Sideswipe: Fun with electronics

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"I understand that in these post-recessionary times retailers are under immense pressure to diversify their products in order to increase sales and get consumers to part with their money," says Chris Marsh of Avondale. "But I'm still scratching my head at the strange product mix from this Avondale retailer."

Friendless in high places

When a woman refused to leave her seventh-storey apartment, developers in Mianyang, China, demolished every staircase in the building. Mum Zhao Yanhong, 42, claims developers - who want to demolish the flats to build a factory - hired thugs to force out other residents but she refused to budge. "Then one day they turned up with machines and men and knocked out all the stairs to strand us here," said Yanhong. "The only way we can get out now is through ladders and climbing but it is very dangerous." Judges have ordered the developers to suspend all work for six months while they investigate, and to and restore one staircase for the family. (Source: Neatorama.com)

Lights on, nobody home

A reader writes: "Between Christmas and New Year I had to work, and knowing all the Government departments were shut down at this time, I noticed the National Library in Parnell had all its lights on, day and night, when no one seemed to be working at this time. What an irresponsible waste of taxpayers' money and power."

Language lesson

"Tony Waring must be new to New Zealand," says Andrew Stevenson. "Otherwise he would know that the only language Kiwi commentators (and newsreaders) bend over backwards to try to pronounce correctly is Maori. They don't even try very hard with English, let alone German or French."

The Sprite's okay...

Sprite has not been downsized from 2.25 litres to 2 litres for the same price. The smaller bottles are used to stock the supermarket fridges, so you are essentially paying for the fizz to be chilled. "With a little forward planning, you can get another cupful, for 42c less, and chill it yourself," one reader suggests.

...but something smells off

Okay, supermarket Sprite bottles aren't getting smaller ... but, asks a reader, what about deodorant? "I am finding my roll-on lasts only for about two weeks now thanks to the paltry 50ml that we get for the same money. I remember when deodorants came in 100ml bottles, then they changed the shape and they went down to 75ml, but this is just ridiculous."