In 1911, just eight years after the Wright Brothers flew the first aircraft at Kitty Hawk, the pop song inviting Josephine on the newfangled flying machine was already on the market.

A decade later, an in-flight silent movie,”Howdy Chicago”, was projected to passengers on a flight over the Chicago World's Fair. Regular in-flight movies didn’t start for another 40 years, when the now-gone TWA showed them in their first-class areas in 1961.

Since then, the advances have been rapid. Video games and small bulkhead TV sets emerged in 1975. Individual seat-back video started on some airlines in 1991, followed a decade later with live in-flight TV.

Many airlines now have seat-back multi-channel screens that beam out movies, games, live TV and advertising. Along with those airline-provided items, many passengers now carry their own private all-inclusive entertainment, with laptops, SmartPhones, E-readers and dozens of newfangled electronic miracles.

With airlines continuously seeking new ways to make extra bucks, passengers can expect more innovations in pay-per-view in-air entertainment in the near future.

Tourists beware! Singapore authorities have been on a campaign to totally stamp out smoking throughout the city-state. It hasn’t quite happened yet, and so far it’s still allowed only in some specified enclosed areas.

However, be aware if you want to light up in stores, cafes, on the street, while riding city transportation, in the airport and other public places. It can get you hauled off to court and hit with a $500 fine.

Similar no-no rules include spitting in the street and chewing gum while riding city transportation, both punishable with $200 fines. Among other strange laws, if you are convicted of littering three times, you may be sentenced to street-cleaning duties on several Sundays. While doing the work, you’ll have to wear a sign proclaiming, “I am a litterer.”

USA Today recently referred to an article in the New York Post that quotes Manhattan restaurant workers who believe they deserve 25% tips. Surveys also indicate that for restaurants in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami and other big tourist destinations, the high-tip trend is already expected by wait staffs.

The expected increases are said to be because waiters in those cities cannot keep up with the ever-increasing high cost of living when they’re being tipped just 10 or 15%. Some restaurants already add an automatic 18% to 20% to diners’ bills.

Q: We’re celebrating our 40th anniversary with a two-week cruise. We live in a fairly secure neighborhood, but lately there have been burglaries. What can we do to prevent break-ins from happening at our house while we’re gone?

P.J., Skokie IL

Before you go, contact your local police department for suggestions on best ways to protect your house in your absence. Also ask them to drive by in marked police cars to check your house at least once a day and night while you’re gone.

Friendly neighbors and nearby relatives can also help by doing a daily inspections, as well as pick up mail, newspapers and other items that may be left at your front door. It may be helpful to suspend your mail and newspapers for the two weeks you’ll be absent.

Safety can be enhanced if you can set up electronic security, with 24-7 timer-activated on-and-off lighting, TV sets and music. They give your home we’re-here sights and sounds during regular hours.

Another precaution is if you and/or family members are active on social media. Don’t broadcast to online strangers who live in or near your neighborhood about specific planned travel dates from your house. Thieves use the internet to scan for potential home invasions during owner absences.

If you take proper precautions, your trip will be more worry-free. Bon voyage!