Raincoats for rural folk
In response to the new immigrant who can't find a raincoat. "Yes, yes I know a raincoat 'seems' practical, but given Auckland's tendency to have 'four seasons in one day', a raincoat is just not practical if you end up carrying it around most of the time in the heat. Sunglasses, sunblock, a scarf, a woolly hat, an umbrella and quick drying clothes are standard for many Aucklanders three- quarters of the year. Rightly or wrongly, raincoats in Auckland are regarded as things 'people from out of town' (tourists, rural folk) or 'dodgy individuals' (homeless old men, dotty old ladies) wear. Don't consider a plastic rain poncho - they are never cool (unless you are at Eden Park during rugby season)."
Shame grass isn't longer
A reader writes: "All this fuss about long grass made me wonder who is the worst at mowing their lawns ... Of course it's the government- owned Housing Corp. Here's a strip about 200 metres long on Mt Smart Road. Still, the grass blocks the ugly complexes behind it, I guess."
Trade Me Goodness:
A reader sent in an auction which caught her eye...It's for a "Rare Piece of Folk Art - Inscribed Rock" and the listing reads: "This rock, approximately 70mm x 90mm, with "F*** me Bitch" inscribed in blue permanent marker, was hurled at my parked car in Henderson, Auckland, as part of what can only be described as a one-of-a-kind folk performance. The performance, by four as yet unidentified youths, conveyed in raw and powerful terms the angst and helplessness of youth and the chaos of the male psyche, while questioning fundamental capitalist ideals such as private property. Unfortunately, the police were too under-resourced to take part in the performance. Two other rocks also hurled at my car (pictured) - one inscribed with a mythical winged penis, the other simply displaying a bold exclamation of "F--k" - mysteriously disappeared from the scene, probably snapped up by art collectors." Check out the pictures
here
...
Books:
Many original fairy tales were dark compared to the Disney versions. Here are some of those
grim endings
our childhoods were spared...
Things I dislike:
Wall decals (stickers)...they were cool briefly, but are now the ultimate in tacky décor. Don't believe me? Look at these
celebrity renderings
What about
this beaut?
I'm going to give to my Uncle in Gore. He'll love it! ... Or maybe this
naked woman silhouette
over yer bed (she comes in different colours, so you can match it to your pillowcases too)...There's the
ethnic stereotypes
to enhance your dining experience and the horrendous w
all quotes
...
Video:
Cat tells hysterical irish women to "go away"...
Got a Sideswipe? Send your pictures, links and anecdotes to Ana at ana.samways@nzherald.co.nz
