After a year in Chicago IL, the statue of iconic blonde Marilyn Monroe traveled across the nation, and is now at her new home in the desert city. Before she sashays on to other cities next year, there will be an August commemoration of the 50th anniversary of her death.

The 26-foot-high painted sculpture of the movie star portrays her in the famous up-skirt-blowing scene from 1955’s "The Seven Year Itch".

If you’ll be in Palm Springs in the near future, stop over to see Marilyn, and join other tourists who’ll be taking photos under the sex symbol’s undies.

Virgin Atlantic now permits cellphone use on its New York-to-London flights. If you’ll be one one of those looooong overseas flights, you probably won’t be doing much snoozing if the person in the next seat is loudly schmoozing. You may get some satisfaction in knowing that caller is paying $10 or more per minute in overseas phone charges.

A Washington Post news item reported that the former  U.S. Secretary of State was given the whole body search at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

Although Henry Kissinger was almost 89 years old, the rule about passengers over 75 being allowed through without taking off their shoes and coats apparently didn’t apply to him. Other passengers, who watched the clueless security people do the search, said the former Secretary of State laughed it off.

All we can comment about it is: Hillary, on your next trip, be prepared to strip!

Recent medical statistics report that one out of three Americans is overweight. Our personal flight statistics show that one of them is always assigned to a seat next to us. Other statistics show that in a three-across-seat booking, when we get the center seat, a statistically overweight person will sit on either side.

Next time it happens to you, and the flight isn't fully booked, don't make a fuss and embarrass yourself and bulky seatmate. Politely ask the flight attendant if you can move to another seat.

Q: My husband just retired from the Marine Corps, and we’re planning our first cruise. The price quote of less than $100 a day all-inclusive seems fantastic. However, friends warned us that extra charges on the ship and shore excursions can add up. How do we keep our cruise costs within budget?

Jill P., Corpus Christi TX

A: First, we consider cruises to be about the best vacation you can have at any cost. They’re advertised as all-inclusive for one bargain price, and if you stick close to it, a cruise is the most economical luxury vacation.

However, as with everything you buy these days, from cars to flights to hotel rooms, there are heavy add-ons. Here are a few bits of advice on how to keep your cruise costs as close to budget as possible.

1. Cabin: Save a lot of money by taking lowest-priced. No balcony nor big outside view, but you’ll only be in the cabin nightly to sleep. If you want ocean views, get out on deck.

2. Shore excursions: For a couple of hours by bus in port area, the cost is $50 on up. Get together with another couple and hire a local taxi. Much cheaper and no dragging on and off crowded tourist bus.

3. Upscale dining: Special on-board restaurant costs $50 and up extra per meal. The public dining room and buffets are more than adequate.

4. Spas: If you want to indulge for $100 or more per massage, go for it. Otherwise the ship’s pool and whirlpools are more than adequate.

5. Booze and soft drinks: They are overpriced and NOT included, so if you drink them throughout the cruise, you may see an extra $200 or more on the bill when you pay it.

6. Tipping: No getting away from it, and expect it to add at least 15% to your total cost. Check with the purser when you board and find out the most economical and convenient tipping system. It’s usually preprinted envelopes to put tips for stewards and dining room employees.

If you buy drinks at the ship’s bars and theaters, the tips can add another $100 or more to your costs.

Summary: Don’t spoil your cruise enjoyment by counting pennies. Just make smart choices on those costs beyond the all-inclusive budget.

According to a recent survey by the Living Social and Mandala Research organization, Americans are the planet's worst tourists. More than 5,000 people were asked, most of them Americans pointing accusing fingers at themselves.

Other voters: Irish people said British were the worst. The British, in turn, named the Germans. Everyone agreed that Chinese tourists are the most polite, except when they gather in casinos, where their gambling fascination makes them behave like Americans.