Sideswipe

The Remuera Library sundial

Jim Sprott from Remuera writes: "The photo attached shows the sundial outside the Remuera Library. The sundial has been there for many years, and I can recall it over 70 years ago when, as a child I used to check the Remuera Post Office clock nearby against the sundial. The clock wasn't always right! But when the library grounds were renovated not so long ago, the sundial was removed, and replaced, but pointing in the wrong direction. Sundials must point north, that is, the lower end of the pointer or gnomon must be at the northern end. But as the photo with the compass shows, it is the high end of the pointer which is pointing north, so it doesn't indicate time at all. I have told the library people about this error on more than one occasion, but no one seems to take any notice. Sundials are not just ornaments, they are highly functional and educational instruments." Hear, hear.

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The chairman of the board of VeriChip Corporation has proposed implanting the company's tracking tags in immigrant and guest workers. He made the statement while being interviewed on US news show Fox & Friends. Responding to the Bush Administration's call to know "who is in our country and why they are here", he proposed using VeriChip RFID implants to register workers at the border, and then verify their identities in the workplace.

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With the World Cup beginning next week, here's the 'Offside' rule explained for women: You're in a shoe shop, second in the queue for the till. Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have. The female shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing them with desire. Both of you have forgotten your purses. It would be rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes. The shop assistant remains at the till waiting. Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma. She prepares to throw her purse to you. If she does, you can intercept the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes! At a pinch she could send the purse ahead of the other shopper and 'whilst it is in flight' you could nip around the other shopper, intercept the purse and buy the shoes! BUT, you must always remember that until the purse has 'actually been thrown', it would be plain wrong for you to be in front of the other shopper and you would be - OFFSIDE!

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Women talk more than men, so this is hardly a revelation. According to the Sydney Morning Herald women are racking up higher mobile telephone bills than men. An online survey of mobile phone users by the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association found phones are mostly being used to access factual information - news headlines, weather forecasts and movie schedules. Adult content has lost popularity, but the retrieval of astrological insights and sporting results remains steady. The survey also suggested there was a demand for navigational tools such as maps and street directories, and more detailed information on public transport.