I want what you're hiding, hiding out of frame

[sovay]

Today's moment of public service: explaining American dollar coins to a pair of confused young Canadians in Davis Station. Their fare vending machine had cashed out their change in a mix of Susan B. Anthonys and Sacagaweas. I was able to reassure them that the coins were real legal tender, after which they were fascinated. "You have dollar coins?" I felt useful.

I love the closing image of this interview of Jan Morris whistling "Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning." I learned that song from my grandparents. I never heard a recorded version until 2005.

Co-signed by Autolycus and Hestia: "Black cat bring good luck."

Comments

[tree_and_leaf]

It does depend where you are. I've virtually never had trouble in the North of England, even quite a long way north (in fact, I can only think of one exception, and I got the strong impression that the bloke in question just wanted to be difficult). It's usually fine in Oxford and London, too.

The other fun thing about Scottish bank note design is that three banks are allowed to issue notes. The colour scheme and size is consistent, but you get different designs. I'm particularly fond of the current Royal Bank of Scotland series, which has a notable Scottish woman on the front, a quotation from a Scottish poet, and an animal design on the back - the £10 has astronomer, mathematician, and advocate for women's rights Mary Somerville, and the back has some cute otters.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banknotes_of_Scotland