Mark Andrews on Saturday: floating taxis, stolen summers, and the thoughts of Eric Cantona

FLYING buses and taxis floating above shiny steel-framed skyscrapers. Hotels in space. Self-cleaning houses. This is the vision put forward by technology giant Samsung of what life will be like in 50 years’ time.

“Fifty years ago we could have never predicted such changes to the way we live, work, travel and eat,” says Samsung bigwig Tanya Weller.

Which is strange, because the company’s vision for the future looks pretty much the same as that foreseen by the American magazine Science and Mechanics in 1950. .

The company also predicts that by 2069 our high streets will be populated by takeaways selling burgers made out of high-protein insects.

Again, not really new. There was a chip shop in Dudley offering insect-based poultry products as far back as 2011, but it never appeared in any technology magazines or Samsung reports. It was fined £8,900 for food hygiene offences though.

TALKING of food standards, Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith has been appointed to oversee a government review on hospital fittle.

It’s good to see the new government avoiding gimmickry and the cult of celebrity. And I’m sure Prue will be a great success, particularly when you look at how Mary Portas led a stunning renaissance in our high streets, and how Jamie Oliver eradicated childhood obesity.

But while they’re on a role, perhaps ministers should find a job for Prue’s co-star, Paul Hollywood. ‘Tsar for family values’, anyone?

TOMORROW marks the start of meteorological autumn, said the weather forecaster on the radio.

No. It. Does. Not.

Autumn starts with the solstice on September 23. More than three weeks away.

It might make life easier for meteorologists if the seasons each start on the first day of the month, but just because a weatherman says something, it doesn’t make it fact.

Listen. I can live with forecasts so vague they mean next to nothing ¬, such as “38 per cent chance of rain”, or “some cloud with sunny intervals”. I can live with them metricating the temperatures so that 80 degrees of glorious sunshine becomes a bland, nondescript 27C. I can even live with the funereal tone every time the sun comes out, and the nanny state warnings to smother ourselves in suncream. But they’re not stealing 23 days of my summer, ok?

CONGRATULATIONS to Eric Cantona on becoming the 19th recipient of the Uefa President’s Award.

I have no idea what he has done lately to merit the award, mind, since he retired from football in 1997, and has spent most of the past decade acting.

Presumably as a body double for Zak Dingle in Emmerdale, judging by his appearance at the ceremony.

Then again, the President’s Award has often thrown up some odd winners.

Its first recipient in 1998 was former EEC president Jacque Delors who, as far as I know, didn't have a particularly distinguished sporting career.

In 2008 it went to Bobby Charlton, which was well-deserved, but a bit late in the day.

Still, Cantona’s award did give us a chance to listen to his latest philosophy, beginning with a quote from King Lear, followed something about 'science fixing cells to the state'.

“Only accidents, crimes, wars, will still kill us,” he continued, “But unfortunately, crimes and wars will multiply. I love football.”

Which I’m sure you will all wholeheartedly endorse. It makes you wonder, though whether across the Channel the French were pondering the acceptance speech of last year’s winner, David Beckham, with similar awe.

“Erm’ like, y’know, totally amazing, y’know, great honour,” as Voltaire almost said.