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Ever seen this on a menu?

"15% service charge not included"

Who exactly does this serve? This message is all about the service provider and nothing to do with customer service.

The service provider is essentially saying:

"Not only are you paying for our goods but there's an extra fee for the privilege of paying us money."

Or

"We like ripping off our customers."

Or

"The people who made the menu couldn't multiple by 1.15."

These lines about service charges leave a bad taste in my mouth. This is unfortunate as they're usually found on menus; always in very small…

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I've just discovered The Guardian series Disappearing Acts. A series of reports presented as an audio slide show covering skills and professions that are... disappearing. Marvellous stuff: stonemasonry, calligraphy, silk ties... Well worth a look.

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It snowed yesterday in Shanghai. Snow is a tricky subject for photography - it moves too fast and the autofocus doesn't see it. The two above are about the best of a few shots out of our office window. Done with manual focus and shutter speed priority.

In other news the temperature in Shanghai is predicted to go form -7 to +20 C. Spring is just around the corner.

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The Guardian have a map of teen pregnancy rates in the UK. The place I grew up - North East Lincolnshire, formerly South Humberside, formerly Lincolnshire - has been highlighted on the map for special mention. Not in a good way.

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