"The other day I was irritated by a constant screech," writes Alana, of Halfmoon Bay. "I thought perhaps the neighbours had bought their children a swing with a squeaky hinge, so I wandered over with a can of CRC. How wrong was I; not a hinge inneed of oiling but a lorikeet. Honestly, there is nothing melodic or tuneful about this birdsong. It's driving us crazy. I suspect the CRC would work but may not be appropriate."
Cards that beat the cliches
Saying what your really mean to...
Empathy Cards (right) by artist and cancer survivor Emily McDowell are straight-talking greeting cards which are the perfect antidote to the empty sentiment and cliches of conventional options. "Most of us struggle to find the right words in the face of a friend or loved one's major health crisis, whether it's cancer, chronic illness, mental illness, or anything else ... someone we love needs our support more than ever, but we don't have the right language for it," she explains. "With Empathy Cards, my goal is to help people connect with each other through truth and insight, which is one of the founding principles of this brand. I want the recipients of these cards to feel seen, understood, and loved." See more here.
Richard Goulstone, of Mangere Bridge, writes: "To the person in today's Sideswipe who called Halloween an 'American celebration'. Wrong, as Max Cryer pointed out on his radio show last Saturday. It is a very old English tradition, where they used to hollow out turnips and go door to door asking for sweetmeats. It was imported into America by the pilgrims."
Odd care instructions for your garment.
Keys found at Western Springs
Lynn writes: "As it is very disruptive to lose your keys, I would like to return them to the owner if possible. Found Monday at 4.30pm on Western Springs Rd opposite Childsplay Unlimited daycare." Contact Sideswipe if they're yours.
Richie on the cover of the China Daily
Video: Thick fog doesn't seem to close Heathrow...
