KEY POINTS:
A while back a reader complained to Sideswipe that a television ad recruiting teachers used the word "disinterested" (meaning impartial) when it should have used "uninterested" (meaning bored). Brian Edwards climbed in and suggested that it didn't really matter and in October wrote an entire guest column for the Herald explaining that language is dynamic and meanings change with use. "In his lovely book Mother Tongue - The English Language, Bill Bryson doesn't entirely agree," Edwards wrote. "He speaks of 'a useful distinction' between uninterested and disinterested. I can see nothing useful about it." However, a few weeks later in his next guest column, it would seem Brian found a use after all. Under the headline "Hager book nails Holmes' colours firmly to the mast", he writes: "But that does not mean there was no conflict of interest between his training of Brash and his job as a disinterested political interviewer. There plainly was, and is." Indeed, Brian.
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Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew's ex, has been signed to the next series of Dancing With The Stars, after publicly announcing her desire to appear on the US talent show. The producer says, "Fergie will add a touch of class to the proceedings and the fans will be waiting to see if she falls for her dance partner. Everyone loves a royal romance and her presence will bring dazzling ratings." (Source: ContactMusic.com)
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A reader bouquet for Air New Zealand: "Our water polo players have been affected by the chlorine gas at West Wave on Sunday and we have had to cancel a non-refundable flight to Wellington for Nationals. Air NZ have been great and given us a refund for a hospitalised player although they were under no obligation to do so. Cheers".
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And a free plug too: The airline is running a huge online charity auction to raise money for three children's charities - Make-A-Wish New Zealand, StarJam and Starship Foundation. It's neck and neck between the political leaders - morning tea with Helen Clark at the Beehive is now worth $2500 and lunch with John Key is at $2510 - but the most noteworthy item at auction has to be the offer by Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe to mow the winning bidder's lawns - the privilege will cost you $925. Let's hope someone with a few hectares wins. Go to www.airnz.co.nz to get involved.
