Once more with feeling: Ace promotes Craftsman

Map of Ace's full-assortment Craftsman dealers.

Chicago -- With a view toward driving profitable sales, Ace VP of merchandising John Surane pointed to some merchandise initiatives, regional wins and corporate strategies during the co-op's 2011 Ace Convention and Exhibits.

One of the brightest merchandising spots was the Craftsman tools brand. Back in February 2010, Ace and Sears announced a partnership that opened the way for Ace retailers to sell the Sears-owned Craftsman brand.�

"We have enough numbers in the bank now to know that this is working," said Surane. He pointed to 20% sales growth, 9% transactions growth and 9% gross profit growth for those roughly 500 stores participating in Craftsman programs.

Some 500 stores are already participating in the Craftsman program, and the company projects a rollout of 900 in 2011. But there's no reason that number couldn't be much higher, he said.�

"Ladies and gentlemen, we're back in the tool business, with Craftsman," said Surane.�

And to make it easier for smaller stores to participate, the Craftsman booth was showing off its latest program -- a Craftsman merchandise program designed for the needs of smaller stores.

Surane pointed to some regional wins -- including a member who introduced the Bird Niche and recognized category sales gains of more than 100% in the first 120 days. The Bird Niche program is 48 linear feet and 800 square feet of floor space. Ace's Wild Bird Food has generated no. 1 in sales, no. 1 in transactions, and no. 3 in profit as a "Red Hot Buy" at the show.�

One of the keys to profitable sales is cost of goods, and Surane offered a commitment on behalf of the co-op: "We will compete and dominate this area," he said.

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Southwest raises fares $10 per round trip

DALLAS (AP) ? Southwest Airlines Co. has joined a sweeping increase of $10 in the price of many domestic round-trip airfares, citing the need to offset high fuel prices.

Southwest's action over the weekend may have ensured success for a price hike by major airlines that seemed to be faltering. Southwest carries more U.S. passengers than any airline and wields great influence over prices.

It's the sixth time airlines have raised fares already this year. FareCompare.com CEO Rick Seaney says leisure travelers may now have to pay $260 for a ticket that cost $200 back on Jan. 1.

The airlines say they need the money.

"Fuel prices are up every week and the fare increases aren't keeping pace with fuel cost increases," Southwest CEO Gary C. Kelly told The Associated Press.

Kelly said Southwest is on pace to spend $1.3 billion more on fuel this year than last year. That's nearly triple the airline's $459 million net income for 2010, or about $15 per customer.

Kelly doesn't think higher fares are driving away customers. Southwest reported Monday that February traffic, measured in miles flown by paying passengers, jumped 13 percent from the same month last year.

Jet fuel prices have risen more than 50 percent in the past year to more than $3 a gallon, although most airlines have offset some of the increase through hedging ? in effect, paying extra to lock in the top price they'll pay for some of their fuel.

The latest price increase started early last week. Delta Air Lines Co. tried to raise many fares by up to $20 per round trip, but other big airlines sided with a $10 increase started by AMR Corp.'s American Airlines.

Southwest waited three days before matching American's move on Friday night. Other airlines had rolled back fare hikes on routes where they compete with Southwest and other discount carriers, but they revived the full increase once Southwest raised prices too, Seaney said.

Low-cost airlines JetBlue, AirTran and Virgin America also raised prices, virtually assuring that the increase will become permanent, he said.

There were only four broad price increases in all of 2010, and two of those occurred in December. The flurry of fare hikes so far this year mirrors the rapid rise in fares and fuel surcharges in early 2008, when oil prices were heading toward record levels. Oil prices have soared in the past three weeks, approaching $107 a barrel on Monday, because of unrest in the Middle East.

Some airlines have also been dialing back 2011 growth plans because of high oil prices. Frontier Airlines became the latest to do that on Monday. Frontier said its second-quarter capacity would be flat, rather than a planned increase of 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent.

Frontier, a unit of Republic Airways Holdings Inc., said it made the move because of the uncertainty of future oil prices, even though bookings are better than last year.

Delta and American have also said they will scale back their capacity growth plans this year.

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Canada Liberals Propose C$8.23 Bln of Programs Over 2 Yrs

April 03, 2011, 3:24 PM EDT

By Greg Quinn

(Updates with tax measure in sixth paragraph, environment in 10th paragraph.)

April 3 (Bloomberg) -- Canada?s opposition Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff proposed C$8.23 billion ($8.54 billion) of programs over two years while cutting the deficit to 1 percent of the country?s economy in releasing his campaign platform for the May 2 election.

The programs would be mostly paid for by reversing Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper?s reductions to the corporate income tax rate, generating C$8.32 billion over two years, the party said in a plan released in Ottawa. The Liberals reiterated social spending pledges made last week, and said they double Canada?s deficit reduction fund to C$3 billion a year.

?We are bringing a new level of economic stability to Canadian families by helping them with cost of post-secondary education, child care, family care, saving for retirement and energy-efficient home improvements,? Ignatieff, 63, said today in Ottawa.

Ignatieff contrasted his plans for new social spending with Harper?s business tax reductions and narrowly based personal tax cuts. Harper, who today pledged to double a fitness tax credit for children and extend it to adults, warned that even if Ignatieff wins fewer seats next month he will undermine a fragile economic recovery by seeking to form a ?reckless? coalition government with the socialist New Democratic party and with Quebec?s separatist Bloc Quebecois.

Repeated Commitments

The Liberals? 94-page document repeated commitments for three programs each costing about C$1 billion -- to create early child education spaces, boost benefits for people caring for sick or elderly relatives and grants for postsecondary education. Another C$700 million a year would go to seniors living in poverty.

The Liberals would also raise C$615 million over two years by setting a C$50,000 annual cap on deductions that employees take against income from stock options. Three-quarters of the deductions are claimed by about 8,000 ?high earners,? the report said.

The plan also repeats the Liberals? intention to reverse the government?s plans to acquire 65 of Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp.?s F- 35 Joint Strike Fighter jets.

Conservative Lead

Harper called the election after his government?s March 22 budget was rejected by all opposition parties, who then ousted the Conservatives in a non-confidence vote. Polls suggest the Conservatives would win the most seats in the election, although it isn?t clear if they would win a majority of seats in the House of Commons. The Conservatives were supported by 40.7 percent of decided voters, followed by 29.4 percent who supported the Liberals, according to a CTV/Globe/Nanos election survey published today and taken over the three previous days. The telephone survey of 1,200 people has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent.

The Liberals? platform also said the party would find new money by immediately canceling a tax break for companies developing oil sands deposits concentrated in the province of Alberta, and by ending funding for private-public construction partnerships.

The Liberals would also develop a national cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions, covering all industries, which will be ?equitable? to all regions of the country. They affirmed a target of cutting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, and pledged C$400 million a year in tax credits for home renovations that benefit the environment.

Deficit Elimination

The Conservative budget reiterated a plan to eliminate a C$40.5 billion deficit by 2015, faster than other Group of Seven nations. It also included C$7.7 billion of new measures including enhanced seniors? benefits that were requested by the opposition and a C$2,000 tax credit for people taking care of sick relatives. It also introduced a tax credit for families with children in arts classes and C$400 million for homeowners who carry out energy-saving renovations. Earlier today, Harper pledged to double a tax credit for children?s fitness, and said he would extend it to adults.

The Liberal platform didn?t say when the deficit would be eliminated.

The Canadian dollar has appreciated 1.2 percent against its U.S. counterpart since the election was called, and the country?s 30-year government bond yield has increased to 3.77 percent from 3.70 percent. The election probably won?t shake ?market confidence,? Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce economists Avery Shenfeld and Warren Lovely wrote in a March 31 report. The election likely won?t do much to change the commitment to deficit reduction, they wrote.

--With assistance from Theophilos Argitis in Ottawa. Editors: Paul Badertscher, Joe Sabo.

To contact the reporter on this story: Greg Quinn in Ottawa at gquinn1@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Christopher Wellisz at cwellisz@bloomberg.net; David Scanlan at dscanlan@bloomberg.net.

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Consumers continue to plan ahead before shopping

While fewer consumers are seeking out private-label options this year, preplanning activities continue to be a priority, according to a new survey conducted by SymphonyIRI Group.

In SymphonyIRI's inaugural MarketPulse survey, the group found that 2-out-of-3 shoppers today are making shopping lists prior to visiting the store, while 56% are reading store fliers either before or at the store -- statistics that are in line with trends noted in 2010.

What's more, consumers are shifting back to their favorite brands, although they noted that value is essential when purchasing products. For example, 38% of consumers in 2011 are giving up their favorite brands to save money (down from 46% in 2010), while 36% of consumers actively are seeking out private-label brands to save money today, versus 44% in 2010. From a price standpoint, 64% of respondents said price has become a more important consideration than convenience in brand purchases, a six-point decline from last year.�

"An economy in transition to recovery is as tricky to navigate for CPG, retail and healthcare leaders as an economy moving into recession," said John Freeland, president and CEO at SymphonyIRI. "Some shoppers are retaining their frugal ways, others are spending more freely across the board, and others still are spending more on some types of products, but remaining tight-fisted about others. They are also re-evaluating where they purchase their products and updating their definition of value."

"This review of product and retail value proposition provides an outstanding opportunity for manufacturers and retailers willing to analyze carefully discrete shopper microsegments and understand the motivations and drivers of each,? Freeland added.

SymphonyIRI released the survey results during its Summit 2011 conference, which was held in Florida this week.

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Lasko announces recall of box fans

Lasko, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, has launched a voluntary recall of 4.8 million box-style fans due to the possibility of hazards associated with an electrical failure in the fan?s motor.�

Lasko has received seven reports of fires associated with motor failures, including two house fires and one barn fire, resulting in extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The fans, manufactured in the United States under the Lasko or Galaxy brand, sold at mass merchandisers nationwide from July 2002 through December 2005 for $12 to $25.

Owners of the fan should contact Lasko to receive a free fused plug safety adapter. For more information, visit laskoproducts.com.

�

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Avalanche Kills Three Skiers In Switzerland

Three German skiers were killed in an avalanche above the Swiss town of Ayers, the second such incident with tourists in less than a week, according to website Breaking Travel News.

The skiers were part of a group of nine unguided cross-country skiers. The avalanche hit at roughly 8,200 feet and was a whopping 1,600 feet wide and long.

The three victims were pulled from the snow by rescue helicopters.

Avalanches are an unfortunate common occurrence in the Alps: Last month, a 21-year skier survived under an avalanche for 17 hours (yes, you read that right) in the Evolene region of the Swiss Alps. He was apparently able to survive because he was trapped next to a pocket of air that allowed him to breathe. He escaped with only a case of mild hypothermia.

Photo: roblisameehan/Flickr

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Stat Flash: NPD U.S. Economic Indicator

The March 2011 NPD U.S. Economic Perception Indicator, a measure of consumer confidence, showed a 2.7 point decline from the previous month to a new reading of 39.2. The March figure is also down from 40.1 in March 2010.

Consumers' economic perception is certainly not helped by the near-record low housing construction and home sales reports that were released in the last two weeks.

The NPD Group's U.S. Economic Perception Indicator measures consumer beliefs about the current and near-term state of the U.S. economy, on a scale of 0 -- "very concerned" -- to 100 -- "very confident."

�
Source: The NPD Group Inc./The Economy Tracker

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Southwest raises fares $10 per round trip

DALLAS (AP) ? Southwest Airlines Co. has joined a sweeping increase of $10 in the price of many domestic round-trip airfares, citing the need to offset high fuel prices.

Southwest's action over the weekend may have ensured success for a price hike by major airlines that seemed to be faltering. Southwest carries more U.S. passengers than any airline and wields great influence over prices.

It's the sixth time airlines have raised fares already this year. FareCompare.com CEO Rick Seaney says leisure travelers may now have to pay $260 for a ticket that cost $200 back on Jan. 1.

The airlines say they need the money.

"Fuel prices are up every week and the fare increases aren't keeping pace with fuel cost increases," Southwest CEO Gary C. Kelly told The Associated Press.

Kelly said Southwest is on pace to spend $1.3 billion more on fuel this year than last year. That's nearly triple the airline's $459 million net income for 2010, or about $15 per customer.

Kelly doesn't think higher fares are driving away customers. Southwest reported Monday that February traffic, measured in miles flown by paying passengers, jumped 13 percent from the same month last year.

Jet fuel prices have risen more than 50 percent in the past year to more than $3 a gallon, although most airlines have offset some of the increase through hedging ? in effect, paying extra to lock in the top price they'll pay for some of their fuel.

The latest price increase started early last week. Delta Air Lines Co. tried to raise many fares by up to $20 per round trip, but other big airlines sided with a $10 increase started by AMR Corp.'s American Airlines.

Southwest waited three days before matching American's move on Friday night. Other airlines had rolled back fare hikes on routes where they compete with Southwest and other discount carriers, but they revived the full increase once Southwest raised prices too, Seaney said.

Low-cost airlines JetBlue, AirTran and Virgin America also raised prices, virtually assuring that the increase will become permanent, he said.

There were only four broad price increases in all of 2010, and two of those occurred in December. The flurry of fare hikes so far this year mirrors the rapid rise in fares and fuel surcharges in early 2008, when oil prices were heading toward record levels. Oil prices have soared in the past three weeks, approaching $107 a barrel on Monday, because of unrest in the Middle East.

Some airlines have also been dialing back 2011 growth plans because of high oil prices. Frontier Airlines became the latest to do that on Monday. Frontier said its second-quarter capacity would be flat, rather than a planned increase of 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent.

Frontier, a unit of Republic Airways Holdings Inc., said it made the move because of the uncertainty of future oil prices, even though bookings are better than last year.

Delta and American have also said they will scale back their capacity growth plans this year.

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Rockler introduces a recycled-rubber bench mat

Medina, Minn.-based Rockler Woodworking and Hardware introduced a Protective�Bench Mat made from 100% recycled rubber tires. The three-millimeter thick mat measures 24 in. by 60 in.; protects the tops of work benches; and saves tools and projects from the scratches, dings and dents associated with general labor tasks in a shop.�

The mat can be cut to size, moved from one work area to another quickly and easily, and can be conveniently rolled up for storage. Users also have the option to mount the mat material to a surface like a piece of plywood or work bench, making a perfect, permanent assembly table.

"Our mat provides a safe cushion for your bench, project and tools," said Dan Wenning, product development specialist with Rockler. "It's a cost-effective solution for preventing gouges and scratches, and we feel we've made an environmentally conscious selection our customers will appreciate."

The 100% Recycled Bench Mat retails for $39.99 and will be available at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores, Rockler's independent resellers,�Rockler.com or in the Rockler catalog.

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Morocco's tree-climbing goats

Tamri goats of western Morocco climb argan trees to feed on their nuts and leaves. (Jack Brunning)

7:00 a.m. CST, March 7, 2011

lat-your-scene-moroccos-treeclimbing-goats-20110304

If you've ever agonized over an insect or rodent problem, this photo should make you feel better. Imagine your garden being overrun with tree-climbing goats. By my count, there are nine in this flimsy tree, not counting the goat nibbling on leaves from the ground. Times reader Jack Brunning captured this scene while vacationing in Morocco.

Tree-climbing goats aren't as unusual as you might think. In western Morocco, Tamri goats are known to scale argan trees to feed on their leaves and nuts. Here's a YouTube video that shows these goats in action.

This isn't necessarily the most interesting part, either. Argan nuts are used to make an oil prized in Morocco, so droppings from these goats are collected and used to extract the nut oil.

You can find these goats along the western edge of Morocco near Essaouira, which is about 100 miles west of Marrakech.

View past photos we've featured. To upload your own, visit our reader travel photo gallery. When you upload your photo, tell us where it was taken and when. The more we know about the photo, the more likely it is that we'll feature it in our daily "Your Scene" posts here. To help us credit you properly, please include your name and city of residence.

Read about Marrakech:

Marrakech's new Euro chic
The secret heart of old Marrakech's old opens up at a historic guesthouse

-- Jason La

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Meet the Plogg

Energy Optimizers Limited, a British-based energy technology firm, has introduced a new device, called The Plogg, that evaluates the energy performance and profile of electrical appliances based upon actual consumer behavior.

The Plogg is a combined smart meter plug and data logger. It can be attached to any electrical appliance or device that uses a standard socket in USA, U.K., or French formats. The Plogg is able to measure the electrical energy consumption of connected devices and appliances at high levels of resolution, up to one minute as standard and at higher levels of up to two seconds in customized versions.

The benefit for appliance manufacturers is the capability to unobtrusively use the Plogg in field trials in order to observe consumers' behavior and actual patterns of use during each cycle and time period, whether daily or weekly. This data assists the manufacturer in identifying the commonly used operating programs and to optimize the energy efficiency of the appliance based upon actual behavior patterns rather than simulated laboratory tests.

Data logging on The Plogg can be set to either ?event? dependence or ?time? dependence. Detailed data captured on the performance of the appliance is stored on the Plogg until downloaded to a PC locally or remotely via the Internet.

Energy Optimizers Limited manufactures Smart Grid technologies for load profiling, demand response, distributed generation and renewables markets. Its Smart Grid Technologies include wireless gateways, smart meter plugs and load controls for domestic and commercial appliances. Energy Optimizers Limited participates in a number of publicly funded European research and development projects.�

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Club for teens has everything

The $11 million nightclub has everything -- the latest technology, a DJ every night, young stars who stop by for meet and greets, specialty drinks, a cafe.

Did I mention it is just for teens? In fact, if you are under 13 or over 18, they won't let you in -- and like any self-respecting club, you need to show proof of your age on your first visit, as well as pay the $25 cover charge.

Welcome to CRUSH, Atlantis' brand-new teen club in Nassau (www.atlantis.com). The place is huge -- 14,000 square feet with multi-touch computers and surface tables (want to send an e-post card to a friend? Post a photo on your Facebook wall? Check your e-mail? Order a snack on the table-sized tablet (pizza bagel, panini or smoothie)?

A 22-foot gaming "tree" with 56 game stations surrounded by 24 comfy chairs with surround sound. There are also 10 "cabanas" that eight teens can reserve for 30-minute intervals to play the latest games. There's a gaming concierge is on hand to offer tips.

"CRUSH had things to do for everyone," said 15-year-old Kim Cusmano, from Michigan. "They played really good music and the staff was really fun. I would have gone every night but it was too expensive."

"The kids had fun but it's too pricey to send three kids more than once or twice during your stay," added Kim's mom, Cheryl.

Still, on New Year's Eve some 300 teens partied here. As Atlantis gears up for Spring Break, executives believe they will have as many as 500 teens. (And since their entrance card is scanned when they come in and when they leave, parents can know exactly where their kids are.)

Like the latest megaships, gargantuan Atlantis on Paradise Island, just 180 miles from Florida, with nearly 3,500 rooms and 8,000 employees -- the largest employer in the Bahamas besides the government -- wants to be all things to all vacationers, including those not old enough to vote.

Yes, there are 40 restaurants and bars, including Bobby Flay's first foray outside the United States, and a casino and a standout spa. But there is also the largest teen club I've ever seen, a culinary center where kids take cooking lessons, an array of "Generation Y"spa treatments and even the Atlantis Speedway where kids and parents can design and build their own remote-control racecars.

Let's not forget the world's largest marine habitat (home to some 50,000 marine animals) and Dolphin Cay, which offers interactions with sea lions and dolphins (five calves were recently born) that even toddlers in diapers can take part in.

During the summer there are "fantasy camps" for kids that focus on everything from theater (learn from the Second City improve troupe) to Legos (with a Lego master builder on hand to teach) to Marine Adventures (go behind the scenes with the marine mammal team) and even the chance to get up close and personal with Miss Teen USA.

The huge (140-acre) Aquaventure with its mile-long river ride, seven-acre snorkeling lagoon (ideal for a child's first foray snorkeling), 13 pools, seven waterslides, including the Leap of Faith, a 60-foot plunge that ends in a clear acrylic tunnel in a shark-filled lagoon is such a big draw that cruise passengers spend $120 for adults and $80 for kids just for a day pass.

Young families love Splashers, a children's water play area and pool with its gentler slides, cargo nets, rope bridges for climbing and water cannons.

"I like it better than Disney World," says Shawn Cantrell, here from Kansas for the first time with his wife Betty and 8-year-old son. Ensconced in beach chairs near Splashers Betty adds, "You've got to have some cash."

That's the rub, of course. Despite deals through the spring and summer that include a fourth-night free starting at $499 per person, including two shallow-water dolphin interactions with kids 11 and under staying and eating free (as long as you book by March 31) you still will find yourself swiping your room card more than you'd like. The meal plans, like at Disney World, are a good bet, families say. "But don't count your pennies or you will ruin your time," says Josh Bateman, who had just finished playing in the water with the dolphins (at $139 per person) with his 6-year-old son Jack, who was beside himself with excitement at the experience.

Look for island-wide packages at www.nassauparadiseisland.com. A tip: A room at the newly renovated Comfort Suites Paradise Island (http://www.comfortsuitespi.com/), a five-minute walk away, can be had for less than you'd pay for a stay at Atlantis and at the Comfort Suites you get free access to all Atlantis has to offer, as well as free eats for the kids, free breakfasts and free Wi-Fi -- families here for the day on a cruise ship can book a room rather than pricey shore excursions or day passes.

On the other end of the spectrum, upscale families who prefer a more intimate experience can stay a mile away at the 105-room One & Only Ocean Club (www.oneandonlyresorts.com) where rooms start at $495 with a free kid's club and full access to Atlantis, including the teen club. (For a $50 fee, the Kids' Club staff will even entertain the kids at the water park.)

A year ago, Atlantis spent $6 million on an 8,000-square-foot facility called Atlantis Kids Adventures for kids 3 to 12 (those with special challenges are welcome), complete with LEGO room, mini grocery store and princess room where little girls can have tea parties with the stuffed animals that are lined up and waiting. Even the bathrooms are stand outs (think chandeliers in the little girls' stalls and superheroes for the boys.)

"Parents go on vacation looking for the wow factor for themselves and also for the kids," said Atlantis executive Amanda Felts. "We're taking playing to a whole new level."

Of course, it isn't cheap: Morning and evening sessions run $65 a child, but that includes a huge Mac Lab, the EVERY video game ever made room, theater and craft center. (Want to make jeweled flip-flops?)

Your junior foodies will love the Culinary Center with 21 seats and kid-sized utensils where professional chefs teach the kids. A group prepared Thanksgiving dinner for their parents. They will have the opportunity to make brunch for moms on Mother's Day and grill with dad on Father's Day.

"What's not to like," said Josh Bateman. "There is nothing you can't do here ... as long as you can pay for it!"

See you on the Lazy River.

(For more on Eileen's visit to Atlantis and the Bahamas, read her trip diaries at www.takingthkids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)

(c) 2011 EILEEN OGINTZ DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

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Is Mexico safe for spring break?

By Kitty Bean Yancey, USA TODAY

That's the 64,000 peso question these days, as debate rages.

On the one hand, the Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a warning discouraging students from going to Mexico for spring break because of safety issues.

On the other, Mexican officials say that tourism there increased last year, despite drug-cartel violence and the world's economic woes.

Big travel packager Funjet Vacations just announced that "despite a continued stream of negative media coverage, over 253,000 travelers visited Mexico from Texas in December and 210,000 in January compared to 224,000 and 196,000 in the previous year, respectively.

"The number of people flying out of Texas cities into Mexico is up 12% from last year, and December saw the most travelers for that month in a decade," said Mike Going, president of Funjet Vacations. "Year after year Mexico remains a top travel destination for both Funjet Vacations and the Texas market and we are optimistic about the forecast for 2011."

Funjet has some spring break deals in Mexico for under $600 for three nights, including all meals, booze and airfare.

Meanwhile, the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau is fighting back by saying that comparing the Caribbean's No. 1 resort destination to other parts of the country as far as safety goes is wrong. It says Cancun welcomed about 5.9 million international visitors, an increase of more than 400,000 over 2009. It also says it has camera surveillance in tourist areas, increased security, more lifeguards and a special call center for tourists.

The U.S. State Department does have a travel warning in place for Mexico, mainly emphasizing danger in border towns and cities such as Monterrey. The warning says, in part: "Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well."

I have just landed in Cancun and noted more security and tourist ambassadors. So far, I have yet to hear of serious incidents involving spring-break vacationers this year. Have any readers experienced safe trips or disturbing incidents in Mexico? Please share. I will be writing more about this, and also would like to know your feelings about travel to Mexico.

Posted Mar 9 2011 3:48AM

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Club for teens has everything

The $11 million nightclub has everything -- the latest technology, a DJ every night, young stars who stop by for meet and greets, specialty drinks, a cafe.

Did I mention it is just for teens? In fact, if you are under 13 or over 18, they won't let you in -- and like any self-respecting club, you need to show proof of your age on your first visit, as well as pay the $25 cover charge.

Welcome to CRUSH, Atlantis' brand-new teen club in Nassau (www.atlantis.com). The place is huge -- 14,000 square feet with multi-touch computers and surface tables (want to send an e-post card to a friend? Post a photo on your Facebook wall? Check your e-mail? Order a snack on the table-sized tablet (pizza bagel, panini or smoothie)?

A 22-foot gaming "tree" with 56 game stations surrounded by 24 comfy chairs with surround sound. There are also 10 "cabanas" that eight teens can reserve for 30-minute intervals to play the latest games. There's a gaming concierge is on hand to offer tips.

"CRUSH had things to do for everyone," said 15-year-old Kim Cusmano, from Michigan. "They played really good music and the staff was really fun. I would have gone every night but it was too expensive."

"The kids had fun but it's too pricey to send three kids more than once or twice during your stay," added Kim's mom, Cheryl.

Still, on New Year's Eve some 300 teens partied here. As Atlantis gears up for Spring Break, executives believe they will have as many as 500 teens. (And since their entrance card is scanned when they come in and when they leave, parents can know exactly where their kids are.)

Like the latest megaships, gargantuan Atlantis on Paradise Island, just 180 miles from Florida, with nearly 3,500 rooms and 8,000 employees -- the largest employer in the Bahamas besides the government -- wants to be all things to all vacationers, including those not old enough to vote.

Yes, there are 40 restaurants and bars, including Bobby Flay's first foray outside the United States, and a casino and a standout spa. But there is also the largest teen club I've ever seen, a culinary center where kids take cooking lessons, an array of "Generation Y"spa treatments and even the Atlantis Speedway where kids and parents can design and build their own remote-control racecars.

Let's not forget the world's largest marine habitat (home to some 50,000 marine animals) and Dolphin Cay, which offers interactions with sea lions and dolphins (five calves were recently born) that even toddlers in diapers can take part in.

During the summer there are "fantasy camps" for kids that focus on everything from theater (learn from the Second City improve troupe) to Legos (with a Lego master builder on hand to teach) to Marine Adventures (go behind the scenes with the marine mammal team) and even the chance to get up close and personal with Miss Teen USA.

The huge (140-acre) Aquaventure with its mile-long river ride, seven-acre snorkeling lagoon (ideal for a child's first foray snorkeling), 13 pools, seven waterslides, including the Leap of Faith, a 60-foot plunge that ends in a clear acrylic tunnel in a shark-filled lagoon is such a big draw that cruise passengers spend $120 for adults and $80 for kids just for a day pass.

Young families love Splashers, a children's water play area and pool with its gentler slides, cargo nets, rope bridges for climbing and water cannons.

"I like it better than Disney World," says Shawn Cantrell, here from Kansas for the first time with his wife Betty and 8-year-old son. Ensconced in beach chairs near Splashers Betty adds, "You've got to have some cash."

That's the rub, of course. Despite deals through the spring and summer that include a fourth-night free starting at $499 per person, including two shallow-water dolphin interactions with kids 11 and under staying and eating free (as long as you book by March 31) you still will find yourself swiping your room card more than you'd like. The meal plans, like at Disney World, are a good bet, families say. "But don't count your pennies or you will ruin your time," says Josh Bateman, who had just finished playing in the water with the dolphins (at $139 per person) with his 6-year-old son Jack, who was beside himself with excitement at the experience.

Look for island-wide packages at www.nassauparadiseisland.com. A tip: A room at the newly renovated Comfort Suites Paradise Island (http://www.comfortsuitespi.com/), a five-minute walk away, can be had for less than you'd pay for a stay at Atlantis and at the Comfort Suites you get free access to all Atlantis has to offer, as well as free eats for the kids, free breakfasts and free Wi-Fi -- families here for the day on a cruise ship can book a room rather than pricey shore excursions or day passes.

On the other end of the spectrum, upscale families who prefer a more intimate experience can stay a mile away at the 105-room One & Only Ocean Club (www.oneandonlyresorts.com) where rooms start at $495 with a free kid's club and full access to Atlantis, including the teen club. (For a $50 fee, the Kids' Club staff will even entertain the kids at the water park.)

A year ago, Atlantis spent $6 million on an 8,000-square-foot facility called Atlantis Kids Adventures for kids 3 to 12 (those with special challenges are welcome), complete with LEGO room, mini grocery store and princess room where little girls can have tea parties with the stuffed animals that are lined up and waiting. Even the bathrooms are stand outs (think chandeliers in the little girls' stalls and superheroes for the boys.)

"Parents go on vacation looking for the wow factor for themselves and also for the kids," said Atlantis executive Amanda Felts. "We're taking playing to a whole new level."

Of course, it isn't cheap: Morning and evening sessions run $65 a child, but that includes a huge Mac Lab, the EVERY video game ever made room, theater and craft center. (Want to make jeweled flip-flops?)

Your junior foodies will love the Culinary Center with 21 seats and kid-sized utensils where professional chefs teach the kids. A group prepared Thanksgiving dinner for their parents. They will have the opportunity to make brunch for moms on Mother's Day and grill with dad on Father's Day.

"What's not to like," said Josh Bateman. "There is nothing you can't do here ... as long as you can pay for it!"

See you on the Lazy River.

(For more on Eileen's visit to Atlantis and the Bahamas, read her trip diaries at www.takingthkids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)

(c) 2011 EILEEN OGINTZ DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

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Ryanair and Other Airlines Offer April Fool's Jokes

While quite a few airlines have pulled April Fool's jokes today, Ryanair, a budget airline based in Ireland, had one of the best. They announced they would operate "child-free" flights on some of their busiest routes starting in October.

In a press release posted to their website, Ryanair cited a survey showing that 36% of passengers had their flight "ruined" by kids and 18% would like the airline to limit the number of children allowed on a flight.

Additionally, the survey found that parents can be just as annoying:

1. 50% Parents expect "special treatment" because they have children.
2. 25% Parents allow children to annoy those in seats behind.
3. 15% Parents board late and expect others to accommodate them.
4. 10% Parents allow children to run in the aisles or kick seats.

"When it comes to children we all love our own but would clearly prefer to avoid other people's little monsters when traveling," said spokesman Stephen McNamara.

This is not the first radical idea from the low cost airline. Ryanair has made headlines for promoting paid toilets, standing room only seating, and even operating their aircraft with only one pilot.

Not to be outdone, other airlines have joined in on the April Fool's festivities. Virgin Atlantic announced they will grow fresh produce including herbs and vegetables onboard flights, specifically for Upper Class passengers. WestJet said it will start to use helium in their aircraft to make planes lighter, a move "aimed at countering the rising price of jet fuel." And Southwest Airlines announced it had discovered how to offer customers time travel.

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