Sideswipe: Backseat driver

Rhys Lewis was riding along yesterday and saw something moving under the cover of this ute. "It turned out to be someone's hand holding up the cover to get a bit of fresh air." There must be a reasonable explanation?

Sweet country visitors

A reader writes: "On Sunday afternoon, I answered the door to two 'witches' aged about 8 and 9 . When I offered chocolate to the girls, they said they were giving lollies not taking them. The older girl said she knew that out in the country no one would have any bags of sweets so she asked her mum to fill up their baskets and they were giving neighbours a treat."

Cat's gone gaga mate

Strangest News: 1) The University of South Carolina will be offering a class called "Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame" , taught by an obsessed professor with a Gaga fansite. 2) British Royal Mail officials are refusing to put a family's letters through their door mail slot in case their cat attacks the postman. They claim Lana - a tortoiseshell cat - is a risk to its staff after she scratched a postie's hand when he pushed letters through the letterbox. (News of the Weird.com) 3) Queenslander Thomas Collins was sent to the cells after twice calling Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin "mate" during a court hearing last week. When the magistrate ordered Collins to address him as "sir or your honour", the defendant replied "okay mate" and was sent for a stint in the cells. (Source: CourierMail.com.au)

Tasty apple source

Roger from Te Atatu complained about how tasteless apples are these days. Graham Jensen of Windmill Orchards in Coatesville says he still has good flavoured Royal Gala. "We are one of only a handful of growers left in Auckland and one of only four left selling our fruit from orchard shops. Nolas Orchard on West Coast Rd opposite Parrs Park has the very best apples grown around Henderson Valley, says another reader, or La Ronde Orchard in Huapai, says another.

Lost Tiffany ring

A reader working at the Super City swearing in at the Auckland Town Hall on Monday night left behind a small Tiffany's ring, "while I was drying my hands in the bathroom. It's silver, and mesh, and has a little Tiffany's stamp on it". Please email Sideswipe if you found it.