What is that?

What in the hell is that????

It looks like . . . . . .some kind of a goblin . . . . . .with boxing gloves???


Makes you wonder who thought that one up

Claw Machine at Kroger in Duluth

Made a stop by the Kroger on the way home to test it claw machine.  Sure enough it's rigged.  It's the classic loosened claw so it can't pick up anything. 
If you see above, you'll notice I did take a particular interested in one of those objects.

Claw Machine at Steak & Shake on Pleasant Hill

During Black Friday, I stopped by for a bite to eat.  Had to play the claw machine AND . . . .it's rigged.  The claw machine as the delayed sensor effect.  If it comes down and DOESN'T touch the object directly, it'll just lock up and won't bring anything up with it. 

don't waste your money

An Antique in the Claw Machine?

Check this out.  Once I cleared the pit, I saw this guy at the bottom of it.  I pulled him out with ease because I was interested in his tag.  See the tag?  This guy is a bona fide Beanie Babie.  His tag called him Strut the Rooster and his marker left it at March of 1996.  Hmmm.

so I looked him up and turns out, he's worth a little bit of money.  He's worth ten bucks normally and 15 bucks in mint condition.  How about that?  I wonder if he got put into the claw machine by mistake? 

I guess I should put him on eBay.  :)

Toys for Tots

So total tally is 29 animals.  Thirty if you counted the monkey.  Not a bad haul, all in all.

This is a good start to my donation to the Toys For Tots I do every year.  However, it is just that.  A START.  I know I can do better that 29 animals.  So I'm going to hold onto these guys and next Wednesday, I'm goin to go back to D & B and get 30 more animals.  I think Sixty is a better donation number.  :)

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody

A Winning Video

I showcased a lot fo videos where I was losing.  I figured it was high time you guys saw a video of me winning. :)

Floppy Orange Monkey

I won this guy out of the giant claw machine.  You remember how I said it was impossible to win a floppy big stuffed animal?  Well . . .  .I won one.  :)

This was a combination of skill and luck.  It was half price Wednesdays so I figured I'd try the machine out.  There were no other loose animals except this guy.  He was also the cloest to the pit.  So, I manuevered the claw over and missed him the first two tries.  He was nearest to the pit so I knew I could get him.  I shifted the claw over and then finally grabbed the one thing that wasn't floppy; HIS HEAD!!!  ahahahha.  And he came away with me.

I decided to give him to my friend Kame for her son.  Happy Thanksgiving, Kame

Pink Duck

This was my third try.  He was hard to pull out because I had to get all the ones AROUND him to loosen him up a bit.  Plus, you can see the pit I made in the animals slightly better here.

See that Pit

I MADE THAT PIT!!!

*insert maniacal laughter*

Whew!

Sometimes it pays to go for the tag on the animal.  Seriously!  Like this one from that mouse movie, the tag was big enough for the claw machine to hold onto.  I wasn't sure for a second but sure enough it held on.  As you see, I had to give myself a thumbs up for the successful grab.

But the Winning Starts

I love Dave and Busters half price wednesdays.  :)

A great Example of the Animals being shoved Together

YOu saw it, right?  I totally had that seal!  But this was a great example of a video to show you.  They stuff the animals down within and the claw can't grab them.  Always watch out for this

WOO HOO!!!!

this is the perfect time for me to get my annual load to give to Toys For Tots.  I'll let you know how I do.

Just . . . . loose . . . .ENOUGH!

So cruel . . . . . so very, very cruel.

I decided to take this video to showcase another classic example of dangling a prize in front of some kid.  This video was my third attempt at getting that cow.  I picked it up all three times but when the claw started to move, it dropped it.  If a parent was doing this and their kid saw it, they would beg even more BECAUSE they saw their parent pick it up. 

It's at the Walmart in Lawrenceville.  Leave this machine alone and spend your money elsewhere.

Not a Total Loss

Even though the claw was loosened, I did manage to win this giant head frog and a packet of silly bands.  Now you're probably asking, "Well, if he kept dropping the cow, how did he get these two things?"  It was a mixture of luck and figureing it out. 

I picked them both up at the same time.

The claw is loosened, yes.  However, I did find something that aided in the pickup.  If you picked up two things at once, it forced a tighter claw to hold onto it LONG ENOUGH to drop it in the pit.  Trust me; the claw was aching to drop these things but it as just long enough to beat it.  Now finding two things to grab a second time?  Well . . . . .that's also incredibly difficult.  IN fact, my record holding for pick ups is three items.  I doubt I'll ever beat it. 

but never say never.  :)

I want a T-Rex!!!

Rarely do I find something I'm interested in.  But check it out in the foreground.  It's a Tyrannosaurous Rex.  It's pretty well defined too, not some mishapened cartoon variety.  My little cousin Logan would probably love it. 

It just goes to prove that the loosened claw can stop even this.  I tried it three times hoping I could hook it on it's cuvry legs and bring it out.  But no, the T-Rex was not able to be liberated.  I'll have to keep my eyes open elsewhere.

Baby Death and his Minions

I know a few "emos" at work who would love a Baby Death.  :)

There is like a ghost boy, a devil boy, an evil little girl and Baby Death.  I went for Baby Death near the pit but the claw was loosened.  He'll have to live in the confines of the Claw Machine a little bit longer.

Another Rigged Machine

I went for the balls on this one but it was way too loose.  Dropped them immediatley.  This one is located in the Walmart in Lawrenceville

Movie Theme Claw Machine

This one is located at the AMC movie theaters in the Discover Mills Mall.

and it's most defitely RIGGED.  I had just gotten done seeing Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1.  I was going to document this claw machine anyway but there was a handful of kids trying to get the Missing Links toys from Monsters VS Aliens.  The claw would slide right through them.  Yes, sadly the loosened claw seems to be the trend.  I watch them waste several chances to beat the machine but they kept getting frustrated.  I could have stepped in but these kids wouldn't have listened to me.  I know.  Because one of them dropped a coin and when I told them they dropped it, I had to repeat myself three times before she heard me.

Anyway, I knew it was rigged but It's not OFFICIALLY rigged until I try it.  I put in my dollar and went for the obvious target.  The Missing Link over toward the left, near the pit.  Of course, the claw slid right off of him. 
So if you go to the movie theater at the mall and see this machine, don't waste your time.

The Penguin Bundle

This was rigged but managable.  You just have to get it correctly.  The claw on this one is pretty cruel.  Not only is it loosened but one prong is BENT!!!  How cheap is that???  Anyway, you can snag a penguin but it's got to be loose and on top.  If you can get the claw in one of it's arms or rings, you'll grab it.

Case in point.  Look below.  :)

I LIBERATED THE PENGUIN KING!!!

Sports Little People Machine

I didn't try this one because it was dispairingly obvious what the problem is.  I don't know if the person was lazy or the put those toys wrapped in plastic in the machine on purpose but . . .  .THEY'RE WRAPPED IN PLASTIC!!!!  Those would slide out of the claw so easy it's not even funny.

I suppose the best bet would have been that little green dude next to the pit.  I hope some kid gives him a good home.

Fluffy Balls! Fluffy Balls!!!

I thought this would be easy but AGAIN, the claw is loosened.  I tried for the balls and it did pick them up but it dropped them near immediately. 

Walmarts Bling Machine

This is located in Snellville.  The ones in Dave and Busters has much more loot.  This one is also rigged because the claw is loosened.  Plus, you are able to pick up some stuff but you got to hook it PERFECTLY.  As in, you got to shift the claw to an angle and NOT send it directly down like normal. 

I wanted one of those dinosaurs but alas, it wasn't meant to be. 

Falcons Fans

Located at the Walmart in Snellville.  Claw machine is loosened so be careful.  I'm sure these teddy bears are cheaper here than at the games

True Ninja Claw Machine

rarely do I see something I might want and of course, I'd want a Ninja.  So I tried to get one of these but the way this machine in rigged, first the claw is loosened.  Second, it's got a second relay that tells it to keep sliding down on it's side even though it's touched something.  Third, the boxes the ninjas are resting on prevent easier grabs. 

So . . .  .in true ninja fashion, I couldn't capture one.

Dragonball Z PVC Statues

These are a little tricky.  First off it's in a damn box!  Second off, there are holes cut out in the sides of these boxes.  The trick is to slide the claw down and allow it to hook into those holes, then WHAM! You got your toy.  But again, it's not that easy.  I managed to pick up one but the claw promptly dropped it. 

Regular Claw Machine in Walmart Walkway

yep . . . .it's rigged.  I tried the obvious target which was that pink pig in the middle.  SLID OUT LIKE WET SOAP.

grrrrrrrr

Claw with Enviromental Stuffed Toys???

I didn't get the chane to play this machine.  It's inside one of the walkways of the Walmart in Duluth.  It looks like it's got some colorful characters.  I especially like the grinning gas pump. 

The Narato Characters

I think these warped headed beasts are from some sort of manga.  Haven't watched it myself but I've heard it's quite popular. 

The Skeleanimals

Perferct for the emo kid in your life.  :)

The Claw Machine Arcade

Thanks to the Walmart in Duluth for having an actual arcade room nearly filled with claw machines.  Now please make it BIGGER.

The Candy Claw Machine

I don't really consider this a game worthy of my skills.  Whats the point?  If it was a bucket size claw, then maybe.  But it's a claw built out of three scoops.  Probably for maximum grab for the kiddies who decide they want candy instead of toys.  However, they throw in those Twizzlers and even that messes up the grab.

Yes, you are right.  THIS TOO is rigged.

The Spinng DVD Machine

WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO PLAY THIS MACHINE????

Especially if you can see by the top picture, they fill the machine with semi-recent dvds.  So if you are good at this game, you can get a 20 dollar dvd for 1 dollar.  How do you play?  Look at the second picture.  The spinning line lines up with the arrow.  The moment it does, you slap the button.  The lighted line slows down and lines up with ANOTHER arrow.  If it lines up perfectly, the DVD drops.  But of course, it's harder than it looks.

You have to have excellent hand/eye cordination.  I've play this machine several times and have only won ONCE.  I have researched and found a possible technique to beat it.

To be continued.  :)

Wal Marts Bling Machine

You've seen this before.  They are filled with earrings, necklaces and watches.  However, this version seems to be taylored to specialized gifts.  For instance, notice the special jewerly boxes shaped like Santa and Frosty The Snowman.  The claw machien can pick those up before it can hook into it's open cavity.  I won one of the snowmen variety.  See below for the results.

Now I got something to put in my little cousin Kaylee's christmas gift package. :)

See?

Stuffed Animal Machine in Wal Mart

I had a limited budget and a limited time.  I didn't get to try this one but I'll come back one day and see if it's rigged.  Sadly, odds are IT IS.

Various Colored Bulldog Machine

The mean bulldog machine was rigged.  The claw was loosened.  The obvious target was the turqouis bulldog that has "Shed Happens" on his chest.  However, when the claw went down it slid out off of him like it was greased with vasoline. 

Dang it!!!

I was looking forward to grabbing a bunch of stress balls for my friends at work.  Look what happened!  That woman buried them in seasonal teddy bear crap!!  Ughhhhhhhhhhhh.

Research: Money for Nothing?

Found this photo in my research.  This is where a lot more people play the claw machine more than they should.  They have the opportunity to get their money back.  What they don't know is that the claw could be loosened and those Blue Dudes from Monsters Inc. there could be so BIG, the claw can't pick them up.  This European Claw Machine is given a little extra bonus by putting in a little money on the monsters too.  All it does is entice the players to give it a try.

Same thing happened to me in a claw machine in Duluth.  It was at a chinese restaraunt and inside was a bulldog with 150 dollars within his collar.  Who wouldn't make a try for that?  There was of course one problem.  He was pushed up toward the front of the glass BUTTTTT . . . . .  .that also meant he was just outside the range of the claw.  Nobody would be able to get him on that sole reason.

Devious

Research: IT'S STUFFED!!!!

OH, if only I'd have been there!

Found this photo in Photobucket.  Depending on the size of the items and how rigged this claw is, I see a lot of potential grabs.  First off, it's stuffed!  Whenever the items are piled high enough, you get the chance to make major wins.  The baseball caps are open; not folded into each other.  The big ass otter is out on the open, so is the cowardly lion in the back.  The box on the far right is high enough for the claw to push it toward the pit!!!  I wonder if that woman in the reflection actually did play?

Ice Cream Claw Machine?

Oh, those whacky Japanese.  Only if the claw wasn't rigged and the price to play was cheaper than the ice cream itself, only then would this be worth it.  Otherwise, I think I'd just head down to the local gas station and get a Klondike.

Tales from Japan

I'm tempted to make a trip to Japan just to test my claw machine prowess over there.  I'm not sure about the two prong claw machines.  Plus, where is the pit???  Can anybody see it? 

Today's Tip; Pick Your Targets

One of the easiest mistakes to make is to go after the stuff YOU WANT.  Maybe you can get it, maybe you can't.  It all depends on the claw and wheather the machine is rigged to fail.

Judging from this picture alone, the obvious targets is the Woody, the loose t-shirts and the Halloweenie.  It's got great potential grabbing aspects.  But if the claw is rigged, it'll never happen

Background Change . . .AGAIN

I've been told from a few of my friends the transparent background was making it difficult to read my stories.  I hope this helps. 

Have a great day

The Code Slider

This machine is equal to a midevil torture device.  The object of the game is to build a stack of blocks with the grid in front of you.  You use the big red button to stop themand the stacks much be perfect as the slide up the machine.  Once it reaches to the top, you win a randomly selected prize.  You know how hard that is?

Let me give you an example of how hard that is.  Look at the prizes.  You've got a portable DVD player, a WII system, an Iphone, an Ipad, an IPOD Nano, and an Xbox 360.  Those prizes have been in there so long some of them are collecting dust.  Yet, of course, the common person walking by will see these prizes and jump at the chance. 

Not me.

The Pusher

Tried out this machine to see if I stood a chance.  After a lot of practice and very good hand/eye cordination, it's beatable.  The object of the game is to press the button on the far left to slide the metal bar toward the right.  BE CAREFUL.  The moment you let up on the button, it stops cold.  Once you get it aligned toward the proper column, push the right button to send it up.  There is a pill-shaped hole no bigger than inch that you have to shove the rod through.  If it's off by so much as a millimeter, it won't work. 

Difficult but not impossible.  Below is the item I walked away with

And I won this thing

It's something popular in China . . . . .or Japan.  I can't remember

Secod Machine Near AMC

Classically rigged.  The animals are stuffed within.  scroll down lower and find the video I posted to show you how badly it's rigged.

Machine near the AMC Movies at Discover Mills

This one is rigged to fail.  First indication, the basketballs there you can retrieve.  The claw machine's torgue is not going to be able to pick them up becasue it's been loosened.  Second off the balls are slightly deflated.  So even knocking them off is not going to work.

Second, those SPLAT things over there.  Look at the size of them and then look at the size of the claw.  Yep, you guessed it; too small.  You've have a better chance trying to knock one into the pit.

Captain Claw Machine

huh . . . .maybe that should be my nickname?  :)

Close of the MP3 Machine

Claw Machine at Big Lots

As you can see, the claw machine is rigged.  It has loosened claws.  I went for the obvious target, which was the Jumping Tiger in the back.  Then as you can see by the second picture, the claw immediately dropped it.