Las Vegas Stardust yet again, FREE RECIPE!!, Water Powered cars for Las Vegas?

click on images to enlarge Las Vegas Stardust VERY SHORTLY BEFORE IMPLOSION
(1:56 am, 3/13/07)

Las Vegas Stardust VERY, VERY SHORTLY AFTER IMPLOSION

(2:35 am, 3/13/07)

L.E. Fant's regular, superior readers will note the qualification of the adverb "shortly" by use of the word "very." Hopefully this will end the discussion regarding L.E.'s use of "shortly" in a previous post as surely as the end of the Las Vegas Stardust is apparent in the lower picture.

FREE RECIPE FOR L.E.'s SUPERIOR READERS:

Many Poll Respondents eat chicken often. The following recipe may be welcomed by them.

L.E. Fant of Las Vegas’s Very Easy yet Extremely Tasty Las Vegas Style Chicken Piccata for Two (or one hungry eater) (Less than 30 minutes from start to eating):

Ingredients:
One skinless, boneless chicken breast ½ cup or so of flour, two Tbs capers, ¼ cup lemon juice, 3 Tbs butter, 3 Tbs olive oil, parsley (chopped) for garnish, 1/3 cup chicken stock (if out substitute with water), salt and pepper.

Method:
Butterfly (slice its thickness in half) the chicken breast and cut into two pieces.
Season lightly with salt and pepper (both sides) and dredge in flour.
In a skillet over low medium heat melt 2 Tbs butter and 3 Tbs olive oil. When sizzling place chicken breast in skillet. Cook three minutes, until lightly brown and turn over. Cook a further three minutes and remove from pan.
Add lemon juice, stock and capers to the skillet and bring to boil. Scrape bits from bottom of pan for flavor. Return chicken to pan and gently simmer for five minutes.
Plate chicken with vegetables of choice (maybe mashed spuds and a green or spaghetti squash, or rice, or…).
Add remaining butter to sauce and stir in with fork. Pour over chicken and garnish with the chopped parsley.

Enjoy with a glass of white.

TODAY'S GAME:

http://www.playedonline.com/game/1603/Video-Poker.html is all about our city, Las Vegas. Hope you enjoyed yesterday's game.

ALTERNATIVE TO CORN FED COW MEAT.

L.E. Found this site when looking for alternative to corn raised chemically adulterated cow meat and now shares it with his readers:
http://www.grasslandbeef.com/

WATER POWERED CARS FOR LAS VEGAS?

A regular reader pointed L.E. to:
http://www.runyourcarwithwater.com/. The site promises an inexpensive system which produces hydrogen gas from water. The gas is introduced into the car's intake manifold and burns with the usual gasoline. It is claimed that 70% or so gas mileage improvement may occur. Fact or Fiction?

EVEN MORE LAS VEGAS DRIVERS' GAS SAVING TIPS TOMORROW!

Meanwhile check with www.automotive.com/gas-prices for our Las Vegas gas prices.

The Las Vegas Stardust will not go away!!! Solar Lamp Update

click on images to enlarge STOP PRESS. Las Vegas, NV, Sunday March 30, 2008, 1:55 p.m.

L.E.Fant of Las Vegas accused of misleading populace regarding Stardust photograph.

L.E. has been much maligned by Ray the Las Vegas Idiot (self confessed).http://lasvegasidiot.com/

On this occasion the Idiot takes exception to L.E.'s use of the adjective "shortly" when L.E. used that word to describe an image of the Las Vegas Stardust taken "shortly" before its implosion.

L.E. offers the following statement as clarification and rejection of the Idiot's claims:

"A “Roy of Las Vegas” (apparently the self confessed Las Vegas Idiot) commented that L.E.’s recently posted photograph of the Las Vegas Stardust shortly before implosion” was a misnomer as L.E. incorrectly used the adverb “shortly.” He further asked when the photograph was actually taken and asked who is L.E. kidding.
The subject image was captured on 10/31/2006 at precisely 7:08:06 PM by L.E.'s camera. The Las Vegas Stardust implosion occurred on 3/13/07, some five months later.
L.E. believes and, therefore, argues that “shortly” is a subjective term. He further argues that the subject five months period relative to the fifty years or so of the Las Vegas Stardust’s existence is “in a short time, in the near future or soon” as defined by many trusted dictionaries of the English language. Therefore, L.E. Fant of Las Vegas’s use of the word “shortly” in this instance was correct and is wholly supported by the above persuasive argument even for the more pedantic of L.E.'s superior readers.

SOLAR LAMP UPDATE:

L.E. Fant of Las Vegas is excited regarding the good news contained in this update!
The “tuned up” solar lamp is back on station. Apparently an abnormality occurred with its microprocessor which limited its output. The lamp was resurrected on Friday and has been performing in a stellar fashion since.
The light output is now increased eightfold! The actual reading is now 180 foot candles, which reading was previously approximately 23 foot candles. By comparison a two mantle gas lamp (with both mantles intact and burning) was tested to output 130 foot candles with the same meter. The “new” lamp throws a white patch of light onto the sidewalk and provides sufficient light to illuminate a person/vehicle on the closest lane of the adjacent road. Of course the community is further illuminated when individual owners switch on their carriage lamps-making a safer environment.
As the output of the solar lamp is greater than that of the existing gas lamp and the solar lamp supplies that output throughout the night, with a reserve capacity for cloudy days, it is definitely a serious contender to replace existing gas lamps. Particularly as the gas company has removed their prohibitive “capping” charges.
L.E. congratulates the local Las Vegas manufacturer of these lamps and is proud that his community was selected by them to participate in this trial.

POLL RESULTS:

60% of respondents claim a Pacman score of above 3,000. L.E. applauds their efforts!

http://www.freepacman.org/welcome.html

NEW GAME:

This one is indeed a hoary (note spelling Ray and his tribe, perhaps check a dictionary) old chestnut: http://www.playedonline.com/game/1130/Tetris.html

L.E. will provide his L.E. Fant of Las Vegas’s Easy yet Extremely Tasty Chicken Piccata for Two (Less than 30 minutes from start to eating) recipe tomorrow!!!

NEW VERY IMPORTANT POLL TOMORROW

Las Vegas Stardust again

click on image to enlarge The Las Vegas Stardust shortly before implosion.

L.E. remembers the old school smokey atmosphere at the Las Vegas Stardust. He believes it was time for it to go.

The auction of its contents was interesting. L.E.Fant attended three days and watched online for the remaining two days of the five day sale. He was amazed at the prices paid for many items. Later he will find the auction catalogs in which he marked many sale prices and relate some of the more surprising ones to you.

POLL RESULTS:

71% of respondents stated that their vehicle achieves between 11 and 15 mpg in our city (including L.E.). Only one respondent stated that they drive a vehicles which gets over 25 mpg.

L.E. bought a few gallons yesterday at $3.54 for each.

When L.E. was in London, U.K. last April gas was 91 pennies per liter. Today the gas price is 102 pennies per liter in the same area. That is 11 pennies more, or a 12% increase. Does anyone remember how much gas cost in Las Vegas last April 10th?

L.E. looks forward to being able to purchase a viable air or electric powered car for the use of his family in Las Vegas.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

LAS VEGAS QUICK PIZZA RECIPE:

Not really original but quick (maybe 30 minutes from start to eating) and tasty.

Ingredients:

One package of Betty Crocker Pizza dough mix (cost around 80 cents). 1/2 cup hot water, spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce, cup of mozzarella, one chicken breast pan cooked or baked until no pink remains, 3 or 4 slices of canned pineapple, olive oil

Method:

Make up the pizza dough mix according to packet directions.

Spread evenly onto an oiled cookie sheet (or pizza pan for soft crust) to a 9 inch or so circle.

Sprinkle a little olive oil on the dough and then spread a thin, even layer of sauce. Add the chicken which has been cut into bite size pieces. Evenly place the pineapple also cut into bite size pieces and then sprinkle the cheese which has been grated or sliced thinly.

Place on low shelf of pre-heated 450 degree F oven for 12-15 minutes.

The result is better than one may imagine and preparation is quick and uses few utensils.

SOLAR LAMP UPDATE:

Expect news soon. L.E. expected to be able to bring you news today.

APOLOGIES:

No post yesterday was, in large part, due to a power outage at L.E.'s which deprived him of Internet and computer at a critical time.

WHAT IS YOUR HIGH SCORE ON THIS PACMAN?http://www.freepacman.org/welcome.html

Las Vegas Stardust Implosion was 3/13/07 at 2:31 a.m.

click on image to enlarge NO GREAT LOSS?

POLL REGARDING GASOLINE PURCHASES.
Interestingly 37% of respondents spend more than $300 per month on gas for their vehicles. A further 25% spend between $251 and $300. L.E. is perhaps lucky as he typically spends “only” $150-200 per month.
L.E. wonders how fuel efficient are the vehicles we drive. Please take today’s poll and we shall find out.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE:
L.E. Fant often pillories businesses which have treated him poorly, such as Cox cable. However, where praise is due L.E. gives it.
L.E. has purchased boxes from Box Brothers (Sahara and Torrey Pines) on a few occasions, Monday being the most recent. He needed a box (or as it turned out two boxes) in which to send the bears and other stuff to his grand daughters in Australia. The size of the boxes is restricted by postal regulations. The Box brother took all the time necessary to provide L..E. with boxes to suit his need. One box had to be cut down and re made to suit. Mr. Box cheerfully did all this at no extra charge. The boxes only cost $6.99 for the two! However, the Post Office took $140 to deliver them.
If you need boxes for moving or any purpose, L.E. recommends these guys as they are great to deal with.
http://www.boxbros.com/locations/lasvegas.php
Their website indicates that they are open on Sundays—They are not!!

TATA, LANDROVER/ JAGUAR:
Today L.E. is informed that the Indian company Tata has concluded the purchase of Landrover and Jaguar from Ford. It will be interesting to see how the brands fare under new ownership.

DID YOU TAKE TIME TO PLAY PACMAN?http://www.freepacman.org/welcome.html

L.E. is still working on the promised recipes.

STARDUST IMPLOSION:

L.E.'s camera noted that the Stardust implosion was on 3/13/07 at 2.31 a.m.

Las Vegas Stardust Memories-Good or Bad? Las Vegas Solar Lamp update, Yet another electric car for Las Vegas, Gas Price Poll & more.

click on image to enlarge STARDUST AT IMPLOSION-Do you recall the date?

POLL RESULTS:

100% of respondents voted that they are not entirely happy with the care they receive from their PCM. This is a warning that we should be extremely vigilant to ensure our best interests are being pursued by physicians. Knowledge is our best defense as are second opinions. Please use the many resources available on the web to understand your conditions as best you can.

PHYSICIANS PLEASE TAKE NOTE !!

SOLAR UPDATE:
The solar street lamp on test at L.E.’s Las Vegas community has been taken back to the factory for evaluation by its engineering department (here in the Las Vegas area) against the laboratory standard lamp after four weeks of being on test in L.E.'s Las Vegas community.
The most interesting test (for L.E.) is whether the lamp now provides as much or more light output throughout the night as existing gas lamps or whether further engineering is required to meet that standard.
Last evening the manufacturer brought some board members from a neighboring community to see the lamp in action. Also a low voltage alternative was demonstrated. While the low voltage system is clearly brighter than the solar lamp and gas lamp, its installation is problematical, as all owners need to allow trenching and access to power at their residences.
Should the solar lamps prove a success (and there is no apparent reason why they should not) they will likely be a huge cost saving to Las Vegas communities as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions substantially. The savings may be used to provide security patrols or other measures to make our communities safer places in which to live.

YET ANOTHER ELECTRIC CAR FOR LAS VEGAS:
This one is from China and is marketed by a California company based in San Luis Obispo. The vehicle apparently has a range of around 50 miles per charge and is limited in speed so as to be a NEV (neighborhood electric vehicle) which may, L.E. believes, (in Las Vegas) be used on streets which have a 35 mph speed limit.
L.E. is disappointed that the MSRP is at $10,000 and is of the opinion that if closer to $5,000 many would be sold, whereas, value is not apparent at the former figure. NEV’s do not have the safety items such as airbags as do regular vehicles, nor are they tested for safety by our government, therefore, huge cost savings should be available to the consumer which savings are not apparent.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other-Makes-Revolution-Electric-Cars-2-Dr-Coupe-100-plug-in-Electric-Car-Brand-New-NEV_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6472QQihZ009QQitemZ190208196118QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Meanwhile today’s poll is to gauge how many Dollars we now spend on gas each month. Please participate.
www.automotive.com/gas-prices

DID YOU TAKE SOME TIME TO PLAY PACMAN?
http://www.freepacman.org/welcome.html

L.E.’s LAS VEGAS FISH DISH A HUGE SUCCESS!

L.E. is pleased that his free Las Vegas Fish Dish recipe has been enjoyed by so many. Its simplicity and balance of flavors and textures (AND LACK OF "FISHY" SMELL) make it appear on his menu at least weekly. He is testing the Las Vegas Easy Yet Extremely Tasty Chicken Dish for you now and hopes to provide it very soon. Later he may share a Cornish pasty recipe which has been handed down for generations. As a child L.E. used to be sent to Cornwall to stay with a family whose head (named Fred) was a prisoner of war buddy of L.E.’s father. During L.E.’s stay he would consume many piping hot pasties. Last year L.E. visited Cornwall and the widow of Fred, now over 90 years of age. L.E. noted her recipe and will share it with you soon. It will use cow meat as an ingredient (Yes George-cow meat).


WE HAVE NOW LOST 4,000 AMERICANS, MANY ALLIES AND COUNTLESS IRAQIS IN THE IRAQ FIASCO:
Yet both major parties (or as L.E. believes talking heads for corporate America and the industrial/military complex) still avoid and evade definitive withdrawal schedules. It appears that the lessons learned from the Vietnam experience (which caused/prompted L.E. to spent 6 years of his youth in armed service) have been forgotten.

Only one Presidential candidate is unambiguous on this issue: http://www.votenader.org/

Las Vegas Doctors? Las Vegas Gas Prices.

L.E. in contemplative stance.

MORE ELECTRIC CARS FOR LAS VEGAS!!

Another electric car for Las Vegas? As gas prices escalate electric vehicles become serious contenders for places on our Las Vegas roads.
Subaru is testing a small electric vehicle for possible sale here in Las Vegas within a couple of years. It is anticipated that the car will go fifty miles on a charge and the vehicle has a “fast charge” feature which will charge the car’s batteries in a few minutes.
L.E. looks forward to this vehicle being available here in Las Vegas soon.
http://www.drive.subaru.com/

DOCTORS IN LAS VEGAS?

All Las Vegas residents are aware and hopefully horrified regarding the ongoing investigation where a number of clinics re-used vials and other injection paraphernalia to save pennies while jeopardizing the health of their patient victims. L.E. hope our D.A.’s investigation results in criminal charges being brought against the so-called professionals who allegedly perpetrated these acts. L.E. believes there is other malpractice occurring.
L.E. was recently became aware of a debilitating health condition which initially became evident (or a red flag was apparent) a year or so ago. He believes that had his doctor taken note of this warning, further and frequent tests may have reduced or eliminated damage to L.E.’s organs. Instead no such tests were performed until two weeks or so ago (despite warning symptoms appearing a year ago) and the condition has worsened, whereas treatment at an earlier stage may, and very likely would have, reduced and/or delayed the apparent damage. L.E. realizes that many physicians have heavy case loads yet cannot find this an excuse for care which is below the "reasonable doctor" standard.
L.E. will be changing doctors and urges all Las Vegas residents to do their best to oversee their health care and not place (or in L.E.’s case misplace) total reliance upon their physician to act according their patients best interests.

Today’s poll relates to this experience and is to gather other opinions.

GAS PRICES IN LAS VEGAS.

Yesterday as L.E. and wife were driving around we noticed gas prices were up a few more cents. We decided to top off the tank of our favorite gas hog at our local Chevron which had gas four cents lower than many. Despite this approximately (from the gauge) half a tank cost us $50 even.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices.

Expect another fabulous L.E. Fant tested Las Vegas Recipe in the next day or so and a solar update.

Remember Pacman? http://www.freepacman.org/

Las Vegas Stratosphere is Found !

click on image to enlarge

LAS VEGAS STRATOSPHERE POLL RESULTS:
The majority of respondents failed to discern the top of the Las Vegas Stratosphere peeking over the hill in yesterday's picture. L.E. has provided an arrow on the above pic. to guide one to the Stratosphere tower tip. http://www.stratospherehotel.com

LAS VEGAS ORCHIDS GARDEN:
Last Sunday L.E., his wife and friends dined at the Las Vegas Orchids Garden restaurant at Sahara and Lindell on their way to the Las Vegas, McCarran airport and interaction with an irresponsible, selfish taxicab operator.
The Las Vegas Orchids Garden interestingly offers “Dim Sum All Day” as well as an a la carte menu and a few specials such as whole fried fish and steak dishes for around $15.00 and lobster for two for $39.00.
L.E.’s group chose from the many offerings from the Dim Sum carts, which were regularly wheeled by and dishes explained by a delightful peddlar. The dishes range from a couple of Dollars to around six Dollars each and usually have 3 or 4 of each item if a dumpling or similar.
All were excellent and included such offerings as BBQ pork filled buns, asparagus, tofu and shrimp, large shrimp and many others. We passed on some of the more exotic (to L.E.) dishes such as steamed chicken feet. The black tea which accompanied the meal was very aromatic and delicious.
The service was good and the check a surprise. Four of us ate very well (we could not consume all of our second plates of calamari or chop suey) yet the total was only $63.
L.E. has put the Las Vegas Lotus Garden on his list of regular eateries.
Reservations are encouraged.
http://www.usmenuguide.com/orchids.

Las Vegas Stratosphere, Klondike gone-Hooray!

click on image to enlarge

The Stratosphere is just discernible in this pic. taken from way up Blue Diamond Rd. Can you make it out?

POLL RESULTS:

Indicate that very few Las Vegas natives (or any others) partook of green beer in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. In fact, only one responder admitted to drinking green beer on the holiday.

Does this mean that plans to elevate the status of St. Patrick's Day in the ranking of official holidays should cease?

TATA:

The Indian motor company looks likely to conclude its purchase of Jaguar and Landrover from Ford around Easter. Tata is funding air powered vehicle development and is the producer of the Nano $2,500 car. L.E. and many other Las Vegas residents look forward to the introduction of air powered vehicles as we do not enjoy the current gasoline prices we must pay here in Las Vegas.

Should we now look forward to increased headroom in Jaguar and Landrover vehicles?

SOLAR LAMP UPDATE:

L.E. is informed that Las Vegas's SouthWest Gas now will allow existing gas lamps to be merely turned off as opposed to having their gas supply "capped." This will save approximately $250 per lamp when changing to solar-making the conversion far more attractive on a cost basis.

The test lamp at L.E.'s community has been working for around three weeks now and has exhibited ability to maintain output throughout each night due to its microprocessor controlling output to a consistent, even, level.

Different reflectors are now being tested to achieve optimum "spread" of light and perceived "brightness."

Las Vegas is a perfect place for solar power development and the subject lamps (made locally) are a fine example of local products.

THE KLONDIKE, LAS VEGAS, IS GONE & L.E. CELEBRATES:

Great news! L.E. and wife suffered the great misfortune to dine at the Klondike a couple of years ago.

The experience was a memorable one, if only for it possibly being the worse dining experience of his recent memory.

L.E.'s wife chose the so-called prime rib. The meat on her plate was a gray color ( a slab of meat which has been microwaved from raw appears that way). It tasted as bad as it looked and was discarded along with its accompanying slimy vegetables and gelatinous gravy.

L.E. chose a meal which included a half chicken. The chicken had clearly been freshly cooked many, many hours previously and was so dry as to be inedible. It was also discarded uneaten.

Perhaps the restaurant staff were aware that the demise of the Klondike was imminent and channelled their displeasure into providing food which exhibited a complete lack of pride in their work. That is a more charitable explanation than the alternative-that they just plain did not care at all.

L.E. suffered further indignity at the hand of these Klondike folks. In his urgent desire to leave before any worse experience could befall him, he left leaving his sunglasses on the table. Realising his mistake immediately on going through the exit doors L.E. returned to the table which was being cleaned. No sunglasses were there so he asked at the counter, where the staff appeared bewildered. After more strenuous enquiry and the elapse of a minute or the sunglasses were returned to him from out back where they had ended up.

Therefore, L.E. does not miss the Klondike (or the Frontier) and is celebrating their departure from Las Vegas by toasting with a glass of Tait, Barrossa Valley "The Ball Buster" red [which has delicious robust fruit with moderate tannins]. L.E. will not tell you where to purchase this wine as it is in short supply and he needs it all.

Las Vegas to Death Valley Trip.

click on images to enlarge. LEADVILLE, CA
LEAVING TITUS CANYON, CA


GREAT MEAL:

L.E. rarely endorses, when he does so it is high praise indeed and worthy of note. During L.E.'s trip to Death Valley this last weekend he had the great fortune to partake of Sunday brunch (together with wife and good friends) at the Furnace Creek Inn.

The meal was superlative, the setting was perfect, the service good and the cost remarkable. http://www.furnacecreekresort.com/.

The meal commenced with delicious fruit including some of the best berries (blackberry, raspberry and blueberry) L.E. has ever had the pleasure to consume. A choice of salad ingredients, all of which were enticing and an omelet station together with various pork products and vegetables and cheeses were further choices available.

As well as the above, a further selection of entrees was served to order-such as corned beef, eggs Benedict and tuna sushi/sashimi (L.E. partook of this choice and the tuna was of excellent quality and ate like butter).

The desert selection was magnificent also and included cream puffs which were covered with real chocolate and appeared to be filled with real cream. Even though disallowed by L.E.'s current diet he consumed two of these items with gusto and relish. Other delicious choices included orange cream tartlets, also seemingly filled with real cream with a hint of orange.

L.E. applauds the folk who provided this meal-it was superlative and, in L.E.'s opinion, is of a far higher standard than that of our local casino offerings. Even more amazing is that this fare is provided in Death Valley-far from civilization as we know it.

The best of all is that this delicious feast cost a mere $19.95 per person, which is amazing value.

L.E. encourages you to make the approximately 120 mile trip (from Las Vegas), take in the sights and enjoy this very special treat.

GAS PRICES:

Still on the rise. In Parump we paid $3.49, a couple of cents less than Las Vegas equivalents. In Death Valley one must add one Dollar to those prices, so fill up when leaving Las Vegas (or fill up in Parump top save a little). www.automotive.com/gas-prices.

FUEL ECONOMY TIPS-L.E. FANT DISCOVERED...:

L.E. recently gave some fuel economy tips. He took his own advice and checked the tire pressures of his vehicle before leaving for Death Valley (a task he generally relies upon others to perform). He found that the rear tires were 10 psi lower than specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Adding the required air definitely improved the gas mileage of L.E.'s vehicle. Previously the best average mileage was 15 mpg-after the addition of air this figure improved to 17 mpg even with very stiff headwinds on the return journey. L.E. shall now check the tire pressures regularly.

TAXI DRIVERS IGNORE TRAFFIC LAWS WITH IMPUNITY--WHY IS THIS BEHAVIOR ALLOWED-ARE OUR LAWS BEING APPLIED DISCRIMINATELY?

For the second time in as many trips to our airport L.E.'s vehicle's progress was impeded by taxi operators' bad behavior (parking in a travel lane) which behavior L.E. considers to be ignorant, unnecessary, disrespectful, discourteous and unlawful.

When dropping off his friends at the terminal L.E.'s progress was halted by a taxi operator suddenly stopping his vehicle to drop off passengers. The operator (on both occasions) stopped and parked in the second lane from the kerb (even though there was space adjacent to the kerb for them to use. L.E. has even witnessed taxis stopping in the third lane causing havoc and great danger for other airport road users.

The taxi operators appear to believe that it is their right to do so. Our police/taxicab authority officers at the airport appear to encourage the taxi operators in that belief as they do nothing to correct the traffic flow (and in fact threatened to cite L.E. when he legally sounded his horn (as warning of his approach) to encourage a taxi operator to move out of a travel lane where he had parked to conclude his business with his fare.

L.E. understands that our economy largely depends upon tourism, however, he believes that our traffic laws should be enforced uniformly (as should any and all laws) as surely the laws were enacted for good reason? To make our roads as safe as possible for use by all of us. Imagine the chaos should we stop our vehicles in any lane when we visit Starbucks or other facilities or ignore other road rules?

AIR VEHICLE POLL RESULTS:

70% of respondents will consider purchasing an air powered vehicle. L.E. is with them and has high hopes for this propulsion method. http://zeropollutionmotors.us/

Bears joyride-There is hope!-Gas prices in Las Vegas are scary

Click on image to enlarge

POLL RESULTS:

44% of respondents of our last poll report that they never eat wild caught fish. The majority of respondents, however, eat wild caught fish at least once a week. Apparently eating fish has health benefits and L.E. chooses to eat fish at least 4 times per week in lieu of cow or other protein.

ELLIOT SPITZER:

It appears that power often begets irrational hypocracy as opposed to the rational hypocracy which L.E. and many others practice).

AIR POWERED CARS:

Amazing vehicles which run on compressed air-zero pollution-no batteries to go to landfills. Expected to be for sale in the U.S. within two years as a six seater for around $15,000. Prototypes are now running in France.

This may prove to be the "Smartest car" of all. Check it out at:

http://zeropollutionmotors.us/

LAS VEGAS GAS PRICES:

Continue to rise as a barrel of oil reaches $110.00. Yesterday L.E. paid $3.45 for each gallon he put in his vehicle's tank. Check out the link to local gas prices from previous post. It may save you a few Dollars. If only the air car was available now, L.E. believes the demand would be very high.

Da Bears go to Australia-Free Recipe ! gas prices in Las Vegas

Click on image to enlarge The twin bears, Eric and Ralph, on their way to stay with L.E.'s twin Granddaughters in Australia.

Today the Blog will change tone somewhat but do not fear it will revert to pillorying and other Las Vegas commentary very soon.

For example, L.E. is told that the current gas price hike may be designed to take our attention away from the avaricious mortgage companies and traders who have destroyed our Las Vegas (and other places) real estate market and caused our values to diminish regardless of type of mortgage (if any).

GAS PRICES:
First here is a site which provides the prices of gas in your neighborhood:www.automotive.com/gas-prices. Hope it helps you save a little. Here in Las Vegas, City of, we are at around $3.41 for Super.

GOOD FOOD and DRINK in Las Vegas:
Yesterday L.E. and wife met with good friends for a lunch at The Crown and Anchor pub on Tropicana. It serves an English style Sunday lunch for less than $11.00. The meal is roast lamb (or cow) with Yorkshire pudding (a popover), peas, carrots, roasted potatoes and gravy, mint sauce and is a generous serving. Consumed with a Black and Tan or other beverage while gossipping about friends and relatives, such as George, is a delightfully spent hour or so. As it was such a pleasant day we sat outside rather than in, which inside some may consider a little gloomy. http://www.crownandanchorlv.com/

Free Recipe for all, Las Vegas residents, international readers and national readers, including George (come on George fish isn't only for Fridays any more!)

L.E. has severely reduced his consumption of cow meat for reasons previously explained. Wild caught fish is now his preferred protein. Last evening when attempting to produce a tasty fish based dish, using the least possible pots and pans (to reduce the ugly cleanup), he created a decent dish which he now shares with you.

EASY, YET TASTY, LAS VEGAS FISH DISH
(in around one hour or less)

Ingredients for two persons:
Two fillets of firm fleshed wild caught fish such as Mahi-Mahi, Cod, Orange Roughy.
Two medium to large potatoes;
One onion;
One bell pepper (any color-the red and yellow apparently have more vitamin C than the green);
One good handful of cherry tomatoes;
One half cup of chopped Cilantro (or flakes if fresh not available);
Juice of one lime;
Salt, pepper;
Two tablespoons of Olive oil.
Method:
Cut the potatoes into one half inch cubes, gently boil in salted water until tender, yet not soft. Drain and set aside.
Heat the Olive oil in a 10-12 inch skillet (to which you have a lid).
Chop the onion into approximately one half inch pieces and chop the pepper similar size (remove seeds and membrane), add to the skillet at medium /low heat. Lightly season with salt and pepper Stir occasionally and cook until the onion begins to soften.
Add the diced potatoes and gently stir in.
Cook for approximately 15 minutes or until the potatoes are lightly browned and the onion and peppers are tender, yet not soft. Now add the tomatoes and gently stir in.

Season the fish fillets, both sides, with salt and pepper. Lay the fish on top of the vegetables and pour the lime juice over. Immediately put the lid on. Do not lift the lid. After 4-5 minutes remove the lid and check that the fish is just steam cooked through (carryover will complete the cooking leaving the fish perfectly moist).

Serve by placing the vegetables on individual plates then laying the fish on them, garnish with Cilantro if desired.

One has only two pots to wash which makes the meal even more enjoyable.
Also the left over vegetables (if any) are great fried up and served with an egg or two for breakfast or do a "Theresa box" for lunch.

L.E. shall conduct a poll to determine whether you all enjoyed this recipe.

SOLAR LAMP UPDATE:
Today's (vague as usual) channel 8 so-called news had a piece regarding Southwest Gas (our local natural gas provider monopoly). As communities change to solar street lighting a major obstacle is SWGas's cost of capping the existing service to the lamps. They apparently charge approximately $250 or so for each lamp capped (though apparently provided lamps and service lines free to developers who as the project completed passed the gas company charges on to the residents. As mentioned before the gas lamps burn continuously wasting energy and adding unnecessary greenhouse gases to our environment.
The news piece suggested that after some prodding by the PUC and politicians, SWGas may change its policy and not charge for the removal of service. L.E. applied to SWGas some months ago for an estimate to remove service to the existing lamps in his community but has yet to receive any response whatsoever.

LAS VEGAS CABLE PROVIDER POLL:
The Las Vegas cable provider poll indicated that an overwhelming majority of respondents believe we are not best served by such a monopoly.

Digital Max a Master of Deception?

click on image to enlarge

First L.E. will provide a fact pattern from which one may draw conclusions:

On or about February 22, 2008 an agent of Cox Communications called and offered L.E. cable internet service for six months at the cost of $19.95 per month, thereafter the cost would rise to $29.95 per month (still less than the Embarq DSL which runs $24.95 plus $10.00 "access fee"). The agent stated that a refurbished cable modem is included in the deal for $0.01.

L.E. stated that he needed to find how to provide a cable outlet for his home office and would accept if an outlet could be placed in a convenient location. The agent said that she would have L.E. called back "in a couple of days."

On or about February 25, 2008 L.E. received that call back. That agent reiterated the offer (including the modem for "one penny.") L.E.
accepted and was told that the conversation confirming the offer and acceptance will be recorded. He agreed and he believed that the deal was concluded.

Subsequently, L.E. received a monthly bill, dated February 28, 2008 from Cox. He noted that the bill included cable internet service from February 27 through March 1, 2008 and a charge of $25.00 for a refurbished cable modem.

L.E. immediately emailed Cox and suggested that a mistake had occurred as the cable modem should be $0.01 not $25.00. He received an email reply which stated "...Cox is committed to providing the best customer service possible. According to our records the pricing for the modem is correct. The penny modem refurbished program ended on January 13, 2008..."[sic]

L.E. responded that indeed he was offered the penny modem on dates in February by a Cox agent and that Cox has the opportunity to review the recorded conversation which confirms the offer and acceptance and should do so.

Cox replied that "we have issued a credit to your account as a one-time courtesy although the promotion had expired."

L.E. believes that Cox's attitude is condescending and again emailed Cox stating that he desired no "one-time courtesy," he merely requests that Cox abide by its side of the bargain. In this case apologize for the error and remove the incorrect charge because Cox is wrong. No one-time courtesy need be expended.

The Cox representative responded "we apologize that you feel you were misinformed by the original representative. As there is no way we can verify the information..."

L.E. found that response unsatisfactory, emailed to that effect and the next day returned the modem and asked that his account be returned to the status it was before the acceptance of the cable internet service.

L.E's actions may appear pedantic as the amount is relatively inconsequential. However, where a monopoly such as Cox treats consumers with such disregard and disdain, one should make a stand for principle as did L.E. If no one does so it is likely that they will become even more overbearing.

As Cox states "Cox is committed to providing the best customer service possible" it should encourage its employees to attempt to do so. It should be a simple matter for Cox to review the record of the offer and acceptance to either agree that it erred or find evidence that L.E. mis-heard. While to do so may be not cost effective as compared with issuing a sordid "one-time courtesy" it is ethically and morally correct. L.E. believes that while a monopoly such as Cox, Las Vegas exists it has no need to perform to its motto.

The attitude of the Cox employee throughout this interaction (a member of the so-called "customer service" department), L.E. believes is condescending and shows little, if any, regard for providing the best customer service possible.

Therefore, L.E. believes that Cox should modify its motto as he cannot find that is is seriously committed to "providing the best customer service possible."

When is the last time that your Cox bill reflected a credit for cable outage?

Cox's monopoly allows it to increase charges to consumers annually (which it apparently never fails to do). Check your next bill as it will be up by two Dollars or more.

Angry man L.E.Fant will pillory the monopoly Cox Cable, Las Vegas.

click to enlarge

n. pl. pil·lo·ries
A wooden framework on a post, with holes for the head and hands, in which offenders were formerly locked to be exposed to public scorn as punishment.
tr.v. pil·lo·ried, pil·lo·ry·ing, pil·lo·ries
1. To expose to ridicule and abuse.
2. To put in a pillory as punishment.

Angry man L.E. Fant will discuss/pillory Cox Cable Las Vegas later this day, or tomorrow--keep checking. New poll will be included for your participation.

Today L.E. paid $3.37 for each gallon of gas he put in his vehicle's tank.

100% of respondents to the poll regarding whether our community should investigate the viability of us creating a community owned electric supply utility to replace the bloated, for profit Nevada Power responded that we should do so.

Bryce Canyon-not so far from Las Vegas

click to enlarge

POLL RESULT:

Not surprisingly (yet disappointing to L.E.) 60% of those polled indicated they vote party lines regardless. There were 40% who will vote for a candidate who has proven himself one able to make change. That 40% result indicates hope for our and our children's' futures

NEVADA POWER:

On Sunday morning's channel 8 news it was mentioned that Nevada Power (our electric supply monopoly) will reduce prices to consumers in the next months. No reasons were stated by channel 8's hard hitting news reporter. L.E. wonders why, in a time of rising energy prices, Nevada Power is reducing prices. Is it because we (the consumers)have now reimbursed Nevada Power for its apparently poor business judgment when it lost millions to failed Enron contracts? L.E. will investigate and let you know.

GASOLINE PRICES/ HOME PRICES:

Are still rising at an alarming rate here in Las Vegas as home prices still appear to be dropping.

Gas prices in Las Vegas are too high-Spring may be here-Many distrust cow meat supply-Vote for change=Vote for Nader.

click on image to enlargeEARLY SPRING IN LAS VEGAS?:

Here is a picture of blooms on L.E. Fant's miniature peach tree. The tree started blooming early this week, when our Las Vegas temperatures moderated. This little tree usually provides 20 or more delicious peaches. L.E. picks them when each one is ripe and succulent. Every one is relished by him and birds which beat L.E. to the harvest.

GAS PRICES ARE CRAZY IN LAS VEGAS and GETTING CRAZIER AS EACH DAY PASSES-HOW TO SAVE GAS:

Gas prices are making L.E. sick. He is even changing the oil in his vehicles to synthetic in the hope of greater gas mileage being realized through less friction in the engines. He has checked tire pressures, made sure tune up is up to date, drives more gently--all to see a gas consumption average (in the city) of less than 14 mpg on both vehicles (little A.C. used as yet either). As the subject vehicles are relatively heavy (approx. 5-6,000 lbs each) perhaps this gas mileage is as good as it gets. It appears that to really reduce one's gasoline costs one needs to leave the vehicles in the garage, or, at least plan journeys with care completing as many tasks as possible within each trip. This is all extremely tedious, yet L.E. shall make a serious attempt to do so.

SMART CAR NOW NOT A SMART CHOICE FOR L.E.

As regular readers may recall L.E. seriously considered purchasing a Smart Car. However, when its fuel economy figures were released, L.E. was disappointed. L.E. believes such a small, two seat car (with no room for "the dog" when two persons are in the car) should return greater economy than those shown in the latest EPA estimates for Smart Car, after all it carries little more than L.E.'s Vespa scooter which has admirable gas mileage. Also L.E. has had bad experiences with Mitsubishi (the folks that manufactured the "Zero" airplane) car engines (a Mitsubishi engine is apparently fitted in Smart Cars).

The Indian manufacturer Tata (purchaser of Jaguar/ Landrover?) and the maker of the "Nano" $2,500 four door mini-car, is likely to introduce a mini truck based neighborhood electric vehicle to the U.S. L.E. shall investigate its virtues. L.E. wonders why the $3,000 subsidy toward electric vehicle purchase was dropped? http://www.tatamotors.com/

L.E. is considering changing gas cards to one which provides a rebate for each expensive gallon purchased (his current Chevron card has such a feature for only a limited time). http://www.rewardscards.com/

INTERPRETATION OF L.E.'s COW MEAT SAFETY SURVEY:

The results of L.E.'s informal survey regarding confidence in the safety of our regular supplies of corn fed cow meat revealed (as expected) that many of us have concern which is likely raised by the many incidences of safety recalls of cow meat, each recall seemingly for larger amounts than the previous one. Only one respondent indicated that they were not concerned with the safety of cow meat and believes the current U.S.D.A. inspection process is sufficient. L.E. shall make further investigation and report. L.E. suggests one should read "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan, in order to gain a background into the cow meat industry. Also viewing the movie "Fast Food Nation" may be insightful.

VOTE FOR CHANGE=A VOTE FOR NADER.

L.E. believes a vote for Nader may result in actual, positive, change for the benefit of citizens-not corporations (even if he is not elected). Ralph has a substantial record to prove his sincerity of purpose, whereas, others asking for your vote for their candidacy for change have little, if any, record of promoting or achieving meaningful change. Please take L.E.'s informal survey regarding this issue. http://www.votenader.org/

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