[Mark Padgett]

Three samurai once met in a contest to decide which among them was the greatest swordsman in the land.

The judge of the contest bowed to the first samurai and opened a small box before him, and a fly buzzed out of the box. The samurai's sword flashed through the air and the fly fell to the ground, neatly sliced in half. "Very impressive," said the judge.

The judge turned to the second samurai and opened a small box. Again, a fly flew into the air. The samurai's sword flashed twice and the fly fell to the floor, neatly cut into four parts. "Most excellent!" exclaimed the judge.

Finally it was the third samurai's turn. The judge opened a third small box before him, and once more, a fly buzzed out. The samurai's sword flashed through the air and the fly continued to buzz away. The third samurai put up his sword with a satisfied smile and bowed. "But the fly still lives," said the judge. "This is true," replied the samurai, "But he will never reproduce again!"