Sideswipe: December 7: Get creative this Christmas

Get creative this Christmas. This Darth Vader tree uses a mask and a light sabre. (Via Neatorama.com)

Language barrier

Neal booked a trip to Russia through a specialist company who would arrange their visas. "For a week and half, on a daily basis our application was returned, seeking more or clearer information. With our departure date looming we approached the manager. 'Well of course it is not that easy, we don't speak Russian you know,' she retorted. The application form was in English, no knowledge of Russian required, we were speechless."

Foiling Ms Blonde

A reader writes: "An entitled blonde in a shiny BMW took great exception to being moved on from a busy Mt Eden bus stop. After being forced into an actual carpark, she ran past shouting aggressively, culminating in 'buy a car!' I work for a not-for-profit, and my partner, in our car (not shiny, nor a BMW) had gone to his job working with disabled children. I am told Ms Blonde pulls the trick daily. She might consider there are more important things than parking right next to her shop, and what those who catch buses may contribute to society. Not to mention the utter lack of dignity in yelling at a heavily pregnant woman and her child for wanting to safely board a bus."

Slick switcharoo

Owen of Papakura writes: "The occupants of the white Subaru who switched seats without stopping when two checkpoints blocked their way were lucky, this time. It was pretty slick."

Breeding dishwashers

A reader recalls: "As kids we used to squabble over the dishes, and pleaded for a dishwasher when the kitchen was remodelled. Our parents said: 'You don't buy dishwashers, you breed them.' With seven kids, you couldn't fault them. When the youngest left home we bought our parents a dishwasher for Christmas - which sat unused. There are fewer dishes now we've all left."