KEY POINTS:
A reader writes: "I am 66 years old and have just retired from an office in Hamilton which I worked in for the last 21 years. I received a large card signed by all staff and one well-wisher's remarks in particular took my eye. My wife and I have built a new house on the Thames Coast Road, Waiomu, and have a large deck that faces west over the Firth of Thames. Yes, Nicole is blonde, and a really lovely young lady as well. I know you can sleep in when you retire but I don't think for that long!"
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A Christchurch transgender man claims his sexuality, rather than body odour is behind the termination of his gym membership and has laid a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. Andrew Dobson says his Pro-Fitness gym membership was terminated last month after a manager told him complaints had been received from other members about his body odour.
He said the gym really wanted to get rid of him because he'd made it known he planned to make the transition to living permanently as a woman this month. Pro-Fitness chief executive Steve Barry said the gym categorically denied Mr Dobson's "totally unfounded" claims.
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Criticism isn't a crime, but one Wisconsin police chief doesn't seem to know that. Records show chief James Coan used two detectives and several other city employees in his quest to find the identity of "John Adams", a blogger who criticised him and other city officials. (Source: Reason.com)
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Betty shouldn't feel alone with her misspelling of orchid," says Ali. "I work as a florist and we often get people asking for orchards - another popular request is for paninis (which should be a peony) and courgettes (which should be a corsage). The other day we also had a request for a coronation - yep, that would be a carnation."
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It appears Air New Zealand's flight attendants also have a sense of humour. Deirdre Kerr writes: "A couple or so years ago while on an Air New Zealand flight to London we were advised by our steward that 'anyone caught smoking in the toilets would be asked to step outside'." Sharon was also reminded of an Air NZ evening flight back from Christchurch "when on arrival in Auckland the flight crew told us the local time at Auckland was the same as Christchurch and to remember smoking was banned in the terminal, because it was bad for you, and could we please remember to remove all personal belongings from the plane ... that includes children."
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Today's Webpick: Music video post production is a celebrity's best friend. In this show reel the toucher-upper guy shows of all the beautiful people he's gussied up and slimmed down. Watch it here.
These are the very best online videos from Ana's online magazine Spare Room.