A reader writes: "With all the recent news about spying in toilets, it's good to know there's one part of the country where being a Peeping Tom is positively encouraged - but only if you're a customer! (Spotted at L'Hotel in Akaroa.)"
Pedestrian-unfriendly paving
An expensive town centre makeover has been blamed for falls that injured more than 20 people after new paving stones "hid" a kerb in the Welsh town of Pontypridd. The new pattern of pavers on part of the main shopping area has created an "optical illusion", disguising the drop to road level, locals say. It has caused people to trip over, especially the elderly, according to a shop manager who has helped many of them. People rushing to a nearby bus stop do not see where the kerb is. The Welsh Ambulance Service said it had been called out for falls 20 times since the streetscape was completed. (Source: Walesonline.co.uk)
Beating 'Windows' nuisance calls
"For months we have been getting phone calls from 'Windows technical department' with offers to help us with the problems in our computer. Recently this changed to our 'computer licence had expired'. I tried everything from offering to send them a cheque (just give me your address) to putting the phone down and leaving it to telling them they were just thieves trying to steal from me, all to no avail. Recently the calls started to arrive at 5.30 every night. So I answered the phone with 'Windows security department, how can I help you?' ... they hung up and I haven't heard from them since."
