Today, I thought I would write about a growing concern of mine. McDonalds toys. I remember when I was little and we went to McDonalds and with my happy meal came this cool toy of a baby Gonzo (from Muppet Babies)on a tricycle. They also had kermit and piggie and fozzie. We played with those toys for years, they were part of the lego team. They also worked really well playing demolition derby with the cars. Not so good with micro-machines, but hey, nothing is perfect. Anyway, so I was in McDonalds the other day consdering whether I wanted the hamburger happy meal or the nugget happy meal when I noticed the featured toy. It was a cheap little plastic car that didnt roll right or you got a little barbie. I was shocked. At what point had I and the happy meal gap been separated? Needless to say, I had to look for a more suitable meal for my adult tastes (20 piece chicken McNuggets, yeah baby). However, this is a pressing concern. People everywhere were outraged by the latest "beanie" scandle. I am referring to the recent scandle occuring in Lake Placid, NY and sent in by alert reader Dave Black. According to Dave, a woman entered the McDonalds with her three kids. Asking to see the manager, the woman began to throw a tizzy fit. Turns out, the lady was mad because when her children's happy meals had been given to her in the drive through, the precious "toy" had been placed inside the box along with the burger and fries. Apparently, beanie babies in the package or not worth as much if they have had contact with salt. The lady is asking for $4 million in damage and according to local authorities, McDonalds has agreed to settle out of court for an undisclosed sum. Thus, we see that happy meal toys have become more than just a toy, they are worth some serious bucks. I would gladly trade all those happy moments with my Gonzo tricycle toy for a cool million. Unfortunately, all these greedy people have ruined it for the rest of us. 4-3-01