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Uber: Consider Its New Driver Destinations Service

The private-car-for-hire company is now testing in busy San Francisco an economic availability for passengers to jump into a Uber car that’s already on a scheduled trip. You text or flag down the orange-lighted Uber car, and it drops you off at your destination along the way.

Some reports on Uber have been negative, including complaints from traditional taxi companies. However, we just had a very positive Uber experience. When a family member was recently confined in a big city hospital about five miles from our home, in addition to the cost of gas while using our own car, hospital garage parking fees were $25.

Taking a taxi to the hospital was $25 each way, plus tip. Hailing a Uber ride was $5 each way. Additionally, Uber informed us that the tip was factored into that price.

NYC erects statue honoring WWII VJ Day kiss

Sailor kissing nurse

Actual 1945 photo and 2010 statue

If you’ll be in New York City, join in on the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. While many activities marked the victory during August, WWII officially ended on September 2, 1945.

The city’s famous focal point, Times Square, now features a giant 26-foot statue created by sculptor Seward Johnson, based on a Life photographer’s famous sailor-nurse kissing scene photo on what was called VJ Day, marking Japan's surrender. You can’t miss it if you’ll be near 44th Street and Broadway.

In mid-August, the city put on its annual Kiss-In on Times Square, and thousands of kissing couples showed up by the statue to imitate the historic moment. The participants ranged from young GIs just back from Iraq and Afghanistan, all the way back to WWII veterans who were actually there on the Square celebrating on that joyful day.

Pirate attack: Vegas style at TI Resort

Pirates

Vegas pirate girls look much different

Q: We hadn’t been in Vegas for five years, and last week we went there with our grandkids. At ages seven and eight, they’re into pirate ships and battles. We wanted to take them to the free pirate battle that’s held every night outside Treasure Island hotel.

When we saw it years ago, it was a fun spectacular featuring two realistic sailing ships, one manned by guys in pirate costumes who fought a British ship featuring authentically-dressed Navy men.

What we and our grandkids saw on this trip was nothing more than a very adult strip and lap dance show. It was very inappropriate for the youngsters in the crowd. We know Vegas isn’t called Sin City for nothing, but why did they have to ruin the fun of the show?

Another kid attempts round-the-world sailing

What’s next? A two-year-old using diapers as sails

For seniors who are leery about taking their very first cruise, they should consider the latest brave kid attempting to circumnavigate a la Magellan.

A 14-year-old girl from Holland sailed out of Portugal in the latest quest to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. In recent months, a 16-year American girl tried to earn the Guinness title. She had to be rescued just a few days into her voyage.

So, landlubbers, next time you’re tempted to sign up for that three-day cruise, forget your fears and go for it!

Even on a long journey, you should go lite

Pack mule

Did you see the recent news about an experienced travel writer who’s planning a 60-day European trek with absolutely no luggage to check nor stash in the overhead. He’s taking just one soft backpack which will fit under his airplane seat, and will wear a field jacket with eight big, expandable pockets in it.