Transportation’s future advances as new fast rail systems are developed by future-planning companies. Hyperloop Technologies will demonstrate its current train project this week in the desert near Las Vegas.

The system is called maglev, short for magnetic levitation, will use big vacuum tubes as train cars to whisk passengers at speeds up to 750 MPH. It’s the same speed as jet aircraft, but it will have many advantages over sky travel.  It doesn’t use petroleum products, won’t pollute the air and will pick up and deposit passengers conveniently at downtown terminals.

There are other US organizations, as well as in Asia and Europe, experimenting with similar projects. However, until practical technology evolves into actual reality, don’t expect to ride the first LA-SF magical magnetic train for at least another decade.

CBS News recently listed ten reasons to visit the formerly unfriendly island nation. Though some restrictions are still in place, new air and sea schedules are being touted almost daily. The not-too-friendly Communist government still lurks in the lives of the Cuban people. However, what we’ve heard from recent U.S. visitors is that they’ve been welcomed by cheerful, cooperative Cubans.

That positive feature was one of CBS News’ ten reasons to visit the island. Others include shopping bargains, uncrowded tourist facilities, great music, fantastic food, historic landmarks, moderately-priced hotels, clean beaches, economic flights and other advantages.

If  warm weather travels take you to the French capital city this season, and you enjoy the famous boulevard, check your calendar. On one Sunday a month, the usually busy road will be vehicle-free and open only to foot traffic.  Along with happy walkers, there will be food stations, acrobats, jugglers, singers, dancers and musicians. And, of course, the Arc de Triomphe.

According a TSA report, passengers who are required to put belongings in those plastic boxes are very forgetful. While going through security last year, they neglected to claim over $765 thousand in loose change, paper money, credit cards and other valuables.

And the careless trend rises, now double what it was a decade ago. Not that seniors are the most forgetful air passengers, but next time you fly, be thorough. Make sure to empty all of your belongings out of that plastic box at the end of the security line.