Sideswipe: Truckie's mate

Forget cops on cellphones, this is dangerous. Photo / Supplied

The allure of Tauranga

A campaign is under way to find a new slogan for Tauranga in time for the Rugby World Cup. Sunlive.co.nz reminisces about the "Tempt Me Tauranga" campaign from the early 90s, which didn't fly, and another bash at it in 2001 which came up with the uninspiring "Simply Superb". This time around there are some tongue-in-cheek suggestions: "Tauranga: Winston wuz Here", "Tauranga: Gateway to Rotorua" and "Tauranga: for the newly wed & the nearly dead". And from ad site Stop Press.co.nz, these: "Tauranga: Hamilton on the beach", "Tauranga: Where Matlock fans unite", "Tauranga: Blue skies, grey hair", "Tauranga: It's like Florida with a toll bridge" and "Tauranga: I love the night life, I love Te Puke".

Mobile driving instructor

Iris' granddaughter had driving lessons while she was staying in the holidays. "We were most disappointed to hear that the instructor talked continually on his mobile phone during the lesson. At one time he made her pull over so he could finish his conversation. When I rang him to complain, he told me he always talks on his mobile while giving lessons. Surely it is not a good example to young drivers. Has anyone else found this a problem?"

Lives become stories

The Toronto Public Library is running its Human Library project, which involves getting interesting people from the community to sit and talk with library patrons who may not otherwise have the opportunity to mingle with people like them. The first day included a police officer, a comedian, a former sex worker, a model and a person who had gone through cancer, homelessness and poverty. The Human Library is a nod to the days when storytelling from person to person was the only way to learn.

Blowfly demise 'disgusting'

Think of the children! "I am very disturbed that you would print the article regarding the blowfly in the microwave," says Gemma. "Is this kind of sicko behaviour what we want to teach our children? Disgusting."

Rings on the beach

One final Lost & Found: "Last week on Eastern Beach, Auckland, we found a set of four beautiful rings - one diamond wedding ring and band, one gold band (presumably for a male) and a red ruby ring. It appears they were simply taken off and forgotten, or accidentally left behind. We have told the police but there has been no claim yet. My number is 021-2473-021 and there is an inscription on one of the rings that will help us to confirm ownership."