Sideswipe: Cutting wit

Photo / Supplied

A macabre butcher shop sign at Woombye, inland from Queensland's Sunshine Coast, snapped by Barney and Mel of Whitianga.

Plankers or plonkers?

Stuart on planking: "For many years in all the groups I've worked with and socialised with, 'planker' was pejorative shorthand for 'thick as two short planks' - an expression that is probably four generations old, but sadly lost on this new group of web hero wannabes."

Primary school rave-up

A reader writes: "A wet-blanket killjoy called noise control last night to Epsom Normal Primary School's annual school disco - at 7:30pm. No doubt the neighbour who complained was among those who reverse out of their driveways adjacent to the school at speed during school start and finish pick up times, perhaps in an effort to reduce the numbers of the noisy little blighters."

How to keep cash in your pocket

Biggest money wasters:

1. ATM fees - (Using the closest ATM, rather than one from your own bank will cost you).

2. Infomercial impulse buys - The urgency of the deal lures punters in, but is it really that good a deal?

3. Brand-name groceries - Popular brands come in prettier packages, but that doesn't mean they're better.

4. Eating out - one of the most expensive habits you can have.

5. Unused gym memberships - automatic fees are one of the easiest ways to waste money.

6. Daily internet deals - Many of the vouchers bought don't get redeemed

(Source: CNN Money)

Tip top tips for tips

The Harvard Business Review points to a study that showed waitresses who stood about 15cm from patrons, as opposed to 76cm away, improved their tips by 22.6 per cent. The study also found that tips were boosted when waitresses smiled broadly, touched customers briefly on the arm or shoulder, or squatted beside the table to introduce themselves. (Source: Newser.com)