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 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.

Las Vegas Stardust Nostalgia

please click on image to enlarge

One Dollar Gaming Token from defunct Stardust.

L.E. has a few of these as souvenirs

STOP PRESS:

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

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

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

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

GAS PRICES:

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

Poll Results:

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

Please see below for links to gas prices.

Las Vegas Bellagio, Las Vegas Style FREE Recipe

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

POLL RESULTS:

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

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

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

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

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

1 cup thinly sliced onions
2 Tbs canola oil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Las Vegas Stardust VERY, VERY SHORTLY AFTER IMPLOSION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy with a glass of white.

TODAY'S GAME:

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

ALTERNATIVE TO CORN FED COW MEAT.

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

WATER POWERED CARS FOR LAS VEGAS?

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

EVEN MORE LAS VEGAS DRIVERS' GAS SAVING TIPS TOMORROW!

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

Las Vegas Stardust again

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

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

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

POLL RESULTS:

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

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

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

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

www.automotive.com/gas-prices

LAS VEGAS QUICK PIZZA RECIPE:

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

Ingredients:

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

Method:

Make up the pizza dough mix according to packet directions.

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

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

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

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

SOLAR LAMP UPDATE:

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

APOLOGIES:

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

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

Las Vegas Stratosphere, Klondike gone-Hooray!

click on image to enlarge

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

POLL RESULTS:

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

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

TATA:

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

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

SOLAR LAMP UPDATE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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