elwen's New Writeups

E2 (idea)

2004-01-27T15:21:52Z

E2 is shorthand in organic chemistry for a particular mechanism of chemical reaction, so-called because it is an elimination (E) and is bimolecular (2).

An E2 reaction typically involves the addition of a base to a hydrocarbon in solution. The base removes a beta-proton, i.e. a hydrogen that is bonded to a carbon adjacent to the alpha-carbon. At the same time, this causes the breaking of the bond between the alpha-carbon and a leaving group and simultaneously the formation of a double bond, or pi bond, between the two carbons. Since all three things happen at the same time, E2 is called a concerted mechanism.

For example:

X H R H | | \ / R-C-C-R + &nbs…

X (thing)

2004-01-02T20:40:46Z

The title of a Japanese manga series by the group CLAMP, serialized in the monthly magazine Asuka. Published in the U.S. by Viz Comics under the name X/1999. Also made into a movie and a twenty-five episode anime.

The story centers around the teenage boy Kamui, who must decide the fate of humanity by choosing to fight for its preservation as a Dragon of Heaven or to fight for its destruction as a Dragon of Earth. The Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth, a colorful mix of eccentric individuals with unique supernatural powers and private motives for fighting, assemble in present-day Tokyo to battle for the Earth.

The authors CLAMP have promised a different ending for all three tellings of the story, feeding various theories about the only one yet to be revealed: the end of the manga, currently on its eighteenth volume. In Japan, each…

wakarimasen (idea)

2003-12-31T04:03:10Z

Japanese for "I don't know" or "I don't understand". The standard polite negative conjugation of the verb wakaru, "to understand".

Nonnative speakers are often confused between wakaru and a verb of similar meaning: shiru, "to know". One might be tempted to use shirimasen instead of wakarimasen, especially when asked a question to which one doesn't know the answer. However, in Japanese, shiru tends to have the connotation "I don't know, and I don't care". (You might think of it as similar to replying, "As if I would know.") Hence it may come across as odd--such as if someone asked you where you are--or downright rude.

One exception is when you speak of knowing a tangible thing, especially a person. In that case, one would use shiru and it would sound strange to use wakaru. (Thank you eliserh for reminding me.)

The Chariot (idea)

2003-12-30T01:38:46Z

In Tarot, the seventh card of The Major Arcana. In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck and other similar decks, the image is of a man in a chariot drawn by two horses or sphinxes, one white and one black.

If the Major Arcana are divided into three groups of seven cards each, excluding The Fool, The Chariot is the end of the first sequence, beginning with The Magician, that symbolizes one's dealings with society and the external world. As such, The Chariot represents a victory or mastery over these external elements. The man in the chariot commands the opposing forces symbolized by the black and white steeds; duality serves him. The will has triumphed, and the man rides proudly in the manner of an ancient Greek or Roman hero. He is the picture of a successful man.

However, The Chariot ends only one-third of the Major Arcana, and thus does not symbolize a complete victory over Life, the Universe, and Everything.…

Ninety-nine (idea)

2003-12-26T11:34:55Z

A fast-paced card game for two or more players, using a standard 52-card deck.

The goal is to force the other player(s) out of the game. The central pile begins at 0. Players take turns playing cards that add or subtract from this number. A player loses when he cannot play a card without going over 99.

Players begin with 4 or 5 cards. Play proceeds in a circle, each person playing one card and announcing the new sum. A new card is drawn from a draw pile after one is played. The central pile may be reshuffled into the draw pile, but the sum is not reset.

Normal cards add their face value to the sum.
Aces add 1.
Fours reverse the direction of play.
Fives allow the player to select the next person to play, not himself. Play then continues normally from that person.
Tens add or subtract 10, at the player's choice.
Jacks add 0. (Effectively a skip of turn.)
Queens add…