Sideswipe: October 10: Margaret Thatcher mayhem

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This team of Margaret Thatchers, who walked to Eden park in their heels on Saturday, were unable to prevent England's exit from the Rugby World Cup.

Pensioner given stick over carrot

Lesley Wyatt went to Countdown in Cambridge to do her weekly shop. "Included in the groceries purchased were some carrots," she says. "As I bagged them, I noticed one had about a third broken off. No worries. But when I got to the checkout, the girl looked at the bag of carrots, looked at me and said accusingly: "Did you eat that?" Now I'm sure they get all sorts in supermarkets these days but as I am a grey-haired little old lady of 70, I didn't really think I fit the stereotypical light-fingered, carrot-munching shoplifter profile!"

Artist to push the boundaries

A Brooklyn performance artist says she will give birth before a live audience at her new installation, "The Birth of Baby X," the New York Post reports. "I hope that people will see that human life itself is the most profound work of art, and that therefore giving birth, the greatest expression of life, is the highest form of art," says Marni Kotak. She has already opened her "birthing room" at a Brooklyn gallery, and says she's ready with her midwife, a support person and her "wonderful husband" to give birth sometime over the next five weeks.

Getting shirty

Andrew writes: "Online sportswear dealer kitbag.com has already slashed the prices of the shirts of those countries knocked out of the world cup, some by more than 50 per cent. However, Wales and Ireland shirts have also been heavily discounted, which was slightly premature as one of those sides was bound to make the semifinals. Official Italy, USA, Scotland, Russia and Japan shirts are now going for around $60. All Blacks shirts remain full price, but still 50 per cent cheaper than what you would pay at Rebel Sport."

Bravo, Benneydale

Geoff Bostock has driven 5000km around both Islands on business and has been impressed with the support small-town NZ is giving the cup. "My prize goes to tiny Benneydale in the King Country. Per head of population, their contribution is stunning - 20 power poles, each with a large cut-out of a rugby player in full team colours carrying a ball, plus his national flag. All 20 RWC teams are depicted. My big regret, being a Jafa in a hurry, was not being able to stop and take a photo."