Great to see Republicans and Democrats in the US offering bipartisan support to encourage new competition and innovation in a market that has been dominated by a handful of specialized companies. Their efforts could catalyze a sea change in the cost and design of devices for people with mild and moderate hearing loss, even making hearing aids look trendy so more people wear them. www.dopplerlabs.com

These inventive vending machines have been popping up around France. Instead of dispensing sweet treats or sugary drinks, however, these kiosks distribute short stories!?Sleek in design and minimal in effort, each vending machine offers an appealing way for commuters and customers to kill time. To use the innovative inventions, simply choose your desired reading time: 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 5 minutes. Then, the machine will surprise you with a randomly-selected short story to occupy your time and make waiting around a bit more bearable?if at least for a couple of minutes. :) ?http://short-edition.com/en/  

The world's biggest statue is finally taking shape on a hill overlooking Bali's international airport. Twenty-five years and around $100 million in the making, the enormous copper and brass sculpture is of the Hindu god Wisnu astride the mythical bird Garuda. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-11/bali-buliding-worlds-biggest-statue-garuda-wisnu-kencana/8600760

In the UK, all the candidates for a seat gather in community halls wearing coloured ribbons that correspond with their party. They then have to line up on stage while an official reads out their individual results. Prime Minister Theresa May had to be on stage with not just her Labour, Liberal Democrat and Greens challengers, but also with candidates dressed up as Elmo, a Texan Elvis, and a Ned Kelly impersonator, going by the name of Lord Buckethead. https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/uk-election-australia-should-adopt-this-delightful-but-awful-tradition-20170609-

On the 25th of each month there is a free concert allowing guests to enjoy a performance by a young musician in the lobby of the Hotel Okura Tokyo. A glass of complimentary sparkling wine is also served. This is part of a program established by the hotel to support art and culture. http://www.hotelokura.co.jp/tokyo/en/mecenat/

Europeans have taken bowling alleys to a new and more artistic, experiential level. The balls certainly strike a more stylish note, but what about the shoes? https://www.bloomberg.com/news/photo-essays/2017-05-18/stunning-modern-palaces-for-an-ancient-sport