I've been interested in space travel since I was a kid. I still remember Sputnik and the race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union to reach the moon. So I looked forward to the National Geographic Channel's Space Race documentary series.

I am a sucker for self service technology. I like using ATM’s (even for making deposits), I always try to use the self service checkout at Home Depot (unless I’m buying mulch), and I like using the kiosks at the local movie theater. But my recent bad experience at the big grocery store on Duke Street here in Alexandria has made me question using the self service line for food purchases. Here’s what happened.