Sideswipe: A limited Social Sphere

Photo / Supplied

Why didn't this catch on?

This bizarre product (pictured), designed to make it easy to have conversations in busy bars, also makes you look like an extra from a bad 1970s sci-fi movie. The connected perspex "Social Sphere" is worn on a user's head to allow people to talk directly into each other's ear. They filter out ambient noise of music and chatter.

Pranksters' curious coffin caper

Former voice of Auckland Speedway Bill Mudgway writes: "Many years ago two of speedway's greatest characters got into the used vehicle trade and purchased an old hearse. They drove off, but not before one of them noticed a white sheet in the back. One of them climbed in the back, lay down and pulled the white sheet over himself. The hearse was the older type, with windows giving a view of the coffin. When they reached Grafton Bridge, the fellow in the back slowly rose, paused and then continued up and, still under the sheet, shook his head. The mayhem was indescribable - women were screaming, some fainted and there were at least three nose-to-tails. Those present at the court case couldn't help but notice a very slight smile on the magistrate's face when announcing the fine. The car dealers reckon they didn't have to advertise for months!"

Jury duty dilemma

Jennie Pizer of St Heliers writes: "My mother-in-law was recently called up to the High Court for jury duty. I sent in examples of why she should be excused. Yesterday I received a letter back saying she would be excused this time, but could be called up again at any time. What part of aged 101, deaf and with significant memory loss doesn't the court system understand?"

Rent an Evil Clown

A bizarre service has launched in Switzerland where people can hire an "Evil Clown" to freak-out their friends and family. Dominic Deville says his Evil Clown service has been extremely popular as a birthday "treat" since he launched it late last year. For £400 ($821) a terrifying-looking clown will follow their victim for a week playing tricks on them. Pranks include late night phone calls, leaving "odd items" in your letterbox and generally lurking.

Eavesdrop jawdrop

The other night after footie, Barry Hobman from Mission Bay heard some guys saying the, "Blues would eat them for breakfast". "Does this mean what I think they mean?" he asks.

Bouncy castle gatecrashers

Three young Londoners paddled 8km across Lake Garda, in Northern Italy, in a bouncy castle and managed to unintentionally gatecrash an international sailing regatta during their attempt. Engineer Chris Hayes said: "... it was possibly the most fun we have ever had and we really never believed this most frivolous of dreams would ever be realised."