pastwatcher: (Default)
Quirk ([personal profile] pastwatcher) wrote2006-07-03 10:05 am

Arrrgh!

So I was washing a yellow curry stain off my blue shirt, and when I used soap I thought I was getting somewhere as it turned purplish-red and then back to yellow as I rinsed it. But after repeating this a couple of times, I realized that the stain wasn't getting any smaller--in fact, that I probably have an acid-base indicator on my hands! Or rather, on my shirt. I don't know, I haven't researched curry powder or whatever else is in it as an indicator, but unfortunately, I think all the compounds I have on hand are basic, and (despite knowing that [livejournal.com profile] edjoesu and possibly other HRSFen would probably encourage me to) I don't want to try tea or calligraphy ink, for example, because I like this shirt (it's the one in my facebook picture) and would rather hope that the stain will eventually come off. But the tap water here is probably slightly acidic anyway, and who knows where the indicator changes. What is it, anyway, red cabbage juice? I suppose that would make sense, the yellow color coming from the rest of the stain. Someone who has freer Internet than I do want to tell me?

Also, for the 4th, rather than wear red, white and blue like an American would, I'll just wear my purple HRSFA shirt (sigh, have to wash that, have been using at part of pajamas, kind of like a security blanket). Anyone have creative further suggestions? Oh, and I'm keeping a collection of notably strange English sayings on shirts, though I only started it today so can't remember enough, and it's hard to see the entirety of writing sometimes. At least one, though, would probably make [livejournal.com profile] lowellboyslash and [livejournal.com profile] grapefruitism and others guffaw--I'm not sure who else who reads this has dirty humor and guffaws, because I don't think [livejournal.com profile] lain246 reads this. But I won't put it up until I leave, because otherwise it'd be updated and people would have to go back and check.

No, really, suggestions on what to do on July 4th in Beijing? (Keep in mind that I have class, and will check this in my morning and possibly afternoon, so comment quickly if you do. :) )

[identity profile] timmypowg.livejournal.com 2006-07-05 04:55 am (UTC)(link)
That's SO COOL! Now, what foods are basic enough that turmeric will turn them pink?

[identity profile] grapefruitism.livejournal.com 2006-07-05 12:09 pm (UTC)(link)
In general, animal foods - meat, eggs, dairy - processed and refined foods, yeast products, fermented foods, grains, artificial sweeteners, fruit, and sugars are acidifying, as are alcohol, coffee, chocolate, black tea, and sodas. Vegetables, on the other hand, are alkalizing. That includes a few that are technically fruits: avocado, tomato, and bell peppers. A few non sweet citrus fruits are also basic in the body, as are sprouted seeds, nuts, and grains. Grains are acidifying, though a few (millet, buckwheat, and spelt) are only very mildly so. Raw foods are more alkalizing, while cooked food is more acidifying.
Foods containing potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, silver, copper, and iron are most often basic; foods containing sulphur, phosphorus, chlorine, and iodine are most often acidic.