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Ex-pat Kiwi Laura moved to Switzerland a few months ago and is still adjusting to the differences, like this prominently displayed sign found in a major supermarket chain of the not-so-laid-back Swiss. "The best part is that you have to pack your own groceries anyway,"she adds.
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The story about the cannabis plant outside the Timaru courthouse reminded Eric West of an incident from his days on the police front line, many years ago. "A couple of days after Christmas, I called in to see some friends, to bludge a coffee while out on patrol. The lady of the house was in ecstasy about the beautiful pot plant her two late-teenage sons had given her for Christmas. It had pride of place in the lounge. She was right - it was one of the finest and healthiest marijuana plants I have ever seen! It seemed a shame to enlighten her, but the look on her face as the light dawned was something to behold."
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A reader in need of a pick-me-up writes: "After nearly finishing my 600ml bottle of energy drink Demon, I read the label, which states that the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Authority recommends that no person should consume more than 500ml per day ... "
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The upside to downsizing staff Christmas parties: Felicity Buche writes: "A few years ago, during the Celtic Tiger economic boom, I was working for IBM in Ireland. As there was 'no budget available' for a staff Christmas party, an email was sent from the top bosses in the US suggesting that the managers could wash employees cars, offer to baby sit, organise a pot luck dinner, etc. My manager invited all 25 staff back to his house for a three- course meal. It was actually a fabulous evening."
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Passing the Christmas party cost on: Steve writes: "Ours is being held on a Sunday, out of town, and at our own expense - almost no cost to employer, cost to us - our day off, and the food/drink/fuel bill."
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Today's Webpick: The first human-powered mobile treadmill hits the road. Watch it here.
These are the very best online videos from Ana's online magazine Spare Room.
