KEY POINTS:
The Browns of Te Atatu have noticed that Hell Pizza is not worrying about global warming. "We often order pizzas delivered with sides of salads and desserts. These always come in nice eco-friendly brown paper bags and recyclable plastic containers, but recently they have started including non-recyclable plastic
knives and forks with each container. As our order is delivered to our home (as I would imagine most are) we are perfectly capable of using our own knives and forks."
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Pat Dennerly writes: "My husband recently donated money to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Today he received, by courier, a baseball cap emblazoned with an embroidered helicopter and the words 'Westpac Rescue Helicopter' ... I find it totally ridiculous that money is spent on such items to send to people who donate money. This means that about $5 of the money my husband donated has been spent on a cap he will never wear."
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Reason.com reports: Richard Parker found out 16 months after his divorce that he wasn't the father of his 3-year-old son. He filed a fraud lawsuit against his ex-wife that went all the way to the Florida Supreme Court, which ruled that he must continue to pay $1200 a month for the next 15 years to support the child. The court said adults should be aware of the high incidence of infidelity.
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Over Easter a reader named Jean went for a stroll along Ocean Beach, Mt Maunganui. Past the Omanu Surf Club she noticed what appeared to be a leg, amputated below the knee. Closer inspection revealed it was an artificial limb. Still, very strange. Later that day she took another walk towards Omanu and this time saw a black pig on a lead enjoying a paddle in the water. Again, how strange. "I have walked this beach for over 40 years," says Jean, "but this was certainly the most eventful day."
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A reader wants to make a noise about noise control. "I just wish some people would get a life. I moved into Ireland St, Freemans Bay, some three and a bit years ago. The removal truck had barely cleared the driveway before we had a knock on the door. Our observant neighbour from across the street was here to set the neighbourhood rules. 'We are a very quiet street and don't like parties,' was her opening line. That was indeed a great welcome to Freemans Bay. Needless to say, all our parties over the years have enjoyed a visit or two from the often bemused noise control officers. Bring on the jazz bands, I say!"
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Wayne Houston, the owner of the burmese rat-chasing cats, wishes the "green police" would learn to smile. "I can assure him/her we have no kiwi or other flightless birds in the Hillsborough reserve looking out to Puketutu Island, and if that isn't enough, perhaps the 34 rats and mice caught thus far by our burmese cats might make him/her relax a bit ..."
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Sideswipe is turning five so we decided it was time to give something back to you, the readers, who've made the daily swipery a must read. The best local contribution published next week will win a trip for two to the Gold Coast flying Air New Zealand with five nights accommodation at the Marrakesh Resort north of Surfers Paradise. If you've been meaning to take that bizarre picture or share that amusing yarn, now's the time to send them in. Finally, to all those readers who have sent in contributions to Sideswipe during the past five years, our sincere thanks. Because of the sheer volume of emails, it has not been possible to publish all the worthy stories and pictures or reply to each contributor individually. But thank you and keep'em coming.
Send the entries, via email or by post to Sideswipe, c/- NZ Herald, P O Box 32, Auckland.
Entries must be original local content and published in the week beginning April 16 and ending on April 21, 2007. The winner will be announced on Monday, April 23, in Sideswipe. For full terms and conditions of the prize offered please go to www.nzherald.co.nz/promotions next week.
