Sideswipe: July 18: Parking deal of the century

Auckland City was offering the parking deal of the century in Kingsland on Tuesday. "For $1 I got a parking ticket receipt that does not expire until 01/03/2080," says Dave.

Town turns on mayor

The Mayor of Gosport in Hampshire, UK has been banned from every pub in town. Conservative Wayne Ronayne celebrated winning the mayoral race with his partner and some friends at a local pub. The revelry got a little rowdy and they were asked to leave. Instead of going quietly, the mayor's partner trotted out the "Don't you know who I am?" line and threatened to have the pub shut down. Police were called and they were kicked out. The pair were also denied entry to two other pubs, which led to a town-wide ban - barring them from all 36 local drinking establishments. After 40 days in office Ronayne decided to step down. (Source: Death and Taxes)

Slippery slope ... this sign was snapped on Ohakune Mountain Rd on the way to the Turoa skifield.

One more thing for cyclists to be afraid of

When bikes first became popular the main danger associated with cycling had nothing to do with being hit by a car. In the late 19th century doctors warned that - especially for women - using the newfangled contraption could lead to a medical condition known as bicycle face. "Over-exertion, the upright position on the wheel, and the unconscious effort to maintain one's balance tend to produce a wearied and exhausted 'bicycle face', noted the Literary Digest in 1895. It went on to describe the condition: 'Usually flushed, but sometimes pale, often with lips more or less drawn, and the beginning of dark shadows under the eyes, and always with an expression of weariness.'" (Source: Presurfer.com)

Quick clip: In Japan, when trains reach their final station the seats reset and turn around ready for the next journey....

Picture this: This nifty graphic tells you how to recognise when someone is lying. Could be handy with an election coming up...

I did not know that: Why some ice is clear and some cloudy?

Video: One for the planespotters... This is Air New Zealand's 3rd 787-9, still in it's Boeing company livery, practising stunts for it's upcoming appearance at the Farnborough Airshow. (Hat tip: Andy Price)

NZ Herald app users click here for today's video.

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