Sideswipe: Dec 11: Ponytail prize-winners
Recycling halloween decorations: "I hope now that Noel Leeming is sold to The Warehouse Group, that someone from the red shed will give them a few lessons in Christmas decoration," says a reader. Photo / Supplied
Among the "Ig Nobel" prizes awarded to academics (for unusual or trivial achievements in scientific research) was the one given to Patrick Warren and colleagues who delved into excruciatingly detailed predictions (on behalf of a cosmetics firm) about how someone might ultimately look with a ponytail, based on hair characteristics. The team took into account the stiffness of the strands, the effects of gravity and the random curliness or waviness in the hair in a set formula to compute a "Rapunzel Number" for each head. (Source: Newsoftheweird.com)
Warehouse training gap
A reader writes: "I had to return a faulty Christmas tree to The Warehouse in Hibiscus Coast about 8.45pm, before they closed for the evening. The youngish girl (about 19) behind the counter listened to my complaint, had a brief discussion with a senior colleague who then offered to get me a replacement. Just as the supervisor was leaving the phone rang. Before the girl answered she checked with her supervisor 'shall I say good evening, or good afternoon?' Clearly her supervisor gave her the nod to say good evening."
Dangerous oaks
Donna Giustizia lobbied the city of Vaughan, Ontario, to chop down all the oak trees near Stephen Catholic Elementary School, claiming that her children and others like them with nut allergies were in danger. She said the kids could suffer anxiety from even glimpsing acorns on the ground and suggested that the allergic children could be easily bullied with the acorns. (Source: Weird Universe.com)
Brooch found in Parnell
A brooch, which looked like it was very special to someone, was found in Ruskin St, Parnell, late on Sunday morning. For its safe return, the owner can call 021 377 707 to confirm identity details and collect it from the Parnell resident who found it.
Picture this: A collection of brilliant photos taken just as the action starts...
Seasonal humour: 1) Christmas is the perfect time to fundraise for testicular cancer by selling a double-barreled bauble to hang nonchalantly on your tree...
2) Sometimes your kids aren't inclined to engage with Santa...
3) Good advice for Santa...
Video: Takabisha is the steepest roller coaster in the world - famous for having a drop angle of 121° ...
Got a Sideswipe? Send your pictures, links and anecdotes to Ana at ana.samways@nzherald.co.nz
Congratulations to the intelligent girl at the Warehouse counter asking her senior colleague what the Company protocol for answering the telephone is. I hope her employer recognizes her effort to make it right.