Toy machines

I'll admit it. I hate those 50 cent toy machines that you see in stores and some restaurants. Sure, at first glance they look like they are fun. But then you realize as you put in your fifth dollar that your chances of winning a toy are better at a carnival. And at that point, you decide you've spent enough that you aren't going to leave without a toy, even though you have already spent more than it is worth. And finally leave frustrated and empty handed. Sure, there are a few machines that you can actually win something on, but half the time those ones are out of order.

Then there are those times you are by one that you occasionally leave with something and you think to yourself that you aren't going to spend a lot and will let everyone have one chance. And you are not surprised when no one wins. So you think to yourself just to appease them, you will put in two more quarters and pretend to try to win one so you can say, "Gee, it looks like this machine doesn't want to work right today," and get everyone to leave happily. Unfortunately, when you see the big teddy bear and think that there is no way you will possibly win that one so pick that one to try for and are much amazed when the claw actually picks it up and drops it safely to the chute you open to get the prize, you know that they won't be happy to share the one thing. So when all but one are happy to share, you figure (because someone else hands you the dollar) that you will try again. And then you carefully aim and it picks up the toy the child so desperately wanted only to drop it once it started to move toward the chute and doesn't even come close the next time. After which, said child starts to cry. And continues to cry while you drive away and even stays in the car crying while you get the other kids out of the car and into the house. Yeah, I hate those toy machines....