The best vending machine in the whole world

I like vending machines. When I was a kid, I was fascinated by the idea of the automat, something I was introduced to in the fabulous book From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. I greatly enjoyed the movie Dark City, mostly for the cinematography, but especially including the neat automat displayed there.

I've had sandwiches from vending machines before, so obviously, I know the idea is not really that excellent in execution. One tends to end up with a sandwich where the various elements are confused about their identities -- crunchy bologna and meaty lettuce, for example. But I do like the idea.

I've mentioned before that my day job is, while somewhat dull, also quite intensive. I usually bring my lunch and a Sigg bottle of water, since many times I spend a long day without breaking away from my desk/meetings/Blackberry. But on sleepy mornings when I forget (Read: Mondays), the vending machine for a cherry Coke and a Snickers bar can save my day.

However, when MJ and I went to Italy in summer '08, I discovered my favorite vending machine of all time. Are you ready for this?

When I saw this vending machine in one of the train stations, I went "Squee!" and immediately ran right over. "MJ, I want to buy a book from the machine! Only I don't read Italian...."

So I settled for a photo with the neatest vending machine idea ever, as a souvenir, instead of a book I can't read (yet).

I already am an excessive supporter of the bookselling economy, despite my best attempts to use the local library instead, but if they sold books in vending machines... the incredible cuteness of vending books would probably destroy my self-control.  They have these in many subway stations throughout Europe, but the US has not quite caught on yet.