For Christmas my boyfriend bought me a top of the line Zojirushi rice cooker(I told him not to spend that much) and...after about 4 tries I still haven't figured out how to use it... I tried again last night and the unit just about literally exploded - gooey rice water was shooting out of the steam vent up to nearly a foot in the air, and it was really messy and disgusting. I ended up giving the failed rice to some very happy dogs. I just wanted to share my shame with you all...I just want to make people laugh... The worst part is that I have no problem making perfect rice in my $15 pot, but give me a $500 technological wonder and I'm like the monkies in Space Odyessy.