March 20th 2024.
Maybe it's time to start wearing gloves again. Have you ever thought about where your money has been? In today's MetroTalk, a reader shares their experience with physical money and it's enough to make anyone want to stop carrying cash for good. Meanwhile, other readers share their thoughts on the struggles of post-covid venues, the extravagant dinner party on the edge of space, and their theories on the origin of a mysterious illness. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics in the comments.
Cash is not as convenient and hygienic as we think. I mean, ew. Clare is even considering boycotting businesses that only accept cash because of the "dangers" and unsanitary nature of a cashless society. Personally, I would rather not purchase food or drinks from someone who has been handling cash all day. It's been in people's pockets, picked up off the street, stuffed in purses and wallets with all sorts of other things, and even used in pub bathrooms for who knows what. My main memory of cash is waiting in line at ATMs or waiting for cashiers to get more change.
Not to mention, some ATMs can feel unsafe and not everyone can make it to a bank during their working hours. And if you get mugged or lose your wallet, chances are your cash will never be recovered. People argue that businesses need cash, but from my experience, it's actually a hassle. Counting and balancing the cash at the end of the day takes time, and sometimes we had to work late without any extra pay just to make sure everything matched up. Imagine doing that for 100 cash registers in a department store. In smaller businesses, there's also the added stress of overnight security and losing working hours to go to the bank.
Some people worry about technological errors, but I grew up with frequent power outages and no one was talking about going back to gas lamps. -Joe from London.
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"Why can't I just show up and pay at a venue?" It's no surprise that venues are still struggling post-pandemic, with visitor numbers still below pre-Covid levels. Many of them are still enforcing the same strict rules and procedures that were put in place during the pandemic. Trying to book for an exhibition in London? Get ready to go through a lengthy online registration process, provide personal information, choose a specific date and time, pay online, and deal with tons of advertisements. Whatever happened to just calling or showing up and paying? If businesses make it difficult for customers to purchase their products, customers will simply go elsewhere. I've noticed that many pubs in Brighton no longer accept cash, and instead require customers to have a smartphone and contactless card, or even order and pay online. Unfortunately, these businesses don't always hear from the customers who have chosen to take their business elsewhere. -Rupert Morris from Penge.
Dinner at the edge of space? Sounds like a once in a lifetime experience, but not one that's accessible to everyone with an average bank balance or a fear of heights. Speaking of heights, I can't help but mention the new coating that town chiefs have applied to buildings in a desperate attempt to prevent Cheltenham Festival-goers from urinating in public. Maybe they should come up with a similar product to repel dog mess on pavements and send it straight back to the owner! -Tina from Manchester.
Can we please think about the hedgehogs and journalistic integrity? As a reminder, hedgehogs eat slugs. So, to Barbara, please avoid using slug pellets as they are harmful to hedgehogs and should be banned. -Gina via email.
I completely agree with Ofcom's warning to GB News for breaking broadcasting rules of impartiality by using MPs as presenters. Journalists, especially broadcast journalists, are supposed to hold those in power accountable and seek the truth. What GB News is doing is not true journalism, it's a mockery of public service. It's not democracy. We should not be encouraging GB News, as they are known for being anti-woke and misogynistic. -Suresh Abboodass from London.
Could Havana Syndrome actually be related to the ear? Scientists have used MRI scans to look for signs of brain injury, but they may be looking in the wrong place. The cause of Havana Syndrome, which includes symptoms like ringing in the ears, nausea, brain fog, and sensitivity to light and sound, has been a mystery since it first appeared in 2016 among embassy staff in Cuba. Some speculated it was caused by a microwave weapon, but there is a simpler explanation. It may not be a neurological disease at all, but an ear condition known as Meniere's disease. It's caused by a change in pressure in the inner ear and can often present with symptoms like those of Havana Syndrome. It's easy to overlook the ear as the source of these symptoms and instead focus on the brain, mind, or personality. Tinnitus, in particular, can be misleading as it is often mistaken for an external source rather than an internal ear issue. -AG Gordon from London.
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