Ode to Octopus

I once watched a couple online television news stories in the states several years ago that described that "one day, we will have the technology to purchase small items that we need by just pointing our cell phone or watch towards a vending machine or at a Circle K." I think I quote that almost word-for-word.

One day is today here in Hong Kong. Behold the Octopus, probably the greatest piece of technology Hong Kong has to offer, next to the longest escalator in the world and silent subways.

Let me explain why I "heart" Octopus. First, it's works everywhere. McDonalds? Use your Octopus. Bus? Use your Octopus. Circle K? Use your Octopus. Subway? Use your Octopus.

You get the picture. Basically, the Hong Kong transit authority for use issued the Octopus card in their extensive mass transit system (95 percent of all residents of HK use mass transit.

Like the social security number in the U.S., it ended up being used for everything in Hong Kong. You can use Octopus for tea at the Seven 11, McDonald’s, anything you want, just as long as you have enough money on it.

What makes it even cooler is the fact it’s radio controlled. So, you’ll see when you get on a bus people holding their wallets, purses, duffel bags, cats, up to the Octopus reader. They also make Octopus-compatible designer watches and keychains.

See? The Chinese invented Gun Powder, Porcelain, Fireworks, the longest escalator in the world (I promise to upload pictures of that too) and Super-Easy-Ways-To-Pay thingies. They are awesome ^_^

Americans can’t even come with a mobile network that works.

Other things of note: Classes started today officially, but I don’t start class until Wednesday because I am only going half time. My internship at Bloomberg starts 18 September, and you’ll definitely hear about that.

Anyways, Please Mind the Gap.

Ken