Vending machines in Merrillville 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.

What’s the Harm? Studies Show GMOs May Cause Plenty

  Written by:  Lee Ann Rush Recent legislation dubbed the “Monsanto Protection Act” has put the controversy over genetically engineered (GE) foods* back into the headlines, as research continues to identify more and more negative effects resulting from the proliferation of these “Frankencrops.”   GE foods are those which have had their genetic composition altered in order to add a “desirable” trait..