Vending machines in Colton have come a long way since the first coin-operated vending machine that dates back to the early 1920s. The days of sliding a few coins into a vending machine and waiting for a can of soda to tumble down, however, are numbered. The new social vending system features a touch-screen that allows users to buy a drink as well as gift one to someone. All this by entering the recipient’s name, mobile number, and a personalized text message, the machine generates a code and instructions on how to redeem the beverage at another social vending machine. With this machine, a basic transaction is transformed into a unique experience. Computerized social vending machines are just the start of everyday technology becoming more social.

Water, Water Everywhere but Not a Drop to Drink?

By:  Lee Ann Rush We’ve discussed the stranglehold that the giant food-processing conglomerates have on our domestic food supply several times, always recommending that people choose wisely by limiting processed foods, buying local (preferably organic) produce in season, and taking a shot at growing their own backyard or container gardens.  One thing we haven’t talked about is drinking water, something that..