Las Vegas Home Prices Plummet, Las Vegas Billboard Images-Collector Series, Poll Results.

Please click on images to enlarge.

A Few more of the extremely important Collectors Limited Edition Series of Las Vegas Billboard Memorabilia soon to be available in near sofa size framed, signed and numbered, glossy or matt prints at unreasonable (to some) prices for your continuing enjoyment!

However, not easier than L.E. thinks!L.E. believes this to be inarguable

(and adds "or break" between "make" and "the").
WARNING.Remember, most Poll respondents concluded Roberto's food to be inedible!

Sir Galahad's Closure:

L.E. Fant received correspondence from Michael Kennedy, Director of Food & Beverage, Excalibur Hotel Casino Las Vegas after L.E. communicated his horror and extreme disappointment that the fabulous restaurant had closed.

Mr. Kennedy mentioned that the property is "serving the same delicious prime rib" from its "open kitchen" at the Steakhouse at Camelot.

(Visit us on the web: http://www.excalibur.com/)

L.E. shall attend the Camelot Steakhouse with an open mind and report his findings.

COMPUTER TROUBLE CAUSED YESTERDAY'S LACK OF POST:

L.E. purchased new data storage for his aging computer together with a USB 2.o adaptor (so he may download magnificent large scale images for his readers' pleasure with greater speed) and a new wireless router to replace his existing 5 year old and now outmoded router.

Of course there were (actually still are) problems with these changes. The USB card went in easily and immediately worked as it should without tedious configurations. "Hooray" said L.E. as he fitted the new hard drive under the existing small capacity one. He found that this job will be a breeze as there was an existing data cable which had provision for the second drive and a second power cable.

These cables were merely available to entice the inexperienced into believing this may be an easy job. L.E. connected the cables and booted up (tech term-not literal) his computer. He was chagrined to find a black screen which demanded he insert a boot disc-not the lovely blue Windows welcome. As he has no memory of where this allusive "boot disc" may be he needed plan two.

After contemplation and reviewing the unused yet similar looking cable which was supplied with the new hard drive he decided that to cover as many bases as possible he should use that cable (perhaps a few pins which puncture the ribbon are strategically missing which may make some difference he thought).

Not so easy as to use the cable as instructed (first old drive then new, or the converse) L.E. had to remove both hard drives and transpose their positions with the bowels of his computer.

Having attended to this surgery L.E. re-booted the beast and all was well-blue screen straight into Windows. A little more effort yielded recognition of the new drive.

All that remained was for L.E. to add the new wireless router. Upon advise from a sage friend who has knowledge of these matters L.E. had chosen a different brand of router. This new router promised easy installation and came with a CD with which to quickly configure the set-up and be back on the Internet.

That failed. No Internet was available for L.E. Believing the problem to likely be his modem L.E. spent considerable time finding a telephone to connect to the DSL line at the modem to prove it had signal. It did.

Now a two hour phone conversation with an Embarq technical support agent who was very difficult to hear as apparently (he said) the headset provided did not suit the size of his head and, therefore, the microphone was not adjacent to his mouth). After swapping cables of various colors and cycling on and off machines-nothing. Next we did various configs and removed new router programs-nothing. Now we re-installed the old router-it worked. Next we did things which apparently proved that the Embarq modem was still a fine piece of equipment and was definitely not the cause of L.E.'s lack of internet access.

The Embarq man told L.E. that he was only concerned that Embarq was holding up its end of the bargain and that L.E. now need call the support people for the router.

L.E. is yet to do that and is today using the "old" router to write this. He needs to recuperate before setting off on another such journey into the nether worlds of IT.

POLL REGARDING WHICH HAS MOST FAT:

Respondents were 50% -50% regarding which has the most fat, McDonald’s hamburger or D.Q.’s fudge sundae. [For comparison L.E. chose D.Q.’s “medium” size sundae].

A McDonald’s hamburger provides one with 250 calories and contains 9gm total fat (3.5 gm saturated fat).

A medium D.Q. fudge sundae provides 440 calories, contains 15 gm of total fat (11gms saturated fat).

These figures are taken from the nutritional information provided by McDonald’s and Dairy Queen on their respective web sites.

These amounts are interesting if one is attempting to consume 1800-2000 calories per day. E.G. approximately 9.5 burgers will provide one’s daily target calorie intake or 4 sundaes.


Las Vegas leads nation's (actually of the 10 cities for which results are tabulated) home price slump.

Yes again we lead the Nation - with the largest home price devaluation. According to today’s F.T. our homes' worth have depleted a further, whopping 22.8 percent during the past year alone!

L.E. reiterates his opinion that this disaster (for us homeowners) was caused, in large part, by avaricious bankers who we (as taxpayers) are now bailing out. Even with this miserable result, some still believe fervently in self regulation of such industries. Ask your Presidential candidate his or her opinion.

http://www.votenader.org/

Las Vegas Stratosphere, Las Vegas Dining, Las Vegas Solar energy, Las Vegas Billboards.

NEW EXTREMELY IMPORTANT SERIES FOR SERIOUS COLLECTORS OF LAS VEGAS ART MEMORABILIA!

Again L.E. Fant is there for you with his Limited Edition Series of Las Vegas Style Billboard Images! To be made available framed or merely as signed prints.

Here is a sample for you:

No. 1 of __

____________________________________________________

The Solar panel array at Nellis AFB

covers over 130 acres and is quite a sight.

SOLAR PANEL ARRAY AT NELLIS AFB. WITH

STRATOSPHERE IN BACKGROUND.

The panels "follow " the sun and apparently provide 30% of the electrical power which the Nellis Facility consumes.

____________________________________________________

"WOE IS ME!" SAYS L.E. FANT.

L.E. has learned that Excalibur has CLOSED SIR GALAHAD'S. This restaurant has been L.E.'s Las Vegas favorite since he dined there the first year the Excalibur opened (from memory 1989). Many of the staff worked in the restaurant from then until its closure.

As L.E. has previously mentioned the dining experience was, in his opinion, unparalleled in Las Vegas and a remarkable value.

L.E. preferred to dine there with family and friends instead of dining at the Stratosphere Room at the Top (great view of our city-patchy, sometimes very poor service)or the Steakhouse at the Bellagio (its name escapes him as it was not a memorable experience other than the pretentiousness and condescension of its staff)or other establishments.

Of the many times L.E. dined at Sir Galahad's each occasion was memorable with great food, wine, the absolute best service he has ever enjoyed in Las Vegas (or in fact or most of the world) and as the portions were ample, L.E.'s dog shared leftover meat later. The house salad which was complimentary with one's meal was delicious also.

L.E. takes this opportunity to thank all the staff of Sir Galahad's for their excellent work during its existence and wishes them well.

L.E. Fant is petitioning the management of Excalibur to re-open Sir Galahad's. He understands that a business decision was reached, probably sales were low, which caused the closure. L.E. believes, however, that if a little was spent advertising the many virtues of Sir Galahad's and its magnificent dining experience it may well prove viable.

If you feel the same way please take time to email, write of call Excalibur management and express your desire that Sir Galadad's be re-opened soon.

Las Vegas Style FREE Recipe!! Las Vegas Limited Edition Collector images of Old School Motels.

STOP PRESS:

MAN KILLED BY SHARK OFF SAN DIEGO, CA!! FIRST SUCH DEATH IN MANY YEARS

click on images to enlarge! Two bedroom suites available at the Lamplighter.
Old school charm here.
The Gatewood offers smog checks as well

as accommodations in a cubist environment?

POLL:

Most agree that El Pollo Loco and Chipotle Mexican Grill have the healthiest ingredients of the major chain take out restaurants.

Wendy’s Burger (chain) consumed by Nelson Peltz.

The billionaire has added Wendy’s to his portfolio which includes Arby’s. Apparently Wendy’s has been losing ground (beef?) to her arch (intentional pun) rival McDonald's. L.E. guesses this answers the question “where’s the beef?”

What to do?
Interest rates (maybe 3.05%) on our savings accounts are at a level which L.E. believes do not keep up with inflation (check out gasoline and food prices).

Stock prices, even of many stocks which report improved earnings, seem to be down around 25% from last year and there is still fear among many analysts (and stock holders) that recent recovery is just a classic bear market rally. If true many of us will be devastated, especially those of us who face having only a few years in which to recover financially.

Many of us now live in (to classify as “own” appears pretentious in this climate) homes which are now valued (by comparable sales) at perhaps half of the amount one paid for it.

Should we buy gold? Should we live and be merry, spending our savings? Cash in our stocks? Or buy more in the hope that the market (stock and housing) has “bottomed?”

HERE IS ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY FREE AND FABULOUS LAS VEGAS STYLE RECIPE FOR YOUR DINING PLEASURE COURTESY OF LAS VEGAS CELEBRITY AND PERENNIAL RACONTEUR L.E. FANT

LAS VEGAS STYLE RAUNCHY RUBEN

Today, while attending to business at the magnificent Las Vegas City Hall, L.E. had the pleasure to converse with a Chicago native who missed her beloved Ruben sandwiches (made the Chicago way).
L.E. pondered and recalled a recipe he used some while ago for his Las Vegas Style Raunchy Ruben:

Ingredients (for two sandwiches).
4 slices of Rye bread of your choice.
8 oz of shaved best quality corned beef or pastrami if your desire).
½ cup or so of thousand island dressing with 2 tsp red enchilada sauce mixed in-(or use Russian for traditional taste).
3 oz of well drained sauerkraut.
2 big slices of good Swiss cheese.
Pat of butter.

Method:
(While admittedly tedious L.E. believes the steaming makes a moister, more succulent and, therefore, delicious sandwich than does mere grilling-if you can’t be bothered with steaming use a skillet and grill instead)
Set up a steamer (Chinese style or saucepan with water and grid).
Pile 1/2 of the meat on greaseproof paper or plate in the steamer, top with the cheese. Steam until piping hot and cheese nicely melted. Warm the sauerkraut in the steamer or in a pan.

Meanwhile butter one side of the bread slices, grill until golden.

Apply the dressing generously to both insides of the bread, fill by piling in the meat and cheese, add the warm sauerkraut on top, cut in half and consume while hot and melty!

You may find help at: www.automotive.com/gas-prices

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

Las Vegas Old School Motel Collector Series Images.

click on images to enlarge. The famous Bonanza Motel was not located at the Ponderosa as many believed but here in Las Vegas!
The Walden is adjacent to...?

POLL:

Most believe that Roberto's Taco Shop provides food which is inedible. This is in accord with L.E.'s finding and may well be taken as a warning.

OTHER NEWS:

Bank of America Reports 77% decline in profit as provisions for credit losses climb. [F.T. 4/22/08].

Hillary Clinton, after big win warns Iran we will "obliterate Iran" when asked about a possible Iranian nuclear assault on Israel.

L.E. ponders whether her style of rhetoric will enhance the U.S.'s image or further harm it. Also whether such talk makes Hillary's ambition less or more credible with voters.

Only one Presidential candidate appears to have a proper grasp of how the U.S. should engage middle east nations according to L.E. http://www.votenader.org/

Ex U.S. Army engineer arrested for providing Israeli diplomat with nuclear and weapons information. [F.T. 4/23/08].

FINANCIAL TIMES:

Today L.E. received three copies of the Financial Times. One of Monday's edition, one of Tuesday's edition and one for today.

In L.E.'s opinion the best news contained therein was an advertisement for men's shirts from a London based quality shirt maker whereby one may purchase four shirts for $200.

OIL PRICES TOY WITH $120 per barrel as Dollar falters:

Some expect $200 soon. As the summer season approaches it appears likely that $4.00 per gallon is very likely here in Las Vegas.

HAS L.E. FANT CAUSED RICE PRICES TO SKYROCKET?

Perhaps the recent publication of L.E's fabulous risotto and curry recipes have created a run on rice as his readers prepare those recipes for their grateful families and friends?

Many Chinese restaurants in San Francisco and indeed around the world are hoarding rice as the prices continue to rise on world markets. Rice has risen around 50% in the past month or so and may continue to become more expensive.

Bargain Las Vegas Hotels/ Motels, Limited Edition, Collector Series Images, Las Vegas Eating out.

click on images to enlarge. Two more memorabilia images of the Limited Edition Series of "the other Las Vegas." Very catchy name "Par-A-Dice MOTEL." Claims to have Large furnished rooms. Expect Huge savings compared with strip room prices!
The Desert Moon Motel is convenient to an apparently Italian bakery.

Need supplies, or?

NO NEWS MAY BE GOOD NEWS?
The Financial Times again has failed to deliver L.E. Fant his copy. This is now two days in a row without access to its mine of information relating to our world.

LAS VEGAS EATING OUT:

Some time ago L.E. ate at a Roberto's Tacos. He had noticed many of this chain around town and thought that as there were so many the food was likely good.

Unfortunately that was not the case in L.E.'s experience. He believes that the food was awful, mostly inedible, greasy and vile. The condiment area was unkempt and unappealing.

Needless to say L.E. has never set foot within a Roberto's Taco Shop since. He wonders whether his experience was typical or he went on a very bad day?

OIL MAKES $119 per barrel:

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

Las Vegas Hotels, Collector series images of "the other Las Vegas."

Please click on images to enlarge This Fremont St. motel is convenient to public transport and offers old world clapboard charm for its guests.

The Las Vegas Hotel may be more appealing to light sleepers than the adjacent Ogden House Motel as it offers a 1/2 day rate of only $19.99(see the sign on the glass door for details). L.E. wonders whether one has a choice of which half of the day.



L.E. took this image as the machine's rider was issuing a ticket to an unfortunate motorist. It is a gratuitous image which may appeal to some.

POLL:

Most agree with L.E. that "the bird" is likely a Northern Mockingbird.

GREAT NEWS FOR QUITE A FEW:

The U.S. apparently has 3,100,000 people claiming to be millionaires. [F.T. 4/21/08].

NO DAILY PAPER FOR L.E.!

L.E. Fant is irritated. For many months home delivery of his copy of the F.T. has been "spotty." Many complaints to its circulation department have not improved the delivery situation. Most weeks at least one or two issues are late by a day or not delivered at all.

L.E. today commented to the F.T.'s publisher that perhaps where delivery is uncertain in a particular area it may be better to not offer delivery as poor delivery standards reflect poorly on an otherwise magnificent and extremely informative publication.

Las Vegas Budget Accomodations, Las Vegas Hotels, Las Vegas birds.

This creature has taken up residence in L.E.'s tree. It chatters at L.E. incessantly commencing each dawn. L.E. believes it to be a Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) but will accept correction from those more knowledgeable.


(Please click on images to enlarge)

This morning at 7:30 am NLVPD Swat and other officers were apparently doing business at the "Trailer Oasis" on N. Las Vegas Blvd. Or maybe these officers live there?


Below are the next two images of "The Other Las Vegas" Budget Accommodations and Entertainment Collectors' Limited Edition Series soon to be offered to Las Vegas memorabilia collectors:

Entertainment and accommodation here at way less than Strip prices!! Can't beat it! Some rooms have view of the hills, others don't.

An entrepreneur has apparently opened a necktie business next to the Desert Hills Motel. L.E. presumes the Motel has a strict dress code for its guests? The clincher here is the pool! Perhaps not Mandalay Bay,perhaps no sharks, yet the tariff is many, many $$$ less per night

As promised, tomorrow another two of the series will be released for your preview.

POLL RESULT/ COMMENT FROM L.E. FANT of LAS VEGAS:

Most (85%) apparently believe a trial is in order before execution. L.E. asks "If so, why a desire to eliminate/ shorten the appeals process (previous Poll result) which surely is testing the validity of the preceding trial." Death is usually forever. Mistakes are human.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

LAS VEGAS (The "other Las Vegas") Limited Edition Photographs. SAVE BIG ON HOTEL and ENTERTAINMENT IN LAS VEGAS !

Please click on images to enlarge and see greater detail. Spin the wheel and take your chance at the Roulette Motel on Fremont...
Then head on down to the Ukulele Lounge on Las Vegas Blvd. for "great food" and assorted entertainment opportunities...

L.E. Fant has scoured the "other" Las Vegas to find bargains for tourists whose Dollar may not go as far as it once did. L.E. will show photographic images of these finds at the rate of two per day while they last.

For those willing and desiring (perhaps due to financial constraints caused by our extremely greedy financial houses of ill repute) to bypass the big glossy strip properties and their extremely high prices, these properties may offer huge savings and maybe excitement not found elsewhere.

As a corollary L.E. has determined that these images are indeed collectible as authentic Las Vegas memorabilia. He shall shortly offer signed prints (framed if you desire) of this limited series of gritty art for you serious collectors. Such opportunities are indeed rare.

L.E. also sees this exposition as his way of helping get more tourist Dollars in our community. Las Vegas's economy may well improve due to his unselfish dedication to our city.

HERE IT IS, THE FABULOUS LAS VEGAS STYLE RECIPE YOU HAVE BEEN EAGERLY ANTICIPATING. DIRECT TO YOU (ABSOLUTELY FREE OF ANY CHARGES WHATSOEVER) FROM THE KITCHENS OF THE CELEBRATED L.E. FANT of LAS VEGAS.

LAS VEGAS STYLE CREAMY, CLASSIC AND EXTREMELY SCRUMPTIOUS TOMATO BASIL RISOTTO FOR TWO (in around 30 minutes).

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup arborio rice
2-21/2 cups chicken stock
2 Tbs olive oil
1 clove garlic finely chopped
4 shallots finely chopped or ½ large onion finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes skinned and seeded (blanch in boiling water for 10 seconds, peel skin, cut into ¼’s cut and scrape out seeds, then cut into 3/8 inch pieces.
Two or three or four leaves of fresh basil and finely chop (roll up together and slice into 1/8 inch pieces).
1/6 cup grated Parmesan cheese [preferably fresh grated not the canned stuff with added anti-caking ingredients]
Salt and pepper to taste.

METHOD:
Sauté the garlic and shallots/ onions in 2 Tbs olive oil (add a knob of unsalted butter for decadency), lightly season with salt and pepper and cook until soft. [Keep stirring and be careful to not burn the garlic].
Meanwhile Heat the chicken stock to simmer in saucepan.
Add rice to pan with shallots/onions and stir for 3-5 minutes until coated with oil and just beginning a tan perhaps
Reduce heat to low [a simmer]. Add 1 cup of the hot chicken stock and stir gently until it is absorbed into the rice. Add the stock a ladle full at a time and stir each addition until absorbed. This should take around 15 minutes and the rice should be creamy consistency and just cooked through. Use more or less stock and time to achieve this. [The secret here is to add the stock a little at a time and gently stir until absorbed by the rice before adding more-it may take longer depending upon the rice and temperature].

Remove from heat and gently fold in the tomatoes, basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, perhaps with a green salad [please use a simple dressing such as oil and vinegar so as to not conflict with the flavors of the risotto] and glass of wine of your choice. The aromatics of this dish are magnificent.

OIL HITS $116 per barrel!
www.automotive.com/gas-prices may help you save $$.

DID YOU TAKE TIME TO PLAY PACMAN? IT IS THE WEEKEND YOU KNOW. http://www.freepacman.org/welcome.html

POLL:

The last two polls indicate that a majority of respondents believe a death penalty should exist in the U.S. They further believe that the appeals process regarding capital cases should be shortened/ eliminated.

Today's Poll takes us even further into this morass...

Las Vegas Venetian, Las Vegas Death Penalty Poll Results, Oil over $115 per barrel.

click on images to enlarge Sculpture for sale at the Venetian some while ago
Singing Venetian Gondolier in Gondola
Solar lamp
Saving CO2 emissions in Las Vegas

Las Vegas ranks 20th in nation!:

Las Vegas (Clark County) ranks 20th in the nation for CO2 emissions! We produce 5,955,000,000 tons per annum. That seems a lot. Solar lighting, where practical, will reduce that amount as will use of electric lawnmowers.

Lawful use of DEADLY FORCE by Henderson Police?

Inquest regarding Henderson police fatal shooting of ice cream vendor at RJC is open to the public. Apparently a number of witnesses claim the shooting was unjustified as the diminutive woman had no weapon.

OIL OVER $115 Per Barrel!!

Today's FT reveals that oil has reached $115 per barrel.

L.E. and many of us are concerned as to our future driving habits as gasoline prices escalate.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

RICE REACHES $1,000 per tonne on world markets!

As staples reach record high prices many more throughout the world will be in danger of starvation.

Enjoy L.E.'s Risotto recipes while rice is affordable!!

Yesterday's Poll Results:

57% of respondents indicated that they believe we should retain the death penalty. This close result shows how divisive the issue remains to us.

TOMORROW:

ANOTHER LAS VEGAS STYLE RECIPE (using as few pots as possible and being prepared in the shortest time practical yet possessing superb flavor and textures) FROM THE KITCHENS OF L.E. FANT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR YOUR POSSIBLE PLEASURE TOMORROW--PLEASE TUNE IN.

UPDATE ON L.E.'s "Computer Worldwide TV."

Las Vegas Stratosphere, Las Vegas Chicken Curry, Las Vegas's Andre Agassi.

click on images to enlarge.LAS VEGAS RESIDENT ANDRE AGASSI IS A GREAT BENEFACTOR OF LAS VEGAS YOUTH
STRATOSPHERE VIEWED FROM MLK

L.E. apologizes for the lack of post yesterday. He was attending to his wife after she endured relatively minor surgery yesterday.

YESTERDAY'S POLL:

83% Of Superior Respondents believe that Ralph Nader most reflected the values contained within the Presidential quotations.

As L.E. has noted before, and now reiterates, One may as well vote for Wal-Mart or G.E. or Texaco, etc. as voting for either duopoly candidate amounts to the same.

Hillary sides with McCain to beat Obama to detriment of Dems?

She is using similar criticism of Obama as is McCain. Many Democrats decry this behavior as they believe it helps McCain. L.E., however, is not surprised by her exhibition of desperation in this vile race.

TODAY'S INSIGHTFUL POLL:

Yesterday the Supreme Court has cleared the way for executions to resume. It concludes that lethal injections (as used by many states including Nevada) do not amount to "cruel and unusual punishment."

Even though many states do not allow pets to be put to sleep using the same method as now used to execute humans, the Court held that "simply the possibility of pain" does not meet the cruel and unusual punishment standard of "wanton exposure to objectively intolerable risk."

The Nevada Supreme Court has not yet lifted the stay on Nevada's executions and will review the U.S. Supreme Court Decision before ruling.

Some argue that the death penalty is archaic and is merely retribution. Many civilized, developed counties have abolished the death penalty many years ago. Should the U.S.?

LAS VEGAS STYLE CELEBRATED, CHEERFUL CHICKEN CURRY for two in approximately 30 minutes or less.

NOTE:
L.E. used to make this dish using chicken thighs with a little breast meat. However, since dietary modification was necessary to reduce his intake of evil fats he now uses only breast meat in the recipe (the coconut milk is fatty). He is of the opinion that the flavor of the dish is better when using the thighs. Therefore, one may substitute say 3 thighs instead of the breast or use a combination.

INGREDIENTS:
Chicken: skinless, boneless breast or 3 skinless thighs or combination.
1 large onion chopped.
1 0r 2 cloves of garlic chopped.
2-3 tsp curry powder (according to taste).
½ tsp red pepper flakes.
Salt and pepper to taste.
2 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs butter
1 can of coconut milk.
1 cup long grain rice.
Optional: ½ cup of cooked sweet peas to add to cooked rice, ¼ cauliflower cut into ¼ inch slices or florets or eggplant or your choice of veg

METHOD:
Heat 11/2 Tsp oil and 1 Tsp butter over medium heat in skillet. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring (to prevent burning) for 3 minutes. Sprinkle 11/2 tsp curry powder over onion/ garlic and stir in. Continue cooking another two minutes.
Lightly coat the chicken breast (cut into ¾ inch chunks) and/or thighs with salt, pepper and curry powder. Move the onion to sides of skillet and add remainder of oil/ butter in center. Brown the chicken, turning so all sides are browned.
Add 2 cups of coconut milk and stir in so bottom of pan is cleaned of “bits.” Cover and simmer on low heat for approx. 15-20 minutes, adding cauliflower if used at t6he 10 minute mark (or until meat on thighs falls off). Add remaining coconut milk or simmer with lid off to obtain proper sauce consistency. Adjust with pepper flakes, hot sauce, more curry powder to your taste during last five minutes of cooking.
Meanwhile cook the rice (see previous recipes or instructions on rice packet). Mix the cooked peas into the rice and plate. Serve the curry over the rice and maybe add a side of plain yogurt with chopped cucumber to cool one’s palate.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices MAY PROVE USEFUL.

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

Only one Presidential candidate is unambiguously NOT PART OF THE EXISTING DUOPOLY: http://www.votenader.org/

Las Vegas Binion's, FREE Risotto recipe, Poll regarding corporations.

Please click on images to enlarge Waiting for work? [cnr. Bonanza and MLK]
Waiting for the Moulin Rouge Buffet to re-open?

[see: yesterday's post]
Las Vegas infamous Binion's

[taken through windshield at 65 mph-sorry]

Today's Poll/Civics Quiz is regarding important, memorable historical quotations and your opinion, as Superior Readers, regarding their current relevance.

Please take time to review the following Presidential quotations and then participate. Below is a fabulous FREE Risotto Recipe as reward for your efforts!

"I hope that we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country."- Thomas Jefferson
"I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country . . . corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed."- Abraham Lincoln
"Big business is not dangerous because it is big, but because its bigness is an unwholesome inflation created by privileges and exemptions which it ought not to enjoy." - Woodrow Wilson
"The citizens of the United States must control the mighty commercial forces which they themselves called into being."- Theodore Roosevelt
"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex." - Dwight Eisenhower
"I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves - and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion." - Thomas Jefferson
"The first truth is that the liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in its essence, is fascism - ownership of government by an individual, by

a group, or by any other controlling private power." -

Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Gleaned from: http://www.votenader.org/

YESTERDAY'S POLL RESULT:

100% of Superior Respondents believe that the Las Vegas Moulin Rouge should be restored and re-opened.

The Dali Llama is in the U.S. and will be met by "an envoy" of the administration. He is apparently blamed by the Chinese for allegedly instigating human rights demonstrations surrounding the Olympic Games.

The Pope is here to enlighten U.S. residents by spreading the good word according to the Catholic faith and faithful.

AT LONG LAST! HERE IS ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY FREE and FABULOUS RECIPE FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT [SIMPLE CURRY RECIPE FOLLOWING VERY SOON]:

LAS VEGAS STYLE MAGNIFICENT MUSHROOM RISOTTO FOR TWO (in around 30 minutes).

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup arborio rice
2-21/2 cups chicken stock
21/2 Tbs olive oil
1 clove garlic finely chopped
3-4 oz sliced sauteed crimini mushrooms [these are immature portobello’s]
1/6 cup grated Parmesan cheese [preferably fresh grated not the canned stuff with added anti-caking ingredients]
salt and pepper to taste.

METHOD:
Sauté the garlic and sliced mushrooms in ½ Tbs olive oil (add a knob of unsalted butter for decadency), lightly season with salt and pepper and cook until soft. [Keep stirring and be careful to not burn the garlic]. Set aside.

Meanwhile Heat the chicken stock to simmer in saucepan.
Put 2 Tbs olive oil in skillet and heat at medium low-add rice and stir for 3-5 minutes until coated with oil and just beginning a tan.
Reduce heat to low [a simmer]. Add 1 cup of the hot chicken stock and stir gently until it is absorbed into the rice. Add the stock a ladle full at a time and stir each addition until absorbed. This should take around 15 minutes and the rice should be creamy consistency and just cooked through. Use more or less stock and time to achieve this. [The secret here is to add the stock a little at a time and stir until absorbed by the rice before adding more-it may take longer depending upon the rice and temperature].

Remove from heat and gently fold in the cooked mushrooms and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, perhaps with a green salad [use a simple dressing such as oil and vinegar so as to not conflict with the flavors of the risotto] and glass of wine of your choice.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices may save you some $$.

http://www.playedonline.com/game/1603/Video-Poker.html may be fun.

Las Vegas Moulin Rouge, Steak & eggs for less than the cost of a gallon of gas? T.V. on your computer.

click on images to enlarge The Las Vegas Moulin Rouge today.

(please excuse poor image-taken at 40 mph through windshield)

This west Las Vegas casino opened and closed during 1955. It was the first integrated casino property in Las Vegas. Until its opening black performers working strip properties were not allowed to stay at, or gamble in the those casinos.

Many famous celebrities entertained and stayed at the Moulin Rouge including Sammy Davis Jr., Louis Armstrong, George Burns, Frank Sinatra and many more.

In 1992 the building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

L.E. Fant was recently invited to a meeting which was to introduce investors to local folk with the aim of renovating and re-opening this historic Las Vegas property.

Steak and Eggs available in Las Vegas for the price of a gallon of gas, by August?

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

Las Vegas residents are mostly well read!!

www.ShowTickets4Locals.com

North Korea:

Will no longer have to provide a complete declaration of its nuclear activities under a tentative deal with the U.S.

This is a significant relaxation of last years' agreement and is apparently to "ease tensions."

It is rumored that North Korea is assisting Syria in its nuclear objectives.

[This information was gleaned from the April 14, 2008 F.T.] L.E. is not aware of major media reports regarding our appeasement. Have our Presidential candidates discussed this issue?

http://www.votenader.org/blog/2008/04/09/polly-wanna-cracker/

Computer T.V.

After using the service for a couple of days L.E. reports that he believes the one-time fee is reasonable even though it is not regular T.V. He reaches this conclusion as he finds it interesting to view or listen to news from all over the world. The almost countless number of radio programs from which one may choose are a welcome bonus.

There are a number of old T.V. classics available such as Dragnet, Alfred Hitchcock presents, and others and some overseas sports programming such as Australian football.

One may also play countless free games online.

http://www.inklineglobal.com/adsales/earthlink/tvo_offer_300_broadcast.html?mcp=US

Las Vegas Stardust Nostalgia

please click on image to enlarge

One Dollar Gaming Token from defunct Stardust.

L.E. has a few of these as souvenirs

STOP PRESS:

Yesterday L.E. mentioned a service which provides T.V. feed via one's computer. L.E. hoped that maybe he could replace his cable subscription with it. The service claims 1500 channels worldwide are available.

L.E. subscribed and finds that the service is not a replacement for his cable service. The reason is that there are no regular TV programs available. The channels are mostly of news programs and are usually recorded from a while ago.Many are not immediately available and one may spend much time attempting to log on to a channel. without success.

It is, however, interesting to view all the different countries' TV.

L.E. brings you this quick review in order that you are aware of the limitations of the service before you spend your Dollars.

GAS PRICES:

Today L.E. spent $81.00 topping off the tank of his vehicle [$3.61].

Poll Results:

Indicate that a majority will not seriously consider purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle when gas costs $5.00 or more.

Please see below for links to gas prices.

Las Vegas Venetian, Las Vegas M & M Store and more

View from gondola at the Venetian
Las Vegas Venetian
M & M Store on Las Vegas Strip

CANDY PRICES UP?

Maybe your Mars bar will cost more (as does seemingly everything)?
An Indonesian court recently fined Mars over $6 million for allegedly breaching an agreement with its Indonesian distributor.

POLL:

33% of respondents believe gas will cost over $4.00 in Las Vegas after August. A further 33% believe May will be the month when $4.00 is exceeded. One respondent believes June will be the month. Whenever it occurs L.E. will dread that day as then $5.00 will be an appropriate target!

Las Vegas Gas Prices: www.automotive.com/gas-prices

Free TV?
Has anyone tried this service? If its claims are true one may save a considerable number of Dollars (in L.E.’s case over $60 per month) by using it. Is it too good to be true or is it a winner? Maybe L.E. will check it out and let you know.

http://www.inklineglobal.com/adsales/earthlink/tvo_offer_300_broadcast.html?mcp=US

RECIPE FAILURE:

L.E. attempted (due to a request from a Superior Reader) to have his delicious, sustaining and only marginally unhealthy chicken curry recipe available today. He apologizes to his Superior Readers as his memory has failed him (again) and he needs to test the recipe to get the ingredient list accurate. Check each day as it will appear soon.

In the meantime, obtain a can of coconut milk, an onion, rice, curry powder, garlic, perhaps a handful of peas (to go in the rice) and a few red pepper flakes and you will be ready. L.E. shall make his best efforts to make it a one pot, 30 minute meal as usual!

To pass the time waiting: http://www.playedonline.com/game/1130/Tetris.html

Today's Poll is an extension of yesterday's and one last week regarding fuel consumtion of the vehicles we now drive. Please participate-the results may be enlightening.

Las Vegas Bellagio, Las Vegas Style FREE Recipe

please click on images to enlargeLas Vegas Bellagio-maybe still the most opulent strip property?
Ceiling stained Glass-Bellagio Foyer, adjacent atrium.

POLL RESULTS:

Sadly 75% of respondents stated that they could not accept the truth of Polly's message!!

ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY FREE RECIPE FROM L.E. FANT'S KITCHEN FOR YOUR DINING DELIGHT!

Las Vegas Style Tantalizingly Tangy, reasonably healthy, Baked Lemon Chicken for Two
Time, as usual 30 minutes or less
Ingredients:
2- skinless, boneless chicken breasts
¼ cup flour to coat chicken

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 thinly sliced cloves of garlic
1/2 tsp dried thyme

1 cup thinly sliced onions
2 Tbs canola oil

1 cup chicken stock or water
juice of 1 lemon1 lemon sliced thinly, seeds removed

Method:
Combine salt, pepper, garlic, thyme and flour in plastic bag.
Cut chicken into ¾ inch pieces place in bag with flour and seasonings and shake to coat.
Add the oil to a skillet and brown chicken over medium high heat.
Combine onions, stock, and lemon juice in a sauce pan. Heat to a boil.
Pour hot lemony mixture around chicken arranged in a loaf pan or small casserole dish.
Top with lemon slices.
Bake for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees until chicken is cooked through.
Serve with rice and veg. of your choice.

P.S. L.E.'s wife enjoyed this creation-L.E. is still unsure-how do you rate it?

TODAY'S FINANCIAL TIMES DISCLOSES U.S. DOWNTURN WILL LAST LONGER THAN MOST EXPECT (recession through 2009) and OIL HITS FRESH RECORD ($112)HIGH.

Coupled with this news, the F.T. reports that "Banks take Blame for Crisis" in an effort to maintain self regulation. L.E. believes that "self regulation" may not in our best interests and is analogous to leaving the wolves in with the sheep. Result wolves have full bellies and sheep are decimated.

WHILE TAXPAYERS ARE EXPECTED TO BAIL OUT THESE AVARICIOUS FOLK, WE SHOULD EXPECT/DEMAND MEANINGFUL REGULATION OF THEIR ACTIVITIES!

www.automotive.com/gas-prices may prove useful as prices near $4.00.

L.E. has been attempting to place a widget here which displays continually updated gas prices for Las Vegas. However, his technical expertise is insufficient at this time and promises of others to complete this task for L.E. have proven hollow.

As malicious attempts have been made through comments herein, all comments shall forthwith be moderated prior to posting for our protection.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Bicyclists

click on image to enlarge. Metro on the Las Vegas Strip

Yesterday's Poll did not have many respondents:

Yet it still revealed that a majority believe Nevada's labor laws need overhaul.

Today's Rant: "The Credit Crisis and me."

The IMF (International Monetary Fund) expects the cost of our credit crisis to reach $1,000 billion, expressed as write downs and losses. This caused, in large part, by (in L.E.’s opinion) avaricious, unscrupulous recklessly negligent packagers of securities and mortgagors who probably knew (or at least should have known) that the paper they were writing was not substantial.
The ex Federal Reserve head, Greenspan, commented (in the April 7, 2008 F.T.) that regulation likely would not have stopped the collapse as bank loan officers “know far more about the risks and workings of their counterparties than do bank regulators.”
L.E. guesses that this argument may be extended and eventually us taxpayers will be blamed for the credit crisis and housing market collapse.
Here in Las Vegas we are apparently suffering more than most of our countrymen and women. Even those who are not holders of a so-called “sub-prime” note are suffering severely as our housing investment spirals downwards, often to reflect a potential sale price of many, many thousands of Dollars less that we have paid for our investment (discounting any improvements made).
L.E. conjectures that many of us may be better off financially by leasing rather than purchasing. This may be explained by adding the cost of one’s mortgage payments and insurances and taxes to date to the loss of an immediate sale, then dividing the product by the number of months of ownership. Compare the answer to lease cost for the same period. Extend the results by as long as you envision being in a home and the answer may surprise you.

Why is there no class action lawsuit against the major mortgage lenders who caused this disaster, yet still collect interest on our notes which often exceed our properties current worth? These are the same lenders whose unsound lending practices have directly caused our home values to decline substantially.

Sadly, U.S. taxpayers (and foreign investors) are the ones bailing out these institutions with our hard earned money. As encouragement to support this bailout we are to be given some of our money back. A further result of this fiasco is that our savings are lucky to return over 3% APR. This, in L.E.’s opinion, underscores the ridiculousness and ambiguity of the total situation.

Bearing the above in mind is there any wonder that the gap between the very wealthy and the poorest of us in the U.S. has widened further. Apparently in 2004-6 the nation’s wealthiest 5%, on average, were paid more than 12 times as much as the poorest fifth. This is up from nine times as much in 1987-9.[F.T April 9, 2008].

Great Animal Video for your viewing pleasure and possible enlightenment:

See a talking parrot with insight!

http://www.votenader.org/blog/2008/04/09/polly-wanna-cracker/

NEW RECIPE:

Yesterday L.E. attempted to remember his Lemon Chicken recipe. He could not remember so make up a recipe. He wanted it to be relatively healthy-without added sugar and so forth.

The result was tangy, lemony but far different than the lost recipe. L.E.'s wife enjoyed the "new" recipe and perhaps you may (L.E. is unsure). It will be available tomorrow for your convenience.

Las Vegas Gas Prices: www.automotive.com/gas-prices

Las Vegas nearly four years ago viewed from the Las Vegas Stratosphere

click on images to enlarge and see more detail.

HOW MUCH HAS CHANGED IN THESE VIEWS SINCE THESE IMAGES WERE CAPTURED IN 2004?

Yesterday’s Poll Results:

Reassuringly the majority of Superior Respondents believe that to “hit and run” is scurrilous and unacceptable behavior. However, two respondents uphold such behavior as being acceptable. L.E. is extremely disappointed that any of his readers have such belief and urges them to be better neighbors.

WAL-MART A FINE EXAMPLE OF CORPORATE BEHAVIOR?

L.E. Fant is informed and thereon believes that Wal-Mart made $11 billion in profit last year, yet it still offers such poor health benefits that only half its workers participate in the company health plan.

Despite such a poor record, last week, Wal-Mart's CEO unashamedly criticized U.S. business for not taking the lead in promoting health care and noted that the Democratic Presidential contenders have failed to make the issue a high priority.

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

Superior Readers-L.E. believes this reeks of hyper-hypocrisy on Wal-Mart's behalf and together with so-called “right-to-work” statutes of some states (including our Nevada) make our national allegations of human rights violations of other nations also hypocrisy.

Come on guys-the industrial revolution was some time ago and we supposedly abolished slavery quite a few years back!

YET ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY FREE RECIPE FOR L.E. FANT'S SUPERIOR READERS WHO NEED & DESIRE DECENT, WHOLESOME MEALS MADE FAST & USING AS FEW POTS AS POSSIBLE!

Las Vegas Style Extremely Tasty Yet remarkably easy to make Pork and Healthy Veg. for two:

Maybe in 30 minutes.

Ingredients:
1 Tbs canola oil
1/2 pound boneless lean pork , cut into 3/4" pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 small red pepper, cut into strips
1 small yellow pepper, cut into strips
juice of 1 orange
juice of 1 lime
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup white long grain rice.

Method:
In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides for about 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and lower the heat and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes (until the pork is tender and cooked through).
Meanwhile prepare one cup (dry) of white long grain rice according to package directions (usually bring 13/4 cups water to boil, add 1tsp margarine or butter, pinch of salt, add rice-stir, cover, reduce heat to low simmer until liquid absorbed and rice is tender. Leave with heat off for 5 minutes, fluff with fork).
Remove cover and increase heat to medium for approximately 5 minutes, until the liquid has reduced to a thick glaze.
Serve over rice.

L.E. is noticing $3.60 per gallon prices as he needs to top off his vehicle's tank.
www.automotive.com/gas-prices

http://www.runyourcarwithwater.com/

Las Vegas Strip, TodayL.E. is mad as heck!!

click on image to enlarge This Las Vegas Picture was taken from?

TODAY L.E. FANT IS MAD AS HECK!!

L.E. went to Star Nursery this morning to pick up some spikey Pyracantha's to plant along the front of his yard in the hope that they will discourage kids from kicking the rocks from his landscape.

When he came out of the nursery to load his trunk he noticed A LARGE AND UGLY DENT HAD APPEARED ON HIS CAR'S QUARTER PANEL.

IT APPEARS THAT A TRUCK DRIVER MISJUDGED WHERE THE CORNER OF HIS/HER VEHICLE WAS WHEN PARKING (or of course he/she may have been aware and just plain did not care)AND HIT L.E.'S VEHICLE CAUSING THE UGLY LARGE DENT.

OF COURSE THE PERPETRATOR DROVE OFF WITHOUT LEAVING ANY NOTE LEAVING L.E. WITH A DISFIGURED CAR WHICH WILL PROBABLY COST WELL OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HAVE REPAIRED AT FLECTCHER JONES.

EVERY TIME L.E. GOES TO HIS CAR NOW HIS EYES WILL FOCUS ON THE DAMAGED AREA.

HAVE WE LAS VEGAS RESIDENTS REACHED SUCH A LEVEL OF DISREGARD AND DISRESPECT FOR EACH OTHER THAT THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR IS ACCEPTED/CONDONED? IS IT O.K TO DAMAGE OTHER FOLKS' PROPERTY AND IF NOT CAUGHT IN THE ACT IT IS FINE TO "GET AWAY WITH IT."

Today's poll asks how YOU feel about this behavior. Please humor L.E. by responding.

BIG OIL POLL:

Revealed that most of L.E.'s superior readers will contact their elected representatives to let them know that we are sick of BIG OIL unreasonably profiteering at our (taxpayers') expense. That is great news. The more we complain the greater chance that change will occur.

OBSERVATION REGARDING JAPANESE DIET & QUESTION:
Japanese folk are apparently much more healthy than are we. They have far less incidents of heart attacks or other dangerous conditions. However, L.E. notes that a typical Japanese diet is apparently loaded with salt (which L.E. is now barred from adding into his food). For example, most Japanese meals include a bowl of Miso soup. Typically this soup has 850-1200 mg of sodium per serving (which is about that amount contained in a whole frozen, processed meal).
L.E. wonders why their high salt diet is more healthy than our diet. Perhaps we consume far greater amounts of fats (including the evil saturated kind) than do the Japanese which is to our detriment?

Did you know that a Big Mac has 1040 or so mg of sodium and a double cheeseburger contains around 1140 mg?

If you know the answers please let L.E. know.

L.E. is "hooked" on: http://www.playedonline.com/game/1119/Real-Pool.html if you have opportunity give it a try.

RE: FREE LAS VEGAS SHOW TICKETS.

L.E. received a number of offers over the weekend-hope you did too!

www.ShowTickets4Locals.com

Gas Prices Still on the Rise in Las Vegas!

www.automotive.com/gas-prices may help you save a little.