Sideswipe: March 4: Are they extracting the Michael?

Are they trying to tell us something? Photo / Supplied

Are they extracting the Michael?

"What is it with financial services organisations and their fixation on toilet-based architecture?" writes a reader. "First we had Vero with their 'toilet seat' building and now we have ASB's new flagship head office at North Wharf sporting some kind of urinal or bidet. Are they trying to tell us something about what's on the inside?"

Hot and cold running loos

"My two daughters are going to Auckland University and have got a flat in Mt Wellington," writes Adrian. "Their first power bill came in and was extortionate and we have been squabbling with the landlord. Turns out that the flats were renovated over Christmas and it appears that the plumber has got his pipes mixed up and both toilets have been flushing hot water. While this may be nice on a cold winter's night, it is rather an expensive luxury."

Ban Tommy Sauce Bomb

Peter Clifford of Torbay Heights writes: "While last week the patrons [of Eden Park] were evicted for throwing paper darts, bouncing beach balls and waving Mexican style, on Friday night my son and I were victims of an explosive device sold by the venue's own caterers - a 'Tommy Sauce Bomb'. When a child in the row in front of us was about to hoe into his chips and opened the sauce there was a loud pop and its contents sprayed a good metre in all directions. Thankfully he and his father wore most of it. And I wonder whether the flame-throwing devices on the sideline are also in violation of the Auckland fire ban. I expect a full health and safety report on both issues before the next home game."

iPhone back from bottom of sea

Last Sunday a reader went snorkelling at Goat Island and while in the water he found an iPhone in a waterproof case on the bottom of the sea. "I wonder why the owner needed to take the iPhone swimming? When I returned to the beach I checked it still worked, which it did, then took it to the Wellsford police station on my way home."

Picture this: Another Whakatane business sign which doesn't mince words...

And no religion too?

"My local radio station runs various ads after the traffic reports each 15 minutes. One of the recent ones simply states, 'When it comes to filling in the Census, be honest. If you are not really religious, tick "no religion".' There is no mention of who is paying for this particular ad. It seems a very strange thing to advertise. Surely Statistics NZ have better things to spend money on, so I'm guessing it is some private organisation. Does anybody else wonder who [and what] is behind this paid message?"

Update: Chris marvelled at the printed note Donna supplied, which was slipped under her windscreen wiper and reported in Sideswipe last week (Uncensored NSFW language version here). He claims two years ago in the same Lynmall car park this handwritten note appeared under his wiper. It looks like the same note-slipper is a serial offender, who was so chuffed with his copy, they immortalised it in a fully printed version.

Good read: Why these people chose to be childfree ...

Graphic: A wonderful chart showing the generational attitudes on sushi and gay marriage are almost exactly the same ...

News: A mothers group has accused US insurance company of promoting bestiality by showing a woman and a pig in a car.

Video: Baby monitors these days come with night vision cameras for the amusement of parents...

* Got a Sideswipe? Send your pictures, links and anecdotes to Ana here.