Sideswipe: F is for fail

Left: U is for ... horse? Right: Spotted on Wade River Rd, Whangaparaoa - 4452sq m sure is a lot of hedge. Photos / failblog.org, Supplied

A reader asks, "If we are given only a cash or credit card option at a restaurant does that mean we can then ask for a discount for cash? This is common practice among other businesses who prefer cash to avoid the tax man."

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Rachel writes, "Internet dating disasters ... there are so many. Like the guy who told me he had invented a world-changing item and this is why he had a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist. Or the guy I didn't recognise who approached me saying he had used his friend's picture on his profile for privacy reasons. Or the single guy who, halfway through our second date, was approached by an angry woman who started assaulting him and calling me names. Turns out she was his wife."

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Stuat writes, "Regarding the civil engineering masterpiece shown in yesterday's Sideswipe, the truth is not 4WD parking. The space is actually a truck loading bay accessed through the line of parked cars, notwithstanding easily available access from the adjacent right of way.

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A practical customer review from bpafreebottlesupply.com. "ClickClack 505002 Airtight Storer 4 -Quart Canister with White Lid - Use this size for flour, sugar, cornmeal or cocaine. Be sure to label them so you don't confuse confectioner's sugar with the cocaine." Wise advice.

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A New York woman says a mugger stole a doggie coat right off the back of her terrier. Donna McPherson said she tied up Lexie, her 10-year-old Westie, outside a supermarket for two minutes while she bought milk. When she returned, she found Lexie shivering. His green wool coat, with leather trim and belt, were nowhere in sight. She said that, fortunately, Lexie wasn't wearing his pricier Burberry. (Source: AP)

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Katie was stunned to find this note on her car yesterday on Meadowbank Rd: "Hello, sorry to bother you but could you make sure you park this car between the hours of1am - 4am ONLY, as that's the time that no one can see that it's not a good enough car to be seen during daylight. Thanks, The Firm (Neighbourhood Watch)." Katie drives a white Mazda Familia hatch that "isn't really that bad!"