KEY POINTS:
Bleach on the rocks.
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The Christmas party is being downsized in the recession; either that or grand catered affairs are turning into potluck dinners in the office. ABC.com says one in five companies is scuttling or scaling down its year-end bash. American Express, which plans to cut 10 per cent of its 65,000 US employees, has even cancelled next year's party. Staff at Viacom, where quarterly profits have plunged 37 per cent, will get two extra paid days off instead of invitations to chic parties. The reasons are economic, but it's also about perception - being flashy with corporate cash is no longer the done thing, although scrapping celebrations altogether would affect morale. Has your knees-up been canned? What cheaper alternatives are on offer? Email SideSwipe with your tales of belt-tightening.
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Add to your list of official signs that must be almost incomprehensible to new immigrants, writes David Vinsen, the signs with "X prohibited" (on the Auckland Harbour Bridge). Surely it would be better to instruct directly, "Do not use lanes with X." Or would that be too easy?
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Presenter of Police Ten 7 Graham Bell was amused by the snippet about his show being seen in Scotland and "your correspondent's rather precious concerns about our image abroad". He comments: "Surely they should be taking pride in the professionalism and caring efficiency being displayed by the NZ police in every episode. People may be surprised to learn that Police Ten 7 is broadcast in a lot of countries and is popular wherever it is seen. Crime, disorder and substance abuse are now seen in every part of the world and sadly not many police forces deal with these issues as well as ours do. That is something to be proud of!"
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Today's Webpick: These anti-drug PSAs 'Terrible Truth, Addicted, and Pit of Despair show just how crazy marijuana made the kids go in the 60s and 70s. Watch this first.
These are the very best online videos from Ana's online magazine Spare Room.
