Sideswipe: Fair trade

Photo / Supplied

Tom Prebble snapped this sign outside a cafe in Arrowtown.

Draught in the air on ANA

Cheaper than the Viaduct during the Rugby World Cup: Japan's All Nippon Airways says it will become the first airline in the world to offer draught beer in-flight after it worked out how to deal with the air-pressure problems that made the beer problematic. The airline says the beer will cost 1000 ($16) a glass.

No coat makes canine more cool

After Jo's frantic search for her Jack Russell's very smart jacket, brown with beige trim, a reader writes: "Jo, the only crime committed was putting a jacket on a dog because, let's face it, that's just not cool, so by taking it off the dog they've done you a massive favour and your dog will no longer have self-esteem issues."

Kiwi Cuvee c'est vin-tastique

Kristy from nzwine.com says the creators of "Kiwi Cuvee" are not New Zealanders and in fact they are one of France's biggest wine companies. "A rumour went around that the winemaker was a New Zealander, but this doesn't make a difference since the grapes and the wine are French ... In a battle that started back in 2006, we fought to stop Lacheteau SAS, part of France's biggest wine producer, from gaining the exclusive right to use the words 'Kiwi Cuvee' on wine in Australia. Although it might be flattering that French producers are copying our wine styles and packaging, we are pleased to have been able to protect our producers from the sort of unfair competition that this label presents!"

Grub's up and it's locustburger

As population growth threatens to outstrip the planet's capacity to produce enough food, some suggest we replace meat in our diet with bugs. Dutch scientist Marcel Dicke says although 10kg of feed generates just 1kg of beef, it can produce 9kg of locusts, which are, incidentally, nutritious and rich in protein. (Source: Independent)

Predatory tradesman on prowl

Carolyn wonders if anyone else has experienced a delightful tradesman who goes door knocking offering his services in One Tree Hill/Greenlane. "It started out as a reasonable $30 for washing windows. He then told Grandma she needed her guttering done, for which he charged $420. He then came back with a sob story to borrow money. Feeling sorry for him, she lent him $800, but of course he hasn't repaid her."