The Russian town of Barnaul wanting to elect a cat as mayor (Herald, December 21), is 15 years behind the precedent set in Alaska by the town of Talkeetna, declares Max Cryer. "Citizens there were less than impressed by the potential candidates for the1997 election for mayor. The Talkeetna mayoralty is an honorary position - so Stubbs the cat, a much-loved local stray, was nominated, and won the election paws down. Based in the local general store as his Council Chambers, Stubbs' mayoral duties were fulfilled by roaming about town, inspecting bars and drinkers (himself drinking from a wineglass of water laced with catnip). He endured unusual mayoral hazards such as being chased by the occasional dog, and once falling into a restaurant fryer. Because of his unique position, dozens of tourists came to the small town, wanting to see Stubbs go about his mayoral duties. The mayoral cat has his own Facebook page, and is so favoured by the Talkeetna citizens that he is rumoured to be a nominee for election as a Senator."
Ho Ho Ho ... No No No
A reader writes: "I apologise to the elderly lady at the Downtown Warehouse, to whom I wanted to give my spot in the long payment queue, only to be told by people behind me that you had to stand at the back and wait your turn. I saw that you were struggling to hold your bag and the DVDs while you waited. Christmas doesn't always bring out the best in people."
What's it like to have a famous name? Robert Downey, law professor, tells Quora.com: "Mostly I'm just tired of people's lack of creativity in coming up with something to say ... 99 per cent of the time all I get is 'oh, like the actor?' Uhm, yes, like the actor, as in, yes, our names are the same ... If someone could help me come up with a charming response, I'd be grateful. One exception, though. This message from the courier guy was awesome."
Not that Robert Downey.
Honestly, the relief!
"I've just had one of THOSE awful experiences in Pak 'n Save, Lincoln North," writes Jean from Helensville. "I had done all my shopping and was about to pay when I noticed my handbag wasn't in the trolley. Argh! I'd last had it at the toilet before doing my shopping. Huge panic and the most awful sinking feeling. Retraced my steps, but no sign of handbag; went to Customer Service and ... there it was! So wonderful to know that we live among such truly honest people."
. This image was Highly Commended and was taken by Alison Buttigieg.
Picture this: A well-intentioned mother decided to make her own wine glasses, complete with the pithy phrase, "friends are therapists you can drink with" written on them. Unfortunately her spacing was a little off on the first one and things got dark...
