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  • First car vending machine just opened

    There’s now a vending machine for cars. No, we don’t mean a micro vending machine that sits in your back seat. We mean an actual car vending machine that spits out cars. That you can drive away!

    Carvana opened up the shop in Nashville, Tennessee. Folks who purchase a vehicle can choose to pick it up at the 5-story location. Insert a coin and your car rolls out ‘through a proprietary and fully-automated pick-up experience, similar to how a can of soda is dispensed from a traditional vending machine,’ Carvana said. It took two years to build the vending machine, which can store 20 cars and features 3 delivery bays.

    Once you insert a coin, the car is automatically retrieved from the Tower and is moved through the machine until it reaches a Delivery Bay, where you take possession and begin your seven-day test ownership period.

    Carvana is even willing to pay you $200 for airfare, and will provide “white glove transportation” if you decide to specifically pick your car up at the special location.

    If you don’t live in Tennessee and don’t want to fly, you can wait for additional locations to open up at future nationwide locations in the coming years.


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  • Contraception vending machine

    Contraception Vending machine offerings at a Pennsylvania university are expanding beyond the world of junk food and into the world of contraception.  

    Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania now offers the emergency contraceptive Plan B One-Step in a vending machine in the school’s Etter Health Center after a survey found that 85% of students supported doing so. The vending machine is located in a private room in the health center, which is only accessible by students after they have checked in with a front desk and been granted access to the treatment area.

    Plan B is an emergency contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, according to the FDA. It is available over the counter without a prescription for women over the age of 17.

    The machine is really used as much for privacy as anything else if a student wants to come in.

    VP of Student Affairs Roger Serr

    While Smith, who is a physician at Wesleyan University, has not heard of any other campus selling emergency contraception out of a vending machine, he does not see it as a problem.

    “We know Plan B is safe and effective, so it’s really no different from ibuprofen or some other medication available in a vending machine.”

    Known possible side effects of Plan B include nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and dizziness.

    Nearly half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended, and about half of those accidentally impregnated women were using some type of birth control. Something as seemingly small as taking your pill at a different time can cause it to malfunction, and condoms need to be the right size to work. Stay consistent and follow directions to avoid birth control mistakes and be as safe as possible.

    Source


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  • Facebook vending machine, coke or tool

    Most employees wouldn’t describe their IT department as “awesome.” But Facebook CIO Tim Campos is hoping a series of custom-made Facebook vending machine that dispense computer accessories instead of snacks and sodas will help change that perception.

    The Facebook vending machine is Campos’ latest and quirkiest undertaking. While getting power cords and replacement keyboards to employees sounds easy enough, at many companies the process requires filling out order forms that can take IT departments days to fulfill. Campos decided to take a more user-friendly approach to this common problem.

    His original idea was putting computer accessories into cabinets that employees could freely access. To keep track of who was taking what, he installed small digital kiosks next to each cabinet and asked employees to swipe their badge and mark which accessory they took.

    It didn’t work very well. We found that only about 5% of the time did people bother to tell the kiosk that they took an accessory.

    Tim Campos (Facebook CIO)

    The “aha moment” came from his assistant, who came across an iPod-dispensing vending machine in an airport.

    Campos green-lighted the project and his team began working with a manufacturer to custom make machines that could dispense computer accessories for Facebook employees.

    Just six weeks later, the machine arrived at the social networking company’s Palo Alto, Calif. headquarters. So now, when Facebook engineers spill coffee on their keyboard (a common mishap), they head to a nearby vending machine instead of hitting up their IT guy or just grabbing a replacement from a nearby cabinet. They swipe their badge, key in their selection and voila—a brand new keyboard drops down for them to take.

    Of course, there is a business benefit to the vending machines. According to Campos, they’ve reduced the cost of managing replacement accessories by about 35%.

    While products found in the vending machines are free, items are clearly marked with price tags so employees can see the retail value of each accessory they take. The new vending machines also require all employees to swipe their badge before making a selection. That means each and every power cord, keyboard and screen wipe they take can be traced back to their name, ensuring that the system won’t be abused (at least not as much as the previous cabinet system was).

    Campos is a strong proponent of employee accountability. He’s taken the same approach to managing mobile usage, which he says is one of the top three internal expenses his department oversees.

    Each new hire that comes through the door is given the same choice — iPhone or Android device. Facebook picks up the monthly voice and data tab, but employees receive a copy of their bill each month so they can personally keep track of their usage patterns and corresponding cost to the company (they can even see how they rank relative to their department’s averages).

    Three machines are already installed and Campos says if all goes well Facebook’s new headquarters in Menlo Park will soon be decked out with two vending machines per floor. And future machines could also dispense higher-value items like phones and PCs.

    Now 100% of employees have to badge in, and there’s better accountability on what people are taking. More importantly, it’s just cool. Employees love to see these machines.

    Tim Campos (Facebook CIO)

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  • Age Verification Vending Machine

    With the full-scale rollout of Japan’s cigarette vending machine age-verification system just around the corner, a Sankei Sports news reporter has confirmed the existence of a minor flaw: magazine photos can be used to fool the Age-verification Vending Machine

    When the reporter went to check out the new age-verifying machines after they were introduced in the Osaka area in June, he soon discovered that the machines equipped with face-recognition cameras would let him buy cigarettes when he held up a 15-centimeter (6-in) wide magazine photo of a man who looked to be in his 50s.

    The reporter also went to Kobe, where different face recognition hardware is being used. There, he bought cigarettes using an 8-centimeter (3-in) wide magazine photo of a female celebrity in her 30s. He also reportedly tried to use a 3-centimeter (1-in) wide photo, but the machines rejected it.

    As part of the age-verification system, most of Japan’s 570,000 cigarette vending machines are being outfitted with RFID readers that check the purchaser’s Taspo age-verification card. Smokers without a Taspo card can now either buy their cigarettes in person over the counter or use one of 4,000 special machines equipped with face-recognition systems (these machines do not require Taspo cards).

    The face-recognition machines rely on cameras that scan the purchaser’s face for wrinkles, sagging skin and other signs of age. Facial characteristics are compared with a database of more than 100,000 people, and if the purchaser is thought to be well over 20 years old (the legal age), the sale is approved. If the purchaser looks too young, they are asked to prove their age by inserting a driver’s license.


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  • Medicine vending machine

    Two Sussex supermarkets have begun a year-long trial of Medicine vending machine to dispense prescriptions.

    The Medicine Vending machine, at Sainsbury, allow patients to collect medicines without speaking to a pharmacist.

    It is the first trial of the machines in the UK, according to the supermarket.

    Customers must register for a unique ID and Pin number and can deposit NHS prescriptions using a special envelope.

    Each machine, which can hold up to 450 packs of medicines, will issue a printed receipt with a collection time. The dispensed medicines will contain instructions for the patient.

    The vending machines provide a secure and convenient way for customers to obtain prescribed medication at time that suits them.

    Sainsbury’s manager David Gilder

    Remote pharmacy vending machines are expected to be trialed at UK hospitals later this year, providing a video link between patients and pharmacists.

    How general Medicine Vending Machine work

    • Prescription Input: Some medicine vending machines require users to input a prescription code provided by a healthcare provider or pharmacist. This ensures that the medication is dispensed according to a valid prescription.
    • Dispensing Medication: Once the prescription is verified and payment is completed, the machine dispenses the medication. Advanced models may also provide instructions for use and warnings about potential side effects.

    Features

    • Security Measures: To prevent unauthorized access and misuse, these machines often include security features such as encrypted data transmission and secure storage compartments.
    • Temperature Control: Many medicine vending machines are equipped with temperature control capabilities to ensure that medications requiring specific storage conditions remain effective.
    • Customer Support: In case of issues, some machines offer customer support through a built-in communication system allowing users to speak directly with a pharmacist or technician.

    Benefits

    • Accessibility: Medicine vending machines can increase access to essential medications, especially in remote or underserved areas where pharmacies might not be readily available.
    • Convenience: They offer extended hours of service beyond traditional hours, making it easier for patients to obtain necessary medications without waiting.
    • Efficiency: Automating the dispensing process can reduce wait times and improve efficiency in managing routine medication refills.

    Challenges

    • Regulatory Compliance: Operating medicine vending machines requires adherence to local health and safety regulations, which can vary widely.
    • Limited Interaction: While these machines provide convenience, they lack the personal interaction and advice that pharmacists can offer regarding medication management and potential interactions.

    Medicine vending machines showcase how technology can be leveraged to improve healthcare accessibility and patient convenience, although they must be carefully managed to ensure safety and compliance with medical standards.

    Source

    • Mdlinx

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  • Vending machine facial recognition

    Now it’s no longer your mom reminding you not to eat that Twinkie. Vending machine facial recognition technology denies would-be snackers from buying certain foods that don’t fit their personal profile. The machine can be programmed to identify users and remember their snack preferences — even accessing their age, medical records and vending purchase histories.

    If the user’s snack choice doesn’t fit their profile, the machine won’t dispense the item.

    Smart Vend Solutions just unveiled the machine in U.K., and says vending machine facial recognition technology can be programmed to keep children from buying cigarettes, hospital patients away from salty or sugary foods and keep dieters on track.

    Launching the very first full production facial recognition technology represents an advancement which will bring unlimited benefits to businesses and consumers across the U.K.

    Malcolm Standage, Smart Vend Solutions

    But the proliferation of smart vending machine raises some possible short comings, such as the ability of people just getting someone to buy junk food for them — or the obvious privacy issues as it records your every purchase.

    Interesting Facts on Facial Recognition

    • Serve smart ads
    • Prevent retail crime
    • Find missing persons and pets. In 2018, news about finding 3000 missing children in India through face recognition made waves across the globe. This proves critical not only finding missing children but also preventing human trafficking.
    • Recognize VIPs
    • Confirm identity at ATMs. The ubiquity of ATM cards means it will take time before they get phased out, but in some places like Macau, face scans are already used at ATMs to protect the identity of users.
    • Add convenience to air travel
    • Limit access to sensitive locations
    • Help the blind. By using a facial recognition app, the blind can get clues about the social situation they’re in. For example, when the app recognizes someone smiling, the smartphone vibrates to alert the blind person.
    • Protect schools
    • Diagnose diseases

    Source


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  • Vending machine price adjust with temp.

    Coca-Cola continues to try out new vending machine technology. For the past two summers, the company has offered a lemonade product in Spain where its vending machine price adjust with outdoor temperature.

    The goal of the pricing strategy was to increase traffic for the vending machines. The Coca-Cola Spain vending machines at water and amusement parks charged three different prices for its Limon & Nada, depending on the temperature.

    For temperatures above 30℃, the cost was $1.20, at 29℃ the price climbed to $1.70; and below 29℃ the price was $2.40.

    The machines were designed specifically to increase trial of Limon & Nada as a thirst quencher in the summer heat and have not been used in other markets.

    Carrie Brown, Coke spokeswoman
    Lemonade Vending Machines Base Pricing on Outside Temperature

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  • Must Visit Macau Attractions

    Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Macau, China | Travel Video | Travel Guide | SKY Travel

    1. Ruins of St. Paul

    Traveling Macau without visiting the Ruins of St Paul literally means not visiting Macau attractions at all. It is one of the most visited Macau attraction. Originally built in 17th century, it was destroyed by fire in 1835 & what remains till today is the facade of the Church & St Paul’s college.

    2. Senado Square

    Senado Square has been Macau’s urban centre for centuries & still a popular venue for celebrations. It is paved with a wave-patterned mosaic colored stones created by the Portuguese.

    3. Venetian Macau

    Venetian Macau is the world largest casino and one of Asia’s most exciting entertainment destination. Nowhere else in Asia will you find such a rare combination of facilities, attractions and amenities.

    All 3,000 of its room are suites, each with more than 70 sqm of space and lavish Italian marble bathrooms take luxury to a new level.

    Experience shopping with over 350 international shops, be dazzled by the street performers, or take a ride on an authentic Venetian gondola, all at the resort.

    4. A Ma Temple

    Macau’s name is derived from A-Ma-Gau or Place of A-Ma and this temple dedicated to the seafarers’ goddess dates from the early 16th century.

    According to legend, A-Ma, a poor girl looking for passage to Canton, was refused by the wealthy junk owners but a lowly fisherman took her on board. A storm blew up and wrecked all but the boat carrying the girl.

    On arrival in Macau she vanished, to reappear as a goddess, on the spot where the fishermen built her temple.

    5. Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

    Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is a 111,500m² park and the first-ever cultural, themed and creative attraction in the tourism industry of Macau.

    Centrally located in the outer harbour and it is not purely a theme park, but also combines dining, shopping, entertainment, accommodation, convention and exhibition facilities in one single location which takes just a 5-minute walk from the Macau-HK Ferry Terminal and Heliport.

    6. Macau Tower

    Soaring 338 meters above the city, the Macau Tower is the 10th highest freestanding tower in the world and the 8th tallest in Asia.

    At the Outdoor Observation Deck the Tower dominates the skyline and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Macau cityscape, China, the Pearl River and even some islands of Hong Kong on a clear day.

    There is also a Revolving Tower Restaurant seating 250 persons which takes 60 minutes to make one revolution.

    7. Kun Iam Statue

    This statue is dedicated to Goddess of Mercy. It is 20 meters tall and made of special bronze. The dome shape base like a lotus flower, is an ecumenical centre where information is available on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

    8. Wine & Grand Prix Museum

    Situated just side by side, Macau Wine & Grand Prix Museum is one of the interesting places to visit in Macau.

    The Wine Museum is the only one of its kind in Asia. One of the main targets of Wine Museum is to bring the visitor into contact with the social, economical and cultural importance of the wine in the Portuguese tradition, daily life and celebration rituals.

    The visitor can even taste different types of wine (wine tasting – “Prova de vinhos”), a unique experience for only a small price.

    The Grand Prix Museum in Macau contains exhibits that are related to Grand Prix worldwide including photos, videos, illustrated articles, cups, records of champions and some commemorative items.

    It was built in 1933 in memory of the 40th anniversary of Grand Prix Racing in Macau and is located in the Tourism Activities Center on Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes.

    9. St Lawrence Church

    This is probably the richest & most beautiful church in Macau, not only of its decorations but also because of the objects displayed in the church.

    Originally it was built by wood in 16th century, renovated to the existing one from the 19th century.

    10. Greayhound Racing

    Macau Greyhound Racing takes place at the Canidrome on Avenida General Castelo Branco. These races are held on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and weekends starting from 7:45 p.m. and there are 16 games on every racing evenings.

    11. Guia Fortress

    Guia Fortress was initially designed to defend Macau from attacks from the sea, but because of its position overlooking the entire city, its chief value has been as an observation post.

    The lighthouse stands at 91 meters tall, and has a light visible for some 20 miles in clear weather conditions. The Guia Fortress was a restricted military area until 1976 when it opened as a major tourist attraction.

    12. City of Dreams

    City of Dreams is a unique integrated resort combining electrifying entertainment, an amazing array of accommodation, regional and international dining, as well as designer brand shopping.

    With The Bubble, a spectacular multi-media attraction and The Boulevard, a chic lifestyle precinct encompassing entertainment, restaurants and shopping boutiques, City of Dreams is the must-experience destination in Macau.

    13. Dom Pedro V Theatre

    Dom Pedro V Theatre is situated at Largo de Santo Agostinho, is one of the first western-style theatres in China. The theatre is an important landmark in the region and remains a venue for important public events and celebrations today.

    The theatre is neo-classical in design, incorporating a portico front on a rectilinear plan.

    14. Macau Museum

    Macau Museum was inaugurated in 1998. Its aim is to preserve the cultural traditions, usages and habits, which specifically belong to Macau, in a place where East, and West have so peculiarly learned how to meet and to live side by side along the centuries.

    15. Camoes Garden

    Camoes Garden and Grotto, is Macau’s largest park & one of the oldest parks. After the British moved out in 1835, it was bought over by a Portuguese merchant, who later built his resident house there.

    The merchant adored raising doves and his hundreds of doves always hovered near the garden, forming a marvelous scene famous near and far.

    After the death of the merchant, the garden was donated to the government and later opened to public as a memorial garden dedicated to Louis de Camoes, a famous Portuguese poet who lived four hundred years ago. Hence the name Luis de Camoes Garden.

    It is a popular spot for locals to do their morning exercises, to play chess, to walk their caged birds or to meet with friends.


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  • Hong Kong Tourist Attraction

    Must Visit Hong Kong Attractions

    Victoria Peak

    Perching on The Peak at 396 metres above sea level, The Peak Tower is one of the most stylish architectural Hong Kong attractions.

    Inside The Peak Tower, there is a dazzling array of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues set against the beautiful backdrop of the city.

    Moreover, The Peak Tower boasts the highest 360° viewing platform – The Sky Terrace which offers spectacular panoramic views of the vibrant city.

    Avenue of Stars

    To pay tribute to outstanding professionals of Hong Kong’s film industry, HK$40 million was sponsored for the construction of the Avenue of Stars.

    Avenue of Stars is located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong and is modeled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

    Symphony of Lights

    The Symphony of Lights is the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Records. It has been further expanded to include more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

    A stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronised to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong. Every night starting 8pm

    Disneyland

    Hong Kong Disneyland is the first theme park inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is the fifth Magic Kingdom-style park. Located at Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island.

    Come & experience the wonderful magical moments with your special ones in Disneyland!

    Ocean Park

    Ocean Park is a major attraction in Hong Kong, any visit to Hong Kong should include the world famous Ocean Park.

    The park has won several awards, including The World’s Seventh Most Popular Amusement Park and 33rd Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the World by Forbes.

    Ngong Ping 360

    Preserving the natural ecological environment and features of the Ngong Ping area and converging the custom and culture of the Lantau Island.

    Ngong Ping 360 is sure to refresh your body and enlighten your mind, as soon as you step on the Cable Car.

    Ngong Ping Village is set on a 1.5 hectare site on Lantau Island, adjacent to Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.

    Looking up to the southwest from Tei Tan square in the middle of the Po Lin Monastery plaza, you will see a flight of 268 steps leading to the world’s largest outdoor bronze statue – the Giant Buddha.

    Repulse Bay

    Repulse Bay’s name comes from a 19th century battle in which the British army repulsed attacking pirates. Today, Repulse Bay is a luxurious residential area with the wide, wave-lapped beach is popular with locals and visitors alike.

    Lan Kwai Fong

    The night is always young at Lan Kwai Fong, a buzzing centre of clubs, bars and restaurants.

    It is a must for party goers & people watchers to visit this Western-style restaurants, nightclubs, delicatessens and bars.

    Hollywood Road

    Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row (also known as “Cat Street”), are must-see stops on every visitor’s itinerary.

    The street is crammed with antique shops and an open-air curio market, these quaint locales are ideal places for picking up eclectic souvenirs and gifts.

    Everything from Ming dynasty furniture and lotus lamps to Mao badges and ancient snuff bottles is on sale here.

    Nearby Man Mo Temple is a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo).

    The temple is located about halfway along the road and a stop in its quiet, incense-shrouded interior makes a pleasant break.

    Stanley Market & Murray House

    Stanley Market is a popular market town on the sunny south side of Hong Kong Island. With its relaxed ambiance, crisp sea environs and bargain buys have made it world famous.

    You will find an interesting array of little shops selling silk garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costume jewelry and souvenirs.

    A hard morning of shopping is always nicely finished off by a sumptous lunch at one of the many restaurant such as Murray House.

    Situated beside Murray House is Blake Pier at Stanley.

    Ladies Street

    Anyone who visits Hong Kong would surely knows the existence of this famous street.

    It is a must-visit destination for fashion lovers with an eye for bargain-priced clothing, bags, accessories, toys, cosmetics and household products.

    Temple Street Night Market

    Temple Street is the busiest flea market at night in the territory of Jordan and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon.

    Popular with both tourists and locals alike in the evening, it is common to see the place crowded at dusk.

    Fa Yuen Street Market

    While Ladies Market is by far the bigger and brasher of the two, Fa Yuen Street is also a brilliant introduction to consumerism, Hong Kong style.

    There is so much to see and buy here that the path that runs down the center is no wider than one person at some points while the stock is stacked so high that vendors need to use poles to retrieve many items.

    Jade Market

    The Jade Market, just west of Nathan Road on the junction of Kansu and Battery Streets, is where vendors sell various shades and qualities of jade, a greenish stone found in East Asia.

    Jade is a unique ornamental stone that can be found predominantly in East Asia and the worlds biggest trading centre for Jade is Hong Kong.

    Visitors can purchase various kinds of products made out of Jade at the Jade Market. Its product line includes jade rings, jade animals and even jade statues of Buddha. Special jade souvenirs and various trinkets are an ideal piece of memory to take home with.

    Top quality jade is pure green and very expensive. Most pieces have a yellow tinge but no brown or grey should be in the finished piece. The best jadeite is semi-transparent. Opaque jadeite with cloudy patches typically has less value.

    The market opens daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    Yuen Po Street Bird Market / Flower Market / Goldfish Market

    Yuen Po Street Bird Market is a charming Chinese-style garden is the favoured gathering place of Hong Kong’s songbird owners, who carry their beloved pets around in intricately carved cages.

    The market contains some 70 songbird stalls as well as interesting courtyards and moon gates. Open from 7am to 8pm.

    The Flower Market features an array of bright and colorful, sweet-scented flowers of different interesting species.

    A jungle of exotic blossoms, luck-bringing houseplants and sweet scents to be found in more than 50 shops. It’s fun to walk around the market admiring the huge variety of flowers and plants for sale.

    It conducts a wholesale and retail business of flowers at lucrative price offers. The fragrance and beauty of the flowers displayed in this market create a charming aura. Many bonsai trees and indoor plants signifying good luck are also sold out here.

    The Goldfish Market is on Tung Choi Street south of Prince Edward Road West, and it is the place for fish lovers to go to for all manner of fish-related products. The whole street is full of shops selling all sorts of colorful fishes from fresh water species to deep sea species.

    Wong Tai Sin Temple

    Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of Hong Kong most famous temple, dedicated to the Great Immortal Wong.

    Locals & tourists could be seen daily making their prayers at the temple. The temple is known for granting any wishes thus lots of worshipers whose prayers were answered returning to thank the immortal.

    Golden Bauhinia Square

    1997 marks the important occasion of the return of Hong Kong, the former British colony to the People’s Republic of China, and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

    In celebration, China’s Central Government presented a gilded bauhinia statue to Hong Kong. The statue was placed in the square next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre facing the Wan Chai waterfront.

    Don’t miss the Daily Flag Raising Ceremony – 7.50am to 8.05am

    Tai O Fishing Village

    Situated on a river mouth, the village is just the ticket if you want a dose of traditional Chinese living.

    The houses are built on stilts over the river and its narrow lanes are filled with shops selling fish and other day-to-day items.

    The citizens here are mainly the Tanka people who are descendants of Hong Kong’s first settlers.

    Take a walk across the quaint bridge that straddles the river where you’ll find back-street lanes twisting through the clutter of houses.

    Hong Kong Wet Land Park

    Home to a stunning array of wildlife including birds, dragonflies, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and fish, Hong Kong Wet Land Park is a world-class ecotourism facility aimed at promoting green tourism, education on environmental protection and wetland conservation.


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  • MIT Vending Machine at Media Lab

    MIT Vending Machine exclusively stocks Soylent and pay by Bitcoin.

    A picture of the vending machine was tweeted out by MIT’s own Ethan Zuckerman.


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