Confirmed - Nationwide has shut down

Efforts will be mounted to restart Nationwide which has a large labor force but prospects look bleak at this point.

The South African HVC was unable to compete with the LCCs in its market - 1Time, Mango and Kulula. Despite making a good run. The delay in resolving the BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) element at a time when cashflow was critical finally crushed the carrier.

Of the 3 LCCs - we believe that Fly Mango (supported by Government funds) with the Orange Planes and Kulula with the lime green ones are well positioned with BEE concluded. 1Time with the red planes is also BEE as required by the aviation charter. However without the support of the ZA government, it has found itself hard pressed with a gas guzzler of a fleet. Still strict adherence to the LCC model is sustaining them.

Fuel Claims Another Victim - Nationwide South Africa Stops Flying

According to reports coming from South Africa - Nationwide Airlines the low cost airline serving Domestic South Africa main markets, Lusaka in Zambia and a 4x a week JNB-LGW service has stopped flying from mid day today.

As yes these reports are not officially confirmed but you cannot reach their call center.

With a largely old fleet the airline has been severely impacted by the fuel price surge. Last year one of their older planes had an interesting mishap when an engine seperated from the aircraft just after takeoff. The airline was grounded for some time until checks were made.

There have been numerous airlines that have shut down in the last 12 months. Fuel cost has been the largest culprit.

So you think you paid too much for that meal?

I love food and the restaurant business is a lot of fun. What I have never really understood is the business model for restaurants. Well here is a little insight.

TAO Las Vegas at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino has been named the highest-grossing independently owned restaurant in the U.S. for the second year running by Restaurants & Institutions magazine: The restaurant reported food and beverage sales totaling $66.6 million in 2007, up 20% from 2006. Tao Las Vegas bested second place finisher, New York's Tavern on the Green, by almost $30 million, and it did so with a dining room that seats 400 -- Tavern on the Green's dining room seats 1,500.

So now you know

Cheers!

The Heavenly Bed... but which one is best - a Critique of Hotel Bedss

Like many travelers I spend a lot of time in hotels and on the road.

The chain hotels have been touting their special beds.

The best bed is a matter of preference. As you cannot have a standard one size fits everyone nor is it economic to offer flexibility. The hotels have tried to tackle the problem a number of ways. Some offer different pillows – all have spent a long time looking at the type of bed that will give the best sleep.
Westin started the ball rolling, touting its Heavenly Bed in 1999, emphasizing that the mattress was created just for the chain. Just for comparison - I HATE cushy squashy beds. I also prefer not to sleep with more than 1 pillow's height. So here are my assessment of some of the top beds. And yours? Let me know.

Marriott - multiple stays – The Marriott Bed - a great bed. Good Passing Grade (P)
Hyatt – Grand Bed – Good Passing Grade (P)
Intercontinental – Not yet. – Individual brands in IHG are not really working on a better bed. Ugh – the last few I have stayed at have not been good
Hilton – The Hilton Serenity Bed – I hate this bed. It is just awful Way to squishy for my taste. (P)
Fairmont – great bed – Good Passing Grade (P only for the linens).
Westin – the best! – Heavenly Bed – While not quite as good as when it started – the few times I have stayed at a Westin – the sleep has been good. This is my pick (P)
Sheraton – The same as the Westin.
Radisson – The Sleep Number Bed – a great bed once you get the hang of it. A Good Passing Grade (P) – although you just missed the special $500 off deal.
Of course many of the beds in Las Vegas are pretty good.
I really like some of the discount brands. Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Place are two that come to mind.

(P) means you can buy it!!!!

For a great comparison of beds go to the T&L website (Link below)

So hotels - PLEASE do a good job in this. All travelers from Road Warriors to once a year visit aunt Mabel visitors need a good nights sleep.