Sideswipe: Dec 12: Darth Vader unplugged

Darth powerless. Photo / Supplied

Last week Powershop was bemoaning the stern words from the patent lawyers of LucasFilm over their Darth Vader ad. I wonder if this very similar-looking free postcard from Europe, ironically encouraging people to use less power, had the same trouble?

Culture Shock

Marilyn received this email from her pen friend in Poland: "Congratulations! I've seen the match of rugby. New Zealanders won the world cup. I've watched it on TV. Especially I liked the show just before the match when the captain of the team loudly shouted to the rest of the players so that they play well. It was amusing and very funny." I suggested that he Google "haka + NZ" for more information! says Marilyn.

Curfew on romance

"My partner and I drove to the top of Mt Eden one night recently," writes Liz, "a romantic spot of some meaning to us. We were there five minutes when we realised the security guard was locking the gates - it was only 11pm! There were other cars there that got locked in - because we saw what was happening, we were able to get out without paying the fine. It seems our lives are being made more and more bland by rules and regulations".

Kiwi kindness kudos

A reader writes: "My American nephew travelled 5000 miles from California to New Zealand, then from Opua to Whangamata. Near Coromandel he lost his jacket overboard with his wallet and passport in the pocket. Today he received the wallet in the mail after someone found it on the beach. How's that for luck and kindness of New Zealanders."

Drumming up gnomophobia

Fiona Caldwell of Three Kings says instructions about the Foo Fighters concert on Tuesday from Ticketmaster included a list of prohibited items, things like professional audio recording devices, weapons, alcoholic beverages, large chains or spiked bracelets - items you'd expect, but look further down the list and ... "it seems you can't take garden gnomes to the concert! Does Dave Grohl have a garden gnome phobia perhaps?" she wonders.