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Well some are relieved that the fuel prices have come down a bit, I am one of them. However I remember when I was complaining about $1.35 for Diesel Fuel. Then shocked to find it cost me, something like $2.35 in California about two weeks ago. I hear now it is back down under $2.00 and everyone is happy now? Come again you are happy about $2.00 per gallon, ouch. Well I have been reading a bit and trucking tonnage is down 1% in the last month. That is a lot, very significant, it will be interesting how they brush that figure under the; “Oh the economy is fine, fuel prices do not matter, there is no inflation carpet;” I say baloney.

Any time you raise fuel prices it effects industries. Look at Delta Airlines, they are in dire straights but luckily got a slight reprieve today from GE Capital on their aircraft. They have burned thru all the credit they borrowed which was suppose to the get them out of this turbulence and into the clear September-October skies. Looks like that 600 million is gone in a hurry. Then we see the America West Merger with US Air just in the nick of time; there are issues. Meanwhile the heavies; United, American, Continental are looking to cut costs more than Lorenzo ever dreamed of, of course he wanted to do it to put it in his pocket and raid the pension funds. But really the way things are going in corporate America the Fortune 500 is going to renege on all those pensions anyway. People are scrambling for long-term health care insurance, social security ponzy scheme is a joke and no one is going to be able to retire on the golf course like before.

Back to the issue of fuel, when you wait in line at a gas station and the guy in the Suburban is crying after putting $97.00 in his tank and shaking his head and his kids are saying; ” Dad, what’s wrong?” Well that is about the time that you say; “Houston, we have problem.” It appears that surely we can deal with it and we are dealing with it, but when the tonnage drops a whole percent in trucking in one month and the airline industry cannot get out of its sector rotation tail slide and is looking at a flat spin, that is when you have start discussing sustainability of the business cycle. Oh and by the way, here in China, these folks are doing a lot more driving than you think and they are buying cars and learning a new Chinese word for traffic jam. So, we need to think about things in the US and how we go about our business. We need to focus on efficiency, distribution and the cost of refined fuel. Think on this, because it is not one of those quick fix, get the ball in the center and pull back on the yoke deals.

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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When planning Napa Valley travel, you should understand the key areas that make up the majority of Napa Valley. Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville/Rutherford, Yountville, and Napa are towns that offer winery tours, pleasant accommodations, and other activities that tourists can add to their Napa Valley travel itinerary. As Napa Valley is well known for its wine, adults will find plenty to do, but children may not be quite as thrilled.

Calistoga became popular in the early 1800’s when settlers discovered the amazing restorative properties of the area’s natural hot springs. From that day forward, tourists arranging their Napa Valley Travel itinerary, and who are seeking a little rest and relaxation, have flocked to Calistoga. Harbin Hot Springs is a non-profit organization that offers relaxing Napa Valley travel choices. At Harbin Hot Springs, guests can relax in any of the resort’s natural springs, attend artistic workshops, or stroll the 1700 acres of impressive landscape.

Located in St. Helena, Beringer Vineyards is California’s oldest winery in full operation. Founded in 1876, Beringer offers daily tours and wine tastings for a very affordable price. The vineyard is packed with lush landscaping and historic buildings. St. Helena is also a haven for antique shoppers. The area’s extravagant Meadowood golf course will appeal to the avid golfer. Couples needing a mix of activities on their Napa Valley travel itinerary will enjoy St. Helena.

Any movie buff knows the name Francis Ford Coppola. Formerly known as the Niebaum-Coppola Vineyards, Rubicon Estate in Oakville/Rutherford continues to produce top-notch wines. Rubicon Estate offers special estates throughout the year. The St. Helena Olive Oil Company is another “must see” on many Napa Valley travel itineraries. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are both produced daily and can be sampled in the retail section of the company.

Yountville, California is no more than one mile in length. Tourists love adding Yountville to their Napa Valley travel plans because the town can be seen by foot. Park your car, put on some comfortable shoes, and see the sites. Amazing architecture is only one of the rewards. France’s Moet and Chandon sister company, Domaine Chandon, is located in Yountville. Daily tours of the winery that specializes in sparkling wines are free. While a trip into the tasting room lets you enjoy a few samples.

In Napa, La Belle

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