nik

You just losin it aren't ya nik? :)

Losing.... lost.... one of those two!

Nikkori stands on the deck of the Elusive and looks about with amazement. "This is a bery good bessel!" He exclaims. Looking back at his now poor excuse for a ship somewhat sheepishly. The old man is now applying herbs and a steaming quaff to the burns of another man. An arrow protudes from his right right shoulder. The doctor nods at the man, who reaches up and yanks the arrow out, wincing slightly. The old herbalist immediately packs the wound with a mixture of shredded herbs, covering it with a large steaming leaf from the quaff.

"We habe many wounded," Nikkori says, "and my herbalist is bery skilled, but he is only one man. Most certainly you habe a person skilled in these arts. Perhaps......"

Nikkori looks up questioningly at the Admiral and the Captain.

Astern of the small fleet, the fireworks and smoke created by the Kongou Maru and the fleet of the house of Nakayama had continued for nearly a day. Sometimes, they would die for several minutes, but then increase in intensity again as vessels found each other in the thick smoke. Shouts could be heard carrying several leagues across the water, and occasionally splintering wood could be heard in the distance. Black smoke rose from the scene of the battle as finely lacquered vessels, armor, and bodies burned as firebrands found their marks. At one point, a loud crunch rang through the night as two vessels collided in the thick smoke. The sound of shouting men and the high pitch scream of steel on steel could be heard.

After nearly two days of smoke, fire, shouts, and screams, all was finally silent. A thick grey cloud hung in the morning mist a league from the Elusive. For several minutes, all was silent as the smoke billowed. A form could be seen emerging slowly from the cloud hanging over the water. Its grey form took the shape of a vessel, one badly scarred in battle. As it drew closer, one could see it listing heavily to starboard, and it left a trail of thin smoke from still-burning embers on its planks. Its sails were torn and burnt, and its stern mast was broken in two, and the top portion stood on the deck, leaning on the lower half. Four men could be seen with staffs and oars working at the stern trying to bring the vessel closer. Her dragon figurehead was covered with black soot, and her entire starboard hull was charred black, along with much of her deck. Four other men worked hard at emptying buckets of water into the ocean from below deck – running back and forth from the top deck.

Several men sat and lay scattered about the deck, attended to by a few of the still able-bodied men. Many had deep gashes and burns over their bodies, and many lie still at the bow, covered in black cloth from head to toe. In the center of the deck, Nikkori sat on his knees. He was shirtless, and his face was black with soot. A deep gash above his left eye drained blood down his face, neck, and chest. His face was stony and expressionless. His unsheathed sword – covered with blood – lay in front of him. An aged man stood at his right. The man was bald, save for a wreath of long, gray hair about his head extending to his shoulders. He had a long gray moustache and thin, grey beard which extended to the top of his chest. With gnarled, but steady hands, he threaded a needle and began sewing up a gash on Nikkori’s right shoulder. Nikkori sat motionless, staring ahead as the old man worked, who finished quickly, and then wiped Nikkori’s face with a wet cloth.

As the Kongou Maru approached laboriously, two robed men stood in front of Nikkori. Beside them was a pile of eight sheathed katana. One man picked up a blade, handed it to the other, who pulled it from it’s scabbard and held it before Nikkori. Nikkori clapped his hands together twice before the blade and bowed low to the deck. The blade was placed in its scabbard and handed to Nikkori, who solemnly bound it tightly with it’s cords. He handed the katana back to the robed figure, who then placed it lengthwise on one of the covered figures at the bow. The robed man bowed low to the lying figure and returned to Nikkori. This was repeated for each blade – and each of the persons laying at the bow.

At last, the Kongou Maru came abreast of the Elusive, creaking loudly as she approached. Without rising, Nikkori turned his head and looked up at the Admiral. His eyes were tired, and his spoke slowly.

“Excellent daughter of the Pax,” He began, “My enemies habe found an honorable death. For now, my crew and I must find land so that we may repair our bessel, and so that we bury those who habe honored themselbes in battle.” He nodded to the front of his charred, shattered ship at the covered figures with swords lying on them. Though sincere, his vessel looked hardly worth repairing. Men continued running back and forth from below emptying water into the ocean by buckets.

Nikkori looks forward. The two robed figures approach; one carrys an ivory flask of vinegar, which he uses to wash Nikkori’s sword. The other dries it, and wipes it with and oilskin before handing it to Nikkori who rises and places it in its scabbard. He stands and limps to the side of his leaning vessel. Looking up at the Admiral, he speaks.

“It is bery unfortunate that my maps were burned in the battle, and I am not familiar with this sea. Perhaps you can tell me where the nearest land is……”

Which body parts are safe to stick into electrical outlets.

Which bathroom cleaners are safe to drink.

Where not to dig for treasure in the middle of a six-lane highway.

How long a tuna slad snadwich can sit out while still being safe to eat.

OK, if you had a problem { P }, and you were trying to determine what it was, you try to test the X and the Y to see if they might be. But you find the problem still persists. How would you determine 'P'? It's obvious X and Y aren't the P.

Hmmm.... This sounds difficult. I presume that you mean that if one has a problem, one does not mathematically try to find out what the problem is, but rather it's solution, right?

You also alluded to a solution in terms of quantum mechanics. In that case,

P is conventionally used to denote the square of a quantum mechanical (Q.M.) wavefunction - what some of us refer to as the 'norm' of the wave function, and

your notation "{P}" is reminiscent of the "old style" notation (before we had nice typesetting and math fonts) of this.

However, perhaps you could be a bit more specific. Although I'm not too bright about this sort of stuff, if we take the approach of quantum mechanics, solutions for a wavefunction norm can be very difficult. Determining the wave function of a particle can be done using what's calle the Schrodinger equation (or the Fermi-Dirac equation if particle spin is a necessary consideration). Either is a second order linear differential equation in position and time. However, the difficulty comes in the solution. College textbooks today concentrate on very specific solutions to very simple problems with the Schrodinger equation, and most of these don't involve the time ordinate, i.e., the "steady state" solution. Less specific solutions involve approximations - things like the WKB approximation, Born approximation, variational approach, and perturbation theory (a few things for you to look up). In practice, solutions are not so simple. However, scientists take advantage of the "Existence and Uniquness Theorem." Put simply, if you find A solution, you've found THE solution. We break solutions of the equation down into "basis" states - simple solutions to a very specific state of a Q.M. particle, and the solution of the problem in question is then a sum of these states. The problem is still determining what the basis states are. An example is determining the wavefunctions of nucleons in a nucleus. For Hydrogen and Helium, this is not too hard. However, for the rest it gets difficult as each nucleon affects the others. The wave functions can be extremely complicated, so we say that they are sums of these simple "basis" states (or orbitals as they are sometimes referred to in nuclear physics). The big difficulty is that the basis states are still not greatly understood, and - in current models - there are thousands of these states. We solve such solutions by letting a computer try various solutions until it gets one that "minimizes" the energy. (It's a bit more complicated than that, but that's the general idea.)

Did I assume correctly that this was the question you were asking, Jeanway, or am I completely off track?

GZip is a word typically used to describe a file that has been compressed using the (Linux/Unix) Ghostzip utility. I believe that Windoze now has the capability for uncompressing a Gzip file.

When eating a chicken, make sure it's dead first.

When you blow your nose, don't put the Kleenex back in the box.

Don't lick the flagpole in the wintertime, no matter how tempting it is.

As the Kongou Maru nears the fast approaching black vessels of the orient, smoke billows from the mouth of her dragon figurehead, obscuring the vessel in the imminent melee. The four approaching vessels are arranged in a triangular formation. Aboard the lead vessel, another samurai stands in crimson armor. His sword is drawn and he stares across the distance, locking eyes with Nikkori.

Fireworks are set up aboard the Kongou, and several ninja wait by with lit arrows. As the ships near, the missiles are lit. Seconds later, they streak from the deck of the Kongou. One flies straight up in a spiral, exploding into several small glowing ashes, which fall slowly towards the ocean, trailing much smoke as they do so. A dozen other missiles arc into the air towards the approaching fleet. Several plunge into the ocean. A trailing vessel is struck by three fireworks, and her sails catch fire. She comes to a stop in the ash-covered oceans. The lead vessel is untouched. Several fireworks are shot from the approaching vessels. They streak through the air towards the Kongou Maru. Many overshoot, falling into the ocean between the Kongou and it’s small fleet. Two catch her in the stern, and one sticks fast into one of her crewmembers. Flaming, he leaps overboard to save the vessel. Three men rush astern to extinguish the flames. The three remaining vessels and the Kongou Maru disappear into the thick cloud.

If you have a knife, and the other guy has a gun..... run!

If you have raw meat in your pockets, don't go near any dogs.

When drinking water, make sure to swallow before resuming a conversation.

Put your pants on before leaving the house.

The correct usage of toilet paper.

Remove clothing before taking a shower.

My inability to wake up in the morning can go up a creek without a paddle.

This seemingly endless workaholism that's driving me to an early grave I'll flush right down the drain.

Office politics can be put in a barrel full of broken glass and tossed over Niagra.

I talk to myself a lot, but it's mostly just mumbling to keep myself focussed on what I'm doing. I suppose that qualifies as a "pep talk." Also, since it's just mumbling, I doubt anyone finds it offensive since they really can't discern what I'm saying. It's a good thing.

After days of drifting, the breezes begin to pick up, and sails begin to rustle slightly. The day wears on, and a cool wind blows north. Aboard the Kongou Maru, a loud cheer is heard, and the rigid triangular sails are raised into position. Nikkori smiles broadly and leaps astern to the tiller as the Kongou begins her forward motion. A wake begins forming behind her. The crew busies themselves with the sails, singing rhythmic songs as they work.

As the ships surge forward in the breeze, a lithe man wrapped about the top the Kongou’s central mast shields his right hand from the sun as he peers south. He squints briefly, and gasps. He shouts to Nikkori!

“Sensei! Minimi ni yotsu fune ga arimasu!” He looks again and his eyes go wide. “Nakayama-san desu!”

Nikkori spins about and looks south. In the distance four vessels of the same type can be seen gaining on the small fleet. Nikkori shouts an order. A crewman takes the tiller, and the Kongou Maru takes a sharp turn. She tacks hard against the wind as she approaches the small fleet approaching. Men from below deck bring Nikkori’s armor to him. In minutes, he is dressed in the black lacquer armor, which has been shined and glistens in the hot afternoon sun. Six other men in similar leather armor stand by his side, and a dozen of the ninja of a few days ago appear on deck. All have straight swords strapped to their backs, and four carry small crossbows. Nikkori’s sword is brought to him. He pulls it out of its scabbard, and it whistles a high note as he does so.

As the Kongou Maru passes the Elusive, Nikkori shouts to the Admiral.

“Daughter of the Pax, it has been my honor to meet you. Now, I must protect the family of Kamioka. Perhaps I shall return, and we may discuss the fate of the master of the Pax.”

He set’s his jaw, and his eyes blaze with a fire as the small vessel tacks south towards the small fleet approaching.

COME ON.  ONE BEDROOM, ONE BATHROOM, PLUS IT'S IN THE U.K.

 

    I DON'T THINK SO :unsure: YEA, IT'S NICE, AS PART OF A HOUSE, BUT IT'S SO SMALL.

Exactly! Everybody knows there are no bathrooms in Star Trek!

" Most assuredly Niks-ama!" Jeanway replies.  " Come aboard and bring all who you wish to join us, we shall eat together, is that agreeable to the Most Honorable Nik-sama?" Jeanway asks as she holds her hands together and bows, seeing Niks-ama doing the same. Jeanway now realizes that this is her old friend and mentor Captain nik, the one who never spoke, is now speaking to her.  She is delighted. " Fenriz, where are you. Come quick, Captain nik is here."

Nikkori tilts his head slightly, a small smirk on his face. He speaks to a crewman standing beside him. "Ano fune e bangohan o tabetai desu...." The crewman rushes below the main deck.

"Please be assured daughter of the Pax... I am not the honorable Nik-sama... captain of the Pax. Many years ago, our bessels crossed paths, and we sailed together until his journey carried him to other places. I am only his friend. He is.... samurai."

As Nikkori speaks, a man rushes from below deck carrying a deep blue coat with broad loose sleeves and a single tie closure in front. He places it on Nikkori, who ties the

single thick braids at the front. The coat is decorated with a gold embroidered dragon. A second young man attaches Nikkori's katana to the broad strap about his waist. A third places a small wrapped package in his hand.

Nikkori looks at the key on Jeanway's belt. "I trust then, that he has found you? What news of the Pax. Has the mission been fulfilled?"

As the vessel pulls near the Elusive, her captain steps upon the railing. His glare is expressionless, but his gaze is deeply penetrating. He stands motionless, and continues to stare at the Admiral. His small vessel comes to within a few feet of the Elusive. As it sits somewhat lower in the water, her captain looks up at the Admiral, his jaws flexing as he considers what he sees.

“Tomate!” He shouts, and several men run to the portside, each extending a long wooden pole to maintain a stable distance from the Elusive. The man looks up at Jeanway for several minutes. At this distance, the dragon tattoo on his arm is very familiar.

It is the same dragon that once adorned Hannibal’s chest.

The man finally begins speaking. His voice is quiet and soft, but deep and confident as he speaks in fairly good English.

“I know you,” he says. His voice is somewhat uncertain at first, but he continues. “I KNOW you.” He exclaims louder.

He steps down onto the deck of his vessel. “My name is Nikkori. I serbe as protector of the house of Kamioka.” He gestures to his vessel. “We are on a mission of exploration, and this is my bessel, the Kongou Maru.”

“As a child, I habe spent fifteen years on the seas with my father and alongside the Pax Mediterranevm. It is my great honor to meet the daughter of the captain of the Pax.”

Nikkori bows low to the Elusive, and his crew does the same. He looks back up and asks a single question.

“Has Nik-sama finally met his honor?”

The sun waxes hot on the still waters as the dragon-emblazoned vessel sits idly near the small fleet formed of the Elusive, the Batavia, and the Bonaventure. For the most part, her crew is oblivious to the other vessels, as they contentedly ignore her. Any quarrels that might have broken out would have by now.

Two very tanned shirtless men pull a net at her stern. They empty fish onto the deck, as another holds them up to inspect them, occasionally tossing a few back into the water, and occasionally putting a few into a pail held by a young boy.

At the center of the vessel, her captain stands shirtless facing another man. The other is shirtless, also very muscular, and slightly taller. A thin moustache runs along the top of his mouth and curls down to well below his chin. His black hair is tied in the traditional samurai topknot. The captain and the other both hold katana across their waists, and they bow to each other. Each assumes a stance, and they begin sparring. Their blades flash as they trade blows, and the strikes ring out across the water.

For what seems like a tiringly interminable amount of time, the men fight. Their swords are blurs as they flash in the noon light. The men seem to be perfectly matched. Occasionally, one kicks or punches the other, and the larger man sweeps the captains legs, sending him to his back. The captain rolls backwards, springs to his feet, and the sparring continues. Crewmembers watch and move out of the way as the ferocious battle continues. As the captain sees his opening, he pivots on his left leg, and kicks his opponent squarely in the chest, sending him backwards over the deck railing and into the warm ocean. The crew cheers as the captain bows to his opponent growling in the water below. The captain tosses his sword to another crewmember, grabs a rope, and tosses it to the man overboard. Laughing, he pulls the man up. On deck, the two bow to each other and then laugh. In the cheering, the captain glances over at the Elusive, seeing the Admiral reading a scroll on her deck. His face grows serious as he moves to the opposite side of the ship.

The captain squints across the water at the Admiral. For some time, he stares until his eyes rest upon a jewel-encrusted gold key tied to her belt. He inhales sharply as his eyes widen. Turning to his crew, he yells an urgent order. “Ano fune no mai ni e ikimashoo!” The captain shouts as he points to the Elusive.

Aboard the foreign vessel, men begin working furiously as they rework lines and attempt to redirect the sails in the gentle breezes. A few others bring long oars to the deck as they work to steer the mysterious vessel towards the Elusive. Slowly, the vessel drifts towards the Elusive, coming alongside. It’s captain stands with his arms crossed as he continues to stare at the Elusive and her crew.

Ok My Turn

 

have you ever sleeped with your clothes on and then got up an went to work that way?

 

I have never done that  :P

Yeah, I've done that. However, the only reason I've done that is becuase I just slept AT work.... Sort of like playing dead under my desk.

By morning, the ship spotted by Admiral Jeanway on the horizon has drawn near and now floats listlessly half-a-furlong off the Elusive’s starboard side. It is the same vessel seen on Bora Bora. Her sails have been repaired, and her lacquered hull polished clean. She sits quietly in the morning mist, and little activity can be seen on her deck. The vessel is quite small, and hardly seems capable of anything other than island hopping across the ocean. Mist encircles the head of her bronze dragon figurehead. Paper lanterns and small oil lamps flicker dimly on her lines as the first few beams of sunlight break the horizon.

At her stern, two men clad in dark robes sit crosslegged facing the bow. They are clearly of the far east, and their dark hair is worked into the traditional topknot of the ancient warriors of Japan. Each man is silently and slowly eating an orange. Amidships, the captain of the vessel sits. It is the same warrior seen on the shore Bora Bora – with the familiar dragon tattoo encircling his right arm. He sits on his knees facing the stern. His armor is removed, and he wears nothing but flowing black pants. A long scar crosses his chest from his right shoulder and ending near his sternum. He is bald except for a thick braided lock of hair coming from the back of his head. The braid rests over his left shoulder and ends intertwined in a sharp throwing star. His eyes are closed as he sits with his hands resting on his thighs.

After several minutes, he picks up the scabbard sitting in front of him. His katana sings a high note as he quickly removes it and slowly sets the scabbard down at his left side. He picks up a ceramic bottle and slowly and methodically pours vinegar over the blade. Setting the bottle down, he then dries the blade with a white cloth. He sets the cloth down and then wipes the blade with a piece of oiled lambskin – slowly on one side, and then the other. The newly rising sun gleams off the blade as he holds it up to inspect it. In a single motion, he swings the blade about his right side and then inserts it back into its scabbard. With two hands, he sets the blade down in front of him and bows low.

A young man brings a small black lacquered tray to the deck, and sets it down at the samurai’s right. The man steps to the front of the samurai, bows low, and then returns to the lower deck. The samurai picks up a small steaming cup from the tray and slowly sips as he continues his morning ritual.

All is quiet as the morning mist entwines itself about the mysterious vessel.

What an incredible man!

1. Twinkies

 

      2. Mountain Dew

Heh... No. However, those would fall into a single category.

 

 

 

That depends on the ' other ' definitions :( Think about it :(

Oh, that's brilliant! There, you see? Poetry!

I guess you do understand men better than you thought!

If I may offer a guess, I would have to say one of the following:

- a gross misspelling of the word "whorl" and ancient Scandinavian weaving device.

or, more likely:

- a double typographical error of the word "quarrel." Since the letter 'w' falls close to 'q' on the keyboard, as do 'u' and 'h', and given the likelihood of the word quarrel occuring many times on this site, it is likely to be mistyped.

Just a theory.

This thread is making me look really bad isn't it?  :( Well I bought the dog food and I'll eat it, by God! 

That stuff's not too bad, actually. Lot's of protein, and it gives you a nice shiny coat!