Vending Machines for Everything

I saw vending machine first time when I visited US that carried snacks. Later when I was in Japan, I saw vending machines carrying variety of goods - snacks to books. ATM was new to me and more interesting when bank folks told to use it to get cash and not to visit inside. I have enjoyed the hot coffee at work and several sodas and water on hot days in Osaka. But most surprised when I saw beer and pornographic stuff sold through vending machine.

Last week in local Harris Teeter, I found a big red box saying 'Rent a DVD'. Curious to know, I gave a closer look and its basically a vending machine carrying a good number of DVD - latest and relatively new. Concept is simple - choose a DVD, swipe your credit card, rent a DVD. Return within a day for $1 and no hassle with a time limit. You pay $1 for each extra day. After 25 days, you don't have to return it (I like this idea :-) I am sure this is going to be a big competition for Blockbuster and other video rentals. Although, very useful, still, Red Box need to carry more DVD collection as otherwise Netflix will continue ruling, especially with plans like $5.99 a month.

Latest I heard, in Philedelphia they are going to introduce vending machines that accept credit card instead of coins/bills. That will be a great idea as not everytime we carry cash and I do not want to carry heavy $1 coins if I have only higher bill to pay.

Won't be surprised if we get vending machines outside each apartment complex that carry grocery one day. No need to drive to grocery store :-)

5000 flights in the sky

Whenever I watch CNN Headlines, I used to wonder how they track thousands of flight on the sky when Rally Capparas, Travelocity Spokesperson shares in Travel Update section. I never knew that there is a website that tracks this info. When I watched yesterday, Rally mentioned about FlightExplorer.com

Whatz New in KaaniNilam? 08/05/2006

Back to bachelorhood as wife and son are away to India on vacation. Could get 8 hrs straight sleep and time for workout. And on weekends lot of time to watch junk movies and for website. Could put some pictures while packing for vacation.

Got to be very careful in packing as airlines do not even allow an extra pound from the limit. Thankfully I was there to remove some stuff from their trip but not sure what I will do when I go alone in 2 weeks. Do airlines expect us to buy a digital high precision scale at home and weigh before checking into the airport? 50 lb is just less for an international trip as the empty bag itself weighs 10-15 lb.

Anyways... to make it light, check out the pictures here and let me know your feedback. I am so excited to visit India after over 2 years and getting ready for my "India is Shining - Part 2" :-) (Read my first part of "India is Shining" here)