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

[yhlee]

Ara was also surprised to learn that dollar coins were a thing. I remember with horror that the Pasadena post office I frequented would give them as change from the stamp vending machine.

Ara also advocates getting rid of pennies.

[lilysea]

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.

We have $1 and $2 coins here in Australia, too...

[tree_and_leaf]

I still don't understand why most Americans don't seem to like dollar coins. Dollar bills are a pain in the neck, they fill up your billfold, and on a related note, why are all your notes the exact same size? It's just asking for mistakes in change, and it must be an even bigger pain in the arse if you're blind or partially sighted.

Ahem. Sorry. It appears I have strong feelings about the mechanics of US currency.

[cmcmck]

You get this reaction with Scottish banknotes south of the border.

That said, the owners of our local Bulgarian bakery were completely unphased when offered one yesterday- more intrigued by the attractiveness of the note.

[cmcmck]

Reading Jan's book 'conundrum' in the mid seventies allowed me to realise I was actually normal rather than exotic! :o)

[moon_custafer]

We’ve had one- and two-dollar coins (loonies and toonies) in Canada for a few decades, and used to have to explain them to visitors from the US, so it’s possible the Canadians were just surprised their neighbours were finally following suit.

Part of that deflection has centred on her lifelong crush on the most unattainable of pin-ups: Admiral Jack Fisher, charismatic First Sea Lord of the British fleet in the Great War, a man who died six years before Morris was born.

(looks up Jack Fisher) I can see why someone might have a crush on him.

“I suppose the day will come when I cannot drive the Honda.”
I am not sure why this comment appeals; perhaps because “Honda,” at the end of the sentence, sounds so prosaic to me (we had one when I was a kid).

[selkie]

If I could give you a three-dollar piece, I could fix at least one other thing! Alas.

Re: Cats

[nodrog]

https://66.media.tumblr.com/fc7a9dfc09aabde6a137a4398fac0587/tumblr_pw4qzm3XHu1y1iy7lo1_540.jpg

[asakiyume]

Love the black cat TikTok--Waka shared that with me.

And the public service is well done. Dollar coins always remind me of the Simpsons episode in which one of the Simpsons, I forget who, patiently informs someone that you can exchange them for **real** money.