Sideswipe: December 18: Ladies don't eat this Christmas

Cook it, but don't eat it: There are plenty of Christmas stock photos reminding women not to overdo the eating this Christmas.

Canyon not so grand for some

Grumpy Trip Adviser reviews on the Grand Canyon:

1. "Went there from Vegas for a few hours ... Nothing special."

2. "I drove nine hours one-way to see it, but it felt like it was only worth a two-hour drive. So if you happen to be within two hours, it's worth considering. Also, the trails are polluted with horse and mule poo. I found myself on the edge dangerously jumping and shifting around to avoid it."

3. "Seeing the canyon in person is about as good as seeing pictures of the canyon. It's possible the pictures might be better since the photographer only releases the most interesting views of the park."

Racism alive and kicking

A reader writes: "To the European Kiwi-accented gentleman and his entourage of the same, with whom I shared an elevator in the Auckland CBD this week, I have this to say: The Chinese man that entered our elevator was shocked and speechless when you told him that "this is not China". He got in despite your racism. What happened next, I couldn't believe my eyes. He left the elevator, and you followed him, kicked him in the leg and told him to "[insert expletive] off". I was horrified. He was shaken and confused. And though it's not relevant, his English was perfect. I wish you a very un-merry Christmas, you deplorable excuse for a human being."

Sign outside a clothing store in Melbourne

(Hat tip John Laurie.)

The perfect heist

As thousands gathered in cities around the US to dress up as Santa Claus and get pissed for Santarchy/SantaCon, one man decided it was the perfect cover for a bank robbery. According to the Death & Taxes blog, dressed in a Santa suit he "walked into a San Francisco bank and handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller handed him an undisclosed amount of cash, and then - like in the St Patrick's Day scene from The Fugitive - the man walked outside and disappeared into the crowd of Santas."

That's Mrs Empty Head to you, thanks

How to handle trolls on social media. "Small correction to the person who posted on Facebook 'Miss Empty Head herself'. Actually, I'm married. So it's Mrs Empty Head." Former Seven Sharp and now press gallery reporter, Heather du Plessis-Allan.

Video: Wearing a pouffy wedding dress on a horse is just asking for trouble...

Picture this: "Best observation on financial markets that anyone has ever made or will ever make." tweets Marc Andreesen....

Video: Bloke washes his car, a couple of birds in a tree are watching. You know what's going to happen next, right?

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