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Tokyo, Japan: Driverless Taxis Soon On The Streets?


In this advanced tech nation, where robot hotel bellhops lug luggage and humanoid clerks check you in, this shouldn’t be unexpected. According to official reports, visitors will be able to hail computerized cabs in the Japanese capital city by 2020.

Consider the possibilities. If you remember the 1976 movie, Taxi Driver, would you want a robotically insane Robert De Niro (Travis Bickle) driving you around town? Also, after settling into back seat, will the automatic taxi driver automatically run up the meter by taking the longest route to your hotel?

If there’s a major pro sports event or convention in town, will the automatic taxi driver automatically up the rate 500 percent? Will the mechanical taxi driver refuse to take anyone wearing a hoodie? Will the robot taxi driver be programmed to laugh hysterically as it aims at little old ladies in wheelchairs as they cross the street?

Will we too soon have to say sayonara to Tokyo’s human taxi drivers?

Havana, Cuba, Celebrated 500th Birthday PDF Print E-mail


The Cuban government sponsored a jubilee week in mid-November as the capital city marked the anniversary of its birth. There were and still are ongoing events at historic and performance sites. Distinguished visitors helped celebrate the birthday, including members of the Spanish royal family. Events include fireworks over the Malecon seaside promenade, parades, sports and all types of local foods and wines.

Havana’s history consists of being part of a Spanish colony for four centuries, English rule for one year and occupation by US troops for several months during the Kennedy presidency. If you plan to enjoy all the beauty and history of the Cuban capital city, be sure to check current regulations and restrictions on U.S. visitors. www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/havana-on-its-500th-birthday-then-and-now

 
 
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