Sideswipe: Surprise sign

Opinion

This no-parking sign mysteriously appeared in Sainsbury Rd, near Briscoes, in Morningside. "One lonely little sign in the whole street and every car with a $40 infringement notice ... way to go, Len!" says one outraged parker.

Inmates have their uses

After breaking rocks all day in the open cast coalmines of northeast China, prisoners are forced to play online games until late at night - slaying demons, battling goblins and casting spells to build up credits that prison guards would then trade for real cash. "Prison bosses make more money forcing inmates to play games than they do forcing people to do manual labour," an anonymous prisoner told the Guardian. "There were 300 prisoners forced to play games. We worked 12-hour shifts in the camp. I heard them say they could earn £470-£570 ($943-$1144) a day ... The computers were never turned off."

Things that are awesome

1) Must agree with the reformed moaner, the Britomart precinct is awesome. "Great bars and restaurants, interesting mix of restored and modern buildings, and fantastic shops with more to come. The train station feels like stepping into another country! Also great in Auckland: The Tank Farm development under way (can't wait to ride a tram again), free book requests at Auckland City libraries (and delivery to your nearest branch), Elliott Stables (a cosmopolitan foodie haven, especially in winter)."

Fenced in

Following yesterday's Karma brand wheelchairs, Marguerite noticed Tauranga Hospital's new wing was built with fencing on blocks labelled "Alcatraz". "That really made me laugh!" she says.

Drinking and driving

Neville clarifies the rules around alcohol and driving: First, there are localised liquor bans under the Local Government Act 2002. This covers consuming/possessing booze in a public place (including while in a vehicle). "Unless you know every liquor ban area map, it's probably wise not to try your luck." Secondly, police have powers to search without a warrant a vehicle that is in, or is entering, a public place, for booze. Thirdly, bylaws don't apply to the transporting of unopened bottles or containers.

Basic science

Al writes: "I'm pretty sure Helen failed high school science if she believes that we absorb electrons from the Earth through our bare feet. Atoms consist of protons, neutrons and electrons, and we're made of atoms. (The Earth is, too.)"