The gumball machine is a vital piece of the nostalgic atmosphere in any arcade or chain pizza joint. The excitement of finding a quarter someone dropped on the ground, the joy of waiting to see which ...

What is it about the vending machine? We see one, and are immediately drawn to it. Maybe it's the fact that the food and drink safely secured within it is off-limits, making it even more desirable.

From hero of Alexandria to tutti-frutti of New York: the years to 1918 -- Robots can sell anything; robots will sell everything, 1918-1931 -- Cigarettes blaze the way, 1932-1939 -- The war on slugs ...

The next time you’re in line at Nifty Nut House in downtown Wichita, look up. Above you is an unofficial museum of gum, candy and nut vending machines. Some might call it Steve Jahn’s nutty obsession.