Sideswipe: Bark and drive

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This driver in Royal Oak amused Kat a great deal.

Office feeder has ulterior motive

Beware the office feeder, declares the headline in the Daily Mail. "They tempt with sweets and treats, but never tuck in themselves - what are they up to?" The story goes on to say that this emerging female condition is driven by a desire to appear more attractive than her female colleagues to men in the office by fattening up the other women. "A feeder sometimes uses food as a weapon to help her achieve the goal," says psychologist Dearbhla McCullough of Roehampton University in London. "Food is often used as a competitive tool and slimness seen as the ultimate sign of self-control and perfection." What about the simple pleasure derived from making and sharing food? Could be a simple as that. After all, you can't eat a whole cake by yourself.

Keep one step ahead of Customs

Nathan has a handle on unexpected Customs fees. "This is probably due to a new $22 Import Transaction Fee introduced in July by NZ Customs on personal imported goods over $400, which also attracts a $12.50 fee from MAF. This is in addition to the 10 per cent duty and 12.5 per cent GST attached to clothing imports. If the duty plus GST exceed $50 it must be paid with the additional fees. To avoid these charges, ensure that the duty plus GST value does not exceed $50."

Imports hurt NZ business

"All these people moaning about paying tax on stuff they have bought from overseas," growls Dan. "What do they expect? If you import goods from overseas, you're not paying tax on those goods in NZ. It does nothing to contribute to our own economy and you're not helping NZ business, jobs, our GDP, anything ..."

Cucumber lovers lose cool

In response to the $8.50 Viaduct cucumber. "Same cucumber is $2.49 at Pak'n Save Tamatea, Napier." says Kaye. "Outrageous! Even Foodtown St Lukes has the telegraph cucumber at $2.99," says Pamela.

Today's Webpick: Is your baby too young for a bikini? This and other ridiculous products for doting parents. Plus Charlie Brooker's Newswipe on media-generated celebrity. Go here.



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