Sideswipe: Bad image

"Prolife Jelly babies at the bulkbuy Countdown in Greenlane," says Jean. "Brain washing the babes of the future? Put me off buying them."

Rugby balls-up

Promotional FAIL #1: A giant grass-covered rugby ball in Napier has been given the boot after makers found the grass couldn't survive on the structure. Hawke's Bay Today says the 10m ball would have been the main attraction on Napier's waterfront during the World Cup but a trial showed grass wouldn't grow on a vertical surface, as all the moisture ran to the bottom. An inflatable, interactive rugby game will be installed instead.

Stars in your bed

Promotional FAIL #2: A British hotel is offering its guests a chance to sleep with a celebrity. Alton Towers Resort has made a range of pillow cases with the faces of Cheryl Cole or David Beckham printed on them, after the duo topped a poll of fantasy celebrity bedfellows.

Beer o'clock driving

Jim writes: "It's funny to see drinking while driving not being illegal up until 2005 in Montana. Most people probably don't know it isn't illegal in NZ still. You can drink as much as you like as long as you don't get over the legal limit. I quite often have a beer (only one) in the car on the way home from work!"

Baring their soles

Martin is interested in what people think of youngish people not bothering with footwear in a busy public place. When I see young women, for instance, in bare feet in supermarkets, shopping centres or streets, I almost feel physically ill. Why do these people think it is good to appear as if desperate urchins, with no foot protection and no care for hygiene and safety? I personally think places such as supermarkets should deny access if people don't wear at least minimal footwear."

Bananas in pyjamas?

People wearing pyjamas out and about has nothing on one lady who came in to the post shop where I worked, writes this reader. "She was probably late 40s/early 50s, and not only was she wearing her pyjamas, along with her robe and slippers, she also couldn't bear to wait for her morning cup of tea, as she brought that in a mug from home too."