I'd like to point out Split Scalars and Objects/References into Two Types which explains the "bolted on the side" remark -- it's not a bad read overall ;)

MJD says you can't just make shit up and expect the computer to know what you mean, retardo! I run a Win32 PPM repository for perl 5.6x+5.8x. I take requests. ** The Third rule of perl club is a statement of fact: pod is sexy.