Rare Generosity

An ATM cash machine in Dundee started spitting out extra bank notes to customers withdrawing money from it last week and, once word got round that it was doing so, crowds gathered to take advantage of its generosity before the company closed it down.

The company showed a rare philosophical side when reporters asked its spokesman to comment: ‘Because it happens so rarely and is dealt with very quickly when it arises, there is no point in being grim-faced about it. If the people using the ATM see it as a bit of fun, so be it.’ He added: ‘We are not going to pursue people. It is up to their conscience whether they return the money or not.’

Customers certainly seem to have regarded it as a bit of fun, and it is clear that none of them seems to have had a conscience since not a single one has yet telephoned to enquire how to return the extra cash they received.

A bank with a sense of humour as well as untypical generosity?
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Every Day Something New

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You learn something every day. Like, for instance, that there is an Act of Parliament called the Outer Space Act 1986. Wow!

The Act’s preamble explains its purpose: ‘An Act to confer licensing and other powers ... to ensure compliance with the international obligations of the United Kingdom with respect to the launching and operation of space objects and the carrying out of other activities in outer space by persons connected with this country.’ Wow again!

I had no idea that there was such an Act or that it would be so all-encompassing. Thinking of launching your own spacecraft from the wilds of the Yorkshire Moors? Think again - you need permission! Or maybe you’re thinking of accepting an invitation from that friendly Martian that walked through your wall on Saturday night and asked if you’d like to go for a ride on Tuesday? Forget it - you need permission!

Why am I burbling on about outer space?

It’s because the head of Virgin Galactic is thinking about launching his commercial space flights out of a spaceport based in Scotland’s Lossiemouth. But a change in the law - in the Outer Space Act 1986 - is needed to allow him to do it.

Groan! Is there no aspect of modern life that the government hasn’t got its bureaucratic fingers on?
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