I was attending an event at the INB Performing Arts Center one evening and had to park in one of those big outdoor lots a few blocks from the theater. I approached the electronic pay kiosk with trepidation. These pay kiosks can be a royal pain. In previous encounters, the thing has either refused to take my money, refused to take my debit card, refused to issue a receipt or been otherwise on the blink. This time, to my relief, it took my money without complaint and coughed up that little receipt for my dashboard. I glanced at it to make sure that the time on it was correct. And here’s what it said: “Expires 05:37 AM, July 27, 2010.” I stared it at for a long moment before I was able to comprehend the windfall I had just received from the parking gods. “Carol,” I said slowly to my wife. “I believe that we have just won free parking – for six months!” Not a bad deal, for $3/Jim Kershner, SR. More here.

Question: Have you ever been victimized by downtown Spokane parking? And/or: What would you do in Jim Kershner's place? Throw away the ticket that gives him free parking for six months? Or continue to park free for the next six months?