Erotic ancient Roman mosaic stolen during World War II returned to Pompeii
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Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
I've got loads of money, but nobody in Scotland will take my cash
Dmitry Lobanov - I can't find many places who'll take my haul Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... I've had a windfall Nope, no lottery win, as yet, though I'll keep Thunderballing. It's because the process of moving house and the accompanying clearing out has been accompanied by a handbag, trouser, jacket and coat audit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Before those items go off to the charity shop, or textile bin, their pockets are frisked. I've found tissues, mainly, hair clips, bus tickets and ticket stubs for the cinema. A furry chocolate lime or two. My membership for Diane's Pool Hall, which closed eight years ago, and a signed photo from the late Supermarket Sweep presenter, Dale Winton. However, the yield of actual treasure has been incredible - a few pence here, a couple of quid there, or a whole five pound note in the inside pocket of a puffer jacket. I must have found about £100 in sterling. More than that, probably. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have also been Danish Kroner, a Mini Cooper themed £5 coin, and a weird-looking almond-shaped penny that I thought must be a rare Roman denarius, but turned out to be one with a dinosaur on it that was re-moulded in the National Museum of Scotland's machine. I haven't found one of those rare King Charles 50ps, with a leaping salmon on the other side, which are supposed to be worth about £50, though I feel I'm one pocket away from that. Anyway, it's the first time in years that I've had a purse full of coins, and I love the heft of actual wonga. It must be a Proustian thing, but I've never felt so wealthy. At last, I have actual pocket money. I feel as if I've been working away for the last few years, and just earning numbers, rather than real life shekels. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I've missed cash, since Covid and lockdown accelerated the use of contactless payments. I think I had a vague notion that we'd start using it again, but that hasn't happened. Now, money seems like more of a concept, rather than a physical thing. It was so much part of our lives, and then it was gone. I mean, it dates me to say that I don't even know what a bitcoin is, but I do remember when 1/2ps were discontinued, back in 1984. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad My other half doesn't have the same attachment. He was desperate to get rid of his smash, which is ironic, as he'd been collecting it in a giant old catering-size Nescafe tin, with a tiny postbox slit sawed into in the top, for decades. He's like my frugal granny, who kept all her pennies in a big jar. We'd use it to play shops when we came over, but I don't think she ever actually spent that haul. I kind of wish she had bought herself something lovely. Last week, it ended up being me, who had to take my husband's loose change to the bank. I had to Google where to find one, as they've all closed down and been transformed into restaurants, and it's pretty hard to find an actual branch these days. This one was surprisingly busy. I had to stand in the queue for 30 minutes, lop-sided, as I hadn't considered how heavy a £20-odd quid of coppers would be. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At least he'd already portioned it into £1 bags, so I didn't get the cashier's death stare, like the woman in front of me, who came in with a huge bag of mixed coins and emptied them onto the counter. The person in front of me in the line grumbled heavily about her, and didn't seem happy when I 'fessed up that I was also depositing coins. The guy who served me was very pleased about the bags. He thanked me profusely and weighed each, though one was 1p up, another 1p down. Quick switcheroo, and we're done. Anyway, now that they're transferred into my husband's account, he can go back to virtual cash. I'm keeping all mine. The only problem is, my windfall is burning a hole in my pocket, as it's too difficult to spend. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I thought it'd be useful when it came to paying for coffees. However, cafes seem to be the very last places that still accept cash. I tried to pay for my matcha latte at a cooler-than-cool place the other day. My little leather purse came out, and I prepared to count out £5.20, or whatever other ridiculous amount they were charging. 'Do you take cash?' I asked, as he got the milk and green powder for my drink out. The look he gave me was multifaceted. It was withering, patronising, yet also world-weary. Of course, it's their prerogative, but it was like I'd asked if I could pay with cowrie shells. It's amazing that, with one glance, someone can say, 'Of course not, we are in the 21st century, you utter moron.' Since then, I've carried my loot around and not really used it. The only place that I know will take my money is the local shop. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The woman who works behind the counter there seems to like the challenge. She's obviously bored of the tappety cards. Still, I must be something of a rarity, as she still seems a bit blindsided, when I pull out my little leather purse. Despite that, she takes the coins with relish, and always says 'old school!' when I present my smash. Thanks to her, my vast pile of riches is slowly depleting.
NBC News
17 hours ago
- NBC News
Erotic ancient Roman mosaic stolen during World War II returned to Pompeii
An ancient Roman erotic mosaic that was taken during WWII by a German Nazi army captain was returned to Pompeii. The artwork was repatriated from Germany through diplomatic channels.
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Second victim of Southend Airport plane crash is named as 'fantastic' German paramedic father as probe into tragedy continues
The second victim of the Southend Airport plane crash tragedy has been revealed to be a 'fantastic' German paramedic and father. Dr Matthias Eyl, 46, from Kleinmaischeid in west Germany, worked as a paramedic and was also employed as a doctor aboard international flights transporting patients, German media reports. A total of four people, all foreign nationals, died after the plane, bound for the Netherlands, crashed and burst into flames just seconds after takeoff at 3.48pm on Sunday. Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board the Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, according to a document which lists passengers. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Earlier it was revealed that nurse Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a German citizen born in Chile, was also killed in the crash during her first day on the job. It is understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands. The German Red Cross said in a statement: 'We are deeply shocked and infinitely saddened by the sudden death of our esteemed emergency paramedic Matthias Eyl, who died in a plane crash yesterday at the age of just 46 years old. 'Matthias has been in service with us over many years: as a doctor, comrade and friend. With his warm, honest, and humorous nature, he has not only provided medical assistance, but shaped our community. A total of four people, all foreign nationals, died after the plane, bound for the Netherlands, crashed and burst into flames just seconds after takeoff at 3.48pm on Sunday 'He was a man who listened, tackled and encouraged [...] when it came down to it. His commitment was not taken for granted, his loss is immeasurable. 'We lose not only a reliable doctor, but above all a special person. Our thoughts are with his family and all those close to him. 'Take care, Matthias. We will never forget you!' Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, said in a statement on Monday: 'It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors among the people on board flight SUZ1. 'Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. 'Zeusch Aviation continues to fully cooperate with the relevant investigative authorities and is providing all possible support to those affected.' The plane, which is often used for mapping and for medivac journeys, had completed two trips that day, one from Athens in Greece to Pula in Croatia and then from Pula to Southend, landing in the UK at 2.51pm. An hour later it took off again, with witnesses describing a 'fireball', while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media. The Chilean nurse was on her first day on the job, according to reports, which named her as Ms Ortiz, 31. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family. The firm both medical staff worked for, Globalmed, said in a statement: 'It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic loss of two of our dear medical colleagues and friends. Their passing away has left a deep void in our teams and in our hearts. 'They were not only valued medical professionals but also kind, inspiring individuals whose presence brought light and strength to those around them. Their dedication, warmth, and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew them. 'We honour their memory and hold them in our hearts. May they rest in peace. 'We are in frequent contact with the relatives and offer our help where possible. 'As a medical company without aircraft, we are not involved in investigations by the UK authorities concerning flight SUZ1. They will only inform the the airplane operator, and not us.' In a statement at the airport on Monday, Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: 'Yesterday afternoon, an aircraft which had landed here earlier in the day took off bound for the Netherlands. 'Shortly after take off, it got into difficulty and crashed within the airport boundary. 'Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died. 'We are working to officially confirm their identities. At this stage, we believe all four are foreign nationals.' The airport will stay closed until further notice. Its chief executive Jude Winstanley said: 'Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work during this period.' Lisa Fitzsimons of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said 'it is too early to speculate' on what may have caused the crash. Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the four people killed in the plane crash. In a message on X the Prime Minister said: 'Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday's plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones. 'I also want to thank all the emergency responders who attended the scene.' John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife on Sunday, said they saw a 'big fireball' after the plane crashed 'head first into the ground'. Mr Johnson, from Billericay, Essex, told PA that before the plane took off, 'we all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us'. He added: 'It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground. 'There was a big fireball. I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them.'
