Sideswipe: Love hurts

Just a little something to spike up your life. Spotted on Mt Wellington/Panmure Highway.

Marilyn's millions

Dead celebrities still making money: Marilyn Monroe's name and likeness will soon appear on lingerie, curling irons and handbags. According to the Financial Times the rights to the late film star's image were sold for US$30 million ($39 million). Monroe didn't appear on Forbes' list of the top-earning dead celebrities last year, but sources close to the estate say it earned between $4 million and $5 million.

Secret fat facts

A child's BMI, a computation of body fat based on height and weight, was one of six tests used at Hawthorne Elementary School in Chicago to determine the physical fitness grade on their report. But that practice ended after parents met school officials to express their displeasure. The school will continue BMI measurements in all its schools, but will now keep the information private. The measurements need to continue because the statistics are required when applying for fitness grants. One mother said her son is a slim, tall boy who plays hockey four nights a week, but received a BMI score that indicated he was at risk of obesity. "Who are they to be giving medical advice?" she asked. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Greedy customer's meltdown

Indy Griffiths writes: "I'm 15 and work in a dairy. Recently I had a customer want three 3-scoop icecreams of Goldrush. This particular flavour was rock solid, yet he came in half an hour later complaining that the icecreams had melted all over his lap in his car and demanded replacements for free. We were all out of his flavour so he tipped over the newspaper stand and stormed out of the shop. Turns out he paid in foreign coins for the icecreams."

With new reduced killing power

"Talking of products being downsized but not the price," says Linda. "Has anyone noticed how fly spray doesn't kill as well as it used to? I have to practically unload a whole can before the little critters die."

Tips to banish dye

Top remedies offered to the woman with the dye- spattered bathroom.
1) Jiff.
2) Shampoo.
3) Spray the marks with a strong solution of Janola.
4) Nail polish remover.
5) Whitening toothpaste - it may take a few coats.