An unwinding fractal (fractal decompression)

I was recently reading some disconnected scientific writings. A few ideas in them "connected" together in my mind. I'm not really qualified to comment on the science, but I thought I'd just share my idle speculations...

I was reading about the Second Law of Thermodynamics, being the gradual accretion of entropy within any system, being described as like an unwinding clockwork mechanism.

A little while previously, I had been reading about a scientific researcher who was examining the idea that quantum mechanics could potentially be rendered un-necessary by considering whether Newtonian mechanics could not be re-cast with a fractal geometry.

I took this to mean that instead of the traditional conception of a line (or surface), that line is, to use an informal term, "crinkly" at small scales. Fractals are very common in nature, and recursion is almost always elegant.

Then, my thoughts started wandering to two topics (a) the expansion of the universe and (b) the cosmological constant. What if we considered the idea of a fractal geometry more seriously, and imagined that not only may our surfaces be crinkly, they may be un-crinkling. Like ironing a shirt, blowing up a balloon, or stretching out elastic, perhaps spacetime itself is expanding as a result of becoming smoother.

What if the entire universe were infinitely crinkly at the beginning of the universe, like like a compressed spring? Then, as time has gone by, the rate of expansion has slowed as the spring has flattened out. Of course, I think the rate of expansion is currently thought to be increasing somewhat (while being significantly lower than t=0), which doesn't quite sit.

I'm not proposing, of course, that the 2nd Law is the actual same thing as what, for want of a better term, might be called "fractal decompression". It's the chain of reasoning which is connected in my mind, not the physical forces involved. However one contributor towards the degree of entropy is the expansion of the universe (expansion encourages uniformity by decreasing contrast).

In any case, I want again to profess my lack of mathematical and physical understanding of the issues. I'm purely exploring an analogical line of reasoning...

Cheers,
-MP

p.s. First Post in Two Years!

Volume 1, Edition 1 makes history

The launch of 'The Python Papers'. The Python Papers

Welcome to The Python Papers. This journal, small though it is, represents the careful efforts of a small group of Python enthusiasts who are keen to form a better community in which developers may work.

As Editor-In-Chief, my role is manifold, but my goals are to improve the level of connectedness of Python developers, and in so doing improve my own developer experience.

The entire editorial board has put time into making this publication something which will hopefully lead to a buildup of momentum, fuelled by the enthusiastic involvement of others who find Python as exciting as we do.

The current issue contains one academic, peer-reviewed article, one industry article, and a list of events coming up in Melbourne, Australia. We would like to expand this list significantly. We offer our services in organising, collating and reviewing submitted content such that Python developers around the world may participate in the creation of something bigger than all of us, for the benefit of all of us. It may be a small journal, a little thing really, but all are welcome, and we look forward to getting to know our readers through the written word.

Please download the first edition, and consider both what it is and what it might be.

For those of you looking to publish an academic paper as a part of coursework or for interest's sake alone, we can offer a formal review process which will meet those guidelines while preserving the goals of freedom of information and community spirit.

Those who are using Python in their work may like to consider using the journal as a means of expressing successes or frustrations with either the language itself or specific applications. We may be able to offer code reviews and style guides, and would be happy to hear about and help propagate news of what is happening so that everyone can take an interest.

For those who would like a reliable source of information, The Python Papers presents a unique and current view into the state of Python at large.

To all of you, welcome!
Cheers,
-Tennessee (Editor-In-Chief)

Launch of new online journal

Hi all,

Part of why I have been so silent is that I have been so busy preparing a new electronic journal on the Python programmming language. You can see this new publication at The Python Journal homepage on the publisher's site, or just straight to the first edition .

Yay!

Cheers,
-MP

Python Search Engine

Google have just released the facility to make a custom search engine online, with the greatest of ease. I have just set one up, covering Python, Philosophy and investment. Currently it includes just seven emphasised website, and it would be great to expand this list.


MelbournePhilosopher's SE

Please comment here and I'll add sites accordingly. It would be great to rapidly build a useful resource with great Python sites emphasised for improved searching!

Cheers,
-T