Sideswipe: October 17: Woolly comforter

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It may look a little silly but these woollen sheaths are knitted specifically for penguin victims of oil slick disasters. Napier-based Skeinz Natural Yarn Store has knitters going like the clappers to make the penguin jumpers for the Bay of Plenty disaster. General manager Brendan Jackson told NewstalkZB three to four dozen penguin outfits are likely to be needed. The knitwear prevents the birds from preening their feathers and ingesting the toxic oil that they've been exposed to. The Oiled Wildlife Response Unit is taking care of 91 animals as a result of the spill, mostly little blue penguins.

Eden Park's tall order

A reader writes: "As a member of the NZ Choral Federation Anthem Choir I've (so far) made the sub-stand tunnel walk for six Eden Park [games]. Apart from the long wait, then 15 minutes of exhilaration beyond that passageway hike, there is always a moment of mirth as I stop under the sign to the players' entrance. The sign above me reads: "Players Entrance - MAX Height 4.2m".

Late brides be warned

A wedding in Italy went on for 20 minutes without a bride after a priest ignored the fact she was late. Friar Maurizio De Sanctis insisted on starting the Mass on time and when bride Vale Solito eventually arrived she found the ceremony had started without her. The friar defended his decision, saying he was fed up with being kept waiting for couples. He said: "You could say that she really had a wedding to remember."

Hotel hike

James writes: "Deciding to take a five-day break in Samoa; departing early on Sunday morning, so we thought we might travel down from Kerikeri the night before and stay at the Novotel Auckland Airport ready to catch our 6.45am flight the next day. At $890 a night we have decided to drive down during the night instead. Thanks Rugby World Cup."

Guarding the bridge

A reader wonders: "Can any of the Sideswipe readers tell me why there are often four security guards on the harbour bridge. Are they expecting someone to jump or change the flags? They look rather bored sitting up there all day."