree heartily; it is that good(Again, thank you).
To start the new year on the right foot, we sang Be With Me, Lord, one of my favorite hymns. They even asked me to lead it; although, that may be because I suggested it.
Well, that seems like enough for now. Good night, all, and a happy new year to you.
Sometimes, during the course of a story, movie, or game, there may be an encounter with a area, room, or container that is "bigger on the inside", or a hallway or stair that you can never reach the other end. These are occasionally explained by other methods, but often these are examples of distance distortion.
Ah, but what happens when you look through a perpendicular field at something on the other side? Well, as you can see in the images on either side, there are again two options. Figure 2.A samples the effect of a compression field, and 2.B gives an idea of a expanded region. A viewer at the white circle would see the end of the yellow ray as if it were at the end of the purple line.
