After spending 3-1/2 hours enduring the long lines, surly clerks, and insane regulations at the department of motor vehicles, I stopped at a toy store to pick up a gift for my son.

After spending 3-1/2 hours enduring the long lines, surly clerks, and insane regulations at the department of motor vehicles, I stopped at a toy store to pick up a gift for my son. I brought my selection - a baseball bat - to the cash register. Cash or charge? the clerk asked. Cash, I snapped. Then, apologizing for my rudeness, I explained, I've spent the afternoon at the motor-vehicle bureau. Shall I giftwrap the bat? the clerk asked sweetly. Or are you going back there?