Las Vegas Red Rock Casino, DIGITAL DEVIL CONTINUES TO HARRASS L.E. FANT.

Click on images to enlarge should you desire. DECENT SUNDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH IN DELIGHTFUL SETTING [See below].
Red Rock is at the NW edge of our City.
Some were in the pool.

ONGOING EXTREMELY SAD SAGA OF L.E. FANT'S INTERACTION WITH THE DIGITAL DEVIL AND ITS MINIONS:

A minion of the Digital Devil eventually replied to L.E.’s question posed 5/23/08.

L.E.'s questions:

“Customer Inquiry: To: The Vice President, Cox Communications Customer Service. Sir or Madam: Today I paid $67.65 which amount I was told is my account balance by a Cox rep. However, online and by phone automated account info.my balance is/was shown as $42.67 (see below). Last month I received a disconnection notice because I paid the amount showing as my balance yet was forced to pay an additional amount when I called to ask why I received the notice.
What is going on? My life is complicated enough without having to deal with Cox errors on a monthly basis(which you usually will not admit).

"Statement Current balance* $42.67 Payment status Cable & Internet 001-XXXXXXXX Payment amount $67.65 Completed Transaction ID: 16XXXXX."

I have a screen shot of the billing screen should you doubt that the above is an actual copy of your information. I will gladly fax it or email it to you. I look forward to your candid and prompt response together with details regarding how you have fixed this problem so that I may pay my account using the online payment (preferred by you-yet disastrous for me) without further problem or inconvenience."

L.E asked why in two consecutive months his account balance both online and by automated phone were less than the “actual balance” (only revealed to L.E. when he spoke with a so-called live representative) causing much irritation and issuance of a “disconnect notice.”

The Digital Devil’s response (see below) is, in L.E. Fant’s opinion, meaningless, condescending, arrogant and insensitive drivel which completely and utterly fails to even attempt to respond to L.E.’s serious questions in any way and unfortunately is the type of reply expected by L.E. Fant from this Las Vegas corporate monopoly which insultingly advertises itself as being “your friend in the digital age.” L.E. Fant believes nothing is further from the truth than its apparently insincere statement. As one may see from the reply the Digital Devil even change L.E.’s password causing L.E. to find another (no joy to find a usable one which one is able to remember).

Its Meaningless and Insensitive Response follows:
“After reviewing your account, our records indicate that your account is current and paid up to date. In order to allow us to research this matter, a temporary password "passXXXord" was installed to test the account.”

L.E. Fant shall keep you apprised of the back and forth between him, the Digital Devil and its henchpersons.

BETTER NEWS,
RED ROCK CASINO DINING EXPERIENCE:
Nice setting, very pleasant design elements. Smells smoke free and is clean.
L.E. and wife ate Sunday champagne brunch at the Red Rock and found the experience enjoyable.

The cost is a reasonable $20 per head and the selection of foodstuffs varied. There are (from memory) stations for Sushi, Mexican, Asian, American, Roast meats, shrimp, omelets, smoked salmon, salad selections and a desert station.
L.E. ate a little sushi and 3 or 4 shrimp followed by 3 pork ribs from the Asian section together with a small amount of Pad Thai. He consumed a couple of glasses of champagne and a cup of coffee.
She who must be obeyed ate a little sushi then went for the prime rib and roast pork loin. The prime rib looked impressive and apparently tasted so. The pork loin looked tasty but was a little dry when eating. Both Fants ate a little smoked salmon which was good.

The desert station was, however, a disappointment. The gelato was watery, the pastries of poor standard and selection limited. So-called Key lime tarts was left uneaten by both as they had nasty crusty imitation cream toppings and poor quality fillings.

Overall the experience was a good one and L.E. Fant and wife may return. One may desire, yet probably not expect high quality pastries in a buffet setting. Also it should be noted that the quality and presentation of other than the deserts was, in L.E.’s opinion better than average for Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Dining, Las Vegas Gas Prices, New Dog, Toyota Yaris Road Test.

Please click on images to enlarge. Known to some as Jack A. Roo this cream Chow Chow has taken up residence with L.E. Fant and wife. He is 12 weeks of age and a handful.
Jack taking a break from chewing.
Remember the good old days?

L.E. Fant's desperate attempt to remove himself from the clutches of "Big Oil" fails!

L.E. Fant drove to Los Angeles last Friday, where he hoped to buy a CNG/ gasoline powered vehicle.

He failed. The vehicles he had his eye on were Chevrolet Cavalier Bi-fuel ex-government cars. There were 6 of them 2001-2003 year models with 58,000-80,000 miles on their odometers.

As the Cavalier is, in L.E.'s opinion, not an exceptional vehicle in any respect L.E. believes that $6,500 was the most he should pay for one (a regular gasoline powered Cavalier of this age can be obtained for as little as $1,500).

L.E. was chagrined to find the first 2001(usually least expensive) Cavalier sold for $10,500. Then the next sold for the same amount. L.E. left the auction savings intact.

Apparently our neighbors from Utah are the reason for such high purchase prices for these cars. They can apparently buy CNG for 70 or 80 cents a gallon whereas we must pay $2.07 or so. Also they may be able to get a $4,000 state tax credit.

Interestingly (to some) is that if one deducts the $4,000 tax credit from the sales price, the remaining amount is identical to L.E. Fant's price estimate of the car's worth.

That leaves a $24,000 Honda CNG (not bi-fuel)being the remaining option. The range of that car is limited to around 150 miles which makes it unattractive to L.E.

L.E. has listened to a friend who has made some research into bio-diesel and will make his knowledge available to you soon.

BARGAINS?

There were, in L.E.'s opinion, some decent buys at the auction:

Two 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 4 cyl cars with approximately 6,000 (yes not 60,000)made $6,400.

A 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe with 76,000 miles made $7,300 and a couple of 2005 Dodge Caravans with V6 motors and 75,000 miles sold at $4,400 or so.

L.E. Fant Road Tests Toyota Yaris-so you don't have to:

L.E. Fant made an extremely daring run to Los Angeles and back to Las Vegas on Friday, through a fierce storm, in order to bring you the following report:

In order to kill two birds with one stone, or as we now say “multi-task,” L.E. performed a subjective road test evaluation of a new (one mile on the odometer) Toyota Yaris 4 door, automatic, sedan during the trip.

L.E.’s wife’s first comment regarding the Yaris was that it looked “very cute.” It, as is the modern way of such small cars, has its instruments placed in the center of the dashboard. Perhaps this is for styling reasons-or perhaps to make for easier manufacturing when producing left hand and right hand drive vehicles. Either way this placement requires one to look across the dashboard when checking the instruments, which appears, to L.E. less safe than if the gauges are directly in front of the driver as was the norm for many years. However, it is an aid to those of us who enjoy our privileges as “back seat drivers.”
Comfort of the little car is reasonable. When L.E.’s wife first sat on its front seat she remarked that it was very comfortable. However, after 50 miles of driving L.E. noticed that she was often changing her position on the seat by squirming around. L.E. concluded that perhaps the level of comfort she first noticed was now severely diminished. L.E. had problems after 100 miles or so with a nerve pain running down his left leg. Perhaps the lack of thigh support from the “short” seats was its cause?
The cabin noise level of the Yaris, in L.E.’s opinion, was too high. Road noise was very apparent and one has to noticeably raise one’s speaking level to converse when the car is in motion. L.E’s wife raves over the placement of the Starbucks cup holders on either side of its dash, which in the opinion of many will doubtless make up for other shortcomings.
Having said that, the Yaris, overall, appears no worse than its competition and maybe better than some other small cars.
Its multi-speed windshield wipers performed very well during the storm we drove through and no water leaked into its cabin.
The little car is very maneuverable and feels safe when making “high G” maneuvers. Its brakes are responsive and add to its ability to safely maneuver through traffic. Sever wind gusts are noticed, yet relatively easily compensated for.
For example this little Yaris’s progress apparently infuriated the drivers of a Mercedes R350, a Mercedes S55, a Dodge Kaliber and sundry Prius’s (what a hideous looking car that Kaliber is?) and the drivers a red and a blue Mustang GT convertible who all attempted to pass or re-pass the little Yaris as it progressed from L.A. to L.V. Let it be noted that the maneuverability of the Yaris proved adequate for its task and it remained leader for well over 100 miles of cut and thrust due in part also to the fearless driving techniques of Mrs. Fant. Only as we were close to Blue Diamond did the S55 and two GT Mustangs take the lead-and then only because they exceeded 100 MPH and paid no heed of traffic conditions (or speed limits).
The (non scientifically tested) top speed of the Yaris appears to be 100 MPH. Its fuel economy appears to be good also at around 35 mpg.

TOMORROW:

L.E. Fant shall bring you his opinion of the Red Rock Casino Sunday brunch.

DIGITAL DEVILS HAVE MADE NO RESPONSE TO L.E. FANT'S COMPLAINT!!

Las Vegas Stratosphere may be seen for miles. Eat meat in Las Vegas?

This tower may be seen for miles around Las Vegas.
Certainly not the dream king of L.E. Fant.

L.E. Fant is on a mission today and will provide an account of his mission shortly. It is regarding fuel saving.

EAT MEAT?

The Daily Green reports that yesterday the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for 808 pounds of ground beef products produced at Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., of Lexington, NE.

In addition to this alert, Cecina Los Amigos, a Carson, CA, firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 290 pounds of pork blood sausages that may be contaminated with Listeria, according to the USDA.

A few months ago the nation witnessed the largest beef recall in its history that was the result of the Humane Society's secret videotapes of workers at a California meat plant prodding and fork-lifting downer cattle — cattle that are too weak or sick to stand — into the slaughterhouse.
Agriculture secretary Ed Schafer said that his department wants to ban all downer cattle from the slaughterhouse to boost public confidence in the safety of the nation's food supply, according to an article in the Washington Post. However, he will find it extremely difficult, if not impossible to boost L.E. Fant's confidence regarding the safety of our food supply.

Rules state that while downer cattle must be kept out of the food supply, an exception exists that allows a government veterinarian to approve for slaughter an animal that passed an initial inspection, but then goes down before reaching the "knock box," according to the article, so long as a second inspection finds that animal to have an acute injury rather than an illness.

The USDA magnanimously plans to eliminate this exception (why has it taken so long? Perhaps public awareness?).

Senator Herb Kohl of the Senate Appropriations agriculture subcommittee was quoted in the article: "A strictly enforceable downer ban will eliminate confusion and move the ball forward on food safety and humane standards, while restoring consumer faith in a vital American sector." L.E. believes that senator to be, at best, an optimist and at worst a shill for the meat industry which is controlled by a scant few mega corporations whose agenda is likely placing profitability before our safety (remember Fast Food Nation?).

DIGITAL DEVILS STRIKE AGAIN!!!

DIGITAL DEVILS ATTACK L.E. FANT AGAIN!!Today L.E. Fant is an angry man, actually an extremely angry man.

Yet again (see previous posts) C*X C**ble, hereafter named by L.E. as the "Digital Devil", has caused him great suffering and anguish because of its hideous, unwarranted and despicable attitude.

One may recall L.E. Fant posting that last month he received a NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND DISCONNECTION due to the ineptitude of the Digital Devil and its spawn. Much fruitless time was spent discussing the situation with a condescending (apparently trained to be so) representative of the mega-monopoly.

This month L.E. is due to pay the Digital Devil's bill today. He decided, that it would be prudent to speak with a representative prior to paying the amount which its online accounting and phone account inquiry services state as being L.E.’s “account balance.”

When L.E. called he first was told, after entering various check passwords, by an automated digital voice system that his account balance is, in fact, the same amount that the Digital Devil's web page displayed-$42.67.

L.E. still required confirmation from a human representative of the Digital Devil so he waited online (meanwhile, ironically, suffering many invitations that he should pay online as waiting for a human would take considerable time).

L.E. Fant, not convinced that he should do as the Digital Devil implored him to do and patiently waited and was eventually connected to yet another (as he expected) condescending representative of the Digital Devil.

When requested to confirm L.E. Fant’s account balance which was now due and payable the representative stated that $67.65 was due. L.E. asked why the phone account information and the online account information differed as they stated that $42.67 was due, not $67.65.

The Digital Devil’s representative took a few minutes to consult with her supervisor and then responded that her information was correct and that L.E. should pay the $67.65 and later the Digital Devil’s cohorts would perhaps provide explanation of why the phone account information and the online information differed from the actual balance (an amount apparently only privy to the Digital Devil’s representatives not its customers).

L.E. argued that why should he believe that $67.65 is an accurate amount as two sources of information provided by the Digital Devil indicate otherwise and reflect an account balance of only $42.67. The response was that as L.E.’s monthly service is charged at $67.65 that must mean that amount is correct. L.E. continued his argument and offered that as he changed his service, removing Internet access and some premium channels perhaps these credits reflect that $42.67 is correct.

This argument was not accepted by the Digital Devil’s representative who stated that as L.E. chose not to believe her accounting there was no more she could do.

L.E. Fant suggested that perhaps there is more she could do as a so-called customer service representative of the Digital Devil-accept payment of the amount which is stated as L.E.’s account balance by the Devil’s phone account system and online payment service, without penalty, and later provide written explanation regarding any further amounts claimed to be due. L.E. would then review the documentation and make additional payment if the documentation substantiated the Digital Devil’s claim.

As the representative continued to insist that L.E. pay the amount she claimed to be accurate or be in default, L.E. terminated the conversation.

One may easily see from the copy of the online payment system account balance that amount is $42.67, not $67.65. L.E. believes that should the Digital Devil and its disciples truly believe its propaganda of being our friend in the digital age, or meaning of its salutation “Valued Customer” it should accept and confirm its obvious error (either way there is clearly an error) and appease its “valued customer.” Instead, as expected and previously demonstrated, high handed condescension is the order of the day.

L.E. endorses the quotations of past Presidents who feared the oppression of large corporations and L.E. despises monopolistic corporations such as the Digital Devil. He is extremely saddened that we now accept this type of corporate behavior as the norm.

The citizens of the United States must control the mighty commercial forces which they themselves called into being.- Theodore Roosevelt

REAL ESTATE BARGAINS FOR LAS VEGAS RESIDENTS? LAS VEGAS MINI-ORCHARD, LAS VEGAS GAS PRICES AGAIN.

Please choose whether to click on images to enlarge (or as a friend prefers "extend") or not. This image was taken at L.E. Fant's Las Vegas mini-orchard and shows ripening peaches (L.E. Fant's favorite fruit) together with netting which may protect the fruit from marauding birds. L.E. has selfishly enjoyed these fruits over the past four years and delights in the sweet juicy taste and texture of a freshly picked, tree ripened peach such as he hopes this year's crop will provide.

Image of Sago Palm which in one day last week produced these shoots of new fronds. The palm was severely cut back last fall as it encroached upon L.E. Fant's back door as its three year growth was not anticipated.

Strato-Plaza or Plaza-Sphere?

REAL ESTATE BARGAINS for LAS VEGAS RESIDENTS? L.E Fant again attempts to help his fellow Las Vegas residents by providing timely information!! [which is provided as a community service by the L.E. Fant organization-no endorsement is implied-your results may vary-caveat emptor].

Or “Charm on the Cheap” as an F.T. correspondent put it last weekend.

Yes Las Vegas property owners even though your property has likely devalued 50% or so over the past couple of years, L.E. Fant has discovered an opportunity for you which may recoup your losses!!

That opportunity apparently may exist in the Villa Crespo district of Buenos Aires, Argentina where one or two bedroom apartments may be purchased for $47,000-$52,000 for new development and somewhat less for used.
Buenos Aires real estate prices are expected to rise 30% this year so maybe us Las Vegas folks may hedge our losses here by investing in Argentina?

Should you desire to investigate further: Real Estate agent Shenk Inmobillaria may be contacted on +54 11 4777 2222 or at http://www.shenk.com.ar/

LAS VEGAS GAS PRICES (AGAIN):
Oil futures contracts reach all time highs yesterday. This likely means more pain at our gas pumps.
As L.E. has discussed alternative fuel vehicles may make sense to many under these conditions. Last evening L.E. Fant perused ads for such vehicles as the Toyota Prius. He found many ads where 2007 or 2008 vehicles were being offered for $55,000 or so. As the MSRP is approximately $25,000 one wonders whether buyers exist for $55,000 Prius’s. Many gallons of gas may be purchased with the $30,000 premium.

Chrysler clearly must believe that we are not daunted by record gas prices as it just released a new model of its Dodge Challenger muscle car. L.E. wonders whether many will take advantage of its $2.99 gas offer which provides a guarantee of $2.99 per gallon gas for 12,000 miles per year for three years (apparently with some restrictions) when one buys certain models from its lineup.
Let’s assume gas will average $4.50 per gallon over the next three years. One may, therefore, save say $1.50 for each if accepting Chrysler’s offer. Further assume that one will average 15 mpg then one will use 12,000/15=800 gallons per year or 2400 gallons in the three year period. This is a probable maximum $3,600 saving over the three years. L.E is skeptical regarding whether this sum will make up for the probability of greater than average vehicle depreciation which, in L.E.'s opinion, Chrysler products have historically enjoyed. Again-no free lunch for us Las Vegas drivers.

L.E. Fant regrets not buying a 50mpg plus Honda Insight when they were almost reasonably priced. Like the Prius they are enjoying great demand and skyrocketing prices.

L.E. still believes the so-called Smart car does not make sense as it merely returns EPA 33 mpg City. Whilst that is a reasonable figure such a diminutive two seat vehicle should do better in L.E.’s opinion. Therefore he is loath to purchase one.

Maybe back to considering electric vehicles. The catch here is usual lack of effective air conditioning in these vehicles which in our climate is pretty much mandatory.

Maybe CNG. Yet again vehicle prices are now crazy.

Maybe, as a friend pointed out, just make more money and suffer the prices. That is perhaps pragmatic , yet is not an entirely wholesome response when all is considered.

For those of you who support either major political party the following was provided by a friend and is hereby passed along for your urgent review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU4pNN3SqCA

After your review you may choose to go to http://www.votenader.org/ where common sense prevails.

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

Las Vegas Residents May Profit? Las Vegas Vineyard; Free Lunch? nearly, see: bargain eyeglasses, below.

Please click on images to enlarge at your discretion. Gratuitous image of L.E. Fant's Las Vegas "Xmas Tree Cactus" in magnificent flower. The flowers lasted for only one day (yesterday) and this is the plant's first flowering in three years or so. Therefore, deserving of recording.
The extreme bargain prescription reading eyeglasses [see below].
The extreme bargain "long distance, tinted"

prescription eyeglasses [see below].

Yet another gratuitous image of a bunch of (hopefully delicious)developing organic Thompson Seedless grapes at L.E. Fant's Las Vegas mini-vineyard.

MONEY MAKING OPPORTUNITY FOR LAS VEGAS RESIDENTS?
As most of us missed out on the potential profits from purchasing and selling the ex police motorcycles or lost and found watches last weekend, maybe the following is another opportunity?
Today’s F.T informs us that the precious metal Platinum in short supply. It predicts that prices may surge to a record $2,500 (previous record set March ,2008 at $2,290) per ounce (now at $2,175) during the next six months. A commentator noted that the sector has not been so stressed in the past twenty years.
Should these predictions prove true, substantial profits may be taken when one considers the leverage of futures contracts of this commodity. Of course should these predictions not materialize one may lose substantial sums.
Perhaps a safer strategy is to purchase a few drums of regular gasoline for later sale?
Either is likely to be better for our finances that collecting the paltry interest offered by FDIC insured banks which interest rate appears to be less than our actual rate of inflation.

BARGAIN PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR LAS VEGAS RESIDENTS[or non Las Vegas residents]:
L.E. Fant’s order arrived last Friday. It took approximately one and one half weeks from ordering to arrive.
L.E. had ordered the least expensive lenses and frames. He was pleasantly surprised when he opened the package. Inside were two pairs of glasses in hard cases and each came with spare screws and nose pieces.
The reading glasses (the first L.E. has owned other than 99 cent store readers which have always proved equal to other store’s $20 readers) are an improvement over the 99 centers as their lenses compensate for each eye’s idiosyncrasies. The frames, in L.E.’s opinion, are reasonably attractive and entirely acceptable (especially for the price of $2.00). All in all L.E. is extremely happy with his purchase of the readers which cost only $8.99 or less including "anti-scratch and UV coating."
The “long distance” glasses had smaller lenses than L.E. anticipated (he should have known this as dimensions were provided). However, they look fine on L.E.’s face. He had these made with a medium gray tint which is excellent when worn outside but a little too dark if worn inside. L.E. Fant’s new found ability to be able to read street signs at longer distances than before is a novelty to him and doubtless a relief for other road users. These eyeglasses cost only $12.99 or less.

The shipping (for both pairs) was stated as being $11.98 which made an invoice grand total of $29.97 for the two pairs together with hard cases and extra screws and nose pieces [This is the amount invoiced and paid even though the individual amounts add up to be more-maybe the frames were free because L.E. purchased lenses?].
L.E. Fant is still adjusting to wearing “proper” glasses and probably should have followed the prescriber’s advice and purchased no-line, progressive focus lenses with photo chromatic features which adjust the lenses’ tinting according to ambient light conditions. Such glasses should be a remedy for all conditions and from the same supplier cost a little over $100 compared with closer to $400 that L.E. was quoted at a so-called discount eyeglass store. L.E. had heard stories of folks having difficulty adjusting to such lenses and chose separate focal length lenses for his first foray into prescription lenses.

http://www.globaleyeglasses.com/index.php Your experience may vary.

YES-There were bargain ex-police Harley Davidsons at last Saturdays Las Vegas Auction!

BARGAIN HARLEYS WERE TO BE HAD IN LAS VEGAS!
L.E. attended Panevino last Saturday for a doctoral graduation celebration.

First bloom of this season on L.E.'s Mexican Bird of Paradise which plant nearly died after last winter's frost!

Saturday’s Auction of ex-police Harley Davidson Motorcycles:
L.E. Fant’s intrepid technical correspondent and Internet Technology Guru attended the sale and reports:

"The police bikes most with around 40,000 miles sold for $7-7,500." Both he and L.E. conclude that this was indeed a reasonable price for such machines. L.E. expected that they would sell for $8-10,000.

L.E.’s correspondent is now in competition with Ben Bridge and all other Las Vegas jewelers as he purchased hundreds of brand name watches (Victorinox, Fossil, Bulova, Gucci, etc.), all in good condition which were county held lost property. He will make these available to bargain hunters shortly-so watch E Bay! (intentional pun).

DINNER AT PANEVINO IN CELEBRATION OF DOCTORAL GRADUATION:
L.E. Fant and wife were delighted to be invited to the graduation celebration dinner of a remarkable young lady who graduated from our Boyd School of Law.
Her academic achievement is such that she was sought out and offered a position with a very prestigious law firm where she will likely practice “corporate” law. Of course L.E. was delighted to hear this as he believes that there can be no losers in such contests as activities of both sides (as corporations and likely evil) should be curtailed.

[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].
The dinner was held at the exclusive Panevino restaurant and hosted by the graduate's mother.

L.E. Fant enjoyed a civilized pre-dinner Bombay Sapphire Martini (with olives) followed by a lightly dressed salad and then his favorite Margharita Pizza (much larger than anticipated and he was only capable of consuming 50% or so of it) with a glass of red. The party ended around 9:30 as the graduate’s mother and a cousin needed to prepare for an early departure from our airport.

L.E. believed (due to a television so-called news report) that the party should have be able to view downtown fireworks during the dinner and all eagerly anticipated the event. However, no such display was evident,to L.E.'s chagrin.

YET AGAIN-COW PROBLEMS?

L.E. was provided, by a trusted friend, documentation regarding intrusions into cows by deviant aliens (or possibly genetic engineering perpetrated by our cow meat industry gone wrong asks L.E.?).
Look for this information and L.E.'s opinionated comment thereon very shortly.

ALSO: NEWS OF YET ANOTHER BEEF RECALL RELATED TO POSSIBLE E-COLI CONTAMINATION HAS REACHED L.E. FANT.

This despite assurances from a cow meat industry expert that we have "a safe" supply of wholesome cow meat available.

L.E. concludes that when eating a burger becomes analogous to playing "Russian Roulette" one may readily dispute such industry claims.

LAST WEEKEND's F.T.

Reports that oil is very close to $128 per barrel. Saudis agree to produce 300,000 more barrels per day. Nissan is to likely sell usable electric cat in U.S.

Las Vegas ex Police Harleys may be cheap at this Saturday's Auction.

Click on images to enlarge if you so desire. CHEVROLET ELECTRIC VEHICLE SEEN BY L.E.FANT AT ALTERNATIVE FUEL EXPO IN LAS VEGAS THIS WEEK.

WATER LITTLE-DRINK PLENTY
MONTE CARLO, LUXOR, MANDALAY BAY

THIS SATURDAYS AUCTION OF EX-POLICE HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES HERE IN LAS VEGAS(See last two posts for pix) WILL MOST LIKELY ATTRACT MANY HOPEFUL BUYERS AND A FEW SUCCESSFUL OWNERS.

As oil today reached $117 per barrel and China and India continue putting millions of extra vehicles on world roads perhaps motorcycles become a viable option for cost savings for some with fast reflexes.

However, L.E. hopes that the gas saving is not countered by unexpected hospitalizations together with permanent injuries or worse. L.E. has suffered hospitalization and permanent injury on two occasions caused by injuries sustained when his two wheeled vehicles suffered unexpected mechanical problems which threw him off the vehicles. His injuries were sustained without contact with other vehicles.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

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

FRESH & EASY STORES THREATEN THE WORLD'S BIGGEST RETAILER BY PROVIDING DECENT FOODSTUFFS======

HOORAY FOR FRESH AND EASY!!

Further to yesterday's post re: Fresh and Easy:

Today's F.T. reveals that Wal-Mart is opening new concept (to it) stores in competition to Fresh and Easy. The first of these stores is to open in Arizona.

As L.E. has previously mentioned Fresh and Easy stores are, in his humble yet entirely accurate opinion, a delight in which to shop. They have pleasant staff and excellent foodstuffs for purchase without the necessity of walking many miles and spending hours to complete one's shopping. The Fresh and Easy concept is, in L.E.'s opinion a winner.

Try their cheese and bean burrito-like none other, delicious, large and only a couple of Dollars! L.E. shall continue to support Fresh and Easy and leave uninspiring (L.E.'s opinion) Wal-Mart for others to endure.

Where are L.E.'s new eyeglasses? Has he been scammed (again)? Will today's mail delivery include the eyeglasses which L.E. was told were mailed, priority mail, on Monday?

Harley Davidson Police Bikes-cheap in Las Vegas? More Cranes in Las Vegas.

Click on images to enlarge if you please. Another view of some of the many Harley Davidson ex-police bikes for sale this Saturday in Las Vegas [together with many other police and NHP vehicles]. L.E. believes this image has artistic qualities and will offer a limited number of copies (signed and numbered) for the astute Las Vegas Memorabilia Collector to add to their collection. Free framing is an added incentive for you to order within the next 39 minutes!!
More Construction Crane images taken in Las Vegas for your viewing pleasure.

FUEL SAVING FOR SOME?

L.E. Fant spent some time at the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Expo yesterday. He was investigating the viability of using CNG as vehicle fuel. There is now available in many markets a home CNG compressor (not yet available in Las Vegas). This machine will allow one to produce CNG safely at a cost of approximately $1.25 per gasoline equivalent gallon. Alternatively one may purchase CNG in Las Vegas for approximately $2.07 per gasoline equivalent gallon.

There are kits available which one may use to convert an existing vehicle to use CNG. However, it appears that use of the (non EPA certified) kit in a vehicle on our roads is illegal and makes one liable for hefty federal fines.

The Honda Civic GX is available (apparently after a wait) for around $25,000 and is, L.E. believes subject to a tax credit of $4,000. The Fuelling machine is, L.E. believes, also subject to a $1,000 tax credit.

The use of CNG is clearly "green" and may save money as added bonus. Most vehicles have a range of around 200 miles when using CNG and get around the same MPG as a regular gasoline powered vehicle of the same type.

Therefore, the cost comparison is basically the relative costs of CNG and gasoline. The best savings are when one produces one's own CNG for around $1.25 per gasoline equivalent gallon (1.25 therms), compared with (in L.E.'s case) gasoline at $3.87 per gallon. A saving of $2.62 per gallon or approximately 67%. Even buying CNG at $2.07 is a saving of approximately 47%

In L.E.'s case at this time his family spends approximately $250 per month on gasoline (mostly commuting). CNG use would drop this expense to approximately $90 per month. the $167 saving will pay for the fuelling device in 24 months at current prices (when it is available here). Historically natural gas has not increased its cost at as high a rate as gasoline. Therefore, one may possibly anticipate the saving ratio to improve with time, maybe approaching L.E.'s hope for 4/5 or better.

Further reports will be provided as information is to hand.

NO EYEGLASSES AS YET:

L.E.'s ordered eyeglasses have not yet arrived-hopefully today.

CHEAP DIGITAL CAMERAS FOR ALL!!:

L.E. recently purchased an Olypus Stylus 780 camera for his wife. He was late ordering it and it did not arrive in time for her to take to her "Irish" reunion [the above images were taken with it].

However, this is the third camera L.E. has purchased at the Olympus EBay site and each has been an excellent experience and a great cost saving. The cameras typically sell for 25% of their MSRP or better. Therefore, a $300 camera may be bought for $69 or so. The cameras have warranty upon which L.E. is yet to make a claim. L.E. Fant passes this information along as a public service. Your experience may differ from his.

Las Vegas Goverment Auction, Las Vegas Construction, Las Vegas auction of Harley Davidson motorcycles, .

Click on images to enlarge if you like. Especially the crane pic which will allow you to discern its price as Las Vegas Collectible Memorabilia Art!! Rows of ex-police motorcycles for sale this coming

Saturday at Stephanie St., Las Vegas together with cars,

trucks, machinery and other stuff. What price do you estimate each of these motorcycles will achieve at the auction?

L.E. was taken with (and, therefore, took) this image of multiple construction cranes strip- side. Should you desire a signed copy please click on the image for value pricing and contact L.E. Fant of Las Vegas who will be proud to provide you with a fine copy of this extremely important, possibly highly collectible, Las Vegas Memorabilia/ Art. Be quick as very few are available at this low price. If you buy within the next two hours L.E. will throw in a FREE picture hanging kit AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!!

GOOD FOODSTUFFS AVAILABLE IN LAS VEGAS:

The F.T reports that an independent survey of shoppers at Fresh and Easy stores revealed that most would highly recommend the store to friends, finding the quality of its products more appealing than those of Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market, and better value than Wal-Mart.
L.E. Fant concurs with these findings. He has long recommended this chain as a fine alternative for grocery shopping. Its meat and fish selection is extremely appealing as are its own label value items.

More Computer Misery:
The Microsoft instructions to remedy L.E.’s wife’s computer worked and she is back online. Meanwhile L.E.’s computer screen keeps popping up with an HP instruction to accept a digital signature for a download (there is none available). It will not go away and is a nuisance.

Recipes & Planter Box Plans for Free, for YOU!!Summer is just around the corner for us in Las Vegas (or at least summer temperatures). L.E. is attempting to make a largish redwood planter box for some Golden Bamboo. [The plant apparently needs to be contained or it will take over completely] He needs to make the box as those readily available do not have what he considers suitable dimensions. If successful L.E. will share his design with you in case you have need.

L.E. Fant visited the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Expo today where he investigated CNG vehicles. He will pass on information gleaned tomorrow.

Las Vegas Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas limes, Las Vegas Medical Care, Las Vegas Real Estate.

Click on images to enlarge if you desire. Larger than life well describes Las Vegas as it does Louie.
L.E.'s Las Vegas cactus flowers, the first in four years or more.

L.E.'s lime tree looks like it may provide limes,
the first fruit ever from this four year old tree.

Airport pickup made without incident:

L.E. took a friend’s advice and when arriving at the airport to pick up his wife he parked in the short term area rather than make a curbside pickup.
L.E. ponders whether this constitutes an act of cowardice or is an accepted convenience of the world in which we choose to live. L.E. has long concluded that if no person tells obvious wrong doers that they are wrongdoers then the wrong doing perpetuates into accepted behavior (yet still wrong behavior by normally accepted behavioral standards).
Where this involves government employees an even greater danger becomes us. Remember “Watergate?” Remember “Waterboarding?” Remember “Weapons of Mass Destruction?”L.E. believes that we should be ever vigilant that we do not unduly lean towards fascism. [Webster: “…A system of government characterized by dictatorship, belligerent nationalism and racism, militarism, etc.”] in our allowance/tolerance of overly zealous seemingly wrongful government actions when waging our crusade known as “The War on Terror”

L.E. Fant's Prescription Eyeglasses, possibly a huge bargain, are en-route.

L.E.’s new prescription eyeglasses are on their way priority mail! He is exited and will provide his review as soon as he is able.

Gasoline prices in Las Vegas Plummet!!

L.E. Fant was surprised to find gas cost two pennies less per gallon on Sunday when he filled the behemoth yet again.

Move On to Possibly Greener Pastures?

The weekend’s F.T pointed out a remarkable real property find for L.E.’s perusal. A new two bedroom apartment on St Lucia (apparently far less developed, and all the better for it, than neighboring Barbados) yet priced at a mere $450,000, and up. L.E. imagines that one will need to catch and sell many fish, or sell many, many coconuts to keep up with payment on such a mortgage. Is there oil on St. Lucia? How do the locals manage? Maybe they unfortunately rely upon tourism and avaricious development to create wealth for some as does Las Vegas?
Should you desire to make further enquiries: Doubloon Real Estate (Really that is the name) may be called on +1 758-458-0790.

Las Vegas sights, Sheriff in town.

Click on images to enlarge (or don't). The Stratosphere can be seen for miles around Las Vegas. L.E. is attracted to the colors apparent in this view.
Big bottle for big thirst?

SHERIFF IN TOWN:

Yesterday morning L.E. went outside and noticed a couple of persons who he assumed to be canvassers.

The two persons were our Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie and his Under-Sheriff. They were walking our community seeking feedback regarding how residents believed policing could be improved.

L.E. spent some time discussing our crime situation and how we may improve our neighborhoods' safety with them.

L.E. is impressed that our Sheriff takes the time to canvass our neighborhoods personally and is thankful that we have such a person as head of our police department.

POLL:

L.E. believes that 6,250,000,000 $80 walkers may be purchased using 500 billion Dollars. Is he correct?

Las Vegas Place Station, Las Vegas Attorneys, Monte Carlo Rally.

Please click on images to enlarge. Strategically placed billboard?
L.E. believes this place is infamous for its mediocre (yet inexpensive) buffet and that O.J Simpson was arrested when in it a few months ago. Other than that, in L.E.'s opinion, it is extremely unremarkable.

MICROSOFT:

The promised email within 24 hours to assist L.E. repair his absent wife's computer failed to arrive. L.E. emailed Microsoft to remind it of its broken promise and was rewarded, this morning, with an email from a person who promises to help.

That email contained sickenly complex technical instructions which immediately brought knots to L.E.'s stomach and, therefore, L.E. has again asked his expert friend to review the instructions before L.E. implements them and possibly causes further, perhaps unremediable damage.

L.E. shall relate further details of this saga as they become apparent.

L.E.'s WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS:

L.E. arose this morning and walked outside to determine whether the carrier had provided a copy of L.E.'s weekend F.T. (many times the carrier fails this task to the chagrin of Mr. Fant who is then forced to email London and the local F.T offices to make complaint). Today, however, it was laying on the driveway and was joyfully swooped upon by L.E.

A quick perusal indicates that Citibank is apparently to shed 500 billion Dollars of assets to get its house in order. As L.E. consumed his coffee he pondered that and concluded that he could not really comprehend the magnitude of that amount of Dollars, the number of zeros is daunting.

Next L.E. noticed an advertisement for a boat slip in Monte Carlo for May 22-25. This time period coincides with the running of the world famous (at least the rest of the world excluding us) Monte Carlo Rally.

The particular mooring apparently will accommodate boats (or should ship be more accurate?) up to 30 meters in length (say 100 feet or so). L.E. smirked as he concluded that his 12 foot long sail boat would have plenty of room left over!

This mooring is within 200 yards of "the track" which probably accounts for its cost for the four days of 30,000 Euros, or $46,340.90.

L.E. concludes that this mooring is likely beyond his reach as its cost far exceed his recently received $1,200 family tax rebate and as the mooring fee was going to a foreign country it would not likely stimulate our economy. Perhaps Citibank could use some of its $500 billion to do so?

Our inflation has also caused the cost of an aluminium "walker" to be $80.00 at Walgreen's. How many walkers could Citibank buy with its $500 billion? See: Today's Poll.

L.E. was not invited to the wedding of our current President's daughter (a clear oversight). Even if he had been invited he would have refused as it clashes with L.E.'s wife's "Irish" family reunion.

Tomorrow L.E. must run the gauntlet at our airport where Taxicab Authority goons are rampant and appear to relish overstepping their authority to harass L.E. Fant and other non-limo/taxi drivers attempting to use our county facility. Should no post subsequently appear one may assume L.E. fell foul of these goons.

L.E. Fant in Las Vegas. His day so far.

Click on images to enlarge. Las Vegas World Market which is a huge wholesale furniture showroom and apparently has taken similar business from North Carolina which used to have a monopoly on such expositions. L.E. guesses that since most furniture is now made in other countries North Carolina (where most furniture used to be made) is no longer the furniture center of the U.S.
Always a food deal around Las Vegas, always a catch such as "with coupon."
New York, New York roller coaster.

Oil prices expected to reach $200 or more this year according to many commodity traders.

Rice harvest in U.S. expected to be down because of storms (if you care).

L.E.'s day started well. He attended our County palace and took time to admire some of its architectural features such as the fabulous domed vaulted ceiling with its glasses.

He was amazed to find no line at the recorder's office and completed his business in five minutes.

Next to the Post Office where he finally send two packages. One a return of useless vehicle parts ordered from a Georgia company. L.E. hopes to eventually be reimbursed for the returned item. He also mailed a package to a friend which he should have mailed weeks ago.

Then to return a solar security light which never worked to Harbor Freight Tools. They quickly offered a replacement which L.E. is now charging via the Las Vegas sunlight.

Lastly to Fry's Electronics to return a computer accessory purchased during last week's panic to get back on the Internet.

That experience was not so good. The return part resulted in a store credit being issued and a promise that if I found nothing to buy I could return to the registers and get the credit card credited.

However, when attempting to do so L.E. found that his wife had used her card for the transaction and it was now needed. The alternative was to go back to the returns dept. where the particular person who issued the credit may re-issue it as a credit on the proper card. However, that person had just gone to lunch so no credit today.

Regardless of today's experience Fry's is not one of L.E.'s favorite stores. The shopping experience within has never made good memories for L.E.

L.E. Fant of Las Vegas Pillories Nevada Taxicab Authority!

L.E. FANT AGAIN ATTACKED BY TAXI AUTHORITY GOONS WHEN DROPPING OFF WIFE AT AIRPORT!! [The following is the opinion of L.E. Fant of Las Vegas and is not legal opinion-please do your own research and form your own opinion].

Earlier this very morning L.E. drove his wife to the airport in order that she may fly to a so-called “Irish” family reunion in California.
He entered the airport and made his way to the far right lane, in a "drop off" area outside the terminal (adjacent to the curb) to drop her off. As is the usual case a limo was stopped in the second lane and a person (apparently a sky cap) was standing in the middle of L.E.’s adopted lane. L.E. needed that person to move from the lane, or at least to move along it a little so L.E. could stop without the rear of his vehicle being on a crosswalk “hump.”
The person became indignant and mouthed words at L.E. who gestured to the man that he should move from the vehicular traffic lane so L.E. may properly place his vehicle for drop off. L.E. stopped where he intended and immediately got out of his vehicle and opened the cargo area to remove his wife’s luggage.
At that time a Taxi Authority “officer” approached L.E. and commenced instructing L.E. that he was in breach of traffic rules and must yield right of way to the skycap who was going to unload passengers from the limo which had stopped in the second lane.
L.E. responded that he believed that the limo (or skycap) had no legal right to stop to unload passengers in the second lane and that L.E. was actually attempting to stop in a proper area-not an improper one as the limo driver and skycap were attempting and that the "officer" should assist L.E. in his efforts to properly drop off a passenger. [see: vindication below].

The Nevada Taxicab Authority officer [L.E. prefers the classification “goon,” which Webster defines as “ruffian or thug; a grotesque or stupid person.”] was joined by a larger cohort and together they berated L.E. Fant. One shouting “you’d better get out of here now-or else.” The other claiming that L.E. was rude. L.E. replied that if they went about their legitimate business and stopped impeding and harassing him. he surely would be moving as quickly as possible to clear the area for others to use and that he was using the roadway properly unlike the limo driver and skycap.
L.E. then left the area and decided to review relevant law relating to the situation (to confirm his contentions)as this was the third occasion that he had been berated and threatened with arrest by these “goons” who apparently only have authority to intercede in non-moving violations on airport roads.

Non-exhaustive research by L.E. indicates that NRS 484 [Nevada Traffic law] is controlling where it may be contrary to Clark County Code regarding traffic rules at the airport, whose roads are considered as if dedicated as any other Nevada road. Therefore, one may argue that as on any other road in Nevada it is illegal to stop to unload passengers other than against the curb. However, even this authority is unnecessary as County Code 20.08.030(c) explicitly and unambiguously provides for this situation. See below:

Clark County Code 20.08.010 Traffic regulations--Vehicular movement generally.
"(a)The “Rules of the Road” set forth in Chapter 484 of the Nevada Revised Statutes at NRS 484.251, et seq., as amended, and Title 14 of this code shall be applicable to and shall govern motor vehicle operation upon the real property known as McCarran International Airport or upon other county airports as if the roadways were dedicated and considered highways under said statutes and Title 14 except as otherwise provided by those regulations set forth in or promulgated pursuant to this chapter. It is the duty of the police officers to enforce all traffic regulations and of the police officers and parking enforcement officers, and officers of the Taxicab Authority (as defined in NRS 706.8821(3)) to enforce all nonmoving traffic regulation governing the airport."

Further, the County Airport Code provides:

20.08.030 Parking--Loading and unloading of vehicles at airport.
"(a) No person shall park, stop or drive a vehicle for the purpose of loading or unloading a passenger or passengers or cargo at the airport unless:(1) The loading or unloading occurs in an area designated and posted for such purpose; and(2) The vehicle has entered the area designated and posted for loading and unloading by appropriate route; and(3) The established fees, if any, required for use of the airport property have been paid by the owner, driver and/or operator.(b) No person shall park or stop a vehicle while awaiting ingress to the area designated for the loading or unloading of passengers and/or cargo therein except in the holding/staging lanes which may be designated and posted for such purpose.(c) No person shall park or stop a vehicle for the purpose of picking up and/or discharging passenger(s) desiring access to the airport except in the areas so designated for that type of vehicle and for that purpose, except that the stopping of a vehicle for such purpose may be authorized by the director of aviation by written operating directive in an area if the vehicle is immediately adjacent to another vehicle which is legally stopped at a curb which has been designated for the picking up and/or discharge of passenger(s). In no instance shall a vehicle stop in any travel lane to either discharge or pick up a passenger(s) or cargo. Diagonal parking is not permitted across designated lane markings.(d) No person shall leave a vehicle unattended in any area upon the airport unless the vehicle is in an area designated by the director of aviation for parking and leaving the vehicle. The vehicle may only be parked in the area for the posted time period.(e) No person shall leave a vehicle running when parked in an area where vehicle shut-off signs are posted. (Ord. 1656 § 1 (part), 1995: Ord. 1278 § 3 (part), 1991)
[Emphasis added].

Next L.E. can find no authority for the Taxi Authority goons statement that “You must yield right of way to a skycap in any circumstance.” It appears to L.E. that as NRS 484 is controlling a skycap in similar circumstances to that of the subject circumstance may be deemed a “jaywalker.”

With the above in mind L.E. is deeply concerned that citizens are treated in such a discriminatory manner by Taxi Authority goons who apparently create laws and regulations, or at least wildly interpret existing statutes and code in a bizarre attempt to legitimize their unruly acts.

Is their training so poor that this situation exists or are they encouraged by their taskmasters to assert authority which is apparently non-existent, to the detriment of non-taxi/ limo road users?

L.E. Fant is now printing out the relevant statutes and code sections so he may carry them in his vehicle and provide them as authority when the next, inevitable, confrontation with these goons occurs.

L.E. Fant of Las Vegas challenges the Taxi Authority to refute the above assertions [with proper authority] that its employees are acting well outside the scope of their authority to the detriment of citizens who have every right to use the airport roads in conjunction with taxis and limousines, buses and shuttles according to legal road markings and relevant statutes or code.

L.E. particularly seeks its response to his claim that it apparently encourages taxis, etc. to stop (L.E. believes illegally) in any lane of the airport roadways to load or unload passengers whereas it apparently encourages its employees to harass and threaten other road users (for its advantage) who are using the airport roads legally.

The above example is surely not even handed application/enforcement of law and L.E. believes such behavior is tantamount to fascism and should be discouraged by our courts and legislature.

Las Vegas Multicultural, Las Vegas Black and Tan, Las Vegas Computer Woes.

Please click on images to enlarge. Bass and Guiness together make a great "Black and Tan."
Las Vegas is multicultural-here we have Tai, Chinese, and Hispanic ads.

POLL:

As expected most respondents believe second opinions are necessary when dealing with many of these folks.

Today's poll is to find your preference for spelling the plural of "bus" [omnibus].

Here in Las Vegas (as in California) signs use the spelling "Busses." Webster's concludes that "Buses" is also acceptable. L.E. finds the appearance of the "ss" spelling to be cumbersome and finds it just does not "look right."

GASOLINE:

L.E. was horrified to pay $3.87 per gallon yesterday.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

DIGITAL MAX AND FRIENDS AGAIN CONFIRM THAT THEY ARE NOT L.E. FANT’S FRIENDS IN THE DIGITAL AGE AS THEY WOULD LEAD US TO BELIEVE!! [L.E. BELIEVES THE LAS VEGAS CABLE MONOPOLY HAS OVERSTEPPED THE BOUNDS OF REASONABLE DEALINGS WITH ITS CUSTOMERS VIA ITS CORPORATE POLICIES]

Readers may remember L.E.’s last skirmish with the Las Vegas cable monopoly where its installer ruined a ceiling of L.E.’s residence during an installation AND ATTEMPTED TO USE AN UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR TO MAKE REPAIRS.
L.E. has used its cable service for over 4 years now. He has consistently paid the monthly bill on time (actually in advance) and the amount outstanding according to the online account system (this is easily verifiable by Digital Max and his friends).
Last month L.E. went online and paid the amount outstanding according to the web page of his account (the amount was approximately $24 less than the earlier paper bill received by L.E.). L.E. believed that as he had received some credits for the failed cable Internet service and had removed HBO (could not find even one movie that L.E. or wife desired to watch!) there was a later (than the paper bill) adjustment. When paying L.E. had a premonition that a problem may arise and he attempted to make a copy of the computer screen, but failed).
L.E. a week or so later received his regular paper bill which included a late amount outstanding of $24 and a late fee of $6. L.E. noted that he must call Max or his friends to discuss this problem.
Then the computer nightmare commenced and L.E. put off the call for a few days.
Yesterday another letter from the cable monopoly which was headed “NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND DISCONNECTION” and went on to demand immediate payment of $98.93 to avoid further fees of $15, $6 and $15, together with threats of even more deposit, additional deposit, reconnection fee and first month service amounts to be due to these avaricious monopolistic vultures.
Please bear in mind that one is usually in credit (by prepayment) with Max and friends as one prepays by one month (same as for our trash services). L.E. cannot come to terms with how we allow these corporations to charge us late fees for amounts which are only late because they treat the amount as due to be prepaid.
The first phone call was to a less than receptive friend of Max (I use “Max” as L.E.’s previous pillorying of C*x resulted in them getting ads on his page). This gentleman essentially said pay the bill as stated or be disconnected. L.E. asked that person to review L.E.’s payment history and perhaps at least consider that it is unlikely that L.E. would choose to underpay his account and that more likely Max or friends had erred causing L.E.’s current predicament.
Sadly reason had no place is the conversation and L.E. demanded to speak with another before becoming apoplectic.
L.E.’s stomach turned when the next person came on the phone. She was nearly unintelligible to L.E. as she was possibly eating and her diction was not that of a person who should be on a phone bank. After asking that she turn up the volume and or make attempt to speak more clearly the conversation began with her asking L.E. how he wished to pay-Visa or MC?
L.E. responded neither of those as he disputes the bill. Back and forth ensued, L.E., in effort to retain some of his sanity, offered to pay the $24 amount but no fees whatsoever. This offer was accepted with reservation. Apparently Max and friends are trained by their corporate monopoly taskmasters to be condescending to customers and always assume the customer to be wrong.
L.E. was informed that the waiver of fee(s) was a one time courtesy granted because L.E. “misunderstood” his bill. L.E. informed the representative that he most definitely did not misunderstand his bill, Max had erred and he will demand correction as a matter of right not as a courtesy from those who have erred in their accounting such as her cohorts.
L.E. is now seriously considering satellite service (at least two to choose from) to replace the so-called “service” provided by the cable monopoly in Las Vegas as he finds its corporate attitude of condescension and self righteousness unacceptable.


L.E's Computer woes continue!!
It seems that computer troubles are in threes.
Yesterday L.E.’s computer and his laptop demanded that he update them with Windows XP Service Pack 3. He did so and all was well.
His wife attempted to update her computer by using the same method. This resulted in her computer failing to re-establish Windows OS. In panic she reverted to a previous system which lost access to many programs.
This morning L.E. again downloaded the update and again the system failed to open to Windows unless one uses “safe mode.” L.E. has emailed Microsoft and hopes to resolve this frustration soon, yet believes that unlikely.