Nellis AFB Airshow, 2007

Reaper (grim for some). [double click for larger images]
F22 Raptor with weapon bay doors open
Oracle
Thunderbirds takeoff

L.E. Fant attended the Aviation Nation Airshow this past weekend together with friend and family.

The show was held on Veterans' Day. L.E. Fant thanks all those who serve and have served in our armed forces for their service.

The new F22 Raptor was demonstrated and its capabilities (those shown) were extraordinary.

The unmanned Predator and Reaper flew over and were indeed interesting examples of U.S.A.F. technology achievements.

L.E. was disappointed that the Osprey VTOL did not fly (though one was on ground display).

All in all a great day in Las Vegas, especially since it preceded the demolition of the Frontier.

Fall is here

Near Shoshone, Death Valley, CA.

FRONTIER AUCTION JULY 26, 2007

A one day auction is planned to sell the Frontier's equipment. It will be
10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 26, on site or via web.

Inspection:Wed., July 25, 9am-5pm and morning of sale.

For catalog and more information go to:

http://www.greatamerican.com

Fourth of July in Vegas

Tintagel Castle (home of Merlin)

L.E. Fant attended Sir Galahad, the prime rib dining room at Excalibur. As has been the case since his first visit to Sir Galahad in 1990 the meal was excellent and is, therefore, highly recommended to all.

An interesting fact regarding this dining room is that most of the wait staff have been there since its opening in 1990, or close to (unusual in the casino dining business). It is delightful to see the same folk time after time and reminisce with them. All the staff are very pleasant and extremely professional, providing courteous, attentive service for their guests without pretentiousness or condescension. Jeff, the manager goes around the room making sure your dining experience is the best available.

It is so nice to be able to go back again and again to such comfortable surroundings and always receive a great dining experience at reasonable prices.

L.E. Fant dined for far less than one half of the cost of his last meal at the Bellagio Steakhouse and did not have to endure pretentious yet ignorant wait staff which went along with the ridiculous prices at Bellagio.

Las Vegas gets Smart !

Black paneled Smart Car
Smart Car Tridion safety cell
Test drive of Smart Car

Smart Cars at the Fashion Show in Las Vegas (Friday 6/22-Sunday 6/24, 11 am -7 pm). Test drive the Smart Car while it is here and let L.E.Fant know your opinion of it. Is it in the future for Las Vegans, or are they comfortable bolstering huge profits of our oil companies by using gas hungry vehicles?

Your intrepid correspondent, L.E.Fant, took a test drive and found the machine an excellent alternative to gas hungry vehicles available now. It is expected to return a combined average gas mileage of at least 40 mpg.

The vehicle is surprisingly roomy and because of its height easy to get in and out of. Its interior is comfortable and the layout has a modern look. When driving the diminutive vehicle one senses it is far larger than it actually is. It has air bags front and side and has performed admirably in crash tests. The Smart Car has seats for two and a reasonable size area for luggage is located behind the seats, available through the hatch and tailgate.

The air conditioner was working fine and the car was nice and cool (L.E. Fant's vehicle was showing external temperature of 117 degrees).

One has a choice of letting the vehicle change gears automatically or one may change gears by means of "paddles" on the steering wheel.

The exhibitor claims that one may change the car's colored body panels in one hour-black for night-yellow for day?

The cars are expected to be available in early 2008 for $12-17,000 depending on model. There is a cabriolet also. The vehicles are manufactured in France by a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes Benz.

The vehicle has seats for two and a reasonable size area for luggage behind the seats.

Milk prices may rise too much

RE: T.V. NEWS THAT MILK WILL COST $5.00 PER GALLON, ALL OTHER DAIRY GOODS WILL RISE BY APPROXIMATELY 70%--BECAUSE THE PRICE OF CORN IS HIGHER DUE TO ETHANOL PRODUCTION.

Thirty minutes of research by famed Las Vegas personality L.E.Fant reveals that such steep increases are very likely unjustified and consumers should fight back by writing their T.V. stations, the dairies, their elected representatives and whoever else may choose to listen.

FACTS:
A cow produces approximately 60lbs of milk per day when lactating (approximately 6.6 gallons).

The dairy farmer now gets around $20 per 100 lbs of milk/11 gallons (similar to the 2004 price when milk was probably less than $2.00 per gallon at the store).

A cow apparently consumes approx one bushel or 60lbs of feed per day.

If the cow is fed 100% corn (unlikely) then at the current settlement prices and future prices through 2007 it is reasonable to anticipate a price per bushel of $3.85. (This is up from approximately $2.50 in 2006).

The difference is $1.35 per day per cow for feed cost (blamed on ethanol production). This equates to very close to 20 cents per gallon based on 6.6 gallons per day per cow and 100% corn feeding.

As mentioned above, this figure is likely high as other feed ingredients (such as soy meal which is around one half the cost of corn) are usually incorporated into the cow’s diet, it is unlikely the dairy cow consumes 100% corn. If so, the additional cost for corn is likely one half of that above, or 10 cents not 20 cents per gallon of milk.

The above example does not take into consideration any further change in the amount the processors will pay to the dairy farmer as the stated reason for an anticipated near doubling of the price to consumers of dairy products is merely the increase in the price of corn. Clearly the above reasoning cannot and does not substantiate such huge increase to the consumer.

However, farmers are being paid approximately $20 per cwt against $13 per cwt last year for their milk. This means he gets approximately $1.81 against $1.18 last year, or 63 cents more for each gallon. Add the additional feed cost of 10-20 cents and we get, at worst, an 83 cents per gallon cost increase per gallon.

Apparently a major factor in current milk price increases is simply world wide increased demand. Dry milk powder has nearly doubled in price due to supply/demand pressure. As Milk is used to make the dry milk product one may easily see a reason other than ethanol production for milk prices to increase in the near future. L.E. Fant hopes that increased sizes of cow herds throughout the world will increase supply and thereby reduce milk prices as milk is a necessary ingredient in many families diet.

While L.E. Fant concludes there is basis for an increase in milk prices to the consumer in the near term, he believes that increase should be seventy cents or so-not the nearly three Dollars stated by a local news organization.

I guess this is the place where time begins?

(Royal Observatory, Greenwich, England)

This week the news is crazy-

So people, again L.E.Fant must bring an important topic to your attention. He is still in the research phase, however:

This week a local news program stated that dairy products willsubstantially rise in price to the consumer (us).

We were told that milk will reach $5.00 per gallon (against $2-3 now?). Cheese will rise by 70% or more and other dairy items as butter, yoghurt will all cost much more.

It was then stated that the reason for these significant price increases is that as corn is now used to produce ethanol (for vehicle fuel) the cost of cattle feed has increased, therefore we must pay more for dairy products.

The news person made no comment regarding substantiation of those purported facts.

L.E. Fant is dubious that the increased cost, if any, of corn based cattle (or more particularly dairy cattle) feed is substantiation for doubling the price of a gallon of milk or the other increases described above.

L.E.Fant will ask his cattle expert, George, to provide facts regarding feed cost per gallon of milk produced, etc. When these facts are known L.E. Fant will provide them for us all to consider and take appropriate action.

Tower of London seen from the river Thames.

(L.E.Fant wishes the Tower were still used to incarcerate villains such as he those he exposes)

P.S. A gentle reader complained regarding the picture of rare roast beef and asked that it be removed forthwith as it offends. L.E.Fant has removed the picture .

Nevada Power in the news again

Today we are told that Nevada Power has to pay fines of many millions of Dollars for violating the Clean Air Act. We are further informed that the fines will not affect consumers by a rate increase.

How glib is that?

We are now paying 11% or so more in order that Nevada Power can purchase new capital equipment (L.E. Fant considers that duty to be one of its shareholders-not its customers).

Inquiring minds ask whether payment of the subject fines will cause disruption to Nevada Power's bottom line, thus precipitating a further money grab through our PUC (of three people) to our pockets.

Where is the famed "I-Team" when there is a real issue such as this to investigate?

It appears that Nevada Power operates on a "cost plus basis." We pay whatever it takes to maintain its profit at healthy levels regardless of its mis-management.

Please contact your elected representatives regarding this-we need to stop the bleeding dry of our individual financial resources by this for profit monopolistic corporation.

Home made slow roasted rare beef.

More bad meat?

Again we are informed that there is contaminated meat out there waiting to make us ill or perhaps to kill us.

After watching the movie Fast Food Nation L.E. Fant chose to never buy pre-ground meat (such as in the current recall) again. Not only for the possibility of contamination but also because many additives are used to disguise the actual condition of such meat. He believes that a simple thing such as grinding one's own meat may be a lifesaver.

He now does not purchase product containing pre-ground beef meat such as chain burgers. It appears that Chipotle has decent meat in its products and L.E. Fant is searching for other businesses who attempt to raise the bar regarding product quality and safety.

"Christmas Tree Cactus" flowers for only one day each year.

Is it smart to buy a Smart Car now or is it smart to wait?

Smart Cars have been in Europe since 98 or so. They have been in Canada since around 2004.
They are made by a a spinoff company of Mercedes Benz and appear to be very safe for their size and are extremely fuel efficient.
A company apparently chose to import some Smart Cars to the U.S. and some are available in Las Vegas.
However, a dealer L.E. Fant contacted desires $24,000 for one (2005 or 2006 model year). A similar car, but new and U.S. compliant will be available for $12,000-$14,000 (we are told) in early 2008.
One may see and drive these cars at the Fashion Show later this month (22-24).
If the U.S. version manages the gas mileage of its Euro cousin-these cars could be a way to save $$. They expect to get over 40 mpg-city.
L.E. Fant concludes that it may be wise to wait a few months to save around $10,000. What do you think?

Three Day Weekend for Many

Tibetan Buddhist Peace Garden,

adjacent to Imperial War Museum, London.

L.E. Fant wishes all those who have this Memorial Day weekend off best wishes. During this weekend please spare time to remember those who lost their lives defending our Country and give thought for those who are now in our armed forces.

Those who are not having a holiday. Thanks for being on duty. At least you may escape the ridiculous prices others are paying for gasoline.

To those travelling-L.E. Fant wishes you a safe and pleasant journey.

Ward 5 contest-candid candidate ?

Imperial War Museum

[Much of its content the result of England's leaders believing Hitler had honorable intentions-Please don't elect leaders you may have doubt regarding their integrity]

L.E. Fant, sadly, will now make comment on the Las Vegas Ward 5 election between Stacie Truesdell and Rickie Barlow.

Mr. Barlow's latest campaign flyer attempts to denigrate Ms. Truesdell and makes light of certain public information which she drew our attention to.

In his flyer, Mr. Barlow states that he was not sued by his divorce attorney for fees-he concludes that is an absolute untruth. He however, makes no comment regarding other allegations regarding his dubious character.

However, Public record indicates that his attorney filed an attorney's lien in the sum of $4,084.94 at the time of filing a motion to withdraw as counsel. The attorney also sought an order reducing the lien to judgment.

While perhaps technically perhaps his attorney did not "sue" [To institute a legal proceeding against (another party)], Black's Law Dictionary, clearly Mr. Barlow's attorney found it necessary to file an attorney's lien and to seek it be reduced to judgement in order to collect $4,084.94 in fees and interest thereon.

Mr. Barlow's refusal to recognize this is disturbing, as are many of his statements.

For further information and access to public record regarding this and other matters go to: http://www.theproblemwithricki.com/

L.E. Fant is concerned that we may be duped by a slick campaign. Why did Mr. Barlow choose not to attend a calendared interview with a local T.V. station?

Your vote is important-please use it wisely.

P.S. Tomorrow L.E. Fant will provide the names and contact details of the P.U.C. Commissioners so you may investigate their credentials and write them regarding the latest power bill increases.

Las Vegans (and Las Carnivors) take note....

Yesterday's news contained information that the monopoly Nevada Power is to increase our power costs by 11.5% commencing June 1, 2007.

The T.V. news (so-called) that L.E. Fant watched included a statement from Nevada Power's parent company that the increase is due to them building new generator stations which results in power costing less than now.

L.E. Fant infers from this that we are paying for capital equipment (for Nevada Power) who will use the equipment to produce power at less cost because we are buying it the equipment to produce the power. The net result to us appears that we pay more for supposedly less expensive power. This all, apparently, made perfect sense to the "hard hitting" reporters who gave us this joyous news and perhaps the legendary "I Team" who are probably still looking for Nevada's missing wild horses. It does not made good sense to L.E. Fant however.

We should all take an interest in this situation. We should all investigate the P.U.C. and its members. We should write or otherwise communicate with each member individually, indicate our concern and demand detailed explanation of this matter. A letter to Nevada Power (and its parent company) saying "enough all ready" should also be written and dispatched.

Whilst not a communist L.E. Fant can clearly see that our needs may be better served by formation of a cooperative for access to power. If we are paying for the capital equipment why should it not be ours?

Lamb chops in their natural (unprocessed) state.

Pit Bull dogs-for or against

Yesterday L.E. Fant was required to protect his dog from an unprovoked attack by a Pit-Bull. L.E. Fant's dog was on its leash being walked. The Pit-Bull pulled free from the young lady walking it and charged at L.E. Fant's dog attempting to bite immediately. L.E. Fant used the knob end of his "country stick" to whack the dog effectively subduing it.

This raises the question as to whether this breed of dog should be regulated in some way with regards ownership or housing.

It appears that the breed instinctively attacks other dogs without provocation. Because of this trait and the likelihood of severe injury to innocent dogs and/or their owner/handlers perhaps control of the Pit-Bull is in order.

L.E. Fant understands the desire to protect one's property from invasion by others. People often own dogs for that reason and it follows that many choose Pit-Bulls because of their reputation.

However, those people must be responsible for their choice. They must be made to properly control their dogs in all situations.

Perhaps a special additional registration fees should be levied for the breed and owners of Pit-Bulls required to take special classes which discuss the breed's habits, temperament and how the breed should be handled.

What is your opinion?

Ass end of Peacock

Sunday, Sunday

Today, L.E.Fant desired a hamburger for his lunch. However, after watching the movie Fast Food Nation he has decided to remove the Russian Roulette when buying processed ground meat-or burgers from any chain.

Therefore, L.E. Fant purchased a slab of chuck steak, removed any sinew parts and most of the fat, ground the meat and formed burgers. He result was a tasty burger using meat which was not adulterated with preservatives or any other nasty stuff (see: the movie).

The cost to do so was not excessive. The time to do so was not excessive. The result was delicious, likely safer and more nutritious and the method is recommended to all.

View of a portion of Stonehenge taken early on a misty morning a few weeks ago. This is very, very old. This has very interesting history. This is clearly a feat of human(?) endeavor.

Whereas, the demise of the Frontier (new or not) is of little consequence (other than to its new owners) in the greater scheme of things.

Las Vegas Drivers Suck...do you?

L.E. Fant is usually chauffeured, however, yesterday for the first time in many months he drove himself across town to visit his friend Ray. He rediscovered the appalling road manners and aggression of our local drivers (L.E. Fant included).

The swerving into adjacent lanes causing the vehicle in the lane to take sudden evasive action or wreck, the disregard for red lights, the lack of attention as we use our cell phones-all amount to a very dangerous situation.

L.E. Fant has driven for many years in many countries and many states and cities in our Nation. Sadly, L.e.Fant concludes that we are probably the worst drivers he has experienced.

L.E. Fant was so discouraged that he will return to being chauffeured in order to avoid direct interaction with this horrid experience of driving in Las Vegas.(Double click to enlarge pic)

L.E. Fant (just out of picture to left) discussing possible purchase of replacement vehicle for use in Las Vegas with sales person.

L.E. Fant is confused as the sales person insists it is a "green" vehicle (which may be confirmed by the pic), however, the gas milage is far from "green." Perhaps the poor gas milage is offset by the position of the 30 caliber machine gun which is judiciously placed to deter sudden lane changers. Also the turret may be traversed to the rear, aiming the main armament at tailgaters.

Frontier demise-do you care?-L.E. Fant does not.

L.E. Fant is informed that the Frontier is due for demolition in a month or so. He has empathy for its many employees who may be cast into unemployment at that time.
Otherwise he is ambivalent regarding loss of the Frontier. L.E. Fant stayed at the Frontier a couple of years ago and spent a sleepless night due to the incessant sounds of crickets and the stench of old cigarette smoke in his overpriced room.
L.E. Fant looks forward to a new development on the site. What do you think?

Here is a pic (amazingly L.E. Fant could not hold the camera steady when taking this pic as he contemplated the devastation caused by such a small object) of a model of "Little Boy," our atomic bomb.

Israeli group buys Frontier...

Today's news describes the sale as the largest in Las Vegas history-many billions of Dollars. A mega-mega-mega super resort is planned.

As I suggested yesterday-raise corporate taxation-do not implement an income tax on the workers.

However, look at this photo of a chapel built around 1409 at Roche, Cornwall. Imagine the effort and skills of these early folk in constructing this with local granite against a large monolithic granite outcrop. I wonder if we still have the resourcefulness of these folk.

Back in Las Vegas....

[Double click on photo to see ducklings]

L.E.Fant learns that Mr. J. Rogers [T.V. station owner, UNLV Chancellor, philanthropist] is on a crusade to establish a Nevada State income tax. "Hard hitting reporter" Ralston, when mentioning this news appears to conclude that it is wrong that the Casino industry be asked to contribute more to State coffers. Why?

A remedy which may well suit the average working person in Nevada is to raise corporate taxation [which is among the lowest in the nation], this would not merely impact the casino industry.

More interesting is this picture of ducklings taken a few steps from Buckingham Palace (in St. James' Park). It is amazing how these creatures adapt, probably thousands of persons walk by (within 3 feet) of them each day-yet they seem oblivious.

Gentle Readers-WE ARE BEING DUPED !!

Your fearless correspondent, L.E. Fant went undercover to discover the truth regarding Cheddar Cheese.

He found Cheddar Gorge in Somerset where Cheddar Cheese is, and has been, made for many years. There is only one company making cheese in Cheddar--that company is not Kraft.

Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that cheese made in other places may not be genuine Cheddar Cheese. How can there be a "New York Cheddar?"

L.E. Fant tasted the Cheddar Cheese made in Cheddar and found it to be delicious-crumbly, yellowish-but not orange in color, the mature variety a little tangy. It is available for mail order also.

How far our $ goes in London..

[Double click pic]. $2 for one Pound. 3 star room costs $318 per night. A gallon of gas is $8.00, a pack of cigarrettes is $13.00, a McDonalds breakfast costs around $6.00. An inexpensive meal runs around $20.00.

Las Vegas celebrity, L.E.Fant, confirms global warming to exist....

L.E. Fant arrives in London, U.K., Friday April 26 to record temperatures. A spokesperson for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew stated that the usual cold winter which kills off many insects failed to occur. The result is that trees are being eaten by miriads of insects and killed by excessive numbers of insects. Also British Gas lowered its charges to consumers twice this year. All this leads one to conclude that Global Warming exists-it is not merely a figment of Al Gore's imagination.

Is Roy Vegas's name actually Ray?

Pic of a "Devil's Post" at Devil's [I assume one Devil-not multiple Devils]Postpile near Mammoth Lake, California.

Summer brings out the Banana Slugs

I call this a Banana Slug (as I do not know its correct name). The color was actually brighter than that reproduced here. All this to note that this comming weekend may be Las Vegas' first 100 degree temp for 2007. [Double click to see larger slug].

April, 2005-Mt. Charleston area

This was taken in April, 2005. Snow was still around. From memory it was high 80's downtown-just 40 minutes away.

Chilly, Rainy Day in N.Z.

Friend Hiking in N.Z.

Looks like rain is on its way this gloomy day in L.V.

The effect of wind errosion may be seen. [double click to enlarge].

U.S. Attorney General appears before Senate Committee

Here is a pic of a Nevada Big Horn Sheep, taken in the Valley of Fire.

Today the AG appears before a Senate Committee to give evidence regarding his involvement in the firing of U.S. Attorneys (including Dan Bogden of Nevada).

Hump day for some.

Guarding the Dam (?). [double click to enlarge].

Today is windy again, though it is nicely warm.


Still no sign of bees in the garden-should we be concerned by that?

Tax Day 2007

I hear that the average tax refund is around $2,300. Oh to be average. Here is a view of dark clouds over the Grand Canyon--with a glimmer of sunshine. [Double click pic to enlarge].

Another record is set

Today I am saddened by the events which took place in Virginia-many deaths of innocents-a record.

The number of deaths today in Virginia are less than the number seemingly occurring on a daily basis in the middle east.

Grand Canyon

Upper: Sunset near the north rim of Grand Canyon (taken last October).

Lower: A raven taking a bath at the Grand Canyon south rim outlook.

[Double click on the photos to enlarge and be able to see detail]

Friday the Thirteenth in Las Vegas

This photo was taken around this time last year when an overabundance of bees were present around my garden. This year there are no bees evident. Why?
I hear news storys that bees are absent this year. What have we done to change the habits of the bees? Or are there fewer bees?
Maybe they are fighting the war on terror (on our side of course) and are deployed in the middle east. Or is their absense due to global warming? Or do they know something we do not and they have left Las Vegas in anticipation?

Now you see it-now you don't!! (The Stardust)

Views from Circus Circus of the demise of the Stardust.

Some say a Las Vegas icon is gone, some believe progress is good and a new mega-resort-casino-shopping experience will be a great replacement. Like Nevada's heritage of execution by firing squad-the Stardust is no longer. Do you care either way?