Las Vegas Digital Devils relentlessly harass L.E. Fant!!

For the third consecutive month, despite many, many emails stating otherwise, C*x C*ble again provides incorrect billing details to L.E.

Today L.E. went online to pay his cable bill. The requested amount, shown as "Total Account Balance" is $42.96. L.E.knows better from the past three months interaction with these devils and believes that the amount is actually $67 or so.

When moving through the payment process, various screens show an amount due of $42, etc. L.E. had to change various "boxes" to pay the $67 amount he believes to be accurate. Should he have chosen to pay the amount requested by C*x, it is highly likely that shortly thereafter a disconnect notice will arrive in the mail with threats of many fees and charges unless a further amount be immediately paid.

Today's billing information shows that, despite prior assurances from C*x, L.E.'s account information has not been rectified and the excuses offered by them appear false.

L.E. spent further time this morning drafting terse correspondence to these digital devils in the hope that they will properly address this matter without their usual condescension and high handedness.

That one must spend considerable time attempting to resolve matters such as this is a result, in L.E. Fant of Las Vegas's opinion, of us allowing corporations to enjoy almost untouchable status.

"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.

We have attained an unwholesome level of corporate control over our lives, according to L.E. Our governments large and small, federal and local, are all tainted and are more involved with furthering corporate ambition than attending the desires of the people.

As shown above L.E.'s frustrating interaction with the monopoly (due to our local government) TV cable provider is a prime example of the dire circumstances we now find ourselves in.

If in Nevada and if one is tired of such treatment only one Presidential candidate promises to attempt to wrest power from the corporations and return it to the people.

The Nader campaign has a new Nevada state coordinator who is on a mission to get the required number of signatures on a petition to place Nader on Nevada's ballot.

Las Vegas Democracy, Las Vegas fuel consumption, Las Vegas Business blacklisted by L.E. Fant.

TRY, TRY AGAIN

VW FAILS

L.E. Fant of Las Vegas concludes that insurance is , in fact, legalized banditry!!
L.E.’s home insurance is paid from an escrow account. The policy is due 6/27.
As previously mentioned L.E. found that his existing insurer was taking advantage of his good nature and was charging close to 3 times what another national company offered (for greater coverage).
L.E. faxed Lovitt & Touche, Inc., agent for Fidelity (and supposedly L.E. Fant), well before (on 6/9) the 6/27 renewal date and instructed them to not renew the policy and to refund any moneys received from L.E.’s escrow account. No response of any kind was received from Lovitt & Touche, Inc.
However, the policy was renewed(L.E. today received correspondence from his escrow holder to that effect and now his escrow account is underfunded because both his new insurer and old have been paid). Now further lengthy and probably frustrating communication is required to resolve the matter.
Yet again, the high handedness of corporations which superficially claim to serve us and our best interests is displayed in its hideous ugliness.
A conversation with a Lovitt and Touche, Inc. representative merely raised L.E. Fant’s already high blood pressure.

No apology or reasonable excuse was offered for the renewal which was performed by them and/or their principal directly against L.E.’s instructions. Merely a statement that a credit will be provided after a cancellation takes effect, and no timeline is offered for that to occur.
Needless to say, Lovitt and Touche, Inc. and vicariously Fidelity are on L.E. Fant of Las Vegas’s list of NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THESE BUSINESSES AGAIN, together with Pizza Hut, Cox Cable, Roberto’s Tacos, Stratosphere’s Room at the Top, Curtis Briley (so-called realtor to avoid like the plague according to L.E.’s belief) and others who do not readily come to mind.
GOOD NEWS....
LAST EVENING…DEMOCRACY AT WORK IN LAS VEGAS!L.E. Fant of Las Vegas and wife met with some wonderful young folk who are collecting signatures for a petition to get Ralph Nader on the Nevada Ballot for President.
It was refreshing to speak with them. Their wisdom and devotion to the U.S., particularly to its ordinary people, should be encouraged and nurtured.
Should you meet these folk please thank them for their service to Nevada voters (regardless of your political persuasion) who, when the team is successful, will have actual choice to vote for an actual man who has, in L.E.’s less than humble opinion, done more good for this country than any living elected official. By being allowed to run he may be able to debate the main contenders (who will doubtless otherwise refuse to do so). Should that debate occur we shall all benefit.
Remember --when you sign the petition you are not changing your Voter Registration in any way, you are merely helping democracy have the effect that was anticipated by our founding fathers by providing choice other than enduring the jaded, entrenched two party system, each of which party has the same corporate taskmasters.
You may well make this country a better one by assisting in this effort and L.E. Fant of Las Vegas thanks you in anticipation.

LIFE WITHOUT THE TOMATO:
After the meeting L.E. and wife ate at Chipotle Mexican Grill. He partook of a Shredded (not pulled) pork burrito and Mrs. Fant a steak burrito. The steak was freshly cooked for each burrito and was succulent as was the pork carnitas.
Interestingly no tomato was available (as is the case in many restaurants at this time). The lack of tomato made for strange salsa indeed!
The huge burritos are, in L.E.’s opinion, good value at $6 or so. The particular restaurant offered beer also and L.E. enjoyed a chilled Corona with lime to maintain the Mexican ambiance of his meal.

VW BEETLE FAILS TO MEET EXPECTED (or HOPED FOR) CITY FUEL CONSUMPTION TARGET!!
Last evening the Beetle was filled with diesel. It took a little over 7 gallons which calculated to a mere

37 mpg for the week of city driving it endured.
L.E. had hoped to better 40 mpg for the city driving cycle. However, it should be noted that this past week required max AC each and every day for all trips and Mrs. Fant’s commute is through a construction zone which is stop/ start. Also we are yet to check tire pressures and other tasks which may improve the fuel consumption.

L.E. just returned from the DMV where he paid $760 to register the "economy car." He also collected a few signatures on the petition while at the DMV. Again showing he is capable of multi-tasking!

Las Vegas Premium Outlets, RV for sale, George W. Bush Catholic?

L.E. Fant must dispose of his RV and boat (not used for past 5 years).
Las Vegas Premium Outlets (doesn't "outlet" negate "premium?".

GEORGE W. BUSH MAY TURN CATHOLIC?
That is the rumor since our President has had many one on one meetings with the Pope. Perhaps his likely very long confession may stymy the rumored change.
L.E. observes that the Catholics have endured Pope Julius II’s evil and lately pedophilic priests besmirching them, therefore, they will also endure this rumored burden with aplomb.

L.E. FANT OF LAS VEGAS’S POSSIBLE REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS WEEK!!
How about a new loft for $124,00 or an older apartment for even less? This and more is possible in the renaissance of the Roma district of Mexico City, Mexico.

HOW ABOUT A NICE WATCH?
If one missed out on purchasing one of L.E.’s friends watch collection in the past week or two perhaps this one may suit?
With the money saved when buying a home in Roma one may snap up a Harry Winston “Opus 8.” This whimsically styled masterpiece is only $430,000 and will doubtless make one’s Rolex wearing friends extremely envious (especially if one leaves the price tag on the watch when wearing it).
If one is leaving watches in the drawer as the cell phone (as discussed yesterday) tells your time, then a Vertu cell phone (apparently owned by Nokia) may be your answer. These luxury items sell for a mere $6,000 up to nearly $400,000 each.
L.E. Fant believes another opportunity exists-a liveried personal time teller/ alarm issuer (no more need for reading glasses to see that minuscule time display). This likely will cost less than the above-mentioned cell phones and will definitely make a statement and may be shown to be very “green.” [Copyright L.E. Fant of Las Vegas, 2008].

Likely opportunity for limited distressed artwork purchases.
It appears that after L.E. Fant made constructive (yet taken as disparaging) comments regarding certain artworks, the artist, in a fit of rage, smashed the pieces.
In an effort of appeasement, these smashed paintings will be offered as an expression of emotion and may be mounted as one desires.

Tomorrow more Las Vegas Businesses pilloried by L.E. Fant of Las Vegas!

$90 per hour jobs available!!, NZ Recession, Las Vegas Nursery lack of good faith, Las Vegas watch batteries cheap, Fathers' Day in Las Vegas.

Click on any image to enlarge at your peril! The renovated El Cortez now appears a far nicer place to visit than L.E. remembers its jaded countenance. His last visit, with his brother in law, was soured by a particularly sour bartender who was well suited to its gloomy ambiance and L.E. has not revisited since.
Sign on Las Vegas Blvd. should you require a watch battery. It appears that since all cell phones have accurate time available few wear watches any longer other than for "dress to impress."
Another busload of tourists/ immigrants arrive in Las Vegas.

Fathers Day for Fant:
L.E. Received phone calls, cards and presents, indeed a lucky man.
He was exited to hear from his son in Australia and spoke with one of his twin grand daughters who are now doing well and making much noise. It is a relief that it now seems that repercussions of extremely premature births are mostly behind us.
L.E. Fant was so exited that he and Mrs. Fant went to the Las Vegas Baby Expo at Cashman Center to get information and free stuff for the twins. The ridiculously high $10.00 per person admission was waived for the Fants but they still had to pay a $3 parking charge in order to park their very fuel efficient German diesel powered car.
The show was disappointing and it offered little new. The most interesting item was a cloth contraption which one placed over the handle of a shopping cart and used its pockets to store baby stuff and retain the baby by some means. The hall was mostly filled with anxious photographers all claiming to provide exceptional memories.
The Fants entered a number of so-called lotteries to win all sorts of baby stuff and will doubtless be defending their privacy via the telephone when sales persons who gained the number via the entry ticket call with further offers.
As it was 106 degrees or more outside the couple of hours at the expo was enjoyed.
A phone call from their daughter in Reno rounded out the happy day. She has performed so well that her college is providing a substantial grant which will cover tuition costs for the rest of this year and leave an amount over, possibly for L.E.’s kidney fund?

STAR NURSERY INSINCERE?:
L.E. has for years purchased plants and garden/ landscape items at Star Nursery.
Saturday was the first time he has ever attempted to utilize its so-called one year guarantee. It turned out to be a harrowing experience for L.E.
He had planted (following directions) 7 Santa Cruz Pyracanthas (they have long thorns) along the front boundary of his modest home in order to discourage kids from kicking his gravel onto the road. Five of the plants died.
The first Star employee approached was helpful and asked if the Fants desired an exchange. The response was yes please and a manager, Christy, was called over. Christy spoke to the first employee who was observed to appear surprised when instructed to issue a credit. At this time the Fants were oblivious to the apparent evil plot of Christy.
The Fants took the papers provided and went outside to obtain five plants to replace those dead ones. They also picked up some fertilizer and special plating mix, together with a magnificent pith helmet for L.E. to wear when outside.
L.E. Fant, when approaching the checkout, considered the permutations Star (and particularly Christy) may use in order to attempt to cheat him should that be the intent. He concluded that the reason for issuing a credit opposed to an exchange was a perhaps a ploy to encourage L.E. Fant to pay for the replacement plants at their new price and only credit him with the price paid ($12.88 and $6.88 respectively).

That was indeed the case.

L.E. argued that he desired an even exchange as that was reasonable, expecting him to pay extra was unreasonable as had the dead plants been of proper quality no exchange would be necessary .

After much interaction with various clerks Christy reappeared and grudgingly and condescendingly offered a “one time only” replacement. This, of course, means that Star kept the receipt for the plants which is necessary to claim on their hollow guarantee. A further indication of Christy’s insincerity may perhaps be gained from her deliberate use of Spanish when instructing the register clerk on the transaction details in front of L.E. Fant.
The net result is that L.E. Fant may never use Star Nursery again. He believes that it should not offer a plant guarantee where the conditions of the guarantee are unreasonable as to be useless or unexplained and open to interpretation by avaricious managers of its branch stores. It should Either replace the plants without question or have no guarantee at all. Remove the ambiguity.
L.E. does not enjoy these tense interactions yet will institute and prosecute them at every occasion where his sensibilities and reason are offended by what he concludes are devious business practices such as described here.

L.E. will write Star Nursery complaining of their tactics.

NEW ZEALAND MAY BE FIRST TO GO!!
Today’s F.T tells that N.Z. may be the first so-called developed country to fall into recession!! Eat more Orange Roughy!!

TIRED OF LOW LAS VEGAS WAGES? MOVE TO THE PILBARA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND WORK IN THE IRON ORE MINES.
Yes L.E. Fant is informed that an entry level cost control clerk at the mine-site is now paid $90 per hour with a 15% production/location bonus. Probably room and board is free though L.E. has no knowledge regarding that.

Las Vegas Beer, Las Vegas Motels, Las Vegas Politics.

Good Food Here!! Recommended by L.E.
Another close to downtown Motel
A downtown motel adjacent to Fremont Experience. [Note sign "Your Future Starts Here"].

LAS VEGAS BEER DRINKERS:

As L.E. pointed out yesterday Miller and Coors, whilst advertising themselves as more American than apple pie, are actually owned by foreign interests.

As L.E. also noted yesterday, the iconic Chrysler building is likely to be purchased by an Arab sovereign fund.

The latest American icon likely to be taken over by foreign interests is BUDWEISER. A Belgium company (owner of Becks among others)is attempting to take over Bud in order to obtain a world market share of approximately 25%.

Does this matter? Should lawmakers step in to stop the sale?

LAS VEGAS MEANINGFUL POLITICAL COMMENT FOR SAD DEMOCRATS, JADED REPUBLICANS & THOSE OF US WHO HOPE FOR A BETTER UNITED STATES.

2008 Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader discusses a remark (regarding not running) made to him by a fellow alumnus at a recent Princeton reunion.

"I was at my Princeton reunion the other day, and a young alumnus came up to me - he was very kind - and he said "You know, I really like what you're doing - I like what you did - but please don't run."
I said "Do you realize what you are saying?"
And he said "Yes, I said please don't run."
I said "You're telling me not to use my First Amendment rights of speech, assembly, and petition inside the electoral arena. You're telling me to shut up. Are you aware of what you're saying?"
He said "I understand, I understand, I like what you're doing, but please don't run."
So I went through and I said "Well, would you tell those voters instead of trying to determine which one was worse between the Democrats and the Whigs, the two major parties in the 19th century, and instead cut out and voted for the Liberty Party, which was the anti-slavery party - would you say to those candidates, 'Don't run'?" And he sort of paused. And I said "How about the people who refused to go least-worst between the Republicans and Democrats on women's suffrage? Would you tell those candidates 'don't run'? What do you say to that?"
And he paused.
And I took it up to date and I said "Would you tell Buchanan not to run?"
And he said "I understand what you are saying, but please don't run."
And I said "You know, unwittingly, you are engaging in a politically bigoted statement. Because you can oppose, and you can support, any candidates you want. But when you are saying to someone 'don't run' you are saying to someone 'do not speak, do not petition, do not assemble inside the electoral arena.'"
Now I'm saying this because I'm sure you've had these conversations with people. Look at the word spoiler. Spoiler is a contemptuous word of political bigotry. They do not accuse George W. Bush of being the spoiler in 2000, and last I heard he got more votes than I did, vis-a-vis Al Gore. It's only the independent and third parties that are called spoilers.
And think of the hubris here - these two parties have spoiled our elections, they've spoiled our government, they've spoiled our politics - and to have the temerity to say to someone who wants to reform the process that they are spoilers - they have no sense of humor - I mean, how do you satire satire?" [EMPHASIS ADDED].

L.E. Fant of Las Vegas wishes all a pleasant weekend and may the price of gasoline lower itself by a Dollar or more.

Las Vegas Motels, Las Vegas free gas, Las Vegas Burritos.

Another close to downtown rooming opportunity

for the savvy bargain seeker.

Only nice rooms are welcome here! No pets or people?

STOP PRESS!!Today Mrs. Fant won a week's free gasoline from a radio station called, from memory, the Jackal (a very apt name for such a station one may add). One may wonder whether she will use her win to obtain a week's worth of diesel or a week's worth of gasoline.

It is apparently a so-called "country" station which L.E. Fant of Las Vegas will never, and has never, listened to as he abhors so-called "country" noise (he refuses to classify it as music)with highest passion.

To L.E. Fant of Las Vegas the sound made by these irksome people is as irritating as when one scratches one's fingernail upon a chalkboard. If L.E. never hears another "country" so-called song-it will be far too soon!

It will, therefore, be no surprise to L.E.'s astute and superior readers that line-dancin', Ropin', attendin' rodeos, castrating baby bulls (or piglets for that matter), chewin', spittin' throwing 'shoes, wearing Wranglers, shirts with pseudo mother of pearl snap buttons or visitin' Sheplers, The Cowboy Emporium, Boot-Town or other similar stores all fall within L.E. Fant's least favorite pass times!

ARAB SOVEREIGN FUND MAY BUY ICONIC CHRYSLER BUILDING!! DO YOU CARE?

Abu Dhabi's wealth fund is in talks with the owner with intent to buy this New York icon (according to today's F.T.).

This is globalization which surpasses NAFTA etc. Already most of our beer producers are foreign owned (Coors, Miller and others).

STOCK MARKET:

Again lower on prediction of falling semi-conductor sales. Retail lower expectations and other indicators.

L.E. Fant would like to know why have shares in Chipotle Mexican Grill fallen from around $130 to the $80's when same store sales are increasing at above predictions and other indicators are positive? Should L.E. (and everyone who cares) eat more burritos to bolster the stock?

Las Vegas Motels, Las Vegas Nellis AFB, A10

Can anyone interpret this writing?
Warthog A10 on display at Nellis AFB

View of downtown Las Vegas from Eastern/ Fremont

DOCTOR'S OFFICE CALLS L.E. FANT (AT LAST):

At last a call and an appointment. The appointment is not for over one week however, as apparently L.E.'s condition is not of great concern.

F.T. reports that: "The Donald" [Trump] plans to build a couple of golf courses and a mega resort near Aberdeen, Scotland. locals are not necessarily pleased as many enjoy their virgin landscapes as they now exist.

NEVADA POWER:

Today L.E. paid the first "high" bill of the season. This bill was over double that of the past few months' bills and is a harbinger of things to come as we enjoy our summer temperatures.

In a fit of green L.E. signed up for the Coolshare program which cycles off one's A/C during peak periods. The hope is to not overstress our capacity and avert brownouts. We shall see.

BARE ROOT ROSES AND THE 99 CENT ONLY STORE:

Yesterday evening L.E. Fant and wife were at their local 99 Cent Only Store where, as usual, they picked up many useless articles because they appeared to be a bargain. Such articles will strain the Fant's home storage availability until a clean out removes them.

L.E. amazed himself when he could not resist buying a small dry erase board with pen, which he knew he will never use, because it appeared great value and of great potential.

He did manage to resist buying a solar calculator which was designed to fit within a three ring binder and was guided away from the tempation of a Blue Bunny drumstick type icecream for a mere 59 cents.

However, there were available bare root rose plants for 99cents each. Unable to resist this blatently apparent bargain a substantial number were purchased.

In the light of a new day L.E. wonders where they may be utilized. His first thought of replacing dead Pyracanthas with roses now seems a bad idea (that idea was the justification for buying the roses).

Las Vegas Motels, Las Vegas Catholic Church, Las Vegas Downtown.

Click on image to enlarge if you so desire. GET IT?
Las Vegas Open Air Motel -- a new concept in green living?

A busy view of busy Downtown Las Vegas.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Note the following is hearsay only and has not been substantiated by L.E. Fant of Las Vegas. Caveat Emptor.

"Click here: snopes.com: Best Buy Restock Fee
<http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/restock.asp>
>>
>>THEY JUST CANT GET ENOUGH CAN THEY ??
>>BEST BUY, MY FOOT
Normally, I would not share this with others, However, since this could happen to you or your friends , I decided to share it. If you purchase something from, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, JC Penny, Sears etc. If you return the item with the receipt. They will give you your money back if you paid cash, or credit your account if paid by plastic.Well, I purchased a GPS for my car, a Tom Tom XL.S from 'Best Buy'. They have a policy that it must be returned within 14 days for a refund!
So after 4 days I returned it i n the original box with all the items in the box, with paper work and cords all wrapped in the plastic. Just as I received it, including the receipt.
I explained to the lady at the return desk I did like the way it could not find store names. The lady at the refund desk said, there is a 15% restock fee, for items returned. I said no one told me that. I said how much would that be. She said it goes by the price of the item. It will be $45.00 Dollars for you. I said, all your going to do is walk over and place it back on the self! Then charge me $45.00 of my money for restocking!! She said that's the store policy. I said if more people were aware of it they would not buy anything here! If I bought a $2000.00 computer or TV and returned it I would be charged $300.00 dollars restock fee!! She said yes, 15%.
I said OK, just give me my money minus the restock fee. She said, since the item is over 200.00 dollars, she cant give me my money back!!! Corporate has to and they will mail you a check in 7 to ten days.!! I said 'WHAT?!'It's my money!! I paid in cash! I want to buy a different brand..Now I have to wait 7 to 10 days. She said well, our policy is on the back of your receipt.
I said, do you read the front or back of your receipt? She said well, the front! I said so do I, I want to talk to the Manager!.
So the manager comes over, I explained everything to him, and he said, well, sir they should of told you about the policy when you got the item. I said, No one, has ever told me about the check refund or restock fee, when ever I bought items from computers to TVs from Best Buy. The only thing they ever discussed was the worthless extended warranty program. He said Well, I can give you corporate phone number.
I called corporate. The guy said, well, I'm not supposed to do this
but I can give you a 45.00 dollar gift card and you can use i t at BestBuy. I told him if I bought something and returned it, you would charge me a restock fee on the item and then send me a check for the remaining 3 dollars. You can keep your gift card, I'm never shopping in Best Buy ever again, and If I would of been smart, I would of charged the whole thing on my credit card! Then I would of canceled the transaction I would of gotten all my money back including your stupid Fees! He
didn't say a word!
I informed him that I was going to e-mail my friends and give them a heads up on this stores policy, as they don't tell you about all there little caveats
So please pass this on. It may save your friends from having a bad
experience of shopping at Best Buy."[sic].

Interestingly L.E.Fant has just concluded a billing dispute with a supplier which was resolved by L.E.'s credit card company after incorrect and damaged items were provided. It appears that using a credit card for transactions is a benefit when a dispute arises.

L.E. Fant just saved a bunch of money by changing insurers:

L.E.'s home owner insurance is due for renewal. The company, Fidelity, (L.E. believes that is a misnomer) that has enjoyed his business for the past five years offered a renewal for an amount which was close to double the original amount. L.E. Fant pondered whether this was a realistic charge as our real estate values are less now.

He obtained a quote from another company from a very patient and helpful agent Joe DeLuca. The price offered is close to one third of the renewal quote and has greater coverage amounts!!

This clearly indicates that one should obtain comparative quotes at the time of each renewal of insurances to be acting in one's best interests.

L.E. FANT OF LAS VEGAS AGAIN PROVIDES HIS SUPERIOR READERS WITH A REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY WHICH MAY (OR MAY NOT)BE TOO GOOD TO MISS!

Newport may indeed be a great opportunity for bargain hunters!

Terrace homes may be purchased for around $240,000, an apartment for under $200,00 or a detached house for under $500,000.

A little more may get one water views of the Bristol Channel at the River Severn Estuary, or a quaint home in the old docklands.

Of course this "Newport" is in Wales, U.K.

For further information:

Edward Ware Homes, 44 (0) 117 907 1200. www.edwardware.co.uk

THE VATICAN HAS NOT YET CONFIRMED OR DENIED THAT IT MADE THE OFFER TO L.E. FANT OF LAS VEGAS. WHO IS ANXIOUS TO GET HIS HANDS ON THE OFFERED ENDOWMENT.

STILL NO CALL REGARDING AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS WEEK WITH L.E.'S DOCTOR FROM THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE.THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING. L.E. HAS MADE FURTHER PHONE CALLS IN AN ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THE SITUATION.

SHOULD WE BUY AN IPHONE NOW THE COST IS LESS? OR DOES THE NOW GREATER MONTHLY SERVICE FEE NEGATE ANY SAVING OVER THE PRIOR MODEL?

Las Vegas Downtown, Las Vegas Folk, Las Vegas VW TDI

Click on any image to enlarge in order to see important detail. This Las Vegas motel advertises rooms for a mere $155 per week including free phone and cable. It is within easy walking distance from such downtown landmarks as the recently renovated El Cortez and the Fremont Experience (and likely some unanticipated downtown experierences!!).
Perhaps a play on words-- This and the photo below just seemed to go together!!
See Above.
The Beetle TDI after its first week in Las Vegas.

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FINALLY CALLS L.E. FANT:

Late Friday afternoon L.E.'s doctor called and discussed L.E. Fant's elevated blood pressure. He claims that the "upper number" is of little concern as the "lower number" remains within range.

He stated that his staff would call L.E. top set up an appointment for this week. L.E. awaits that call.

CATHOLIC CHURCH GEREROUSLY OFFERS HELP TO L.E. FANT AN ADMITTED HERETIC?

L.E. Fant received the following email claiming to be an offer from the Catholic Church [L.E. has redacted email addresses in order to protect his superior readers]:

> DNT> The Catholic Church Italy (http://www.) would like> to inform you that you have been picked by the board of trustees as one> of the final recipients for a cash Grant/Donation for your own> personal, educational, and business development. In the year 1901, they> started offering collection for the Sole objective of human growth,> educational and Community development. In conjuction with the ECOWAS, > UNO, and> the EU, We are giving out a yearly donation of US$650,000.00 each to> 100 lucky recipients each year, undermining your religion. Kindly> contact the Church Executive Secretary below for further information on> the donation.>> Exec Sec Amerigo Ampellio> Email: @live.com>> Please endeavour to quote your Qualification numbers> +(N-2.2.2,6.6.4.7, E-9.1 0.5.6)

Sadly he must conclude the email is precursor to a scam and highly unlikely to have originated from the Vatican or other holy sources.

L.E. has asked friends close (or way closer than is he) to the Pope to confirm or deny any such offer from the Catholic Church.

VW BEETLE TDI:

The first week of Beetling has proved a pleasure for the Fants (especially when at the fuel pump).

Jack A. Roo (who has gained 7 pounds in two weeks)enjoys its back compartment for comfortable travel and has ample windows for sightseeing.

The vehicle received its first Las Vegas diesel on Saturday and was topped of with the addition of 7.9 gallons (its tank holds 14.5).

That amount was consumed from Wickenburg AZ (just out of Phoenix)to Las Vegas, some sightseeing, travel to the Egg & I, travel to a movie theatre last Sunday when celebrating Mrs. Fant's birthday and a week of commuting by Mrs. Fant. While not exact, probably a total of at least 350 miles was travelled . This calculates to an average of approximately 44 mpg. L.E. believes this to be a commendable figure when one considers last week required A/C on for every trip and the poor car had a half tank of contaminated fuel left from its top off in NM.

The vehicle's trip meter is now set and an accurate consumption figure will be available shortly. L.E. looks forward to making a batch of bio diesel from used fryer oil.

When getting the Beetle smogged he discovered that the smog facility's owner has used discarded cooking oil in his pickup for the past four years and thouroughly reccommends the habit.

At last, when diesel Beetling, the Fants may look smug Prius drivers squarely in their eyes and display pity for their apparently misguided choice of, and extremely ugly mode of transport.

It may not be too late for Las Vegas. New Artist.

Do not click on images to enlarge unless you desire to see larger images!

L.E. Fant of Las Vegas is helping a "starving local artist" achieve his dreams, L.E. Fant, therefore, provides the following:

First public display of Stephen Winter art is here and only with L.E. Fant of Las Vegas!!

Above are two of the first series of Winter's 2008 artworks which are soon to be auctioned on E Bay.

Winter's color palette is designed to evoke emotion. Color is all in his work.

L.E. Fant's superior readers may be first to own one of these paintings as they shall be first to be apprised of when the sale will occur!

POLITICAL MESSAGE (again), Lesser of two evils is not a sound voting strategy!

How do you get people to vote against their own self interest?
That's the trick!
One way is to make people believe in a dream.
That's what all of the mainstream politicians are doing - feeding that dream.
Obama is feeding a dream - a dream of change and renewal.
He's feeding a dream that the conditions that surround us - Iraq, the economy, the racial divide, the class divide in this country - that they are magically going to go away by voting for this centrist Democrat.
That is nonsense, of course.
Obama is not proposing any structural changes.
McCain is feeding us the dream, the fantasy of power and control.
That somehow the military might of the U.S. will prevail across the globe.
These are fantasies that are being fed by the politicians.
They are not so much lies, as delusions.
But we will have brought it on ourselves by supporting these politicians.
By ignoring any candidate or any ideas that might conflict with those dreams.
The Obama moment is a feel good moment.
It makes us feel good.
But the programs Obama is proposing - up and down and all around - are the same centrist Democratic positions.
The same people are going to be running the show.
All of the corporations are rapidly switching their contributions to the Democrats.
These are the words of the American novelist Russell Banks.

Shift the power from the few to the many.
Free our government of corporate domination.
Restore the sovereignty of an engaged people.
Don't fall for the trick.

Shift the power.
Feed the living, breathing people-powered alternative.

http://www.votenader.org/

Have a pleasant and safe weekend all you superior readers.

STILL NO RETURN CALL FROM HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR L.E. (since Tuesday) with advice regarding possibly dangerously elevated blood pressure.

This is extremely tiresome and vexating for L.E.

Panda in Las Vegas?

Do not under any circumstances click on this image to enlarge it! PANDA IN LAS VEGAS? No Panda in Cornwall, U.K. However, a diesel version of this car gets 70 mpg and looks cute doing so.

TIME FOR CHANGE? [Borrowed from Obama].

Premium gasoline is now fast approaching $5.00 per gallon (and do not forget that we are further cheated as our “gallon” is smaller than the so-called “Imperial gallon” used by most other non-metricated countries.
An overwhelming majority of L.E.’s superior poll respondents believe that we should have available cars with 70 mpg capabilities as does Europe.
These cars are not necessarily ugly. In Europe one may buy a Mini diesel which manages around 70 mpg and looks pretty cool whilst doing so. Also modern diesel engines are quiet and powerful, unlike older versions. In Europe the Fants rented a Fiat Panda which was a delight to drive and looked modern. There is a diesel version of that car which does-yes you guessed it-70 mpg. A new VW model recently travelled 20,000 miles around the world averaging 93 mpg. Consider how these figures would affect your monthly expenditures.

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER'S LACK OF TIMELY RESPONSE UNACCEPTABLE:

This is the third day without a return call from L.E. Fant’s health care provider regarding his elevated blood pressure. Should he assume that the figures he provided are no cause for alarm or may he assume they don’t care?
As the systolic figure is approximately 50% from its norm, and L.E. has some kidney problems he believes this matter is in urgent need of attention and will leave yet another phone message on the doctor’s voicemail hoping for a response with remedy before permanent harm occurs.

REVISITED OLD FRIEND:

Last evening L.E. Fant revisited his L.E. Fant of Las Vegas’s Very Easy yet Extremely Tasty Las Vegas Style Chicken Piccata for Two (Less than 30 minutes from start to eating). He reproduces the recipe for those just joining us and for those who needed a reminder:
Ingredients:
One skinless, boneless chicken breast ½ cup or so of flour, two Tbs capers, ¼ cup lemon juice, 3 Tbs butter, 3 Tbs olive oil, parsley (chopped) for garnish, 1/3 cup chicken stock (if out substitute with water), salt and pepper.

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

POLITICS AS USUAL:
How about an Obama/ McCain ticket? Or for Republicans a McCain/ Obama ticket? Then we have both “the experience” and youth mix in our executive branch.
It seems that both contenders are now getting very close to lobby groups which they believe they must cultivate in order to get the necessary votes to succeed. We may well ponder that our best interests may not be served well by those alliances.
However, it seems that the duopolistic, corporate, special interest groups style of so-called government is to prevail in our U.S.. L.E. believes that we may see more clearly where we are headed should we merely cast votes for Texaco or Wal Mart or G.E. or… and let the winning corporation install its chosen executive branch.

Yesterday it was pointed out that the Westminster system in the U.K allows a general election cycle to occur in five weeks. L.E. Fant must assume that the cost to its taxpayers for such an election is likely to be far less than is the cost to us of our style election.

http://www.votenader.org/

Another Day in Las Vegas....Antigua or Parump?

Do not click on images to enlarge. Arrivals
Construction
New York, New York

More Real Estate Opportunity for astute, superior readers of L.E. Fant of Las Vegas:

Antigua offers one or two bedroom apartments on a sun drenched island (and possibly access to Eric Clapton's Crossroads Rehab. facility)for around $400,000 should you desire a change of pace.

www.tradewindrealty.com

Is Parump in Nevada? Does it really exist in the minds of Gentlefolk?

A friend of L.E. Fant is contemplating moving to Parump (which L.E. believes is north of Las Vegas and a blight upon Nevada's landscape).

L.E. suggested that his friend take a drive to reconnoitre before any further contemplation of such a, likely ill fated, move.

The so-called justification for such a move is that there are many large sized lots available in the area at inexpensive prices. L.E. Fant recalls the maxim of the smooth tongued flim-flam, sometimes Hummer driving, sellers of land which is not theirs: "Location, Location, Location."

In L.E.'s opinion this may be easily construed as "DO NOT BUY LAND WHERE NO-ONE WITH REASONABLE MENTAL FACULTIES WANTS TO LIVE." Parump is such a place indeed.

Its main attractions appear to be availability of unseasonal fireworks, brothels, the apparent encouragement by township fathers of the use of old, mostly orange with race track insignias, ugly, broken motor vehicles as landscape decoration for the seemingly endless lots with trailer homes (some with even less attractive "additions") perched upon and scattered throughout the otherwise barren landscape.

Of course we should not forget that it is home to "black helicopter" fanatical broadcaster Art Bell who apparently fits well with the community.

All these are valid reasons, in L.E.'s opinion, to avoid Parump as one would attempt to avoid the Black Death, stroke, heart attack or any cancer.

There is still land available in Alaska!!!

L.E. Fant's Blood Pressure:

Is still elevated at 167/72 this morning. He is now imagining symptoms.

Of course his call and correspondence to his health care provider of yesterday remains unanswered. Perhaps he should go to an ER?

Las Vegas Hotels, Las Vegas Breakfast, Las Vegas gas prices.

Click on images to enlarge should you desire to view larger images, otherwise do not. This image may have been provided previously-so treat it as a re-run.
Maybe this one too....
The ex-home of Sir Galahad's (sorely missed) restaurant.

Errata:

L.E. Fant forgot to mention that he and Mrs. Fant breakfasted at the Egg and I (located on Sahara) last Sunday.

L.E. has always had a good meal at this Las Vegas establishment which has been in existence for twenty years or more.

The restaurant is clean as is its food.The staff are pleasant and the coffee good.

The Fants ate respectively, Blueberry French toast with cream and Pork carnitas. L.E. enjoyed the Pork carnitas which was a spicy pulled pork and sauce on a tortilla with a sunny side up egg. He did not regret his decision to not get the Eggs Benedict which was his original choice. The French toast overwhelmed Mrs. Fant who could not manage to entirely consume the portion.[Around $20 for all].

The Fants arrived early (for a Sunday) at 8:00 a.m.and were immediately seated and provided coffee and water in a not crowded restaurant. This made for a relaxing breakfast and time for peaceful conversation.

POOR POPCORN IS PROVIDED BY AVARICIOUS MOVIE THEATRE CONCESSION:

Prior to watching the Sex and the City movie L.E. and wife purchased iced lattes and popcorn from the concession stand. The popcorn (very expensive popcorn)was merely lukewarm and tasted extremely unpleasant-so much so that it was left unconsumed.

Motto here is to taste the product at the time of purchase to make exchange/refund/throwing it at the vendor an easier task.

UGLY CIVILIAN HUMMER [FIRM FAVORITE OF THE OSTENTATIOUS, PARASITICAL REAL ESTATE SELLER] MAY BE EXTINCT:

L.E. Fant is informed that G.M is closing three plants and possibly discontinuing the Hummer.

The closings are of plants which manufacture trucks and SUVs which are suffering poor sales at this time.

As for closing the Hummer line, L.E. could care less as he considers these (civilian version)vehicles absolutely tasteless, mechanically inept and, therefore, suited only for the more ostentatious, likely parasitical, real estate sales person who finds them a suitable accessory to their trade.

BLOOD PRESSURE:

Today L.E.'s blood pressure is way elevated [175/80 whereas it is usually 120/78]. He wonders whether this is due to a recent medication change and is anxiously awaiting a return call from his health care provider's office to discuss the matter.

L.E. must now close as Jack.A. Roo is demanding attention.

L.E. Fant of Las Vegas strikes first blow against BIG OIL!!!, L.E. Fant sees Sex in the City movie!!

Click on images or not. L.E. Fant strikes his first blow against BIG OIL! (See below)
The long and rarely winding but extremely boring road!

This picture taken just prior to BIG OIL's apparent first attempt to thwart L.E. Fant's plans!

More road-so you may appreciate L.E.'s boredom when driving it for 1500 miles or more.

ROAD TRIP:

Last week L.E. "won" an E Bay auction for a diesel powered VW Bug.

L.E. had studied the specifications of said vehicles and concluded that they were perhaps a better solution for his family than a hybrid. This because 42 mpg City and 49 mpg highway (old EPA figures) appear to match or better the figures of a Prius (or Honda Civic)and the Prius is a very, very ugly car in L.E.'s opinion and in the opinion of she who must be obeyed, whereas the Bug is very, very cute.

A further attraction is that if one is industrious (and desires to thwart BIG OIL's plans to take all of our money) it is entirely possible to make one's own fuel from waste vegetable frying oil collected from restaurants. This is the blow one may make against BIG OIL, together with the lesser use of its products.

One drawback to L.E.'s plan was that the car he won was in Houston, Texas, over 1,500 miles from Las Vegas.

An early morning $400 flight (maybe too early for the Taxicab Authority goons) got L.E. to Houston Hobby airport by 12:45 local time. As his wife upgraded his ticket he was first on board and obtained the prized front seat with legroom. He settled back and drafted some boring correspondence regarding his HOA and enjoyed (yes perhaps a little early for some) a complimentary Bloody Mary during the flight.

Upon arrival in Houston he called the seller of the VW to find that his wife was about to go into labor with their first child. This meant L.E. waited at the airport for a couple of hours waiting for the seller.

After Sam the seller eventually arrived it was only a short time before money was exchanged for title and L.E. headed off into Houston' rush hour traffic to begin his journey home to Las Vegas.

What appeared easy when planning the trip became a nightmare when L.E.'s GPS provided different directions than the small scale map provided by Mrs. Fant via Yahoo Maps. L.E. made this discovery when through a spaghetti bowl interchange with his GPS bleating at him to exit seemingly north instead of west which appeared logical to him. When an hour or so later he re-passed some truckers which had gone the way demanded by the GPS L.E. realized that perhaps it knew better on that occasion.

However, after rapid decision making based on hunches L.E. eventually found calmer traffic and the "10 West" again. His wife had booked a room at a Rodeside Inn at a town called Junction, TX where L.E. arrived at around 9:30 local time.

When L.E. arose the next morning he realized that the driving task before him was immense as he still had over 1,300 miles to go before reaching Las Vegas where it was Mrs. Fant's birthday in a few scant hours.

Topping off the tank with fuel showed that L.E. had achieved around 44 mpg so far (with A/C on and mostly 70 mph). This was encouraging.

L.E. set off and noted that the road signs indicated that El Paso was nearly 400 miles away.

Sorry to you Texans but L.E. must note that he found not one reason to take a photograph of any of the monotonous, scrubby, unremarkable other than for its lack of any scenic significance, vistas he encountered through Texas. The views were the eye's boring equivalent of the mouth's granola.

Next, BIG OIL apparently attempts to thwart L.E.'s plans.

L.E. fuelled up at the first stop into New Mexico at a Texaco station. As he fuelled he did not realize the significance of what he thought to be water leaking from the connections of the hose and nozzle. It turned out that the fuel he purchased was contaminated.

L.E. Fant also noticed, when fuelling up, that the temporary license plate had blown off the VW leaving it naked of any I.D. and now likely cop bait.

As the only food available at the Texaco was convenience store food L.E. drove a few miles on and stopped at McDonalds where he consumed a grilled chicken on wheat sandwich.

When re-entering the interstate L.E. realized that the VW was way, way down on power. His stomach had that sinking feeling as he pondered how much a tow to wherever was going to cost.

He eventually managed to nurse the car up to 55 mph or so on the level and 30mph on inclines(despite the limit of 75 or 80 mph) and attempted to (like NASCAR drivers) draft behind big rigs when possible [that really worked-it got another 10 mph or so and allowed use of the A/C which was now off to conserve power]. Most big rig drivers attempted to stop L.E. from doing so and hit their brakes or swerved across lanes in their efforts to thwart L.E. from drafting behind their rigs, which made the NASCAR analogy even more poignant.

500 long miles later L.E. topped the tank with fuel [and gasped down a 99 cent hotdog which cost him $3.00] which apparently was o.k. as the car now almost instantly regained its power and was again capable of greater speeds, use of the A/C and cruise control[that was a relief as no A/C when outside temps were in the high 90's and occasionally 100 was not enjoyable].

L.E. finally crossed the dam into Las Vegas (luckily the police at the checkpoint did not comment upon the lack of plates on the VW, L.E. guesses that terrorists probably don't drive such cute cars) on the 93 and made it home 1/2 hour into his wife's birthday at 12:30 am after a very long day of driving.

It appears that the VW achieved approximately 49 mpg for the last leg from Phoenix [with A/C on and some mountain climbing].

A very sad corollary to this purchase is that L.E. has agreed (after ultimatum from she who must be obeyed) to dispose of his beloved Mercedes coupe (and Moto Guzzi and Vespas) to make room for the VW.

MOVIE REVIEW:

Part of the birthday celebration included attending the movie Sex and the City.

L.E. Fant has no doubt that most women who attended enjoyed the movie (judging from the applause and box office returns).

To the cynical L.E. it was, at best, extremely predictable. He will refrain from providing you with the touchy feely ending so you may suffer as did he-or if female rejoice.