Odd Ends

Just a few notes on local happenings.
The water and power companies have buried the hatchet and climbed into a big bed along with the Colorado water authority. Big law suits have been in progress and it seems that they finally figured out that no-one was winning except the lawyers. It all started long ago but has a lot to do with the water co being the single largest power user around. After the Enron thing it came to a head and the water co tried to take over the power co. Nevada power made a big mistake contracting to buy a lot of power at high prices during the artificial power shortage engineered by Enron and a lot of others (who have mostly gone unpunished). There was an advisory question on the ballot asking if the public was in favor of the takeover. Of course it was a massive YES as we are appalled at the huge rate increases Nevada power has gotten. Our Public Services commission is, like most everywhere, just a big rubber stamp.
I won't bother with the details but a lot of trading of this and that assures the water co of all the power it will need for it's plan to steal water from the north to support growth in Clark county. The power co gets something back and the Colorado water people are involved in some way and to try to figure it all out would make your head hurt, but the companies are happy. It won't help me. Utility rates are not going to drop.

Another item. The post 911 economic slump here, in the gaming industry, must be over. Truthfully it was not all that bad, but it gave casinos an excuse to lay off a lot of people and find ways to operate with out them. Personal are viewed as the entertainment industries greatest expense. I don't believe this but I'm not going to go in to it now.
The win figures are in for 2004 and they are a record. 10.6 billion dollars. Let me write that out.
10,600,000,000.00 Now I will write out my personal earnings (roughly)
48,ooo.00 Now I will write out the percentage of that win I earned
0.0000045 Remember the win figure is by law public and doesn't include earnings from rooms, restraints, shows and other attractions. That figure is in the billions too but they will never tell.
Clearly, for some people, Las Vegas is the place to be. For others it is a place to live.
For most people it is a place to visit, like no other place. You'll never forget a trip to Las Vegas.
Adaven