Home
Samsonite
 

Newsflash

Solar Impulse 2: Will Sky-Sailing Ever Go Commercial?


The experimental aircraft recently completed of round-the-world flight. It was propelled strictly by the sun’s power, with no need for fossil or other types of today's expensive and volatile fuel.

While solar-powered commercial aircraft are still decades into the future, consider the advantages when it happens. With no dependence on the price-manipulated oil industry, passenger fees should be considerably lower.

Aboard the quiet aircraft, the experience will feel like a sailing schooner in the sky, with the design of a luxury cruise ship. The interior will be roomy for strolling passengers and gatherings, rather than today’s required stuffing everyone into a tight seat during flight. 

On its around-the-world journey, Solar Impulse 2 flew at a speed of 35 mph, about 10 mph faster than the average cruise ship. As with ocean-going vessels, the aircraft will also be be affected by winds and weather. www.bbc.com/news/science-environment

Senior Traveler Dementia: Recognize The Symptoms? PDF Print E-mail


CNN recently featured an article naming the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s. Of course, there’s nothing laughable about the terrible condition that tragically affects minds of the elderly. On a lighter note, however, allow us to offer our list of ten things that drive traveling seniors totally out of our minds.

1. Grabby, feely airport security: Do we oldsters look like terrorists? Why do we have to suffer the indignity of being frisked like suspected criminals? Maybe a little crazy talk will keep the hands away.

2. Late flights: Waiting in the airport for boarding, only to be told it will be another hour, then another hour. Why does it only happen when you’re sure to miss the connecting flight? Is it any wonder your mind melts?

3. Annoying seatmates: Is there someone in the airline’s reservation office who has fun matching you up with a 400-pound drunk, unwashed passenger? It’s a good time then to pretend you’re senile so the seatmate stays away from you.

4. Airline and hotel fibs: Why do they advertise $99.99 specials, when you know taxes and other add-ons will make you pay $150 plus? Maybe some incoherent raving will get the price lowered a bit. Anyhow, it’s worth a try.

 
 
Stay in-the-know about the latest Sports, Life, Money, Tech, and Travel stories. You'll get your first 2 months of USA TODAY for $25 (charged monthly). All print subscribers receive the e-Newspaper included with their subscription.