Sideswipe: Welcome relief

Opinion

A reader admits he saw this van and seriously considered ringing because of the screaming in the back seat.

$112 coffee leaves a sour taste

A reader writes: "Last weekend I purchased a coffee at a cafe in Manly ... Later in the week I noticed my account was in overdraft - I had been charged $112.50 for the coffee! The cafe said they had picked up the error. I popped in and received a refund for $108.90 - the amount overcharged, less the price of the coffee. After leaving the shop, feeling a bit perplexed at the cheek of it, I added up my costs in my head ... with overdraft fees and fuel that coffee cost me about $38.60!"

Wear black and keep your cool

Black Commonwealth Games uniforms: Tony says black is worn in many hot countries and dissipates heat very quickly. "Many desert countries wear black and layered clothing. Also, the hotter the country, the darker the skin of the race of people. Light colours reflect light, but absorb heat. Wearing black in summer is not silly."

Twinkle-toes

A musician who lost both arms in a childhood accident and plays the piano with his toes has won China's Got Talent, performing James Blunt's wistful love song You're Beautiful. All three judges praised 23-year-old Liu Wei and urged him to keep pursuing his dreams. The Beijing native said he would try, quipping, "At least I have a pair of perfect legs."

Condition of museum entry

"What things does Rita mean when she says there are things menstruating women cannot do?" asks a reader. "Wear white trousers?"

Vera says if Te Papa's rule banning pregnant and menstruating women is accurate then it's time the Human Rights Commission became involved. "I worked and paid taxes while menstruating, I also worked and paid taxes while pregnant, surely that entitles me to use the services of a taxpayer-funded museum in both conditions."

People have to realise these treasures come from a different age, says Mike. "It is not for non-Maori who have never taken the time to understand Maori culture to start telling them what is acceptable."

If discrimination against pregnant and menstruating women is to protect their baby, a reader asks ... "So if I go on one of these tours, then the next day find out I'm pregnant, then miscarry or my baby dies at birth, or is born with spina bifida, then it's all Te Papa's fault? Can I sue?"

Today's Webpick: Subaru has unleashed a new viral marketing campaign promoting the 2011 Mediocrity - a four door that has "figured out a way to blend in more"... Go here.



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