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Retiree's 25-Cent Toss Yields $8.4 Million

``Miguel Herrera had put a quarter into a slot machine in Laughlin, Nev., on his 70th birthday 48 hours earlier. When the wheels stopped turning, he had $8.4 million -- reportedly the biggest payout ever for a 25-cent machine.

``Now, he was sitting in the living room of his modest two-bedroom home as a steady stream of friends and family members -- especially family members -- stopped by.

``...Wife Josefina, seemingly immune to the fact that she had just jumped into a much higher tax bracket, continued to cook rice, chicken and beans for everyone expected to visit through the day.

``...But Herrera knew what he wanted to do with his sudden wealth.

``For 24 years, he worked scrubbing dishes, emptying trash cans and mopping floors at two Santa Ana restaurants before retiring three years ago. Now, thanks to the pull of a lever, Herrera could buy his own. He plans to open a family-operated taqueria.

``And family will be the operative word. Herrera has 10 children, 45 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. "I've always wanted a business that could involve the entire family," he said. "And restaurants are what I know best."

``Providing for his family has always been his first priority, said Herrera. He worked as a dish washer in Santa Ana restaurants since he emigrated from Mexico with his family in the late 1970s..."

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