Do you remember seeing a toy you wanted in the store when you were a kid? Do you remember how excited you were to get a new toy? Well, sadly that feeling is being taken away from many kids, thanks to scalpers right here in the Quad Cities.

We have all most likely heard of the word "scalper," but it is usually linked to sports and defined as,

A person who resells shares or tickets at a large or quick profit.

The Rise In Popularity

Thanks to the internet, everything seems to get scalped. Anything from clothes, shoes, and toys unfortunately are considered fair game. But it's not fair at all, especially for the kids that miss out.

Toys that are most commonly scalped are things like cards, action figures, and LEGO. It's sad to see and hear about. Once a store "drops" a new shipment, adults rush in and buy all the products. They then sell these toys for more on their personal internet store.

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Shelves at stores all over the US are usually left like this:

The Toys Hit The Worst

The toys most affected are commonly Pokémon cards, Star Wars action figures, and specific LEGO. Sadly, kids don't get to see their toys on the shelves, nor do they get them for a fair price. Rather, we have people buying an excessive number of the same toys just to resell them.

My little sister and I are huge fans of LEGO, but it's hard to find sets in stores.

Buying a few of something you like is fine, but to buy all of something only to sell it for twice as much is messed up, especially when that thing is meant for children. Scalping has become a full-time job for people and I for one am not a fan of it.

What The Quad Cities Did For Fun in the 90's

Many times over the years, I'll be talking with friends about years gone by and I'll say "take me back".

Every generation goes through this, I assume. Looking back at a more simple time where responsibilities haven't set in and life seems fun. Opportunities are endless.

Let's go back to the 1990's to Wacky Waters, 50 Cent Beer night and revisit Mallards Mania!

DIY McRib

Everyone is rejoicing that the McRib is back! You can hear the chanting from down the block. Everyone is washing their hands a little bit more due to the bbq sauce residue and it's wonderful.

All is right with the world.

But it isn't always like this. The McRib will leave soon and we'll have to settle for a McChicken or a Double Quarter Pounder like a peasant. Life isn't fair. We know this.

However, my cousin Steve has figured out a way to beat the system.

He's gotten his hands dirty and experimented so we don't have to. He has perfected the DIY McRib!

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