ttj - Tom Jones

An OEBB machine just stole 50 EUR from me. Here is the sequence of events from memory:  * I selected the journey (Schwaz - Vienna) and it came to 86.40 EUR (Eurotards write this number as "86,40")  * I decided to pay in cash  * I inserted a 100 EUR note  * it gave the note back and said on the screen that 50 EUR was the largest denomination accepted  * I thought this was silly so I took a picture  * I inserted a 50 EUR note  * the amount still payable, displayed on the screen, was correctly reduced to 36.40 EUR  * I inserted a second 50 EUR note  * hilariously, this was now rejected, the maximum denomination having been reduced to 20 EUR, on account of the change being in coins, according to the message on the screen  * I thought this was silly so I took another photo  * I checked in my wallet.  I did have two twenties, so maybe able to finish off the payment with these, should the machine deign to let me.  Alternatively, ...

The world has got much, much worse in the last 3 years. Until a few years ago, the way a restaurant bill went was as follows: you ask for the bill.  They bring it, and it's itemised.  It's on a slip of paper, maybe handwritten, maybe printed.  You check the items, if you like.  You check the addition, if you like.  You raise any mistakes.  You see if they added service, and add a tip, if you like.  You then pay by cash, or by card if mutually agreeable. Now, the way it works is as follows: you ask for the bill.  Someone fiddles around on some kind of electronic device for a very long time, right in front of you, so you kind of feel obliged to give them your attention.  Eventually, they presume to announce a total at you.  You ask for an itemised bill.  They initially pretend not to know what you mean, so you have to explain what an itemised bill is.  You say it can be on the screen or on paper.  At this point, they may fla...