Happy π Day

Today is Pi (π) Day, how could we live without it. So let’s celebrate π on it’s day 3.14. This year it’s even more special because today’s date is 3.14.15 matching the first five digits of the mathematical constant. The next Super Pie Day won’t happen for another 100 years.

As you remember from grammar school math, π is the mathematical constant consisting of the main numbers 3, 1 and 4. According to the Wikipedia of π, “it is the the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, and is approximately equal to 3.14159.”

It has been represented by the Greek letter “π” since the mid-18th century, though it is also sometimes written as pi. π is an irrational number, which means that it cannot be expressed exactly as a ratio of two integers (such as 22/7 or other fractions that are commonly used to approximate π); consequently, its decimal representation never ends and never settles into a permanent repeating pattern. The digits appear to be randomly distributed, although no proof of this has yet been discovered. π is a transcendental number – a number that is not the root of any nonzero polynomial having rational coefficients. The transcendence of π implies that it is impossible to solve the ancient challenge of squaring the circle with a compass and straight-edge.

OK, enough of that. Let’s get on to the party part.

It’s earliest known celebration was in California where in 1988 at the San Francisco Exploratorium physicist Larry Shaw along with the staff and the public marched around one of its circular spaces eating fruit pies. In 2009. The US House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution declaring 3.14 π (Pi) Day. And in 2010, a French computer scientist claimed to have calculated pi to almost 2.7 trillion digits.

Coincidentally, it is also the birthday of theoretical physicist Albert Einstein. So at Princeton University in New Jersey there are numerous celebrations around both events that also include an Albert Einstein look alike contest.

Besides the partying at Princeton, here’s what is going on elsewhere to celebrate this mathematical necessity that drives mathematicians nuts.

Got $3.14? Celebrate Pi Day With Deals on Pizzas, Pies — and Chicken?
by Nicole Spector, NBC News

You don’t need to appreciate mathematic symbols to feel the love on Pi Day. Retailers all over are serving up deals in honor of the ancient number 3.14. [..]

Pizza Deals

Sara Skirboll, shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot, points to the following pizza deals available this Tuesday on the coupon platform: The national chain Blaze Pizza is selling any pie for $3.14. Founded in NYC, but now sporting over 300 locations, Villa Italian Kitchen is offering full-size cheese pizzas for $3.14 each.

While not exactly honoring the number of the day, major players Domino’s, Papa John’s, and Pizza Hut are celebrating Pi Day with their own respective deals. Domino’s is giving away a pizza when you buy one at menu price; at Pizza Hut, you can get a medium three-topping pizza for $6, and at Papa John’s you can save 25 percent off your regular menu price order.

Mike Catania of PromotionCode noted that Whole Foods is offering $3.14 off of any large pizza, and that Boston Market is offering a free chicken pot pie with a meal and drink purchase with this printable coupon.

Hungry Howie’s, which has over 550 locations, is offering buyers a medium one-topping pizza for $3.14 with any purchase of its Howie pie. Order online using the promo code 314DAY.

Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet is offering its unlimited pizza buffet for $3.14, down from its usual buffet prices that range from $5.29 to $7.99 for adults and $4.49 for kids. The chain has around 30 locations, primarily in Southeastern regions.

Shelton noted that Pieology Pizza is offering unlimited toppings for $3.14.

The fast casual and craft pizza and beer chain Your Pie is touting one of the stronger deals: pizzas, craft beer, and combos for $3.14, a spokesperson for the company confirmed to NBC News.

Dessert Pie Deals

Shelton points to Marie Callender’s partnership with Andy Cohen and the rolled ice cream experts at 10Below for a “Pi”ce Cream Sundae. Combining Marie Callender’s new chocolate chip cookie dough pie with English breakfast tea-rolled ice cream, this original dessert is available exclusively on March 14.

Grand Traverse Pie Company is serving a free slice of Michigan ABC Pie (made of apples, blueberries, and cherries) with any purchase. The Michigan-based shop with an online store is also inviting fans too submit a video of themselves reciting Pi on the company’s Facebook for a chance to win free pie for a year.

At the Southeastern regional chain Bojangles, buy three sweet potato pies for $3.14.

Starbucks is giving out free samples of the artisanal hand pies Megpies, and selling them for $3.14, a Megpies spokesperson confirmed.

Geeky Tees

Quirky online retailer ThinkGeek is giving away this supremely nerdy Pi shirt for those who spend $31.41 or more. Shelton adds that if you take advantage of this offer, you can get 3.5 percent cash back through Ebates.

Over at Zazzle, get 14 percent off your oder using the coupon code 314159265358. Hey, some retailers are getting really precise!

At Spreadshirt, you can find a ton of Pi shirts, and possible markdowns once the day arrives!

Happy Pi Day