Fic help.

[BruTak]

I can get Twinkies in my local Tesco.

But that's because Greenock gets a lot of cruise ships coming in.

God knows why, local government seems hellbent on demolishing all the lovely old Victorian era buildings and replacing them with either concrete boxes with flat roofs (NEWSFLASH: It rains quite a lot in Scotland), or weird looking things that leave you wondering "WTF is that supposed to be?"

[Falcon Horus]

I got a package of Twizzlers in Blackpool last year. I found them remarkably good to munch on. Unfortunately, they are not available in Belgium.

I also have no intention visiting my yearly convention in October where I know one of the dealers is a candy shop having all sorts of goods which are generally not available in our stores, like Twizzlers.

[BruTak]

Within reason, are female military personnel permitted to dye their hair?

More in the sense of coloured tips than a full blonde-to-brunette dye job.

[iiradned]

The following is an excerpt from US Marine Corps Uniform Regulations from 2003.

It will be in 2 parts (too long for GateWorld to fit in a single post). Your particular question is tackled in the first paragraph of part 2.

Part 1 which deals with the uniforms.

1003. RESTRICTIONS ON WEARING UNIFORMS
1. Members of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve, including retired
Marines, are prohibited from wearing the Marine Corps uniform while engaged
in any of the following activities, functions or circumstances unless
specifically authorized by the CMC (PA):
a. Soliciting funds for any purpose from the public outside of a
military base or establishment.
b. Participating in any type of show or event which is commercially
sponsored for advertising purposes, where it could be implied or construed
that the Marine Corps "endorses" the product advertised.
c. "Endorsing" commercial products in such ways as to involve the
uniform, title, grade or rate, or in any way establish or imply their
military affiliation with such products.
d. Appearing or participating in any event in public that would
compromise the dignity of the uniform.
2. Whenever any doubt exists as to the propriety of wearing the Marine Corps
uniform under circumstances similar to those enumerated above, specific
requests should be directed to the CMC (MCUB/PA). For further information on
those laws and directives, which govern the authority to wear the uniform,
refer to chapter 11.
1004. PERSONAL APPEARANCE
1. Marines will present the best possible image at all times and continue to
set the example in military presence. The Marine Corps uniform regulations
for standards of personal appearance and grooming are as specific as
comply. Marines are prohibited from:
(a) mutilation of the body or any body parts in any manner, and;
(b) attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or
ornamentation to, through or under their skin, tongue or any other body part.
Female Marines, however, may wear earrings consistent with paragraph 3009.
(c) tattoos or brands on the neck and head. In other areas of the body,
tattoos or brands that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale
or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps are also
prohibited.
(d) this regulation does not prohibit necessary medical or surgical
procedures conducted by licensed, qualified medical personnel.
2. Marine Corps uniform standards of grooming do not allow eccentric or
faddish styles of hair, jewelry, or eyeglasses. Eccentricities in individual
appearance detract from uniformity and team identity. Because it is
impossible to provide examples of every appropriate or unacceptable style of
"conservative" or "eccentric" grooming and attire, the good judgment of
Marines at all levels is key to enforcement of Marine Corps standards in this
issue, as in other issues.
3. The use of chewing gum, chewing tobacco, cigarettes or the consumption of
food while walking in uniform or while in formation, are examples of
activities that detract from an appropriate military presence. However, good
judgment will govern the application of this policy in the field environment.
4. Articles that are not authorized for wear as a part of a regulation
uniform will not be worn exposed with the uniform unless otherwise authorized
by the Commandant or higher authority. Examples of such articles include but
are not limited to the following: pencils, pens, watch chains, fobs, pins,
backpacks/bags, hydration systems, jewelry (except as authorized herein),
handkerchiefs, combs, cigarettes, pipes, barrettes, hair ribbons/ornaments,
flowers (corsages/boutonnieres, etc.) or other similar items. Except for the
authorization contained in paragraph 7000, articles such as cellular phones,
pagers, etc. are not authorized for wear on a regulation uniform.
5. Articles that may be worn while in uniform include inconspicuous
wristwatches and rings. Sunglasses may be worn on leave, liberty, and in
garrison but not in formation with troops, unless the need to wear sunglasses
has been certified by medical authorities. When authorized for wear in
formations, sunglass lenses will be of standard green or dark green shade or
may be the type commonly referred to as "photosensitive." Sunglasses that do
not have "photosensitive" lenses will not be worn indoors. Eyeglasses/
sunglasses, when worn, will be conservative in appearance. Eccentric or
conspicuous eyepieces are prohibited. Chains, bands, or ribbons will not be
attached to eyeglasses; however, eyeglass restraints are authorized for
safety purposes, but must be of conservative style/design.
6. Subject to temporary revocation due to health, safety, or mission
requirements, Marines may wear neat and conservative religious apparel items,
as follows:
a. Articles of religious apparel which are not visible or apparent when
worn with the uniform.
b. Visible articles of religious apparel with the uniform while
attending or conducting divine services or while in a chapel or other house
of worship.
c. Visible articles of religious apparel with the uniform which do not
interfere with or replace required uniform articles.

[iiradned]

Here is part 2 which deals with personal grooming and civilian attire.

7. Grooming Regulations
a. No eccentricities in the manner of wearing head, facial, or body hair
will be permitted. If applied, dyes, tints, bleaches and frostings, which
result in natural colors, are authorized. The hair color must complement the
person's complexion tone. Color changes that detract from a professional
image are prohibited. Fingernails will be kept clean and neatly trimmed so
as not to interfere with performance of duty, detract from military image or
present a safety hazard. Nail polish for male Marines is not allowed. Nail
polish as it applies to female Marines will fall under standards in
subparagraph 1004.5.c(5).
b. Men will be well groomed at all times and will abide by the
following:
(1) Hair will be neat and closely trimmed. The hair may be clipped
at the edges of the side and back and will be evenly graduated from zero
length at the hairline in the lower portion of the head to the upper portion
of the head. Block-style trimming of hair on the back of the head is not
authorized. Hair will not be over 3 inches in length fully extended on the
upper portion of the head. The back and sides of the head below the hairline
may be shaved to remove body hair. Sideburns will not extend below the top
of the orifice of the ear, as indicated by the line A-A' in figures 1-1 and
1-2. Sideburns will not be styled to taper or flare. The length of an
individual hair of the sideburn will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.
(2) Head hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper
wear of uniform headgear. Hair, which protrudes from beneath properly worn
headgear in an unsightly manner, is considered excessive, regardless of
length.
(3) No male Marine will be required to have his hair clipped to the
scalp except while he is undergoing recruit training or when such action is
prescribed by a medical officer. This does not prohibit a male Marine from
having his hair clipped to the scalp if he so desires.
(4) Members of the Selected Marine Corps Reserve will comply with
these regulations, except that wigs are authorized for periods of inactive
duty for training. If worn, wigs will comply with the above grooming
regulations.
(5) The face will be clean-shaven, except that a mustache may be
worn. When worn, the mustache will be neatly trimmed and must be contained
within the lines of B-B', C-C', D-D' and the margin area of the upper lip, as
shown in figures 1-1 and 1-2. The individual length of a mustache hair fully
extended must not exceed 1/2 inch.
(6) Except for a mustache, eyebrows, and eyelashes, hair may be
grown on the face only when a medical officer has determined that shaving is
temporarily harmful to the individual's health. In these cases, the current
edition of MCO 6310.1 applies.
(7) No male Marine will be required to have his chest hair clipped
except that which is so long as to protrude in an unsightly manner above the
collar of the long sleeve khaki shirt.


c. The requirement for hair regulations is to maintain uniformity
within a military population. Women's hairstyles require non-eccentric
styles. Female Marines will be well groomed at all times and when in uniform
will abide by the following:
(1) Hair may touch the collar, but will not fall below the collar's
lower edge. Hair that would fall naturally below the collar's lower edge
will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned. During physical
training periods in which physical training clothing is worn, hair will be
allowed to fall naturally, without being fastened or pinned. This does not
apply when conducting physical training in the utility uniform.
(2) Hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear
of the uniform headgear. All headgear will fit snugly and comfortably around
the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps.
Hairstyles, which do not allow the headgear to be worn in this manner, are
prohibited.
(3) Faddish and exaggerated styles to include shaved portions of the
scalp other than the neckline, designs cut in the hair, unsecured ponytails
and styles which are distinctly unbalanced or lopsided are prohibited.
Multiple braiding is authorized. If hair extensions are used in the braiding
of the hair, the extensions must have the same general appearance as the
individual's natural hair. Braided hairstyles will be conservative, and
conform to other guidelines listed herein.
(4) Barrettes, combs, rubber bands, etc. are authorized, if
concealed by the hair. Inconspicuous hair pins and bobby pins, if required,
are authorized. Hair nets will not be worn unless authorized for a specific
type of duty. Wigs, if worn in uniform, must look natural and conform to the
above regulations.
(5) Cosmetics, if worn, will be applied conservatively and will
complement the individual's complexion tone. Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic
styles are inappropriate with the uniform and will not be worn. If worn,
nail polish and non-eccentric in shades of red may be worn with all uniforms.
Colored nail polish will not be worn with the utility uniform. Fingernails
with multiple colors and decorative ornamentation are prohibited. Nail
length will be no longer than 1/4 inch from the tip of the finger.
(6) No female Marine will be required to remove leg hair except
where considered unsightly and cannot be covered with appropriate hosiery as
described in subparagraph 3027.5.



2. Within the United States
a. Marines are associated and identified with the Marine Corps in and
out of uniform, and when on or off duty. Therefore, when civilian clothing
is worn, Marines will ensure that their dress and personal appearance are
conservative and commensurate with the high standards traditionally
associated with the Marine Corps. No eccentricities of dress will be
permitted.
b. Marines may wear civilian clothing when in an off-duty status, when
directed by competent authority, and as otherwise authorized herein. Within
the confines of a military base or a DoD installation, civilian clothing will
be worn subject to local regulations.
c. When civilian clothing has been authorized by competent authority for
wear in a duty status in lieu of a uniform, the civilian clothing will be of
the same comparable degree of formality as the uniform prescribed for such
duty. Standards of dress and appearance will be conservative and meet the
same high standards established for personnel in uniform.
d. The wear of clothing articles not specifically designed to be
normally worn as headgear (e.g. bandannas, doo rags) is prohibited.
e. No part of a prescribed uniform, except those items not exclusively
military in character, will be worn with civilian clothing.
(1) Items authorized for wear with civilian clothing by men are
restricted to the gold cuff links, studs, tie bar, mourning band, footwear,
socks, gloves, undergarments, black bow-tie, green wool scarf, general
purpose trunks, and crew neck-service sweater, the all-weather coat, tanker
jacket, personally owned extreme cold weather jackets (gortex) without grade
insignia, watch caps, and cold weather physical training uniforms.
(2) Uniform items authorized for wear with civilian clothing by women
are restricted to the white shirt without insignia of grade, footwear,
gloves, handbag, clutch purse, mourning band, crew-neck service sweaters,
green wool scarf, general purpose trunks, the all-weather coat, extreme cold
weather jacket (gortex) tanker jacket or the dress blue sweater without
insignia of grade, watch caps, and cold weather physical training uniforms.
(3) Uniform items that have been declared obsolete may be worn with
civilian clothing, when appropriate, provided such items contain no
distinctive insignia or buttons.

3. Outside the United States

a. Marines stationed outside the United States will wear the appropriate
uniform when on duty unless civilian clothing is required by the laws of a
foreign country, prescribed by competent authority, or necessary in
performing specialized duties.
b. Personnel on leave and traveling in a foreign country should normally
wear civilian clothing. When civilian clothing is worn, it will be in good
taste and not in conflict with accepted attire in the country visited. The
guidelines in subparagraph 1005.3c apply.
c. In Mexico, official visits will always be made in the appropriate
uniform. Unofficial visits to the interior should always be made in civilian
clothing. Unofficial visits to border towns may be made in either civilian
clothing or the appropriate uniform.

4. Aboard Ship and Aircraft
a. Officers and enlisted Marines are permitted to possess civilian
clothing when assigned duty aboard ship. Unless otherwise prescribed by
competent authority, such clothing may be worn while leaving or returning to
the ship, while awaiting transportation after being given permission to leave
the ship, while on authorized leave of absence, liberty, or in any off-duty
status ashore.
b. Officers and enlisted Marines will wear appropriate military uniform
when traveling as passengers aboard MSC ships. However, all Marines
traveling aboard Category B military air charters or government-owned
aircraft (including AMC category M) are authorized to wear appropriate
civilian attire, unless otherwise directed by the individual's orders or for
unit deployment.
c. Civilian clothes will reflect in style and quality the service "C"
uniform. Non-inclusive examples of appropriate civilian attire:
(1) shirt or blouse with a collar,
(2) trousers/slacks with a belt (if applicable), and
(3) socks and shoes.
d. Examples of inappropriate civilian attire:
(1) beach or swim wear,
(2) gym or sweat gear,
(3) tank tops,
(4) short shorts,
(5) ripped or torn clothing,
(6) garments designed as underwear,
(7) clothing with designs of an obscene or suggestive nature, and
(8) shower shoes/flip-flops.
e. The activity issuing travel orders will refer to the current editions
of the USAF Foreign Clearance Guide and MCO 4650.30, to determine whether
uniform or civilian attire should be prescribed.
5. Special Assignments/Requirements
a. Marines in special billets whose offices are separate from other
naval activities, and whose duties require them to associate principally with
civilians, may wear civilian clothing when so stated in their orders or as
otherwise authorized by the CMC.
b. Officers under instruction at civilian educational institutions and
in civilian industrial establishments may wear civilian clothing for such
duty.
6. White House. Civilian attire may not be worn to the White House, except
as follows:
a. While attending or participating in conferences, working group
sessions, etc., at the Executive Office Building when the President or his
senior advisers will not be present.
b. When explicitly called for in an invitation.
c. When an assigned billet requires civilian attire be worn.
d. While visiting the White House as a tourist.

I would guess that the other uniformed services would have very similar regulations.

[BruTak]

New question.

What sort of fine control do we have over the Stargate?

Could you, for example, drop an active 'gate from an aircraft, onto the bad guy, and shut down the wormhole just as it hits the ground?

[StargateMillennium]

New question.

What sort of fine control do we have over the Stargate?

Could you, for example, drop an active 'gate from an aircraft, onto the bad guy, and shut down the wormhole just as it hits the ground?

I would say yes. We haven't seen the DHD be able to shut down the stargate, the gate just shuts down after nothing comes through for a few seconds. But the SGC has been able to shut down their own gate, like when Kawalsky lost his head. The limitation of that is that their gate was still hooked up to their computers as opposed to being dropped from a plane. The Asgard have also demonstrated the ability to force a stargate closed even if they don't have direct connection with it, like when the Asgard of an alternate earth repelled a goa'uld invasion. The last retreating jaffa didn't make it since the gate closed before he could completely go through.

I don't know the context but I'd say have Earth dial the other gate, then have the gate with the incoming wormhole be dropped onto the guy, then sever the connection.

EDIT: I would add the difficulty would be the timing.l

[Gatefan1976]

I would say yes. We haven't seen the DHD be able to shut down the stargate, the gate just shuts down after nothing comes through for a few seconds. But the SGC has been able to shut down their own gate, like when Kawalsky lost his head. The limitation of that is that their gate was still hooked up to their computers as opposed to being dropped from a plane. The Asgard have also demonstrated the ability to force a stargate closed even if they don't have direct connection with it, like when the Asgard of an alternate earth repelled a goa'uld invasion. The last retreating jaffa didn't make it since the gate closed before he could completely go through.

I don't know the context but I'd say have Earth dial the other gate, then have the gate with the incoming wormhole be dropped onto the guy, then sever the connection.

EDIT: I would add the difficulty would be the timing.l

IF the SGC could maintain a remote connection to the gate via their alternate DHD, then I would agree.
I don't think you could do it with a conventional DHD though.

[BruTak]

It was just an idea that popped into my head yesterday. No idea if I'll ever use it.

You guys must be sitting there scratching your heads at all my weird questions, saying to yourselves "What the hell kind of story is he writing?"

[Gatefan1976]

It was just an idea that popped into my head yesterday. No idea if I'll ever use it.

You guys must be sitting there scratching your heads at all my weird questions, saying to yourselves "What the hell kind of story is he writing?"

Nah, weird questions are good, means you are thinking
IIRC, SG-1 used the earth dial in program remotely to activate the supergates so your scenario is plausible.

[BruTak]

And something that popped into my head that may be useful to all the Potterheads out there.

Places like the Leaky Cauldron, the Three Broomsticks etc. must have anti-apparition charms on them to stop people disappearing without paying their tab.

[Gatefan1976]

And something that popped into my head that may be useful to all the Potterheads out there.

Places like the Leaky Cauldron, the Three Broomsticks etc. must have anti-apparition charms on them to stop people disappearing without paying their tab.

By extension, you would need one for Floo powder as well.

[BruTak]

Ah well, as I recall. a fireplace has to specifically be connected to the floo network for that.

Although I imagine an employee could floo in before work, the fireplace would be temporarily disconnected from the network during business hours, then reconnected again to allow employees to go home again.

[Gatefan1976]

Ah well, as I recall. a fireplace has to specifically be connected to the floo network for that.

Although I imagine an employee could floo in before work, the fireplace would be temporarily disconnected from the network during business hours, then reconnected again to allow employees to go home again.

The problem with magic
Just because the rules are consistent in one setting does not mean that they are in another, or even "in universe". You aren't supposed to be able to apparate into Hogwarts, yet both Dumbledore and Snape seem to be able to (yet Voldermort cannot).
Plot devices make storytelling go around

[BruTak]

Yeah, but that's because they're Hogwarts staff. The house elves can apparate and disapparate within the castle with no trouble.

But as with most things intended for youngsters, us adults can quite gleefully pick holes in it. Which is part of the fun.