Sideswipe: October 9: Exciting race

The local mayoral race just got exciting! Spotted in Parnell.

Petfood delivery service blocks exit

"I recently purchased some cat food from Pet.co.nz," writes Dale. "And while the delivery service was prompt the box was placed across the cat door, effectively stopping the resident cats from either leaving or entering ... The less said about what happens when cats cannot get outside to go to the toilet the better. Needless to say I was not a happy shopper."

Mexican wave hot as Rihanna

Megan writes: "A friend started a Mexican wave before Rihanna's Vector Arena concert last night - quite a feat to get this going in a shy Kiwi crowd! By the third try, the Mexican wave had reached the other side of the stadium and everyone was laughing and enjoying the moment - nek minnit an angry security person warned us that anyone starting a Mexican wave would be thrown out! Is a Mexican wave really that risky or disruptive?!"

Raincoats for rural folk

In response to the new immigrant who can't find a raincoat. "Yes, yes I know a raincoat 'seems' practical, but given Auckland's tendency to have 'four seasons in one day', a raincoat is just not practical if you end up carrying it around most of the time in the heat. Sunglasses, sunblock, a scarf, a woolly hat, an umbrella and quick drying clothes are standard for many Aucklanders three- quarters of the year. Rightly or wrongly, raincoats in Auckland are regarded as things 'people from out of town' (tourists, rural folk) or 'dodgy individuals' (homeless old men, dotty old ladies) wear. Don't consider a plastic rain poncho - they are never cool (unless you are at Eden Park during rugby season)."

Shame grass isn't longer

A reader writes: "All this fuss about long grass made me wonder who is the worst at mowing their lawns ... Of course it's the government- owned Housing Corp. Here's a strip about 200 metres long on Mt Smart Road. Still, the grass blocks the ugly complexes behind it, I guess."

Trade Me Goodness:

A reader sent in an auction which caught her eye...It's for a "Rare Piece of Folk Art - Inscribed Rock" and the listing reads: "This rock, approximately 70mm x 90mm, with "F*** me Bitch" inscribed in blue permanent marker, was hurled at my parked car in Henderson, Auckland, as part of what can only be described as a one-of-a-kind folk performance. The performance, by four as yet unidentified youths, conveyed in raw and powerful terms the angst and helplessness of youth and the chaos of the male psyche, while questioning fundamental capitalist ideals such as private property. Unfortunately, the police were too under-resourced to take part in the performance. Two other rocks also hurled at my car (pictured) - one inscribed with a mythical winged penis, the other simply displaying a bold exclamation of "F--k" - mysteriously disappeared from the scene, probably snapped up by art collectors." Check out the pictures

here

...

Books:

Many original fairy tales were dark compared to the Disney versions. Here are some of those

grim endings

our childhoods were spared...

Things I dislike:

Wall decals (stickers)...they were cool briefly, but are now the ultimate in tacky décor. Don't believe me? Look at these

celebrity renderings

What about

this beaut?

I'm going to give to my Uncle in Gore. He'll love it! ... Or maybe this

naked woman silhouette

over yer bed (she comes in different colours, so you can match it to your pillowcases too)...There's the

ethnic stereotypes

to enhance your dining experience and the horrendous w

all quotes

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Video:

Cat tells hysterical irish women to "go away"...

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