Rants & Raves: Footpath etiquette

People are forgetting how to use footpaths. Photo / Thinkstock

Rant
Keeping to the left on footpaths just like on the road, as I was taught back in my school days, is so last century but so sensible. Morning walks on the North Shore challenge my normally even temperament as heedless pedestrians and runners force me to take evasive action. Those who do notice our collision course often demonstrate uncertainty as to which side of me to pass, so I have determined whenever possible to keep to the left and maintain it. Perhaps the odd body contact will get the point across. Come on, people, help me to offer a bright greeting rather than a scowl. I'm of an age where I don't require any help obtaining wrinkles.
- John Burgess

Rave
Rubbish day yesterday. I watch as guy with recycling truck picks up neighbour's over-full wheelie bin and beer bottle shatters on road. I reach for broom, but truck stops, guy jumps out and sweeps up the glass. Onya, mate!
- Mario Prinsloo

Rant
My rant is the cost of water and having to pay monthly. When I first came to Auckland we paid for water once a year as part of the rates take and it used to cost less than $200 per annum. We now pay close to that monthly!
- A J Dickason

Rave
Can't wait to hear the crackle and pop of a Roman candle or the whizz bang of a Catherine Wheel. Thank goodness Mr Fawkes tried to blow up the English Parliament and created this wonderful tradition. Possibly the best time of year. BOOM!
- Martin Bell

Rant
It annoys me how advertisers create catchy words that are complete nonsense just to lure people into buying.

1. A product is offered at a cheap price. A price can't be cheap. It can be high or low. Only a product can be cheap.

2. A product is offered absolutely free. If I get a product for free, I don't pay for it. What's the deal if I get it absolutely free?

3. I am also still trying to understand why I don't get cash for my "cash voucher" from the supermarket.
- Stephan Duerr

Rave
I took the 875 bus from East Coast Rd, Mairangi Bay, at 8.10am to Takapuna. Couldn't help noticing that the Indian bus driver checked his mirror every time passengers got on to make sure they were seated before driving away from the bus stop. So many other drivers just hurtle off, leaving elderly passengers lurching to hold their footing while they find a seat. Well done, driver of No 875.
- Glen Stanton