|Do you ever feel like today’s technology is secretly in charge–rather than vice versa?
I had one of those suspicions recently.
While on a short trip, I had just washed my hands in a convenience store bathroom. Turning to get a paper towel, I saw that it was one of those fancy machines…you know, the ones where you gracefully pass your hand in front of the sensor, and the dispenser complies by providing a towel.
At least, that’s the idea.
But this one had a low battery, or an attitude, or both. It emitted a groan of pain when I tried the normal routine. No dice. 
I sighed and tried again, waving a little harder. It reluctantly gave up an inch of paper.
No paper towel machine was going to beat me. I gritted my teeth and ramped it up again, eventually waving so furiously that 1) my hands were dry already just from the movement, and 2) I looked like a little girl waving at Santa passing by in a Christmas parade, minus the smiles.
Oh, but I got my paper towel, make no mistake.
As I left, though, I had a distinct feeling that the machine was silently snickering at me. Hmm…
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September 14th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
That is a camera, not a sensor that’s located on those infernal contraptions. I think they are saving up footage for a TV show.
September 14th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I think I know technology’s in charge and laughing at me after trying to render that video last week. It took 6 days and multiple attempts to make a one minute long movie.
I think the power company kept shutting off the power on purpose since I needed 40 hours of uninterrupted rendering. “Hey guys, watch me flip this switch and mess up that moron youth minister’s video again….”
September 15th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I had the opposite experience during my last break at the Czech Stop in West. The towel came out immediately with a small wave, but as I stepped away, another one rolled down, and, apparently not being far enough away from the machine, another one presented itself! The lady who then walked up behind me thanked me for the towels.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Well, at least I’m not the only one who’s had problems! =)
September 24th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I have wondered the same thing already. The only good thing about some of experiences like that, is that they make excellent blog posts.
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
my pet peeve are the auto flushing toilets –especially the ones that vigorously flush while i am still about my business!!! hey!!! who decided just how long i should be allowed to sit?! i am absolutely SURE there is someone snickering somewhere as they either hear or imagine my shrieks of surprise and indignation!