#Taxi Company Los Angeles

[unitedtaxi]

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[twice-inamillion]

Ambush

Angst (Anguish,Fear, Embarrassment, Hate, Sadness)

Chapter 218

2935 Words 

( A post Sana made might be more serious that it seems to be.)

“I was born in the Heisei era, so I am sad to see it end. I would say ‘good job’ to Heisei. Toward the first day of the new Reiwa era, I will spend the last day of Heisei with a fresh mind.”

—————

“Better write that in her own diary.” - Anon

"It was rude of her to post that.” - Anon 

"They have an official Japanese Instagram account too. She should've posted it there. Not liking this at all.” -Anon 

"TWICE didn't post anything on Korea's Independence Day. Why is she posting that there in all Japanese?" - Anon

“Why is she posting that if she’s working in Korea as an idol? Didn’t she have a little bit of decency?” -Anon 

“If she likes Japan so much, why doesn’t she go back?” -Anon

“This comes to show that idols don’t have a brain. Doesn’t she know what she is doing? JYP really needs to have a leash on her.” -Anon

“It’s always the Japanese idols. Why don’t they go back to their own country.” -Anon

“You can tell that Sana doesn’t have any idea about Korean history even if she works in Korea. I bet she just has fun and lets herself be used by male idols. -Anon 

-“Haha yeah, I bet she gets passed around by the male idols in JYP.” -Anon 

-“You’re probably right. She has nothing in that brain, just sex. I bet even JYP uses her himself”- Anon. 

“If I were to see her in person, I would give her a piece of mind. Korea is better than Japan.”-Anon 

,-“If I see her, I would spit on her face.” -Anon

-“Instead, she would let us fuck her as an apology for being an ignorant fuck.” -Anon

“I’m with you. How about we all get together and pass her around? She’s already getting passed down by the; why male idols, why not us?” -Anon 

—————-

Some of these comments were seen on the Twice Instagram post from Sana, one of Twice’s Japanese members. It spread like wildfire over the internet, with hundreds of posts from anonymous commentators.  

————

“Oppa is asking if you want him to pick you two up,” as Sana reads the text from Nayeon early in the morning before flying back to Korea with Dahyun.

“No, it's okay.” 

“How about the managers?”

“We’re fine. We didn’t bring a lot of stuff with us.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, Dahyun says it's okay, too.”

“Okay. See you back in the company then. Just message us when you get here.”

“Okay, see you in a few,” she said, turning off her phone before boarding the plane. She looked at Dahyun, who was in the window seat and had put on her mask to get some sleep before arriving in Korea since she had been up late the previous night. 

A few hours pass, the two of them arrive at the airport. They grab their bags and head to the exit to catch a taxi.

“Want to go to the shopping center?” asks Sana. 

“I don’t mind going.” 

“Okay, I’ll order the taxi to take us there,” as she waves for the taxi. 

The taxi arrives, and the driver asks,” Where to?” “To the shopping city that’s downtown.” 

“Got it.” 

The two of them enjoy a twenty-minute ride to the shopping center and pay the driver once they arrive. “Thank you for the ride.” 

The first place they go to is a local restaurant that serves brunch. They enjoy their meal in a booth and talk about their upcoming events. 

“I can’t wait to go to the States,” says Sana.

“You said you wanted to go to Los Angeles and New York, right?”

“Yeah, I do. I want to go and eat the food over there with Momo. She made a list of places where to eat. How about you, Dahyun?”

“Hmm… I don’t know. I want to bring Daeun, but I don’t think she will be able to handle all that traveling.”

“Jihyo and Chaeyoung’s mom said they can watch her doing it during the tour.”

“Yeah, you’re right, but still…”

The two of them continue to talk about their worries as they eat their food. They both decide to go to a couple of shops and buy something for all the members. 

They pay their bill, exit the restaurant, and do a bit of window shopping. As they walk around, they see a couple of ajummas staring at them. They keep on walking and stop at an ice cream shop. Once they exit, they see the same group of ajummas sitting across one of the benches. The two of them sit at one of the many tables and enjoy their ice cream. 

One of the ajummas walks towards them and asks, “Are you the Japanese idol Sana?” 

Sana, with a warm smile, responds, “Yes, I am. Nice to meet you.”

Out of nowhere, the ajumma with the cup in her hand splashes her with water. “If you like Japan so much, you should go back to where you came from. This is Korea!”

Sana, frozen from what just happened, doesn’t know how to respond. Dahyun, shocked, tries to wipe Sana off with some napkins as the group of ajummas laughs with a satisfying grin. 

The rest of the other women laugh and repeat what the first ajumma said and point at the soaked Sana. 

“I don’t know what's going on, but let’s go, unnie,” she says as she tries to help Sana stand up. “Yeah… let’s go.” The two of them stand up and walk toward the entrance of the shopping center. The ajummas follow and harass Sana as they walk behind her, attracting a crowd of people.

“Yah! Don’t you have manners, girl? Why are you talking about Japan when this is Korea?”

“We’re not done with you!”

Sana and Dahyun don’t understand what’s going on. Why are these ajummas so upset? They get to the street and see a taxi from across the street. As they try to look both ways, one of the ajummas tries to grab Sana by the arm, but Dahyun pulls her away before she can. They ran and crossed the street in panic, but just before making it to the taxi, Sana tripped on one of the sidewalk cracks. The ajummas laugh, making Sana turn red of embarrassment before Dahyun helps her stand up.

They get into the taxi and ask the driver to head to the JYP building out of instinct. Dahyun looks at Sana who is covering her face with her hands and asks, “Are you okay, unnie?”

Sana doesn’t respond but remains with her face covered. She can hear Sana’s muffled crying and tries to comfort her, only to see her bleeding knee from the fall that just happened earlier. “Ohh no, unnie you’re bleeding.” Dahyun opened her purse, took out some sanitary wipes to clean the blood, dried it, and put on a bandaid. 

Not knowing what else to do, she searches for her phone and pulls it out, only to notice that it’s still off. She turns it on and sees the amount of missed calls and messages from the members and manager unnie. She calls Nayeon, who immediately asks where they were. “Sorry unnie, we landed a while ago and just remembered to turn my phone on. Why are you all messaging us? Did something happen?”

“Wait… you don’t know?”

“No, what’s going on?”

“Is Sana with you?”

“Yeah, she’s right here with me, but she doesn’t feel good right now.”

“Oh… where are you to right now?”

“We went to a shopping center, but something happened, and now we are going to the JYP building. We are about two minutes away. Maybe.”

“Wait… don’t come here; it’s not good right now.”

“Why?”

“Actually, tell the driver to come through the back instead.”

“Okay, but what’s going on?”

“Hmm… just keep your heads down when you pass by; Jihyo and I are going to meet you at the back entrance.”

“Okay, we are turning the street right now.”

“Okay, hold on. We are going inside the elevator…”

The call cuts off, and Dahyun sees some reporters with cameras and a couple of people with signs. She looks and reads the signs and is upset with what she sees. She grabs Sana’s hand and places Sana’s head on her chest to prevent her from looking. 

The driver pulls up to the back of the parking lot where Nayeon, Jihyo, and manager unnie are waiting. They help Sana out of the car as manager unnie brings up their belongs and pays for the fare. 

“What’s going on?” asks Dahyun.

“We’ll talk about it when we get to the practice room,” says Jihyo.

They make their way to the practice room, where the rest of the members are waiting. Some of them, like Momo, notice the scrape on Sana’s knee and ask what happened. Sana immediately begins to cry, remembering the event from earlier. Dahyun recalls what happened, from the nasty ajumma who threw water at her for no reason, getting followed by the elderly group, and her falling and scraping her knee while everyone was looking. 

The members look upset about Sana’s experience and try to comfort her, and Nayeon and Jihyo pull Dahyun to the side. 

They explain that last night, Sana uploaded a post welcoming the new Reiwa era on the Twice Official page, and some people were offended and posted hateful comments. Nayeon shows Dahyun her phone, showing the comments from the hateful people. Dahyun can’t help but feel upset that she couldn’t do anything to protect her earlier. The members try to comfort and get her mind off the situation. They play a couple of games and watch videos in the practice room before heading home.

———- 

The members arrive home and get together to make Sana her favorite dishes. Jeongyeon, Momo, and Tzuyu work in the kitchen as the rest of the members hang out in the living room. They try to keep Sana off her phone and entertained as much as possible. Once dinner is ready, they call everyone to the table and show off their cooking skills, which have been improving.

Once they are done, some of them stay at the table while the rest go to the living room and watch the kids play. Sana can’t help but think about the incident earlier today and starts to space out, but she is interrupted when Ari comes waddling to Sana and throws herself at her. 

“Awww, Ari, I love you very much! Thank you for cheering me up!”

With a smile, Ari pats Sana’s head and places herself between Sana’s legs. They watch Jisoo running around the carpet and throwing herself at the rest of the members. It is only when the kids begin to yawn that they all decide to head back to their rooms and get ready for bed. 

“Bye Bye,” waves to Ari to Sana as she walks towards Mina’s bedroom. She kneels down and waves goodbye, “Bye-bye. Good night.”

Ari smiles and waddles to Sana, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Surprised, Sana picks her up, gives her a kiss on the cheek, and hugs her tightly.

After leaving her room, she gets ready for bed and takes a hot shower to relax after a terrible day. She still remembers the event from the afternoon and asks herself why it happened. Stepping out of the shower, she sat on her bed before drying her hair and pulling up her phone. Sana notices that her phone has been off the whole time and turns it on after not having used it for the whole day. As she turns it on and watches a couple of YouTube videos on perfumes and baby clothing before watching a movie. After a couple of hours of being on her phone, she decides to go to sleep, but not before going on Twitter and seeing if anything is interesting. She apps the app notices the newest trends and sees that her name is ranked high. She clicks on it and sees people commenting on her most recent post on Instagram. 

Sana scrolled down and read every post; little by little, she began to tear up by the hateful comments. She can’t seem to understand how people can be so mean and hurtful to someone. She didn’t think uploading a Reiwa-era post would get negative attention. 

“Why are they so mean?”

“If I knew people were going to get mad, I wouldn’t have posted it.”

The more she reads, the more emotional she gets until she can’t help but cry herself to sleep.

The next day, Sana wakes up at noon and sees new articles talking about her post, attracting more attention. This time, she sees the post on the Twice Instagram page with Once and anons arguing with each other. “Please don’t fight with each other,” she begs as she tries not to comment on the post and make it worse. 

She gets called down for breakfast by the members and notices the bags under her eyes from her crying as she makes her way to the table. They try to comfort her as much as possible, but once she takes a bite of the food, she stands up with her hand covering her mouth and runs to the bathroom. Some of the members follow her to the bathroom and see her gagging and throwing up in the toilet. Momo holds her hair and pats her back as Sana throws up. “It’s okay, Sana, we’re here for you.” Sana turns around, looks up at them, and begins to cry. 

Jihyo and Momo help her get up and wipe the leftover residue off her lips. Jihyo notices Sana’s blushed cheeks, touches her forehead, and sees how hot she is. “Sana, you’re burning up!”

They help her to her room and tuck her back in. Dahyun stays behind and tries to make her as comfortable as possible while Jihyo comes back with some items to make her fever go down. Jihyo and Dahyun stay with her for a while. She falls asleep, and they check up on her every so often to change the towel on her forehead.

————

Sana wakes up a bit after midnight, hurting after being asleep for half a day. She makes her way from her bed and wakes towards the bathroom. She looks at herself in the mirror with pale skin. She washes her face and complains about how awful she looks. Sana sits on the toilet and tries to pee, only for her to feel a slight pain in her pelvic area. She touches her pelvis and applies a slight pressure, only to feel a bit of pain. 

Sana finishes, stands up, and immediately feels dizzy. She leads on the sink, closes her eyes, and tries to relax. After her dizziness slowly faded, she washed her hands and returned to bed. She covers herself with her blankets, stares at the ceiling to clear her mind, and falls asleep. 

Only being asleep for about two hours, Sana wakes up in pain, crying. Her heart is beating fast, and her pelvic area is hurting much more than before. 

“Ouch, it hurts.” she has her hands around her stomach in pain. Sana tries to get up from her bed, but the pain gets stronger as she lifts herself, “Owww!”

She tries multiple times to get up from her bed, but every time she tries, the pain comes. Wanting to use the restroom, she looks for her phone and searches around her bed. She finds her phone and texts Momo, but she doesn’t respond. Sana calls Nayeon, who picks up her phone, “Sana, what’s up? It’s two in the morning.”

“Unnie, help me. I’m trying to use the restroom, but I can’t get up.” 

“Okay, I’ll be right there.”

Nayeon hung up the phone and turned on the lamp across her bed to search for her slippers. Jeongyeon turns over and slowly opens her eyes to the light, “Nayeon, what time is it?”

“It’s two in the morning.”

“Hmm… okay. You going to the bathroom?”

“No, Sana called me and said that she’s having a hard time getting up and wants to use the restroom, so she called me and asked if I could help her.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll come with you then. Jihyo said she had a fever, so she might need some help.”

“Thanks.”

The two of them make their way to Sana’s room and hear a crying Sana. “Sana, what’s wrong?”

“My tummy hurts, and I really need to pee.”

Nayeon walks into the dark room towards Sana and extends her arm. With the light from the hallway, Sana grabs Nayeon’s hand and helps her stand up. Sana moans in pain, but with the assistance of Nayeon, she’s able to get up. 

Sana and Nayeon walk slowly to the restroom before Sana asks, “Jeongyeon, would you mind getting my scrunchie? It should be somewhere on my bed.”

“Yeah, sure.” Jeongyeon enters the room, turns on the light, walks to Sana’s bed, and looks on top of the blanket but sees nothing. She turns over the heavy blanket and covers her mouth at the sight of her bed, completely wet.

Suddenly, Jeongyeon hears Sana scream from the bathroom and rushes towards the two of them, “What happened?”

“There’s blood” as Sana looks at the Nayeon and Jeongyeon with a terrified expression.

[historyofcars]

Todays story is on the AVE Mizar. The Mizar was a roadable aircraft that was built between 1971 to 1973 by Advanced Vehicle Engineers (AVE) in Los Angeles, California. The company was made stated by Henry Smolinski and Harold Blake they both graduated from NIT.

The prototype car was a Cessna Skymaster fused with a gen 1 Ford pinto. The pod-and-twin-boom configuration of the Skymaster was a good convenient stating Point for a hybrid Automobile/Aircraft. The cockpit and front engine of the plane was removed, leaving an airframe ready to attach to a small car. By mid-1973 there were two prototypes that were built and three more were under construction. One prototype was slated for static display in a ford dealership. The other prototypes was fitted with a Teledyne Continental Motors that had 210 horsepower (160 KW) engine, was unveiled to the press on May 8, 1973. Both vehicles were photographed by Mike Brenner for Hot Rod magazine in late April. it then began a series of taxi tests at Van Nuys Airport were they did tests with the U.S Navy after a few tests flights were underway in mid-1973.

The Mizar was intended to use both engines for take-off this would considerably shorten the take-off roll once in the air, the cars engine would be turned off. Upon landing, the four-wheel braking would stop the aircraft in 525 ft (160 m) or less. On the ground, telescoping wing supports would be extended and the airframe would be tired up like other planes. The pinto could quickly be unbolted from the airframe and drive away. The production of the Mizar was scheduled to begin in 1974. AVE had stated that prices would range from US$18,300 to $29,000.

On a test flight from Camarillo Airport in California on August 26, 1973, according to test Pilot "Red" Janisse, the right wing strut base mounting attachment failed soon after take-off. Because turning the aircraft would put too much stress on the unsupported wing, Janisse put the Mizar down in a bean field. After the roadway was closed to traffic, Janisse drove the otherwise undamaged vehicle back to the airport.

On September 11, 1973, during a test flight at Camarillo, the right wing strut again detached from the Pinto. With Janisse not available for this flight, The Mizar creator Smolinski was at the controls. Although some reports say the Pinto separated from the airframe, air traffic controller Reed Weske, who was watching through binoculars, said the aircraft disintegrated after take-off and making a right turn. According to Janisse, the wing folded because the pilot tried to turn the aircraft when the strut support failed. Smolinski and the Vice President of AVE, Harold Blake, were killed in the crash.

Even though the Ford Pinto was a light car, the total aircraft without passengers or fuel was already over the weight of a Skymaster. However, in addition to poor aircraft design and loose of parts, the NTSB reported that bad welds were partly responsible for the crash, with the right wing strut attachment failing at the body of the Pinto.

I hope you guys like the story of the flying Ford Pinto and also have a good day everyone.

Information mostly came from Wikipedia

[bluestar22x]

Reunion

The Writing Contest - Chapter 4: Reunion

Summary: The premiere night of the movie based on Nora and Javi's screenplay changes everything and nothing at the same time.

Pairing: Javi Gutierrez x Female!OC (Nora Delaine)

Rating: 18+ Series

Word Count: 3,100(ish)

Warnings: Romance (we're laying it on thick today), angst, longing

Author’s Note: Nora's got issues to work through if that's not apparent. Also this is where Nora's love for Bon Jovi (and mine) starts becoming part of the story, not just the chapter titles.

xxx

"Do I look okay?"

Sierra gawked at you through the video chat on your phone, which you had prompted against the mirror in your hotel room's bathroom. "Do you look okay? Seriously, Nora? You look like a princess."

You were dressed in a sleek turquoise blue dress with silver embroidery along the shoulders and edges, your shoulders almost completely exposed and your breasts just contained enough. You had minimum make up on but what you did have on, especially your black eye liner, highlighted your facial features. Your light brown hair was pinned into an updo that had taken you nearly two hours to complete, to your dismay, but at least it looked like the pictures you'd found online. There was a pearl necklace, earrings, and silver rings on three of your fingers that rounded out your look, along with the delicate white sandals with two inch heels that Sierra could not see due to the bathroom countertop being in the way.

"That sounds like too much," you said, frowning. Maybe you should've gone with a black dress.

"No! No!" Sierra shouted, moving closer to her phone's camera. "It's perfect! You look amazing. Everyone at the premiere won't know what hit them."

You blushed, uncertain if you wanted to draw that kind of attention to you. You just wanted to fit in that night, when you joined a selected chosen few to watch California Dreamers for the first time in a classy theater in Los Angeles before its worldwide release the week after.

It was surreal, how your story would soon be on the big screens, for all who wished to see it. Your excitement over it had your hands shaking.

"So are you nervous?" Sierra inquired.

"Of course I am," you replied, taking a final look at your face in the mirror. "I've never been to an event like this. Walter said some paparazzi might take pictures of me. If I do anything wrong I might just end up on the cover of some gossip magazine under 'New Screenplay Writer Has Big Oops At Premiere' or something."

"Don't make me jealous," Sierra said, grinning. "And that's not what I meant. I was talking about how you're about to see Javi again for the first time in a year."

"Why would I be nervous about that?" you asked. "We've kept in contact. I told you that filming for his latest screenplay is starting next month. He knows I've sold another one too. And we did use video chat a few times."

"Yes, but talking through the computer or phone once a month is not the same as in person," Sierra pointed out. "And you still have unresolved feelings for him."

"I do not," you protested a little too fast.

She gave you the look. The one that read as seriously? "You haven't even tried to put yourself out there at all the past year, Nora. Don't deny it."

You tried to anyway. "I've been busy with the second screenplay, you know that. It's been stressful writing completely solo for the first time and then trying to sell it on my own after."

She sighed. "Whatever, why do I even bother? Forget I brought it up and enjoy yourself tonight, Nora. You deserve it."

"Thanks."

"You'd better hang up with me," she figured, glancing at the ancient clock hanging on her kitchen wall. "By the time you call a taxi and they drive you there it'll almost be seven."

You said your goodbyes and switched to calling out for a taxi, the nearest company promising a car within fifteen minutes. It was on time, and you quickly made your way from the inside of your hotel lobby to the car. Though the driver did a double take of you (the good kind) he was nothing but polite and opened the back door for you.

On the ride to the movie theater you twirled the rings on your fingers, jitters truly setting in for the first time, and not just because of the film.

Even though you had denied it, Sierra was right, of course. You still had feelings for Javi and you'd been distracting yourself by burying yourself in your work, not just your second screenplay, but also the part time pet sitting business you'd started, a means to an end to making rent, though you did enjoy taking care of your clients' animals. It wasn't too serious though. You didn't have a regular client base and could leave whenever you liked, something you'd needed to be able to come to the premiere and any other future ones. You hoped someday to quit once you made enough money writing.

The theater the film was premiering at appeared after a right turn onto a busy business street and you ran a hand over the front of your dress, smoothing out wrinkles that didn't exist.

"Showtime," you uttered quietly and carefully stepped out of the taxi after paying the driver, making sure to include a healthy tip.

The entrance to the red carpet section beyond a border of ropes was being guarded by a burly man who was at least a foot taller than you, and seeing him caused your anxiety to flare. You had remembered your pass, right?

You fumbled with your wallet and pulled it out, raising it to your eye level like some detective on an eighties cop show.

"Nora Delaine," he noted, voice booming. "First time at a premiere?"

"How can you tell?" you asked, trying not to squeak.

He smiled, and it was friendly enough, but you were still intimated. You were pretty sure his biceps were larger than your head.

"You look more nervous than my mother's Chihuahua," he chuckled.

And I'm proportionally the same size, you thought.

You sucked in a deep breath and put yourself together. You were being ridiculous. A lot of people in Hollywood were above average height and buff, especially when compared to the average in your town. People of French heritage weren't actually typically all that short, but your family and neighbors did fit the stereotype.

"Have you seen Javi Gutierrez yet?"

"Right here," a familiar voice beyond the ropes answered.

You swiveled your head in the direction of the owner of it and your breath caught.

Several yards away Javi was standing by a backdrop wall put up so the paps could take photos of people as they arrived. He was as handsome as ever, dressed in a classic black and white suit and dress shoes.

Video chat really didn't do him justice, especially when he dressed up.

You approached him after picking your jaw up off the floor, beaming. "Javi!"

"Nora." He opened himself up to you for a hug and you accepted the offer, head against his chest and hands on his shoulder blades. You realized as his hands fell on your spine that you'd forgotten how warm and comforting he was, and you probably lingered in his embrace longer than a friend typically would because of it.

When you pulled away you blinked up at him, analyzing his appearance. Something was different about him.

You gaped at him when you figured it out. "You cut your hair!"

"I always do for premieres," he stated, "For the photos."

You felt a wave of sorrow over the loss of his curls, which was silly, especially since he apparently grew his hair out whenever he wasn't in Hollywood for business, but the feeling was still there.

"You look great, Javi," you told him honestly, "But you also looked great with your waves."

"Thanks," he said, with a hint of a blush on his cheeks. "I'll keep that in mind."

He guided you at the waist towards the center of the carpet as the paparazzi were allowed to file in line along the ropes and started snapping photos of the people that had arrived before you.

You didn't recognize anyone but the director, Marion Young. The actors were probably going to be last to show up, for dramatics.

"Javi look here!" someone called out and you and Javi both pivoted towards a young petite blonde with a massive camera in her hands. You wondered how she could even lift the thing.

"Time to pose," Javi said and you did exactly that as the girl started snapping photos of you together, side by side.

After what felt like ages, you relaxed the forced smile on your face and moved on down the line with him.

"You famous around these parts, Javi?" you inquired, knowing that paps didn't normally recognize writers like that.

"I've been caught hanging out with Nic a few times lately," he explained.

"Ah."

Duh. One of the easiest ways to get noticed in Hollywood was being in the vicinity of a famous actor. Of course someone who was close friends with Nic Cage would gain attention.

"I'm surprised they're not telling me to back out of the shot," you said as another pap's camera flashed at you.

"Even if they did not know you were the main contributing writer to this movie," Javi started, "You look stunning in that dress, cariño. They're eating you up."

Cariño. That was new. You were pretty sure that translated to something like sweetheart. Which wasn't necessarily a romantic pet name but... "Javi." His name came out of you like a warning.

"This is exactly why I made the contest," he told you as you both gained more and more attention nearing the front door of the building. One of his arms was still curled around you. "I wanted to give someone else a shot at the limelight. Soak it in while you can. Hollywood moves fast."

You nodded, not sure what to say, having decided to pretend to have missed the new pet name and ignore how much he was touching you. You didn't want to make a big deal out of it. He tended to get that way when he was excited. That was all it was.

He released you once inside the building and you also had to push aside the disappointment you felt from the loss of contact, shoving the emotion down to replace it with the excitement bubbling up in you for what you'd come here for.

It was time to watch the movie.

You sat down beside him at the back of the theater where the people who weren't the actors and director were asked to sit, and waited anxiously to see the final result of the hard work everyone in the room (besides the few civilians chosen to watch with them) had put in.

It felt like everything was about to change.

x

"So, how'd you like the movie?" Javi questioned as you settled down in the backseat of his limo with him a couple hours later.

"I loved it!" you exclaimed. "The director didn't change too many details and the cinematography was gorgeous. I admit, I wasn't thrilled at first with the casting, they definitely hired the actors for their popularity rather than their appearances fitting Nolan and Angie, but I can't really fault the casting people for it. Those two acted their asses off." You hummed as something that had bothered you crossed your mind. "I do wish the love scene would've been more them though."

Javi glanced at you quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not against movies having music in the background of a love scene," you informed him, "Not in the slightest. They usually add to it. But Nolan turning on that stereo? So not him. He wouldn't want to drown out his partner, you know? They were alone, no one to hear them. It was unnecessary and made it less intimate. Don't you think so?"

He cleared his throat. "Ah, sí, definitely." His phone binged with a text and he nearly jumped in his seat. You tried not to notice though it wasn't like him to get awkward discussing a love scene. You had wrote two together for Angie and Nolan, and they had been pretty spicy. Javi had been completely professional about it.

"Who's that?" you asked.

"One of the producers," he replied as he read the text. "Just reminding everyone the after party is only for those who were part of the crew or wrote for the movie and their significant others. No other family."

"They're paying for the booze," you guessed.

He grinned. "Sí. They promised a round of free shots."

"I think I'll stick to wine tonight," you told him. "The hangover after my birthday celebration was not worth it."

Javi chuckled. "I think I will refuse the offer too. I need to use every spare hour I have tomorrow editing my latest script. I cannot jeopardize my ability to meet the deadline to submit it to the film company interested in it."

The limo driver parked the vehicle and you and Javi quickly exited.

"What are the odds on them having chosen Club Midnight for the party?" you quizzed as you both strolled inside the familiar building.

"High," he shouted at you over the loud music. "I chose to bring you and Sierra here because I've been here many times for after parties. They rent out. So there won't be any general public tonight."

You nodded and weaved your way through the crowd to the bar, with Javi trailing you.

"Hey, congratulations," an unfamiliar woman said as you passed. "How do you feel, your first screenplay being a hit with the critics? Did you see the review calling the movie a beautifully real story about a man and a woman facing life's trials together?"

You turned your head in her direction and flashed her a toothy grin. "Thank you. I hadn't actually checked the reviews yet. Didn't know they released them so fast. And I figured the real test is going to be with the general audiences next week."

"True," she agreed. "They're the ones that make sure your scripts keep getting interest. Still, critical reviews affect turnout to some degree. Don't write off them off."

"Never."

You made it to the bar and ordered the first red wine you could think of, and Javi did the same. You both planted yourselves on bar stools in the corner of the room, away from most of the commotion, after the bartender handed you your drinks.

"I have a confession," you admitted to Javi as you tasted your wine.

"Do tell," he said, leaning in towards you.

"I still like cocktails more than wine."

Javi barked out a laugh. "I won't hold it against you."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

You scanned the club, taking in your surroundings and watching as a decent crowd danced the night away on the center floor.

Being there again made it feel like the weekend of your thirty-fifth birthday had been yesterday. It was hard to believe more than a year had passed. A year, and here you were, in the club with Javi again.

What was the saying? The more things change, the more they remain the same? Was that appropriate for this situation?

An hour passed. You and Javi made small talk between yourselves and spent a little time mingling, chatting with the director and complimenting the actors for a job well done. You even talked to a few of the camera crew members for a bit before the DJ put on some slow music for couples to dance to.

You lit up when you recognized the beginnings of the second song. "You Want To Make A Memory."

"What?" Javi frowned.

"The song," you explained, "It's one of my favorites. Do you know Bon Jovi?"

"I saw them in concert once, in Spain, when I was twenty-one," Javi answered. "My girlfriend at the time suggested we go. They were good."

"Aren't they?" You grinned. "They're my favorite band. Jon has such a good voice and I like the majority of their songs."

"Oh?" Javi stood from the couch you were both seated on and offered you a hand in a very prince-like manner. "Do you want to dance?"

You widened your eyes. "Oh, no, you don't have to."

"Come on," he encouraged. "It'll be fun."

"Okay..."

You grabbed his hand and followed him onto the dance floor, where your eyes met and time seemed to slow. He smiled at you and clasped your right hand and his left together. You smiled back and put your left hand on his shoulder. Then his right hand found the small of your back and you both started swaying to the soothing beat of the song.

You soon realized you couldn't look away from Javi and it seemed he couldn't look away from you either. You were trapped, spellbound together, mesmerized, completely lost in the moment. Your heart was racing for no damn reason except the intensity of his gaze.

This wasn't supposed to happen. Moments like this, they were only in the movies, were they not? Yet there you were, living it, and too lost in it for your fears to touch you.

Your face got closer and closer to Javi's, seemingly on its own accord, and he also leaned in towards you, the hand on your back wandering up to rest along your jaw.

Then he was kissing you, and you were kissing him back, both pouring your longing into the movements of your lips, softly, sweetly.

It was exactly the same kind of kiss Nolan and Angie had shared in your screenplay after they'd decided they wanted to be together, no matter what other people thought about their relationship.

You abruptly pushed yourself away from Javi at that thought, the spell broken, and shook your head.

"I can't do this, Javi," you told him, your heart feeling like it was in a vice grip.

"Why not?' he inquired, caressing your face, eyes soft. It hurt, how affectionate he was being with you.

"Because in the morning I'll fly back home," you stated. "Nothing that happens between now and then could change that."

Javi dropped his hand, looking crestfallen, and you backed away, feeling guilty but knowing that trying to comfort him wouldn't help the situation. You couldn't be his friend after what had just happened. Your only real option was to turn away and leave.

So that's what you did. You practically fled the club, eyes welling up like they had after you'd said goodbye to him at the airport.

You cried because you knew the truth. It wasn't actually distance that was the problem, or even the differences between you and Javi.

It was you.

You and your cowardice.

You wanted to be brave, you wanted to charge back into that club and tell him you'd stay to see where your relationship went, but the fearful part of you, the one that remembered your history and the lessons your family had taught you, prevented you from doing so.

Better a broken heart now than a crushed one later.

xxx

Tagged: @harriedandharassed

xxx

Link to Bon Jovi's Song (on youtube)

(This song vibes with this chapter, imo)

xxx

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

xxx

[aminocamino]

Day 24 - 4 May Calzadilla de los Hermanillos 17.9km

This was the day that changed everything. We set off at just before 7 for a quick cup of coffee at the local albergue and we said our goodbyes to all our Camino family. It would be a long day for us and we had sent our packs on ahead.

But very soon a niggling pain in my ankle became much worse. With hindsight when I stopped to put some gel on I should have turned back and ordered a taxi but hindsight is great.

We walked with Jenny and Mel and they were great company. Really kept things upbeat. The road we are walking on is the longest stretch of Roman road in Spain - so we are following in the footsteps of Emperor Augustus. The road is flat and straight of course. Good old Romans.

We passed some very cute calfs.

Along the way we saw these weird structures. Carrie wondered if they were wine cellars but apparently people live in them - they are underground houses.

But I was limping badly and the relief at seeing the sign for Reliegos! I sat outside a closed cafe on a chair while Carrie went to find something open. Eventually we found an Albergue and he ordered us a taxi. We waited half an hour for it - I was literally dozing off waiting for having dosed up on ibuprofen and paracetamol! I had decided realising how bad it was to seek medical advice and the nearest centre was Leon.

The taxi duly arrived - lady driver who had her young daughter with her in the front. She was wonderful. Took us to pick up our backpacks at the Albergue in Mansilla Mayor then onward to Leon.

On the way I managed to book a room for Carrie and I for the night. We got to Leon, dropped our bags off at the hotel and went to the local pharmacy.

The interior of the pharmacy was amazing - it was obviously a really old building. The chap who served me was useless - sold me some tablets to reduce the inflammation and told me to ice it. When I asked about strapping it he tried to sell me some bandages. Not being a first aid nurse I declined.

He did write down the name of the local ‘private’ medical centre - turned out to be a 3 minute walk from our hotel. I left Carrie to walk over there. The centre really catered for foreigners - the receptionist rang for an interpreter. I paid a set amount - but when she realised I was a pilgrim I got a massive discount! Eventually got to see a doctor/x ray etc and a prescription for anti-inflammatories and a super strength gel. Angel Carrie went off to get the drugs while I stayed in the hotel.

Carrie sourced some ice - she has been super nurse/mum!

We had pasta at a very busy restaurant right on the Cathedral square and it was excellent.

So here we are - poor Carrie is coming down with a cold and I am limping. Feels very strange - its almost the exact stage Jane tore her ligament last year and I am sure its the same clinic she went to.

So the plan for me is to rest up. I have cancelled our booking for accommodation on Tuesday at Villar de Mazarife and booked my original apartment for 3 nights rather than two. Fingers crossed.

[mrsmarchw]

Queen of my pitiful soul - James Patrick March

you can see the next chapter here

I. Piercing gaze under penumbra

The week had been long. I knew it would be exhausting, a sudden change with no forewarning. But I did not expect such intensity. Well, I suppose I had it coming. May my stubbornness be cursed.

The company I had called home for several years closed its doors in the city. Yet, management saw value in me and offered two options: transfer to a branch or face unemployment. Oh, yes, I could have continue working there. Times have changed. In 2022, many companies have embraced the idea of working from home and even flexible schedules. However, technology has never been my strong suit and, to be honest, it holds little interest for me. Is there something about the internet that cannot be done in the flesh?

This is what I told my dearest loved ones as I bid them farewell. Little did they know that I was in great danger. As it drew closer, I knew that I could not turn back or remain standing idly by. Every fiber of my being screamed for me to run, to escape the impending threat that loomed before me. My heart pounded with fear, but I steeled myself for what was to come. I would not let this danger defeat me. I would not let it consume me.

I must also confess that this opportunity fell into my lap at the ideal moment and provided a convenient excuse to burry that place - and my past - as deep as possible. In any case, it was not in my nature to remain stationary. And so, I made my decision. But it was a radical move, and upon further contemplation, perhaps I was not ready for it.

It was mid-September, the temperatures were starting to drop and the smell of autumn was already present in the air. The cold wind hit me with force before I got into the taxi, causing me to shiver and eventually sneezes through my sensitive nose. It was already clear that I was impatient with the traffic and with the driver who almost got us under trucks a few good times, due to his lack of attention on the track and the excess of it in the rearview mirror.

The man could not take his eyes off me, like a predator eyeing its prey, stripping me with his gaze. I was used to stares, thanks to the alluring force that embraced the boundaries of my body and also due to my own beauty, it was routine. But an unusual wickness overpowered the taxi driver's face, I could see the face of a demon - ironic. The mere presence of him caused a fire to ignite within me. I couldn't shake the feeling that something about him was off. Was he even who he claimed to be? Or was there something more sinister lurking beneath the surface? A normal person would never see such inhumanity with such cleverness, however, I was far from ordinary.

At times, when we stopped at the stoplight, he would turn back to stare at my legs with such a hateful look that it seemed capable of lifting my skirt a few centimeters. As I came to understand that he was, in fact, just a deeply flawed human and not some supernatural entity, I felt no fear - it was he who should have been trembling in terror at the thought of facing me. Rather, I would later discover that his repulsive behavior had brought to the surface a desire I thought I had buried forever ages ago.

The sudden vibration of my phone pulled me from my thoughts. 'Estelle', the screen read. Mother. I counted 15 seconds in my head, hoping the call would drop before I had to answer. Of course, that was not to be.

"I am well [...] yes, Mother, it is excellent here [...] no, you may not come."

The call was mercifully short. After all these years, she remains concerned with the trivialities of the mortal world. In any case, it reminded me of a nostalgiciac time that brought a smile to my lips. A time when I was not Melinda - and I would've never dreamed of being.

As the summer sun began to set, its beauty was undeniable. However, in the city of Los Angeles, the heat can be unbearable and bring out the worst in people, causing tempers to rise and conflicts to erupt. My journey was filled with the sounds of honking and insults from other drivers in the congested traffic.

Finally arriving at my destination, I stepped out of the dirty taxi and was greeted by a dark purple sky and a hotel sign that was flickering and making a buzzing noise with its broken letters.

I stood before the very gates of hell.

HOTEL CORTEZ

As I made my way through the opulent lobby, my eyes were drawn to the stunning Art Deco aesthetic that adorned the space. The rich burgundy hues of the armchairs and small tables exuded luxury, and the gold and black edges added a touch of elegance. The grand chandeliers hanging from the ceiling only added to the splendor of the room, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of envy at the thought of calling such a lavish space home.

I knew in that moment that I had arrived in a place of exceptional sophistication. Though I was tired to the bone after a long and trying week, I was determined to treat myself to a bit of indulgence and pampering. As I stepped over the threshold, I felt the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders, if only for a little while.

The bar was empty except for one person - an unusual occurrence on a Friday evening after work. The dim light made it impossible for me to see their face. All I saw was a tall, slender figure with their back turned, dressed in a shadowy garment. I approached cautiously, taking a seat at the bar. It wasn't until the person turned around and came face to face with me that I was able to get a good look at them. In that instant, one hand went to their chest while their eyes widened and the other palm covered their open mouth in shock - revealing their dramatic nature. The sight made me silently laugh, not because I found it funny, but because of the fabulous diva before me.                    

"Don't scare me like that!" the lady shouted.

She was adorned in a long, navy blue evening gown adorned with shimmering sequins that made a delightful racket as she moved. A white turban was perched atop her head, the fabric arranged in such a way that it revealed glimpses of her silver-gray scalp, visible beneath the shaved strands that were just starting to grow back. Her eyes were smoky, matching the shade of her dress and lined with Egyptian kohl. Her lips were painted with a bold red lipstick that barely showed on her thin lips and her nails were painted an enormous silver. She was magnificent. The confidence radiating from her was seductive.

"I'll have whatever you have." I gave the perfectly dressed woman behind the counter a tired smile, both of us with curious eyes.

She served me in silence, watching me in the same way that I watched her. I was certain that our relationship would surprise me, and I eagerly awaited it.

"I'm Liz." She said after a long moment of silence, simply looking at me with interest. The woman turned her back, searching through the shelves for a glass like mine to pour herself a drink as well. "And you, Melinda, are a beauty for our guests."

The revelation came as a shock to me. I had foolishly believed that no one in this hotel had taken notice of my presence or even my name - not even her. That's how things were meant to be kept, that's how I had intended them to remain. However, I was naive to think that I could go unnoticed anywhere. I took a deep breath, gazing at the remaining amber liquid that she had poured for me and affected a look of surprise, before downing it all in one go. I forced my lips into a slight smile. While I valued discretion, I couldn't deny the pleasure of being flattered.

Eventually, the establishment filled with other patrons and Liz left to attend to them.

From the moment I stepped through the doors of this building, I felt a pair of eyes fixed upon me, following my every move. It was no different at that very moment. A week had been more than enough time for me to realize one of the reasons this hotel was so peculiar: it was home to more of the dead than the living. And I knew exactly who was accompanied by vital energy and who was not. Tragically, few souls were willing to reveal themselves to me, it was said due to my nature. But he was not afraid. In fact, he stayed dangerously close. A considerable part of me longed to see the face of the man who watched me day and night.

I undid my hairdo, unbuttoned a few buttons on my blouse, and slipped off my heels, leaving them beneath the bench. Several hours passed in silence as I took one dose after another that Liz brought to me.

As I was left to my own devices, my thoughts inevitably turned to the issue I had been avoiding for weeks, desperately trying to distract myself with petty tasks like work and moving. I even found myself picking at the nail polish on my fingers, a nervous habit I thought I had left behind. Desperate for some form of comfort, I frantically searched my bag for my pack of cigarettes and lit one, inhaling deeply as the cancerous smoke filled my lungs. Anxiety twisted in my chest like a vice, causing me to wonder if I would ever be able to escape this predicament I had found myself in.

Being immortal does not mean one is impervious to all harm.

"What's worrying you so much?" My thoughts were interrupted by the woman from earlier. She had moved so stealthily that I barely noticed her approach. Now, she had poured herself a glass and was leaning on the counter, eyeing me with an empathetic gaze.

"Work," I lied without hesitation, rolling my eyes and pretending that this was indeed the cause of my worries. There was no need to expose my true concerns to this woman, especially as I had only just met her a few minutes ago.

She raised her eyebrows and pulled a bench over to sit down, never taking her eyes off of me. My short, curt answer cut the mood, making it clear that I did not wish to discuss the matter further.

"What a beautiful and sweet voice you have..." She commented out of nowhere. "I can tell you're not from Los Angeles."

"I am most grateful for the compliment," I said, smiling softly at the young woman. I tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear. "I, too, am a singer, though perhaps not a professional one. But I have a great love for it all the same."

As the hours passed and the crowd thinned, I found myself alone with Liz and the bottles once again. Though I was immune to the effects of alcohol, the hours of drinking had still taken their toll on my already exhausted body. All I desired was a hot bath, some jazz music, and a cigarette in the comfort of my own room.

As I made myself at home in this hotel, I found a new sense of comfort that I had never felt before. Perhaps it was because of the other troubled beings who lived here, just like me. I knew that no matter what I did, the outside world had no power to affect my home within these walls.

I slid my credit card across the counter to Liz. Despite my exhaustion, I was determined to make it to my room and escape the chaos of my thoughts. I could tell that Liz, too, was aware of the turmoil swirling inside of me. As I placed another cigarette between my lips, I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the task at hand.

"Keep this." She raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow, my gaze piercing as I looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. The flame of the lighter illuminated my face, casting shadows across my features. "The master paid your bill." 

With a flick of her wrist, she gestured towards the man at the other end of the bar, whom I had not noticed was present for but a fleeting moment.

In the very second that our gazes met, I knew without a doubt that he was the owner of the hungry eyes that had been following me constantly. The penumbra only served to enhance his mysterious and inviting appearance.  A bolt of electricity shot through my body at an incomprehensible speed as I quickly and involuntarily took in his entire figure, from head to toe.

He was thin, but not too thin - I could see the defined muscles of his body even beneath his tailored suit. He was tall, with jet black hair perfectly styled back. A thin mustache above his lips and the eyes, oh my, the eyes... In an immense shadowy and intriguing intensity. They pierced me with their intensity.

They were half-closed while locked onto mine. I knew it was him who had been following me, and he knew that I knew. His lack of reaction betrayed a pain that I hadn't felt in many years, and as if he had read my thoughts, his lips curved upwards into a sly smile. He slightly raised his whiskey glass in my direction as a greeting.

I tilted my head slightly to the side and shaped my lips into a sweet smile, silently thanking him. It wasn't my usual approach to approach anyone, but the fascination that he had awoken simply by showing himself was captivating. I needed to know why he had been watching me.

I quickly slipped my shoes on, eager to satisfy my curiosity and find out more about the mysterious gentleman who had caught my attention. However, when I looked up to where he had been standing, he was gone, and so was Liz.

[airrport-transfer]

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[avreklawfirmla]

Deep Dive into Rideshare Accidents in Los Angeles: Which Party Is Liable?

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[whatsissue]

Elon Musk Unveils Two-Door Robotaxi

October 10, 2023 (Reuters) – At a high-profile event on Thursday, Elon Musk unveiled a striking new robotaxi featuring two gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals. This announcement marks a significant shift for Tesla (TSLA.O) as it transitions from being a low-cost mass-market automaker to a robotics manufacturer, also introducing a new robovan to its lineup. Musk arrived on stage in a prototype he dubbed the "Cybercab," which is set to enter production in 2026 with a target price of under $30,000. He noted that the operational cost for the vehicle would be approximately 20 cents per mile, and it will utilize inductive charging, eliminating the need for plugs. "The autonomous future is here," Musk proclaimed. "We have 50 fully autonomous cars here tonight. You'll see Model Ys and the Cybercab. All driverless." He emphasized that the vehicles rely on artificial intelligence and cameras rather than the additional hardware employed by competitors in the robotaxi space—an approach that has raised concerns among investors and analysts regarding its technical and regulatory viability. In addition to the Cybercab, Musk introduced a larger self-driving vehicle called the Robovan, which can accommodate up to 20 passengers. He also showcased Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus. Musk's vision includes operating a fleet of self-driving Tesla taxis that passengers can summon via an app. Tesla owners will have the opportunity to generate income by listing their vehicles as robotaxis on the platform. The event, held at the Warner Bros studio near Los Angeles, was titled "We, Robot," a nod to the “I, Robot” science-fiction stories by Isaac Asimov, and aligns with Musk's assertion that Tesla should be viewed as an AI robotics company rather than merely an automaker. Attendees included investors, stock analysts, and Tesla enthusiasts. However, investors hoping for concrete timelines regarding the ramp-up of robotaxi production and regulatory approvals left the event feeling underwhelmed. Dennis Dick, an equity trader at Triple D Trading, expressed disappointment, stating, "Everything looks cool, but not much in terms of timelines. I'm a shareholder and pretty disappointed. I think the market wanted more definitive timelines." Musk acknowledged his tendency to be optimistic with time frames. He had previously claimed in 2019 that operational robotaxis would be available by the following year. After facing missed promises, Musk has shifted his focus to developing these vehicles, abandoning plans for a smaller, more affordable car that many believed was essential to counteract slowing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Tesla is now at risk of posting its first-ever decline in deliveries this year, as purchasing incentives have failed to attract enough customers to its aging EV lineup. Significant price cuts aimed at offsetting high interest rates have further squeezed profit margins. The complicated technology and strict regulations have led to billions of dollars in losses for other companies attempting to penetrate the robotaxi market, forcing some to shut down operations. Nevertheless, other firms like General Motors' (GM.N) Cruise, Amazon's (AMZN.O) Zoox, and several Chinese companies, including WeRide, continue to pursue this ambitious market. Unlike competitors that rely on expensive hardware like lidar, Musk is focusing solely on cameras and AI to operate Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to keep costs manageable. However, FSD has faced regulatory and legal scrutiny, particularly following two fatal accidents involving the technology. "We do expect to start fully autonomous unsupervised FSD in Texas and California next year," Musk confirmed, specifying that this will involve the Model 3 and Model Y. He did not clarify whether the new robotaxis would utilize any new technology or depend solely on FSD. Relevant Keywords: Elon Musk, robotaxi, Tesla, Cybercab, Robovan, autonomous vehicles, AI, electric vehicles, Full Self-Driving, robotics manufacturer, investor event. Read the full article

[sandiegocarservice1]

San Diego to LAX Shuttle: Your Convenient Travel Solution

Traveling from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With a dedicated shuttle service, you can enjoy a comfortable, convenient, and cost-effective way to make this journey. This article will explore the benefits of using a shuttle service for your trip from San Diego to LAX, what to expect during the ride, and tips for a smooth experience.

Benefits of Taking a Shuttle from San Diego to LAX

Cost-Effective Travel

Using a shuttle service can be more affordable than other transportation options, such as taxis or rideshares, especially if you're traveling with a group. Many shuttle services offer fixed rates for specific routes, providing transparency in pricing and helping you budget effectively for your trip. Additionally, you can save money on parking fees if you’re flying out of LAX for an extended period.

Convenience and Accessibility

Shuttle services operate on a set schedule and often provide door-to-door service, making it easy to catch your ride. Most services allow you to book in advance, ensuring that a vehicle will be available to take you to the airport at your desired time. This convenience reduces the hassle of trying to arrange transportation on the day of your flight.

Comfortable Travel Experience

Modern shuttle services typically offer comfortable seating and spacious interiors, ensuring a pleasant ride. Many shuttles are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and entertainment systems, making your journey more enjoyable. Traveling in a shared shuttle can also provide a chance to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.

Timeliness and Reliability

Shuttle services are known for their punctuality. Professional drivers monitor traffic conditions and flight schedules, ensuring that you arrive at LAX with plenty of time before your flight. Most shuttle companies also have policies in place to accommodate delays, ensuring a smooth transition from San Diego to the airport.

Eco-Friendly Option

Opting for a shuttle service is a more environmentally friendly choice compared to driving alone in your car or using multiple vehicles. By sharing a ride with other travelers, you can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with your journey.

What to Expect on Your Shuttle Ride

When you book a shuttle from San Diego to LAX, here’s what you can generally expect:

Pick-Up Locations: Shuttle services often have designated pick-up points in San Diego, including major hotels, transportation hubs, and sometimes even residential areas. Be sure to check your shuttle company’s pick-up locations when making your reservation.

Travel Time: The distance from San Diego to LAX is approximately 120 miles, and travel time can vary based on traffic conditions. On average, expect the journey to take between 2 to 3 hours.

Shared vs. Private Shuttles: Many shuttle services offer both shared and private options. Shared shuttles pick up multiple passengers along the way, while private shuttles provide a more exclusive experience for you and your travel companions.

Luggage Policy: Most shuttle services accommodate luggage, but it’s essential to check their specific policies regarding size and weight limits. Generally, they allow one or two pieces of luggage per passenger.

Tips for a Smooth Shuttle Experience

Book in Advance: To secure your spot and ensure availability, it’s best to book your shuttle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at your designated pick-up location at least 10–15 minutes early. This allows you to check in and ensure a timely departure.

Check for Updates: On the day of your travel, stay informed about any potential delays or changes in your shuttle service. Many companies provide real-time updates via text or email.

Pack Smart: Keep your essentials, such as travel documents and personal items, easily accessible in your carry-on bag. This will make boarding and disembarking more efficient.

Stay Flexible: Traffic can be unpredictable, so be prepared for potential delays. Allow extra time in your schedule to avoid any last-minute rush.

Conclusion

A shuttle service San Diego to LAX offers a convenient, cost-effective, and comfortable way to travel between these two bustling locations. With the ability to book in advance, enjoy a relaxing ride, and arrive at the airport on time, you can take the stress out of your travel plans. Whether you're heading to Los Angeles for business or pleasure, consider using a shuttle service to simplify your journey and enhance your overall travel experience. Embrace the convenience of shuttle travel and make your next trip from San Diego to LAX seamless and enjoyable.

[unitedtaxi]

Fastest Taxi Service Near Me influences the cab service prices and quality of transportation

On-time medical supplies and quality of transportation have improved after the Fastest Taxi Service Near Me came into existence. There is a high possibility that the cab service prices may fluctuate and increase thereafter. Even the risk of health challenges like sudden dizziness and breathlessness are handled by the modern-day medical amenities available in the green, yellow, and dark black cabs. This blog talks about why the passengers keep purchasing the cab services even if their prices go high in the winter, summer afternoon, or autumn midnight hours.  

[enterprisewired]

Toyota Invests Additional $500 Million in Joby Aviation for Electric Air Taxi Development

[Source – manufacturingtodayindia.com]

Strengthening the Partnership

Toyota Motor has announced a further investment of $500 million in Joby Aviation to support the development and commercialization of Joby’s electric air taxi. This new investment follows Toyota’s earlier contribution of $394 million, bringing the total to nearly $900 million. The funding is part of a strategic alliance aimed at facilitating Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) production. The investment will be made through a purchase of common stock, with the first tranche set to close later in 2024 and the second in 2025.

Driving Sustainable Urban Mobility

Joby Aviation is leading the way in developing eVTOL aircraft, which are considered the future of urban air transportation. These aircraft offer a sustainable solution for overcoming modern mobility challenges by providing quicker, eco-friendly travel options. Toyota Motor North America CEO Ted Ogawa highlighted the potential of electric air taxis to address ongoing transportation issues, saying, “We share Joby’s view that sustainable flight will be central to alleviating today’s persistent mobility challenges.”

Joby is also making progress toward certification and commercialization of its electric aircraft. The company recently expanded its facilities in California, emphasizing its dedication to advancing urban air mobility.

A Deepening Collaboration

Toyota is Joby’s largest external shareholder, and both companies are collaborating closely on the project. Toyota engineers are working alongside Joby’s team in California, focusing on the development and production of key components for the eVTOL aircraft. Joby CEO Joe Ben Bevirt described Toyota’s involvement as crucial to the company’s long-term success. “This will further cement their incredible collaboration with Joby,” Bevirt said, emphasizing both companies’ commitment to revolutionizing daily transportation.

In addition to providing financial support, Toyota has signed a long-term agreement to supply essential powertrain components for Joby’s electric air taxis. This partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of air-based transportation.

Growing Interest in Electric Aviation

The electric air mobility sector has attracted the attention of several automakers and airlines. Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, recently announced an additional $55 million investment in Archer Aviation, another player in the eVTOL space. Airlines, including Delta Air Lines, are also exploring the potential of electric air taxis. In 2022, Delta invested $60 million in Joby for a 2% equity stake, with plans to offer air taxi services to airports in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.

As Joby continues to advance, its first commercial services could begin within the next few years, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of urban air transportation.

[frogeyedape]

From the article (not the full text):

Tensions over driverless cars have risen since a driverless Cruise car, owned by General Motors, hit a woman in downtown San Francisco and pinned her underneath last fall, sending her to the hospital with serious injuries.

The incident eventually forced Cruise to suspend operations, while its competitor Google-owned Waymo has marched their expansion forward, recently arriving in Los Angeles to wary officials and worried taxi and truck drivers. A limited number of Waymo driverless cars are on Los Angeles streets, as the company offers test rides by invitation.

...

Concerned the robotaxis could be dangerous, Mayor Karen Bass asked regulators in November to increase their scrutiny and said the city should have a say in how they are regulated.

At the time, she said one of the Waymo driverless cars operating in Los Angeles had failed to initially stop for a traffic officer at Beaudry Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard on Aug. 3, 2023. The officer had been signaling east- and westbound traffic to come to a stop.

...

Since then, union and local officials have been ratcheting up pressure on the company. Earlier this month, the the head of the city’s firefighters union appeared with other local officials on the steps of City Hall backing legislation introduced by California state Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San José) that would give local officials more control of autonomous vehicles.

Cortese said not only is he concerned about the vehicles’ ability to comply with local laws but also the threat they pose to workers.

“If we don’t learn to move quickly, with our laws, and in terms of protecting jobs with those laws, we’re going to end up with the greatest depression I think this country has ever seen,” he said during the conference.

February 10, 2024 - A crowd in San Francisco surrounds a Waymo self-driving taxi and burn it down. [video]

[laccarservice]

The Ultimate Guide to Corporate Black Car Service in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, a city synonymous with glitz, glamour, and relentless hustle, demands efficiency and style, especially when it comes to corporate travel. Navigating LA’s sprawling landscape can be a daunting task, but not when you have a reliable corporate black car service at your disposal. Whether you’re heading to a high-stakes business meeting, entertaining clients, or simply trying to make it through the city’s infamous traffic with some sanity intact, a black car service offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience that’s hard to beat.

Why Choose a Corporate Black Car Service?

Professionalism and Punctuality: For business travelers, time is of the essence. Corporate black car services prioritize punctuality, ensuring that you or your guests arrive at your destination on time, every time. The chauffeurs are not just drivers; they are seasoned professionals trained to provide top-tier service, handle your luggage, and ensure a smooth, stress-free journey.

Comfort and Luxury: After a long flight or a day full of meetings, the last thing you want is to deal with cramped taxis or confusing ride-share apps. Black car services offer high-end vehicles equipped with plush seating, climate control, and Wi-Fi, allowing you to relax or catch up on work while en route.

Impress Clients and Partners: First impressions matter, especially in business. Arriving in a sleek black car sends a message of success and professionalism. It’s an excellent way to make clients and partners feel valued and ensure that your business stands out.

Reliable and Safe: Safety is a top priority for black car services. The vehicles are meticulously maintained and frequently inspected to meet the highest standards. Plus, with professional chauffeurs who are familiar with LA’s roads and traffic patterns, you’re in safe hands.

Seamless Experience: From easy online booking and 24/7 customer support to real-time updates and flexible cancellation policies, corporate black car services are designed to offer a seamless experience tailored to the busy executive’s needs.

Key Features of Corporate Black Car Services in Los Angeles

Diverse Fleet Options: Choose from a wide range of luxury vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and even larger vehicles for group travel. Whether you need a discreet sedan for a solo trip or an SUV for your team, there’s a vehicle to suit every need.

Airport Transfers: Avoid the chaos of LAX or any other Los Angeles airport with prompt and professional airport transfer services. Your chauffeur will monitor your flight status to ensure timely pickups and drop-offs, even if your flight is early or delayed.

Hourly and Point-to-Point Services: Whether you need a vehicle for the entire day or just for a single trip, corporate black car services offer flexible options to accommodate your schedule. Hourly rates allow you to keep a car on standby, while point-to-point services provide a direct route to your destination.

Confidentiality and Privacy: In business, privacy is paramount. Corporate black car services understand the need for discretion, providing a private environment where you can make calls, discuss confidential matters, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet without interruptions.

Dedicated Account Management: For companies that require regular transportation services, many black car providers offer dedicated account management. This includes customized billing, detailed ride reports, and personalized service to ensure all your corporate travel needs are met efficiently.

How to Choose the Right Corporate Black Car Service in Los Angeles

Reputation and Reviews: Look for services with positive feedback and a solid reputation for reliability and professionalism. Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can provide valuable insights into a company’s performance.

Fleet Quality: Ensure that the service offers a modern and well-maintained fleet. The age, condition, and variety of vehicles can significantly impact your experience.

Chauffeur Expertise: The chauffeurs should be licensed, experienced, and knowledgeable about Los Angeles. Their ability to navigate traffic, suggest the best routes, and provide a professional demeanor is crucial.

Technology and Convenience: A user-friendly booking process, real-time tracking, and easy communication options are all hallmarks of a good black car service. Check if the service offers a mobile app or an online booking platform for added convenience.

Pricing Transparency: Ensure there are no hidden fees and that the service offers clear pricing structures. While corporate black car services are a premium option, transparency in pricing helps avoid unexpected costs.

Conclusion

For corporate travelers in Los Angeles, a black car service is not just a mode of transportation — it’s a strategic tool that enhances productivity, ensures reliability, and leaves a lasting impression. By choosing the right service, you can turn every journey into a seamless, stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your business. Whether you’re in town for a conference, meeting clients, or managing a busy schedule of events, a corporate black car service is your ticket to navigating Los Angeles with style, comfort, and efficiency.

Ready to elevate your corporate travel experience in LA? Choose a black car service and travel like a VIP.

[winnlimousine2]

How to get LAX airport transportation?

To get LAX airport transportation, you have several convenient options:

Airport Shuttle Services: Various shuttle companies offer shared or private rides to and from LAX. You can book these services online, via phone, or at the airport’s shuttle center.

Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Uber and Lyft provide on-demand transportation to LAX. Simply request a ride through the app, and a driver will pick you up at your location and take you directly to the airport.

Taxi Services: Taxis are readily available at LAX and can be hailed from designated taxi stands located outside the terminals.

Limousine and Black Car Services: For a more luxurious and personalized experience, you can book a limousine or black car service in advance. These services can be arranged online or by phone.

Public Transit: LAX is connected to various public transit options, including the FlyAway Bus, which offers non-stop service from several locations in Los Angeles. Check the FlyAway Bus schedule and routes for more details.

Rental Cars: If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car from one of the many rental agencies located at LAX. Follow the signs to the rental car center or arrange for a shuttle to the rental facility if necessary.

Choose the option that best suits your needs based on your schedule, budget, and preference for convenience or luxury.