Sideswipe: April 27: Farmer ticked off for hay 'porn'

An Australian cattle farmer who has erected a hay bale sculpture depicting a bull inseminating a cow has been ordered to take it down and could face obscenity charges.

Bruce Cook, owner of Kactus Point Charolais stud, said the sculpture was "a bit of fun". But after someone complained police told Mr Cook he had to take it down and that he could be charged with "publishing pornographic images".

"I couldn't believe it. How could anyone be offended by something that happens out in the paddocks for real every day of the week? It's just nature," Mr Cook said. (Source: .weeklytimesnow.com.au)

Kid's giggles no laughing matter

This is a real note given to one neighbour in Arizona by another: "Dear Neighbour, You moved into the neighbourhood a year ago and I wanted to give you time to correct this problem on your own, but you are apparently too inconsiderate to do so.

Every day this week, when weather has been nice and windows are open, you proceed to let your small child run free in your backyard and laugh and giggle and carry on without end.

This is very disruptive for my two dogs and my bird who sits next to the window ... Perhaps you could ask him to tone it down a bit, or at least limit his outside time to 15-20 minutes a day. If this behaviour continues I WILL CALL THE POLICE".

The fun starts at 3.30pm!

(Via reddit.com)

Time to apologise

1. "Please note this email was sent in error. We sincerely apologise for any confusion." - Drexel University, to about 500 applicants mistakenly told they had been accepted.

2."We're sorry for this inappropriate user-created content; we're working to remove it quickly." - Google, after an image of the company's robot mascot showed up on Google Maps peeing on the Apple logo. Google promises to tighten the oversight.

Bus driver throws nanny-state book at reader

A school bus driver in Quebec told 8-year-old Sarah Auger she wasn't allowed to read on the way to and from school because she might poke herself in the eye with a corner of the book.

He also speculated that other children might be tempted to rise from their seats to look at her book. The Hautes-Riviere school board conceded books are "obviously" not dangerous, but backed the driver because "the person who drives the bus is allowed to make the rules". (Source: BoingBoing.net)

Across the ditch: Rugby heads will be familiar with Nick "Honey Badger" Cummins, an Australian rugby union player for the Western Force. But for the rest of us who haven't experienced his endearing uber-ocker-ness...

Picture this: Happy Birthday Marc, here's your awesome cake...

Video: These news bloopers from the 80s and 90s are tres 'Ron Burgundy'...(some NSFW language)

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Got a Sideswipe? Send your pictures, links and anecdotes to Ana at ana.samways@nzherald.co.nz