Vending machines

Dear reader,

Even if America is utterly failing many of the important tests of a good society, our vending machines and ATMs are still superb.

I went to the bank with my good friend Skyler the other day to withdraw some funds, and was prompted to take money out in euro amounts of 20, 40, 70, 90, and 110. On entering a number, I discovered that the machine only vends in 50 euro amounts. It worked out eventually, but you get the idea.

Later I was really, really thirsty and saw some deliciously cold looking bottles of Aquarus (read sugar-water)filling the bottom five slots of a vending machine. I put in 1.50 euros in the form of two coins and tried the first of the Aquarus slots, "E1". The response was "Producto agotado", or sold out. I could see the golden fleece of refreshment right there, but could not have it. "E2" yielded the same sad result, and so did all of the other combinations for beverages in the machine. Defeated and parched, I asked for my money back, and heard a procession of whirring and clinking.

Instead of two coins, I was paid back in 20 and 5 cent pieces, tending towards 5. I dejectedly put my fistful of coins into my wallet and went back to class.

Count yourselves lucky for your swiftly delivered vitamin water,
Tim W