Nothing like a bit of vigilante justice to get your money back, says Rebecca Knapman, who snapped this name and shame on SH1 at Rangiriri, just north of Huntly.
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Wanganui Mayor and radio shock jock Michael Laws' controversies in the media have spawned a Facebook group called "Michael Laws is a complete twat". With more than 2500 members (and climbing) it is essentially a modern-day witch hunt, with tired accusations of wearing eyeliner, half-hearted debate about the issues, but mostly name calling and cussing.
Unable to leave it alone, the man himself has joined the discussion, but compared to the group members, he comes off looking moderate: "Gosh I've never come across such a group of people who are so determined not to debate, not to discuss, and not to open their minds. I think if liberalism did have a Facebook group, then it would be you people. Insult me all you want: the fact is that my views are very much mainstream NZ."
Whereas many of the comments read like this: "Oh MY GOD! I'm generally pretty tolerant of right wingers, but I just want to f***ing kill the bastard. He's got to be stopped!"
To which Laws responds: "Yes, that comment rather destroys any attempt at the moral high ground, doesn't it?" In this instance he's right.
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Paul from Wellington writes: "Watching Labour leader Phil Goff 're-branding' himself by borrowing Rick Barker's Harley for the Labour Party conference and now buying a Triumph motorcycle to join the ACC protests, a couple of thoughts come to mind ... 'born to be mild' or 'rebel without a clue'. The latter comment is a bit harsh, but really, do the youth of today really think that a middle-aged politician riding a 'big bike' is really hip?"
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Thomas reckons Kiwi habits die hard. He writes: "I was on my way to work cruising on Tamaki Drive, annoyed again by the lycra-clad enthusiasts, cycling along as if on their way to Noah's Ark, two by two ... While I was pumping the gas into my car, a 2009 Maserati Gran Turismo pulls up. The roar of the engine, sleek Italian design and the smooth silver sheen. Out steps a 50-something guy, nice Florsheim shoes, striped shirt, cufflinks - nothing to attract too much attention but style nonetheless. Standing in the queue the Maserati owner, despite all the trappings was in true Kiwiana style reading the paper and munching on a good ole steak and cheese pie."
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A reader responds to Paul Ravlich who complained that the new motorway sign has Sandringham Rd and Maioro St the same distance away when the latter is further. "Paul Ravlich is perhaps one of the many who speed up the hill from the roundabout despite the 50km/h signs. Maioro St now starts at the roundabout as this is the end of the motorway and therefore it's the same distance to both streets."
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View today's Herald cartoon
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Today's Webpick: British comedians Mitchell and Webb share their thoughts on smoking, coffee and nudists (with Anna Paquin). Go here and make a comment.
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