Sideswipe: Standing orders

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Spotted at the Auckland Santa Parade on Sunday at Britomart.

Christmas tree green nightmare

John wonders what Telecom staff member thought it would be a good idea to launch the Christmas tree in Western Park, by Ponsonby Road, by blasting a million pieces of silver paper into the air, littering the surrounding streets, pathways, private gardens, water features, gutters, waste water systems, drains and roads. No green awards for Telecom and now there's a litter problem that will take weeks to clear.

Unsatisfied customer

Nick writes, "About a month ago, I had no internet. I rang my ISP (Orcon) and was on hold for 45 minutes before hanging up in disgust. The next day my internet was working so I left it at that. Last week, I received a call from Orcon asking me to judge my experience as I have recently called up with a fault. I told the woman on the other end that yes, I had called up and was on hold for 45 minutes so I hung up without talking to anyone. She then told me that I couldn't take part in the customer satisfaction survey as I never actually talked to anyone! Talk about skewing the figures! Don't answer the helpline, don't talk to anyone and you'll keep a perfect record!"

Seasonal spirit stolen

A recent incident has left Sarah angry and glad she hadn't put out her other Christmas decorations. "The Christmas spirit is certainly not alive and well in Howick! Over the weekend someone has helped themselves to my large white feather Christmas wreath from my front door. I was going to start decorating the rest of the front of the house this weekend, which I will not be doing now. To the thief, I hope you enjoy the wreath that I made and if anyone asks you where you got it, I hope you are wracked with guilt. Maybe you may even feel guilty enough to return it."

PR disaster for BP

Darryn writes, "I was at a BP Service Station on Saturday morning and overheard an elderly lady saying to staff behind counter that she didn't know how to use the pumps. The staff member replied: 'Sorry love, but there are written instructions on the end of the pump. If you still have problems, there is an 0800 number to ring. Phone that and they will ring us here and we can then send someone out to help you.' Thankfully, a member of the public overheard and was more than happy to help her fill her car."