User talk:Xiphon

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Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Wikipedia. Thank you for your contributions. I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are a few good links for newcomers:

I hope you enjoy editing here and being a Wikipedian! By the way, you can sign your name on Talk and vote pages using three tildes, like this: ~~~. Four tildes (~~~~) produces your name and the current date. If you have any questions, see the help pages, add a question to the village pump or ask me on my Talk page. Again, welcome! Courtkittie 20:27, 31 July 2005 (UTC)

Contents

[edit] Flip!

I didnt know xiphon was you, peter. That message scared the hell out of me, I thought it was another user who spotted the page. I swore loudly at the screen. I was just sitting there, not doing a damn thing mind you, just quietly contemplating an inside story, when:1. a 10 year girl who was playing outside with her big sister on the trampoleen, said "hey! whats that?" 2. I ignored her, totally taken with the piece of chocolate in my hand, then I heard the word "tree" a few seconds later. 3. I crunched up my knees into a fetal postition and made sure my head was not visible while the little girl tried to show her sister what she had seen. 4. " Hey! There is a man in the tree!" Then a 13 year old boy who was playing hockey in the garden said: "I cant see his face!". 5 I quietly uttered a prayer of thanks for this. 6. Another girl about 15 years of age approaches and they all together start yelling things like: "Thats funny!" from little girl whom I had just recently seen dancing with headphones on in her sisters room. " Waah! Hes too scared to come down!" from the 13yr turd. In addition to many other jeers and such. 7. They carried on with their game while I developed cramp and was looking for a way to get down soon to relieve my discomfort. They occasionally ventured a glance in my direction. 8. After ten minutes, I started my descent as quickly as possible. " Hey! Its a boy!" from that darn little girl. I climbed faster and faster. 9. I fled into forest, squealing like a pansy. 10. I hung about watching the tree to see if they were going to come near. They did not. I trod in dog faeces as I climbed into the car 15 minutes later.

I am sure that they do not know of the paltform. Still, I suggest that we steer well clear of it for a week or two. Then do some serious camophlage work. I must make it clear that, although I take responsiblity for this mishap. I did nothing to attract their attention. This all happened on thursday the 28th. Cheers and by the way, welcome to Wikipedia!Banes 18:06, 1 August 2005 (UTC)

The archiving whining because the darn talk page was so huge that you had to wait for 2 minutes before you could write something inflammatory on the discussion page. I am glad that you enjoyed the tale, it was entirely true. I dont think I will add any details here though, perhaps when I see you next. What is your meaning with (:)? You got any plans to write new articles? Banes 18:09, 1 August 2005 (UTC)

 Yep, I hope to write a bit about the resistance, based on "In search of History", my only source.
 As for new articles, I know, Ive tried to make a name for myself but have been dissapointed to           
 find that someone else has already written on that topic. Still, there is plenty to write about,  
 if you go to the military aircraft section, you may find the odd red link to write about. i have  
 already written an article about an aircraft. You can also expand articles, as I did when I added  
 a whole new section to, you guessed it, Avril Lavigne article, where I have also been rather 
 busy. Banes 18:42, 1 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Welcome

Hi Peter, welcome. There is a list of other South Africans at Wikipedia:Wikipedians/South Africa. Be BOLD --Jcw69 08:20, 2 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Wikibooks

At the bottom of the main page there is a list of sister projects, one of them is called wikibooks. It is really cool, you simply got to read Making an Island, perhaps that should be another platform-like project? I was thinking that sometime we could work on a wikibook, they look like they could be quite a lot of fun. In spare time of course because of matric pressure. P.S. You might enjoy this page. |Striver. Banes 12:10, 2 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] S.A. Users

No, Xiphon, he did not add my name there, I added it myself. But hey, nothing is a "must", you can add your name there or not as you please. I dont really know what "be bold" means. (Must I be offensive when talking to my inferiors? ). Hee hee, just a thought. Banes 19:34, 2 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Flame War

Hey, Xiphon, how is it going? Just a passing comment, not really important, but it seems that I have accidentally started the first (on the Apartheid talk page) heated debate involving personal attacks (trolling), harsh words, etc. Very lengthly. Quite amazing to read. (It can be found under cape town residents willing to....). Tot siens! Banes 16:54, 3 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Yo!

Aaah, yes, primary school. My brother told me that Mr. Knipe was a lazy B, they used to sit in class and do nothing. I had my primary school reunion last week, it was slightly less exciting. But I am eagerly awaiting my validictory service, but expect it to be nothing on my Matric dance!

Our contact over the next months will be less, but I hope it will resume upon the end of matric. However, I must get that timetable from you really soon if I can, please, cos the education bastards wont give me one until the last minute. I have suddenly started working hard on weekends for probably the first time in my life, I hope it is enough though. Yesterday, in desperation, I gave in and reserved the Half Blood Prince from the library, sadly, I know who dies thanks to wikipedia, curses. In the holidays, I have signed a contract to write and produce ten albums of music (not kidding) for my dad's business. (The device requires music of sorts.) I will be using ejay, my brothers keyboard and sequencer, and other software of course. You could assist me if you wish. Anyway, I am whittleing away my all too short break and must go and study gas laws. P.S. What short stories are you writing about? So long...Banes 09:41, 4 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] News Flash!

On the morning of the 5th August while I was serenly reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on my bed in break, I heard a loud commotion, "KILL HIM! TORI KILL HIM NOW!GO!" plus much scrabbling and crashing. I dived out of bed to see my mother earnestly dialling a number. Cursing when she got no response, I learned that she was calling the police 'cos a burglar (I wont say it, but you know) had just dived over our wall, charged across the garden, while my brother attempted to push tori out the window. Tori hit our Polo and scrathed it then headed off in hot pursuit. The burglar climbed over the wooden gate in Egret Lane nearly left his ass in the dog's snapping jaws. A loud argument with my brothers followed in which I tried to convince one of them to take the car, with me in the back, and pursue the bastard. Finally, my mother go off the phone and said she would go. We grabbed a phone, and my dad drove us off, into the road, while my mother complimented me on my good thinking. We met some workmen, who where hurrying up Egret lane after hearing a young lady screaming. It seems that our friend broke into the rasta's house and used our property as a escape route. Anyway, it was too late. We drove around, toward the station in the hopes of seeing the man, but he was gone. (I gave my brothers an earful upon our arrival home twenty mintutes later. So, that was that.
About the music thing, I meant in the long holidays. We would be payed for this, as the music would be bundled with my dad's product, if we do this we will also get a small royalty on every device sold. It does not have to be good music, but must just meet some certain sonic parameters, as it will be distorted by the machine. If you are scratching your head, I can understand. Type in AIT in google. I shall tell you more when I see you. Please send the good 'ol timeable (including september) to brighten up my day to danhagen88@yahoo.com.

My September holidays will be further mucked up by the fact that I will be attending the South African National Irish Dance championships in Joburg, as part of the WP contingent. I am less than entusiatic, when you consider the timing. Are you working hard on Women's Day? As I shall be writing an exam and a test on monday, I will not be, so if you want to do somthang, camo the platform perhaps?. Banes 11:36, 5 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Thanks

Thank you Xiphon for sending that info. (I still havnt got it yet though). I presume you will be supporting the Springboks this afternoon? Banes 11:18, 6 August 2005 (UTC)

Not bad, not bad, as you can see, I have also improved my own page. A good way to learn is to just copy parts of other people's user pages and alter as you please. I am proud of the springboks, although I was outraged at the beginning of second half when they had a penalty but got it revoked because they picked a fight! Banes 16:00, 6 August 2005 (UTC)

Ill news, I am yet to recieve your e-mail. Are you sure it was sent to danhagen88@yahoo.com? By the way, I love your mantra, however, you might not want to say you download most of your music, some might take offence!Banes 16:03, 6 August 2005 (UTC)

Sir, you insult my integrity and honour! I demand an apology you mangy cur you! Peasant!

I forgot you paid for your downloads. Sorry.

Actually the line was: "I fart in your general direction." But whatever does it for you.....

I am pleased with your stance on communism, but I wont add it to my page otherwise someone will think we are sockpuppets.

Ok, I believe you, but must add, what kind of person watches the Japanese version of Monty Pithon?! Anyway, a few article credits will look cool on your page (have you seen all of mine?),in my Tokai article, and my Victor Verster Prison article, Pollsmor Prison is linked, in red... Perhaps, as you have good knowledge, being a resident of Tokai, we could write an article on that. As a start? Banes 16:25, 6 August 2005 (UTC)

To be honest, it is hard these days to write an article that will be read by many, however, the Pollsmor article would be linked in the Mandela page which is very well read! Banes 16:32, 6 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Nice.

Hey, Xiphon, nice work on the Apartheid article and the new Tornado article. If I may point out, though, in the Tornado article you have duplicated some information at the bottom of the page. Deliberate? Are you aware? I hope you enjoyed your LAN. Cheers! Banes 09:05, 8 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Thanks (Hawker Tornado)

... no problem. To widen the fact box: near the end of the first line of the table definition you'll see "width:30%;" – this says "make the width of the table 30% of the page width" – just increase it. --Bruce1ee (Talk) 10:01, 8 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Trousing

Trousing sounds good, tomorrow perhaps? I was thinking that maybe we could do some AOE2 of Flatout too if you wish. Banes 12:45, 8 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Assistance Requrired

Hi, this is not banter, it regards an article. Since you know a thing or two about images, could you help me out please? The image can be found at http://www.joburg.org.za/2005/jan/hectormus3.jpg. I am struggling to get it onto the page: Hastings Ndlovu. The photo is of a boy, so you will know which one it is. If you could do that I would be very pleased. Profound thanks to you. Banes 17:56, 9 August 2005 (UTC)

Good day, Xiphon. I am not sure what "fire" you are refering to, as I can see no objections to my new page. Anyway I do still do need your help with that image if you are willing. Banes 18:17, 11 August 2005 (UTC)

The image does not come from any wikipedia article, otherwise I could do it myself. It comes from the link I provided above. P.S You should see my userpage history, it was vandalised for the first time today! Quite amusing..If you can still copy that image, let me know, thanks.

The image comes from www.joburg.org.za at http://www.joburg.org.za/2005/jan/hectormus3.jpg. If you look in the edit history for my page, you will see an edit by Zzyz11, click on the one before his and you will see the childish actions of a idiotic indUhvidual!

I would like it very much if you could upload the picture for me. Just finished the Half Blood Prince 10 minutes ago. It was so depressing, I nearly cried! Banes 10:27, 12 August 2005 (UTC)

Hey Xiphon! Thank you very much for adding the phot to Hastings Ndlovu. I am really proud of that article now. Thanks to the pic and article, the young lad is now immortalised in the world of Wikipedia! I hope it did'nt cause you too much trouble. Thanks again. Banes 08:49, 15 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] footnotes, factual discrepancies

Hi Xiphon -- If you see facts in the article that don't agree with your print sources, then I'd encourage you to be bold, change them, and add the proper footnotes. The lack of footnotes is a big problem with the article, and it's very likely that it includes lots of wrong facts that people just wrote from memory or from unreliable sources. If you think something like this is likely to be controversial, you could just explain it on the talk page, and if it turns out there's an overwhelming consensus that you're wrong, people can revert your edit.--Bcrowell 18:57, 11 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Peasant Chatter/Gossip

(sharp intake of breath)... Not Amused! -- Bane's German teacher on reading his 'Mein Kampf' essay for his finals.

Ok. I'm up and running, have added your name to my contacts list. Can you be online at 15:00? So that we can test this?

can you explain why you were suddenly cut off?

[edit] Hawker Tornado

I see you've gotten this article quite built up so far - great work! Just letting you know, in case you weren't yet aware: there's a WikiProject going for aircraft articles, and we'd love for you to join up and participate in discussions there. On that same topic, right now we're not using the infobox - just the text list that you've placed at the end of your article (see Hawker Sea Fury or PBY Catalina for an example). If you've got more pictures of the Tornado, add those instead; most of them will probably qualify as crown copyright PD images. There's also a streamlined "related content" box template (see template talk:aircontent for how to use it).

Anyway - keep adding more aircraft articles! It's great to see more pilots and aviation nuts contributing to the wikipedia. -eric ✈ 18:02, 24 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] footnotes

Hi -- The problem with the footnotes was that the order of the notes themselves didn't match the order in which they were referenced in the text. When move text around, they have to remember to reorder the footnotes as well, which is easy to forget to do. --Bcrowell 18:39, 1 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Hoplites

Hoplites were independent citizens of city-states who supplied their own weapons and armor, defending their city (or conquering others) only in times of war, whereas the phalangites of Macedon were professional soldiers who regularly trained and drilled together. You can see the article on the Macedonian phalanx for more. siafu 19:22, 5 September 2005 (UTC)

Image:Medieval08.gif

[edit] Sig

copied from User talk:Lommer

Hi there. I recently added a little flag to my sig, but I've just been told that this might irritate people. Is there an admin policy on this sort of thing? Thanks--Xiphon 16:52, 29 September 2005 (UTC)

I'm not aware of any formal policy, but I do know that wikipedia generally discourages it because it sucks up bandwidth to have images that are repeated all over the place where they are not strictly needed. They may indeed annoy people, but I think the decision is squarely in your hands. -Lommer | talk 20:51, 29 September 2005 (UTC)
So be it, I will use it for ceremonial occasions only ;-)

[edit] Imperial Glory

Dunno. You probably could, as there is nothing stating that it is not allowed (As far as I know.) It wouldn't bother me, really. However, if one day you were nominated as an admin it might come back to bite you. Thunderbrand 16:43, 1 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Re: Two quick questions

Hi. First, with regards related content template, which I have just converted my Hawker Tornado article to, if one of the sections doesn't apply (eg designation series), are you supposed to delete that line from the template entirely, or just leave it blank? For the moment I have done the latter, but this has resulted in some unequal spacing. Secondly, I have put up a request for another tornado picture on the requested images page, but frankly I doubt whether anyone who would have one will notice it. Therefore would it be possible for the wikiproject aircraft (which I have joined), to bring in it's own requested images/articles subpage or whatever, because that would be more likely to attract the right sort of people. Thanks--Xiphon 18:13, 1 October 2005 (UTC)

In the template, you leave the lines blank - someone might eventually have information to fill them with. The uneven spacing is an unfortunate if scarcely noticeable result of how the templates are worked.
As for the requested images - go for it! I'm not sure about requested articles, as we've already got the list of aircraft with red & blue links showing what exists and what doesn't. A list of needed images, however, would go a long way. -ericg ✈ 18:47, 1 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Vandalism Clearup - Note of Thanks

Thanks for clearing up the senseless vandalism on my user page. Your help is very much appreciated. Andrew 23:23, 2 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] RE: Arbitrary observation

I agree. You are certifiable. Image:Smile.png If you're just wondering whether or not I'm still around, "yeah", but with preparing for the impending High Holy Days, all the time I've been spending on my gf, and going back to school, as well as trying desperately to find a job, I haven't had much time for WP. Image:Sad.png Tomer TALK 14:49, 3 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Oops

I feel rather stupid admitting this, but I only just realised that you left a message on my talk page a month ago, which I never responded to. So anyway, I'd like to apologise, and compliment you on the work you did to improve AFB Ysterplaat's page. Plus, good work on the Apartheid in SA article, just keep an eye open for the POV-warriors (I went up against at least two of them when it was still called just "Apartheid"), they can be infuriating sometimes.
So, as part of my apology, I'd like to offer you two tips: First, don't trust Global Security.org completely, I recently discovered that they lifted a paragraph word for word from my Atlas Cheetah article (a paragraph which I think was incorrect, incidentally). Secondly, if you want to change the colours in your Subpages box, just edit it and replace the colour codes (#F1F1DE and #D7D7D7) with colour codes from either here or here. Impi 12:04, 14 October 2005 (UTC)

No problem with the colour codes, glad to help. I'll do what I can for the AFB Langebaanweg link articles, so that'll mean expanding the CFS page, and getting 80 ANS, 2 ASU (8 ASU no longer exists) and 526 sq pages up. I should have it done by Monday if nothing else comes up.
As for the Kfir, it was an Israeli upgrade of the Mirage III that incorporated, amongst other things, the GE J79 engine. More info can be found here and here. SA used the Kfir as a baseline of sorts when creating the Cheetah, and at least some Cheetah Ds and perhaps the Cheetah Cs were constructed from old Kfir airframes. Impi 17:46, 14 October 2005 (UTC)
PS. It seems 80 ANS is not at Langebaanweg but at Ysterplaat, so I'll give it a bit of a lower priority when getting the Langebaanweg articles done. Impi 17:54, 14 October 2005 (UTC)
2 ASU merged with 8 ASU sometime in 2002, to create a unified servicing unit based at Langebaanweg with a detached subdivision at Ysterplaat. I didn't know about it either until late last year, so don't feel bad.
The aircraft the Israelis created from the stolen plans was the Nesher, which was in essence a direct copy of the Mirage V, even using an Atar engine (the 9B, I think). The Kfir was a later development of the Mirage V/Nesher with the new engine and upgraded avionics and weapons systems fitted.
Pictures of an SA airbase are iffy, besides the security issue there's the problem of copyright. Best suggestion I can think of is to contact the SAAF's PR department and ask about the copyright on SA government/military images - if we're lucky they're Public Domain like those of the United States. If so, then the best bet is to contact AFB Langebaanweg and ask for any photos. Even a photo of the front gate or something would liven up the article. If there are copyright issues though, the best option may be to try obtain an image of the base crest, which should be free of copyright (I think). Sorry I can't be more helpful on that bit. Impi 23:46, 14 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Kate's tool

Thanks for the compliment; I fixed your link again. The actual URL is http://kohl.wikimedia.org/~kate/cgi-bin/count_edits. Nothing more, nothing less. That should fix things. Feel free to drop me a message any time! Cheers, Bratschetalk | Esperanza 17:44, 15 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Good Luck

Hey Peter, Daniel tells me you also starting to write your finals (do they still call it Matric?) Anyway good luck and keep a cool head --Jcw69 17:56, 16 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Langebaanweg article

Don't worry about it, I haven't made too much progress on the link articles either, as my time is also growing increasingly short (with varsity exams coming soon). So don't feel bad, there's no new content deadline, and so long as we don't end up doing what I did when I initially started the base articles and forget to complete them, we should be ok. :-) Glad to hear you might have found a good source for images, that should go a long way to making the SAAF base articles a bit more visually appealing so good luck with that. Cheers, Impi 18:05, 16 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Thank you

Thank you Peter for your support in my recent request for adminship. It was successful thanks to you and the rest of the South Africans who voted. I will strive to an open, approachable and transparent administrator. Now that is enough of the syrupy stuff, get off the computer and back to your studies and pass :-)--Jcw69 18:26, 21 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Template/Workshop

You, or any Wikipedia user, can contribute your suggestions and comments to the /Workshop page of any active arbitration case. Comments on evidence or proposals can help in understanding the import of evidence and in refining proposals. Proposed principles, findings of fact, or remedies may be listed on /Proposed decision and form part of the final decision. Fred Bauder 18:13, 26 October 2005 (UTC)

Start in working on evidence and proposals on /Workshop pages. If your contributions are useful you will be an obvious choice for the arbitration committee. Fred Bauder 18:13, 26 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] The Code

Heh, I couldn't resist at least giving it a try, and in the end it took me just under 30 minutes, but it really should have taken less time. Admittedly I was wrong with the 27-28 thing, but in my defence the passage of cipher I was analysing didn't have either in it, so I would have picked up that little fact pretty quickly with the next message. You were actually on the right path though for a simple and uncomplicated cipher. I'll send you a method of making it more secure sometime in the next couple of days. Oh yes, and I like the award. Pretty funny. Impi 16:31, 31 October 2005 (UTC)

Well, it was pretty simple. First of all, I knew that despite the different approach, it was really a simple Caesar-cipher type letter shift with the result then converted to match the concurrent alphabet numbers (this is how I got 1 and 2, a slight mistake that I would've fixed later). I then analysed the code a bit, looking for common three letter words, as well as the most common letter, which seemed to be 7. As E is the most common letter used in English, I then temporarily mapped E=7. I then plugged in a couple of letters to match this (eg B=4), and discovered that it worked. In other words, what your cipher in effect did was to shift every letter two places to the right, before the conversion into numbers. But that's pretty much it, it only took me 30 minutes because I was eating and doing other stuff at the same time. As for the question of whether it was worth it, well the answer is that I did it not specifically to read what was encoded, but because of the minor challenge of cracking the code. In that respect, I think it was worth it. — Impi 17:44, 31 October 2005 (UTC)
Hmm, at first glance it does look rather tough. I'm going full out for my exam on Friday, so I won't be able to take a shot at cracking it until Saturday at the earliest. In the meantime keep using it, because I'll probably need at least a few paragraphs of code to be able to make a serious attempt at cracking it. — Impi 19:57, 1 November 2005 (UTC)

Thanks, I need all the luck I can get. I'm writing on the History of Medieval Europe tomorrow, and I still know absolutely nothing as I write this. Should be fun (if I can stay awake while writing, that is). Btw, happy birthday. Impi 19:14, 3 November 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Hippo Birdy!

A Hippopotamus
A Hippopotamus
The Great Tit
The Great Tit

Happy Birthday to you! Banes 03:29, 2 November 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Thanks for your message

Hi, thanks for your message. I've been quite busy lately – well, I nearly always am – and just came across it again while preparing to archive my talk page. I see you're preparing for exams. Good luck. Ann Heneghan (talk) 11:16, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

[edit] New category

Based on your user page, this may be of interest to you: [[Category:Wikipedians who are pilots]]. Best regards, CHAIRBOY (☎) 16:59, 18 December 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Welcome Back

Hey welcome back, havent heard from you in ages. :) Cheers (and apologies for a extremely unprofound message here) Banez 14:11, 29 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Infobox

There is a consensus discussion on Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Aircraft#Infobox Aicraft consensus discussion on adopting a non-specifications summary infobox for aircraft articles. Your comments would be appreciated. Thanks! - Emt147 Burninate! 18:44, 24 April 2006 (UTC)

No worries. As you probably saw the consensus was overwhelming. Thanks for voicing your opinion! - Emt147 Burninate! 06:05, 18 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] South African Bush Telegraph

Hi Xiphon, if you have not yet done so, we could sure use your input on Wikipedia:Requests for adminship/Dewet. Thanks! --Jcw69 16:38, 19 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Tornado image

Your image in the Hawker Tornado article is licensed under the GPL. I don't believe this is legal, unless you, yourself, took this image. Given that it is a wartime image the copyright is almost certainly held by either Hawker, the RAF, or the Crown. I believe the image needs to be re-tagged. Maury 15:33, 17 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Aviation Newsletter delivery

The March 2007 issue of the Aviation WikiProject newsletter has been published. You may read the newsletter, change the format in which future issues will be delivered to you, or unsubscribe from this notification by following the link. Thank you. Trevor MacInnis (Contribs) 17:39, 11 March 2007 (UTC)

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