Bronwyn Bryceson recalls a time in December 1965 when her 5th-grade teacher assigned the class long division involving old money as a way to keep them occupied before the arrival of decimal currency. Despite complaints about the pointlessness of the task, the teacher insisted that the process might come in handy someday. Now, 58 years later, Bronwyn reflects on the lesson and advises patience.
Don Bain of Port Macquarie reminisces about the impact of decimal currency on his favorite sayings, such as “a penny for my thoughts” and “in for a cent, in for two dollars.” The transition to the new currency forced him to let go of these familiar phrases, signaling a new era in Australian monetary history.
William Galton of Hurstville Grove raises a humorous query about the fate of Andrew Taubman’s swallowed one-cent coin, wondering if anyone attempted to retrieve it. Jo Rainbow of Orange suggests a unique method for extracting the coin and speculates on its potential value as a collector’s item. Their playful banter adds a lighthearted touch to the discussion about the practicalities of dealing with lost coins.
Michael Fox of Taigum notes a peculiar phenomenon on ABC News Breakfast, where the presenters often have to abruptly leave the stage, presumably to attend to gastrointestinal or urological issues. He lightheartedly suggests that the staff may be suffering from chronic ailments, contrasting their behavior with the more composed demeanor of other hosts on the program.
Lyn Langtry of East Ryde shares a nostalgic memory of working on buses as a university student, where counting and organizing coins at the end of each shift was a routine task. She recalls the challenges of handling stacks of coins and the need to avoid mishaps that could lead to a scramble to pick them up. Peter Miniutti of Ashbury reflects on his visit to the Czech Republic, highlighting the surprising affordability of beer compared to water in the country as a memorable aspect of his travel experience.
In conclusion, the diverse anecdotes shared by readers in response to Column 8’s prompt highlight the quirky and humorous moments in everyday life related to currency, work, and travel. From classroom assignments on old money to comical encounters with lost coins and observations about the habits of news presenters, these stories offer a glimpse into the lighter side of Australian culture. Each reader’s contribution adds a unique perspective to the discussion, showcasing the continued popularity and engagement with the Column 8 section of the publication.
