Sort of on-topic, by way of consumer behavior
Perhaps because of my penchant for all things Sanrio (the weirder, the better), I found this page on the PhotoMann site to be fascinating. Anyone remember that Vend-A-Goat thing, one that was spotted in Communication Arts a while ago? This is like the real-life version, including gems like the Rhinoceros Beetle vending machine. 
More at the link here:
PhotoMann Travel Photgraphy - Images of Japanese Vending Machines
Source: Boing Boing