By Frank Legato   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

“Boutique hotel” is a term that’s been tossed around a lot lately. Technically, it refers to a small luxury hotel featuring customized amenities and premium services.

The term has been used to describe the Water Club, the new signature hotel created by Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. While there’s nothing small about the Water Club—officially unveiled the last week of June—the 800-room, upscale non-casino hotel, connected to Borgata by a retail bridge, certainly meets all the other definitions of a boutique property. Customers have been amazed by exquisite details: special woods, marble and stone flown in from around the world, custom-designed linens, and one-of-a-kind features throughout the property.

The Water Club is a stand-alone luxury hotel designed as a “step up” from anything in the market. The name comes from the fact there are five swimming pools and the unique “Immersion,” a two-story, 36,000-square-foot “spa in the sky” that begins on the hotel’s 32nd floor.

All that water, though, is just the beginning. The Water Club is “an exclusive extension of the sophisticated, international style that already defines Borgata,” says Drew Schlesinger, the new hotel’s vice president and general manager. “This is not a hotel for gamers, but for people who want a great weekend or a great night at a resort.”

“This is not a tower,” adds Michael Facenda, Borgata’s director of marketing services. “It is the second hotel at Borgata. If the Borgata was not here, this could operate as a stand-alone hotel.”

“What we ended up doing,” says Schlesinger, “was to position the Water Club as a signature hotel by Borgata. This is Borgata’s sibling, in a way, with a take-me-higher proposition.”

According to Larry Mullin, Borgata’s president and chief operating officer, the property’s $600 million master expansion plan—which this $400 million hotel completes—always included an upscale luxury destination resort. As Pennsylvania slot casinos draw more patrons from Atlantic City, the wisdom of the plan is evident.

“With competition for gambling, specifically slot machines, what’s becoming clear is that it excites people to come to a true resort destination like this,” says Mullin, who with Borgata CEO Bob Boughner led the team that planned the Water Club.

The hotel is different than anything else in Atlantic City, from the detail employed in creating it to the attentive service of the employees, for which Mullin thanks Schlesinger, a longtime hotelier who has opened luxury hotels from New York to San Francisco.

Among Schlesinger’s credits are the Paramount and 70 Park Avenue hotels in New York and the famous Mondrian Los Angeles in West Hollywood. He was with Kimpton Hotels, the boutique hotel specialist, when Boughner tried to recruit him to open Borgata five years ago.

He turned that offer down, but when Mullin contacted him to open the Water Club, he couldn’t resist.

“Larry called me, and I got so jazzed when I saw the plans, I said, ‘I'm in,’” Schlesinger says. “I’d said I’d never open another hotel, but I couldn’t pass it up. This is my sixth hotel, and there’s just absolutely nothing like this. This is the pinnacle.”

CUSTOM EXPERIENCE - A remarkable attention to detail is apparent in every inch of the Water Club. Each floor has a character of its own, with exotic woods, stone and other materials from imported Italian Noachian wood in the business meeting rooms (“insanely expensive,” says Schlesinger) to a front desk made of petrified wood; from Brazilian marble in one of the bars to stone work with actual embedded fossils in the spa’s treatment rooms.

The custom work even extends to the underground valet operation, where you’ll drive in and out of the resort on imported cobblestone.

“No one is expecting what we’re offering,” says Schlesinger. “You just can’t imagine the finishes they’ve used here, or the special design.”

The Water Club includes 800 premium rooms and suites, five pools in unique environments, three residences inspired by chic city lofts, 18,000 square feet of meeting space, six new high-end retail shops, and of course, the unique spa.

Just off the lobby is the Sun Room, a sun-washed espresso bar in the morning that transforms into a hot nightspot in the evenings. Providing the bar menu is the Water Club’s resident celebrity chef, Geoffrey Zakarian of Manhattan’s Town and Country restaurants and Bravo TV’s Top Chef. Zakarian has created all the outdoor pool menus, indoor bar menus, the spa menu, and even in-room dining menus.

Also adjacent to the lobby are two indoor swimming pools, complete with marble bars under 50-foot ceilings. Over one pool is a dark wood trellis with a device that simulates a misty rain. Outside are two separate heated pools complete with private cabanas.

One of the outdoor pools features jets that actually make it a huge Jacuzzi. “At night, lights glow from it, and this turns into a huge night spot, like a South Beach kind of scene,” Schlesinger says. “All of it features club service. You’re not getting your towel; everything is served to you. Someone brings you your food or beverage.”

But the pièce de résistance, says Schlesinger, is the remarkable Immersion spa spanning two upper-level stories of the hotel. There is almost a hushed reverence when you leave the elevators and walk among the individual treatment rooms. The private treatment rooms feature tables designed specifically for each treatment on the spa menu, with heating elements built into jade and marble tables. The rooms overlook the ocean or bay with panoramic views.

The 16 treatment rooms—”Experience Rooms,” officially—surround a common area with an Olympic-sized lap pool, also overlooking the ocean and bay and accented by teakwood tables and another lounge. The spa menu itself includes a whole range of mud treatments, exfoliation, and special pampering processes like the oxygen infusion machine, which pushes oxygen into the skin for a Botox-like effect.

“This is a five-diamond spa; we’re looking to get the real spa aficionados,” says Schlesinger. “All of our treatments are based on that. We don’t have a treatment that lasts less than 80 minutes.”

And the idea to put all this on the 32nd floor?  - “I have to give credit for this whole place to Bob Boughner,” says Mullin. “It was Bob’s vision, and his design with (principal interior designer) Larry Lea, to take that upper-floor real estate and accommodate it for the spa.

“The reason for that was not about just putting bodies in the building; it’s all about the quality of the product. At $400 million, we probably could have created a lot more hotel rooms. But when you look at the finishes we used and the types of amenities this place offers, it’s clear we were going after quality, not quantity.”

THE BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE - The Water Club recreates the boutique experience in a large hotel, notes Mullin. “We already had a great reputation for our casino,” he says. “Having someone like Drew, who’s run some of the most successful boutique hotels in the country, and having someone like (chef) Geoffrey Zakarian—these are the things we believe distinguish this from a casino hotel.

“This will define itself as a category.”  The hotel includes 750 standard rooms, all featuring ocean or bay views and state-of-the-art amenities including 40-inch flat-screen high-definition TVs, aromatherapy bath amenities, and special touches like an electronic “do-not-disturb” mode you can set with a button from your bed.

There also is a whole range of luxury suites, including 20 one-bedroom units and 15 two-bedroom units. Four corner suites are each equipped with a media-rich mini-theater. The largest are the Residence Suites, each around 5,000 square feet in two stories, with 22-foot ceilings in the living room and dining room, a fireplace, a butler pantry, and a bathroom that’s as large as the bedrooms in the standard rooms. One of them has a pool table, another a grand piano.

“Yes, there are 800 rooms, but once you’re in your room, you will get that sense of a boutique-style hotel, because of the choices we made,” Schlesinger says. He notes that top management painstakingly chose every detail, from linens to mattresses, even to the hangers in the closet.

“We looked at 12 or 13 different hangers!” he says. “Bob Boughner slept on 30 different mattresses until they made the right one, to his specifications. You can’t go to the store and buy one of these. Thirty or 40 pillows were slept on—by Larry, by me—to the point where we hand-picked even the type of feather. Instead of a plain goose feather, you go with a white goose down, because it has a softer feel and doesn’t have an odor when it gets wet.

“There’s a whole myriad of things that separate us. Once they’re in that room, the level and individuality of the service will knock people out.”

Mullin says the Water Club will draw both current Borgata customers and people who are “Atlantic City rejecters”—new customers who never have considered the city as a vacation option in the past.

“We have the highest level of play in town. We need to constantly be offering a choice—a fresh, fun, focused experience. We think the Water Club does that.”

PERSONAL SERVICE  - But what really sets the Water Club apart, says Schlesinger, is the service. “We hired 800 employees for 800 keys, so you basically have a one-to-one ratio,” he says. “Outside of Asia or the Middle East, you rarely see that level of staff-to-guest ratio.”

He says the Water Club has even created new types of jobs to fill the gaps that might exist between service providers. For instance, there are “lobby ambassadors,” who have the job of attending to guests when they are between the valet area and the front desk.

“These men and women will greet you as you’re coming up the escalator,” Schlesinger says. “They’ll sit you on a bench and bring you some wine. Hopefully, a lot of people won’t even have to stand at the guest registration, but in any event, everyone’s escorted everywhere. It’s not a ‘point-and-show’ kind of hotel. It’s true luxe.”

Asked whether enough people are going to be able to afford “luxe” in these tough economic times, Mullin says he is not worried.

“The economy has always gone up and down,” he says, “and we didn’t build this for the short term. The return we will get in the coming weeks or months is not the issue; the issue is really where we go for the next few years. We believe we will be the mark for the future, because it’s going to be very hard to replicate anything like this in its entirety.”

For the record, the Water Club had 7,000 corporate rooms booked with 5,000 pending and 2,200 transient guest reservations booked—before the doors were even opened.

“The market will still be defined by Borgata, and by the Water Club,” Mullin says. “We are the benchmark.”

SUMMER HIGHS

The Water Club is only one of several new offerings in Atlantic City this summer. The new hotel joins expansions and renovations at existing hotels and new non-casino attractions in a lineup of new offerings in the seaside resort. Here’s a sample:

HARRAH’S WATERFRONT TOWER - The 960-room Waterfront Tower at Harrah’s Atlantic City, which opened in March, capped off the casino’s $550 million expansion, which began a year earlier with the opening of the new Waterfront Buffet and the massive Pool at Harrah’s.

The guest rooms have been opening in phases since March. They include state-of-the-art standard rooms and suites that include “bachelor and bachelorette party suites” with bars and home movie systems; 1,600-square-foot end suites (three times the size of a normal room); and two Elizabeth Arden-themed penthouse suites with built-in massage rooms, steam rooms and showers—those ones are 2,600 square feet apiece.

The 525-foot tower is part of a new complex at Harrah’s that includes a retail promenade leading to the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and the indoor pool, which sits under a 90-foot dome and is opened as a nightclub in the evening. It also includes cabanas for relaxing, or for private parties.

CHAIRMAN’S TOWER AT TAJ - By the end of the summer, the transformation of Trump Taj Mahal will be complete with the opening of the 900-room Chairman’s Tower, the first room addition to be completed since the property opened in 1990.

The new tower features 782 guest rooms, including 74 suites (four of them luxury suites long the lines of the existing Penthouse Suites at the Taj).

The rooms are designed with both business and leisure travelers in mind—they are larger than original Taj rooms, with higher ceilings and modern bathrooms including double sinks recessed into Brazilian granite countertops. Eight luxury suites top the tower, including two super-suites measuring 2,100 square feet apiece.

The tower caps off a complete renovation of the Taj, which has included a makeover of all public spaces and existing guest rooms, as well as the addition of the “Spice Road” retail promenade and the Il Mulino New York restaurant.

“The strongest feature of the new tower will be the rooms themselves,” says Mark Juliano, CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts. “They’re very spacious, they have fabulous views, great, new modern bathrooms, and all-new technology, like high-speed internet access, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks.”

THE CHELSEA - At press time, a July opening was predicted for the other boutique hotel offering coming to town this summer, the Chelsea Hotel.

A creation of Curtis Bashaw, former executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, the Chelsea is being created from the two buildings that formerly housed the Holiday Inn and Teplitsky’s, a kosher hotel that eventually was transformed into a Howard Johnson’s.

The Chelsea’s design is a retro-chic 1950s look, with terrazzo floors and stainless steel ceilings. “It’s a classic, timeless feel I’m sure is reminiscent of Hollywood’s glamour period,” says Bashaw. “It’s something Atlantic City has not seen before—or at least not for a long time.” The 331 rooms will be divided into two classes, “Chelsea Luxe” and “Chelsea Lite.” All include flat-screen LCD TVs and other modern amenities.

Celebrity chef Stephen Starr created the property’s two restaurants, Chelsea Prime for steaks and Teplitsky’s, a 24-hour diner giving a nod to the original occupant of the building. Starr also has developed all in-room dining menus.

The new hotel will be capped by a rooftop pool with an outdoor bar and hip nightspot called the “Fifth Floor.”

By Joseph Harrison   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

S k ep ti cs said it would never happen. In the late 1990s, discussions began about constructing a massive motorsports complex in Millville. It’s taken nearly a decade to finally come to fruition, but the New Jersey Motorsports Park will become a reality in July when the first part of a three-phase project opens to the masses.

Soon, thousands will assemble at Thunderbolt and Lightning raceways to watch—and drive—cars at top speeds, and once-foreign terminology like F1 Karting will become part of the local argot.

“After all of these years, it’s like a dream come true that this is finally happening,” says General Manager Don Fauerbach. “We persevered and everyone stayed with us through all the state and environmental issues. We’re going to open. It’s great.”

“It’s definitely setting in that this is going to happen,” says Director of Motorsports Activities Joe Volpe. “Everyone’s working full-time to get this thing up and running.”

This month, the 1.9-mile road circuit Lightning Raceway opens, followed by the 2.25-mile signature Thunderbolt Raceway in August. Two world-class road courses will not only host major events like Grand-Am racing but enable amateurs to hit the tracks.

When completed, NJMP, near the Millville Airport, will also include a first-class karting facility, an ATV course, a 3/4-mile tri-oval speedplex, and a host of amenities and attractions that include a member’s only clubhouse, VIP suites, trackside villas, hotel and conference center, restaurants, retail and raceplex businesses, restaurants, educational outlets, and other unique project attractions that will truly drive excitement to the entire region.

Fauerbach says people won’t truly understand how massive NJMP is until they visit.

“You can look at videos, go to the website, look at aerial pictures and read all of the stories, but until you physically see the largeness of the facility, you just can’t understand,” he says. “I see it every day. People come here and are just amazed. Even the sanctioning bodies come here and say they didn’t expecting something so nice and so well thought-out.

“Once you go to that first race and feel that thunder in the ground and in the air, the emotion is indescribable. Words don’t tell the story.”

RACING - The inaugural racing season schedule for NJMP is already packed. The first spectator race will be held August 7-10 when the Sports Car Vintage Racing Association roars in with historic Can-Am cars, vintage Formula 1 and many famous Trans-Am muscle cars.

Other events include the Shelby American Automobile Club’s national convention with Ford GT-40s, 427 AC Cobras and more on August 15-17; the Mazda Formula Zoom Zoom open-wheel series September 12-14; and the Vintage Air and Auto Show that will combine vintage auto races with more than 20 World War II war birds on display—and in the air—September 20-21.

The two biggest events so far are the Grand-Am and ARCA Re/Max series events August 29-31, and September 26-28 respectively. Grand-Am will feature multiple races in all classes including Daytona Prototype and GT, the Koni Challenge and the Moto-ST (which is Grand-Am’s version of the Superbike series). The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge, the BF Goodrich/Skip Barber National and the Ferrari Challenge will also be on hand.

The ARCA Re/Max 150 will feature some of the finest stock car drivers in the country, and racing will include the Speed World Challenge GT, Touring Cars and the Volkswagen TDI Cup Series, as well as Formula BMW.

“We’ll see professional racing at the highest level,” Volpe says. “Grand-Am is the highest level of sports car racing in the country. And the ARCA series is the second-highest level of stock car racing next to NASCAR. We’ll see everything from amateur club racing to the very best in the world. That’s what makes the track so special.”

THE DRIVERS CLUB & KARTING  - For Mario Andretti wannabes, the best part about NJMS is that amateurs can race themselves. NJMP allows everyone with a well-functioning car and a few bucks the opportunity to fulfill their need for speed. There’s no speed limit, and there’s no limit to the amount of adrenaline your body will pump.

“This project introduces motorsports to the local community and allows them to get out there and participate,” says Volpe. “There’s a misconception out there that racing is only for rich people and locals won’t enjoy it. That’s simply not true. If you have a car and a couple hundred dollars, you can have the time of your life.

“It’s not cheap,” he adds. “It’s not something you can do for 15 bucks. But it’s not out of the realm of possibility for most people.”

For avid car enthusiasts, the Drivers Club is the ultimate option. While drivers will be able to get on the course with memberships through the Sports Car Club of America and pay for track time, the Drivers Club is an exclusive motorsports “country club.”

Members get 30 days of access to both courses, plus 20 exclusive members-only driving days at NJMP and Virginia International Raceway. It includes full use of the clubhouse, pool, fitness center, tennis and volleyball courts, and free admission for member and family to all spectator events and preferred member parking.

Prices range from $2,400 for general memberships to $12,000 for corporate memberships (not counting the $10,000 and $25,000 initiation fees). To drive, it’s an extra $150 per day per person.

Volpe says the memberships will be worth it.

“Speed is only restricted by dollars and cubic inches. Honestly, you can bring anything on that track as long as it passes the technical tests. People will bring everything from Volkswagen Rabbits to Honda Civics to entry-level sports cars like Mustangs and Camaros; those may add some speed to the equation.”

For racing on a smaller level, F1 Karting gives everyone the opportunity to experience motorsports firsthand. In NJMP karts, racers maneuver a 1.1-mile track that can be configured eight ways.

“We call it ‘Arrive and Drive,’” Fauerbach says. “You go through driver training, learn safety and the basics and get outfitted in helmets, firesuits and a neck brace.

“For a simple ‘Arrive and Drive,’ it’s $25 for 20 laps, and you’re going to spend a good hour and a half for the whole process. Once you get a card, you can come back, eventually advancing from 55 m.p.h. and go all the way to 120 m.p.h. We know it will be immensely popular. It’s an addiction. A couple can realistically come here and do ‘Arrive and Drive’ for less than going out to dinner.”

VILLAS AT BREIGHTON - Everyone’s heard of homes located on a golf course. How about homes next to a racetrack?

That’s exactly what NJMP will offer with Villas at Breighton, trackside units for about $450,000. There are 30 villas planned for the first stage; it will expand to more than 180 in about five years.

Each villa will have a second-floor deck with spectacular trackside views. Owners will enjoy all Drivers Club benefits including a sports pavilion and activity center with tennis courts.

“We just began to advertise the trackside villas, and there are 38 units already reserved,” Fauerbach says. “You can even opt into a rental pool so that when you’re not there, it’s rented out. So say a casino visitor wants to spend a weekend here, go to driver training school and sit out on the deck and watch racing. Well, they can. It’s just another form of vacationing.”

ECONOMIC IMPACT - The first phase of NJMP is 500 acres with an investment of more than $50 million. When all is said and done around 2013, the project will include restaurants, retail, hotels and an additional three-quarter-mile track for an overall investment of $150 million.

That means Cumberland County, and specifically Millville, are looking for an economic boom. And there’s no reason they shouldn’t get it. NJMP estimates that more than 1,500 jobs will be created at the track and for commercial properties near it.

“It will absolutely have an immediate impact,” says Volpe. “There will be several hundred people here at a time just for club events. And when there are larger events, we’re talking about thousands of people coming for two to three days—out on the streets, spending money on dinner and whatever else. The majority of area businesses are anticipating our opening.”

NJMP will particularly help summer business, virtually nonexistent in Cumberland County because of shore travel.

“When you think about it, Millville can be compared to a shore community once we open because the amount of tourists that will be flocking here,” says Volpe.

The economic impact is already happening, says Fauerbach. “People are already coming here and staying overnight to visit, reserving hotel rooms and eating in restaurants and having group events—this is just the beginning,” he says. “We are now 13 months in construction, so imagine all those jobs. We just hired 29 members for security. We’re hiring maintenance and ground crews. And we’re hiring flaggers at a rapid pace. We need well over 100 flaggers. And it’s going to keep growing and growing.”

Millville Mayor James Quinn agrees: “We have an idea what’s already going to come here, but in time, we’re going to see even more, including restaurants and automotive-related retail, particularly around that Route 55 and 47 interchange. I know the downtown will see a benefit. The next few years should be pretty exciting.”

THE FUTURE - Fauerbach says NJMP is an entertainment destination, not just a racetrack.

“All the parts are equal to the sum of the whole,” he says. “The memberships, the spectator events, the restaurants, the hotels, the villas. They all make this an overall motorsports resort. All the venues grow from the foundation, so there’s also special competition events, airshows, concerts.

“The key to our success is the diversity of our venues, from the ATV park to the 400,000-square-foot speedplex to the three hotels and restaurants, the car gallery, museum and convention center—all of it. It’s all intrinsically tied to the airport, the downtown arts district, the WheatonArts center and our tourism partners.”

The sky’s the limit for NJMP, says Volpe, from the financial ramifications to the possibility of hosting an annual NASCAR event.

“I don’t think there’s a reason why we couldn’t do that,” Volpe says. “We’re not that different from Watkins Glen in New York. We would have to add some infrastructure for bleachers and seating, but we definitely have the ability to do that. NASCAR has never necessarily been in our vocabulary as the main focus. It hasn’t been the business model we worked on. But we would certainly be able to handle an event like that and would be very open to it.”

“When most people think of NASCAR,” adds Fauerbach, “they think of the Nextel Cup and Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. But there are 17 touring divisions, from the Craftsman Truck series to Saturday night dirt tracks. We have every intention of inviting NASCAR’s sanctioning body to come and take a look and give us consideration for any series.”

For now, Fauberach and the rest of NJMP are focused on the opening. “From a personal perspective, when we see that first green light, we’re all going to have a sigh of accomplishment and relief and there will probably be a few tears running down a few faces,” he says. “You can’t pursue something for your community as long as we have and not be passionate and emotional when that first flag drops.”

THE TRACKS

Thunderbolt Raceway - The Southern Road Circuit at NJ Motorsports Park features more than 2.25 miles of asphalt, 14 challenging turns, a one-half mile straightaway and approximately 40 acres of full service paddock space. Amenities include concession buildings, event garages, 20 VIP suites, banquet rooms, a covered false grid and a three-story timing tower with media center and VIP facilities.

Lightning Raceway - The 1.9-mile Northern Circuit features 10 corners and will be fast and challenging with some of the most interesting and dramatic corners and elevation changes in the park. The 20-acre paddock area will have a four-acre skid pad and autocross area, as well as concession areas, timing towers and school and drivers meeting room facilities.

F1 Karting - Connected to the Lightning is the 1.1-mile karting facility featuring eight dramatic configurations, many of which can be run simultaneously. All eight configurations are designed to be run either clockwise or counterclockwise and just when you feel you’ve mastered the circuit, it’s time to point you in a new direction to learn all over again.

For more information on NJMP, go to www.njmp.com

By   Fri, Sep 19, 2008

By Casino Connection Staff  

Try the Balancing Antioxidant Mask, a refreshing, invigorating treat that soothes the skin; or the Weightless Moisturizer, a bevy of botanicals that create a more luminous look.

With rosewood essential oils and other natural ingredients that balance skin while urging cellular repair, these products exfoliate and brighten, cleanse and hydrate to help you achieve and maintain poised skin.

The Balancing Collection is lightweight summer care for skin of all types.  Offered at Immersion—The Spa at the Water Club

By Casino Connection Staff  

It’s easy to get depressed when you’re bombarded with daily reminders of all that’s wrong in the world.

TV, internet and newspapers, by their very nature, focus on the bad news (hence the old TV news axiom, ‘If it bleeds, it leads”). These outlets inundate your mind with tragedy, turmoil and unrest, most of which we cannot influence for the better.

The remedy? Consider a “media fast.”

That’s right. For a week, turn off the television. Ignore the computer. Let the newspapers pile up (at the end of the week, you can build a bonfire!).

You’ll reap several benefits. First, you’ll rediscover your own inner voice, which can be easily drowned out by the clamor of talking heads.

Next, you’ll realize there are many hours in the day (hours once absorbed by the TV or computer) that can now be devoted to other pursuits—like friends, family, hobbies, nature and the arts.

While breaking the habit of constant “information” may feel strange or empty at first, stick with it. Tuning out the news media can cause a profound shift in your day-to-day experience of living, leaving you calmer, less wound-up, and much more placid. Just as important, this kind of media-free life (even if you only do it for a few days) can lead to a marked reduction in news-induced stress.

Your first response may be, “But it’s important to stay well-informed! I can’t switch off all that’s happening when the world is in such bad shape.”

To which we reply: Yes, you can. And for your own health and happiness, maybe you should.

By   Thu, Jul 03, 2008

OPEN HOUSE: ‘Minimalism with Maximum Appeal’

 The luxury homes at Aquella, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway across from Frank S. Farley Marina, can be summed up in the words of realtor Todd Gordon, who calls them “the ultimate in luxury European minimalism.”

That minimalism is evident in the glass-steel-and-stone Poggenpohl kitchens, the floating butcher-block stairway, the clear glass partitions that separate the dining and living areas, and an almost severe design sensibility that, rather than seeming cold, simply allows the splendor of the surroundings to dominate.

With eight units already sold, Aquella will ultimately consist of 16 townhomes and seven estate homes, all with boat slips, valued at $1.2 million to $4 million. The hefty price tag is justified by the breathtaking views of Borgata and the Water Club, Harrah’s, Trump Marina (soon to become a “Margaritaville” casino), a bustling waterway and abundant wildlife.

Philadelphia-based Cecil Baker & Associates and Qb3 designed the homes, which earned builder CREI a CNBC International Property Award.

“There’s never been anything like this” in Atlantic City, says Paula Hartman of the Hartman Home Team. “Every detail is impeccable, from the imported tiles to the hard woods, the Gaggenau appliances and Dornbracht & Duravit faucets. They skimped on nothing. This is minimalism with maximum appeal.”

Design consultant Pam Sinderbrand has outfitted the model townhome in a neutral palette and natural fibers to complement the modern lines of the living space. “The interior is almost second to the view,” she says.

The nautical theme is continued in the roof caps, which are crafted in the shape of sails. Terraces from several levels of each residence overlook the marina, where Donald Trump’s 282-foot yacht, Trump Princess, once moored.

“It’s a boater’s dream,” says Hartman. “You can arrive by sea and come and go as you please—it’s all about freedom.”

For more information on Aquella—which has no condo fees and enjoys a five-year tax abatement—visit www.aquellaac.com or call the Hartman Home Team at Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors, 609-487-7234.

“Seeing is believing,” says Hartman. “This is the start of a whole new, beautiful Atlantic City.”

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Sometimes life’s hard, but you always keep a positive attitude. When friends are down, you remind them of life’s basic goodness, and tell them to keep smiling. (In other words, you are a real annoying pill.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

This month, you can walk out into the world, knowing each man is your brother, and every hand is a hand extended in friendship. (Make sure you hang your wallet from a chain, though, okay?)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

You’ve worked diligently to rid yourself of your vices, and it shows. Without drinking and carousing till all hours, you look and feel like a whole new person. (Yeah! A person with no friends!)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

You’ve been feeling downright witchy lately—out of sorts, green with envy, and consumed by anger. Why not get away from it all for a few days? (The flying monkeys will be glad to transport you.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Feeling lucky? Roll the dice and see what happens, because now is the time to risk a little for the sake of adventure. (If you’re a hedge fund manager, see above, and disregard this advice.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Your keen financial savvy could lead you in a new direction. If you’re prudent, it could be in the direction of greater security. (If you’re a hedge fund manager, it could be in the direction of the Big House.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

You’re so “on-task” that the fun of life escapes you. Instead of endless work, take some time off, drink some brews, play a little air guitar. (Are you taking requests? How about “Stairway to Heaven?”)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Your self-improvement plan worked, and your confidence is through the roof! Flaunt your new improved look in tight jeans and a snug tank top. (Add a construction helmet for the complete Village People look.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

The devil on your shoulder is whispering naughty suggestions. The angel on your other shoulder advises caution. You can’t please them both! (Listen to the pointy-eared imp in the woods. He always knows!)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

You need to confront a difficult coworker, and now’s the time. Just relax, and trust in your ability to resolve conflict without aggression. (If that doesn’t work, it’s back to TP’ing their cubicle after hours.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

If you’re feeling blue, perhaps it’s time to hibernate—rent a movie, have a glass or two of wine and go to bed early. (That means going to sleep, not passing out. There’s a difference.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

You’re courting a special someone, so brush up on your social skills! Splurge on your sweetheart. Plan a big date with a big finale. (In other words, it’s gotta be a cut above the lunch counter at Big Kmart.)

By David Schwartz   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Since the late 1800s, rolling chairs have been among the most visible icons of Atlantic City. Somewhere between a rickshaw and a wheelchair, they were easier than walking, quieter than an automobile and less smelly than a horse. More importantly, they were cheaper than all three.

Atlantic City’s not the only place where guests can get pushed around, but our rolling chairs have a unique story. They first became prominent with the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876. This celebration of the American centennial introduced several products to the nation, including Hires Root Beer, Heinz Ketchup, and Alexander Graham Bell’s newfangled telephone. Some of the 10 million visitors to the Exposition enjoyed being pushed across the grounds in single-occupant chairs.

The chairs migrated down the shore, but their appeal was at first limited. By 1884, a Philadelphia businessman named (incredibly enough) Harry D. Shill was renting chairs to visitors. There was a drawback, though: Shill and his competitors only rented the chairs themselves—it was up to the rider to find a pusher!

So it was mostly invalids who used the first rolling chairs, since few able-bodied strollers would ask their companions to push them around the Boardwalk.

That all changed in 1887, when William Hayday started the first true commercial rolling chair service. Hayday provided an attendant to push the chairs and enlarged them to hold two adults comfortably. Suddenly, riding a rolling chair was a bona fide leisure activity for couples. The intimacy of the chair had no small attraction in Victorian America, where middle-class youngsters (and oldsters, too) were expected to follow strict rules of courtship etiquette, all of which precluded casual contact. The chairs were a hit. The city issued its first licenses for chairs in 1891, and they became an integral part of the local transportation scene. In 1902, the New York Times quoted a visitor who observed the endless line of chairs snaking down the boards. “The entire population seems to be on wheels,” he said. “I believe it is one of the most enjoyable diversions I know.” Three years later, rolling chairs were a key attraction. “The Spring Season has opened at Atlantic City,” read a March 8, 1905 advertisement for the Chalfonte. “Five miles of Boardwalk are free of ice and slush. The walking is good. The rolling chair is ditto, and golf is very popular. Now is the time for a visit.” As with any successful product, competition was fierce. In 1916 a “rate war” between upstart William Garret and the dominant Shill Company resulted in the cost dropping to a mere 30 cents an hour. For the next few years, legal maneuvering interspersed with occasional strong-arm tactics marked the skirmishes between rival operators. Rolling chairs hit their peak of popularity in the 1920s. During this booming decade, the Boardwalk was swamped with 3,000 of the wicker conveyances at a time. Riding in a chair was a necessary part of a shore vacation. At the time, operators charged by the hour, not by distance, showing that the experience was more about leisure than transportation. But with the Great Depression, hiring a man to push you around the Boardwalk seemed a superfluous luxury. And the economies forced by World War II—and the shortage of labor that followed mass conscription—hampered the growth of the industry. After the war, Atlantic City was different. In September 1948, the first mechanized rolling chairs hit the Boardwalk: 10 chairs with electric motors and chauffeurs seated behind the riders. They typically ground their way down the Boardwalk at 2.5 mph—slower than a brisk walk—and lacked the romance of the man-powered originals. Originally sheathed in sheet metal, the motorized chairs later reverted to the original wicker body. As motels sprouted amid the aging, once-proud hotels, the rolling chair trade diminished. The advent of casino gaming in 1978 didn’t appreciably help revive the rollers—most visitors were too intent on gambling to spend an hour gliding along the boards. In the 1980s, electric trams pushed out most of the remaining chairs, but in the middle of that decade Larry Belfer purchased 83 decaying chairs and re-launched the tradition. By the middle of the next decade, nearly 200 chairs were plying the Wooden Way, mostly ferrying gamblers from one casino to another. But a few visitors, taking a page from Atlantic City history, rode for the sheer pleasure of the wind, waves and relaxation.

By Dave Bontempo   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Bob Whaley once dreamed of becoming a policeman. His reality was far different. The law-and-order ambition instead became a career in fun and games. Whaley is a decorated bellman at the Hilton, a 23-year veteran and one-time Employee of the Year. Fate could not have worked out better. “The joy of the job is the friendships with the customers,” says Whaley. “I’ve known some of them for over 20 years. We’ve built up camaraderie. They look for me, I take care of them. “This is the type of job in which you have to be outgoing and remember that the customers are on vacation. They want to relax. They want to play. They want to feel special.” Whaley is an unofficial host to many. Longtime customers call his cell phone to tell him they’re coming. He double-checks their reservations, goes to the room to make sure it’s ready, and greets them at the door. Sometimes he ushers them through a quick check-in. That’s before his official bellman’s duties kick in. “Even when you’re not dealing with the regulars, you’re taking care of luggage for 140-passenger junkets or buses of 40 or 50 people. You store the luggage for people whose rooms are not yet ready. There is a range of responsibilities. I’m a laborer with a suit on.” He’s also on the critical front line of customer contact for the property. The bellman and the desk staff must be outgoing, friendly and efficient. Hilton management recently rewarded Whaley’s team with a Front Service award for hospitality. He credits bell captains Carlo D’Alessandro, Ronny Duerr and Danny Kearns with a customer-service assist. “When I’m not there, they become me,” he says. “They’ll get the customers what they need, and I’ll do the same for them on their days off. We all look out for each other.” Whaley also thanks his boss, Marco Marcato, for instilling a positive work environment. He doesn’t mind sharing credit. Cooperation and networking actually vaulted him into this business. “I had a job at a garage right next to the Golden Nugget (now the Hilton), where I met some bellmen,” he says. “I liked what they said about the casinos, and they told me they were looking for somebody, so I applied. I later receive a call from a man named Carlo. “He asked if I had a brother Terry. When I said yes, he said, ‘You’re hired.’ It turned out that my brother had taught him at Gateway High School.” Over the years, Whaley has experienced the high-profile end of the business. He has hung out with members of the Sopranos cast, had a drink or two with musician Stephen Stills, and adored Frank Sinatra, who tipped generously. “With all the major executives around, (Sinatra) told them to take care of the bellman,” Whaley says. “He made it important.” From customer friendships to celebrity service, casino life has worked out for Whaley. Though he never got the badge, he did get the uniform.

By   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

When a mid-level TV executive with a high-maintenance fiancée and a taste for the high life fudges some facts on his reality show, the network honchos want a sacrificial lamb. And so it happens that Bobby Kahn—who had turned firing people into an art—finds himself out of work, dumped by his petulant girlfriend, and desperate to keep his newly dire straits a secret until he lands another job. If the industry learns he was axed, he’s as good as blacklisted. Such is the set-up of this hilariously cynical second novel by MTV senior VP Flanagan. His first book, A&R, lambasted the music industry. New Bedlam does the same to television, which its young protagonist sees as a vast but very lucrative wasteland. When he lands at a low-level Rhode Island cable network, Bobby knows he’s gone from the big leagues to the farm team. He cares nothing about excellence in programming. All he wants is to reconstitute his own fallen star and prove his value in the business. He decides to do so through a series of outrageous promotional stunts. Funniest of these is an attention-getting series that makes good use of the network’s backlog of old Bonanza episodes. Bobby develops a series called The Kennedys, the Cartwrights and the Corleones, examining the surprising similarities among these famous American families (there are three brothers, two die, the youngest inherits the family crown). That stunt and others like it garner instant national press for lowly King Cable and industry buzz for Bobby. Soon he’s hot again. But just because he’s gone from New York to New Bedlam doesn’t mean Bobby is spared from dealing with super-egos. Everyone who works in TV is afflicted with vanity, self-importance and inflexible demands. Bobby realizes he is in much the same sort of culture he occupied in New York, and soon it’s time to move on. He does not learn any life lessons, and when he meets his old boss, who is now on the skids himself, Bobby does not feel a groundswell of pity. Nope. This just isn’t that kind of book. But it’s sure funny.

By Joe Legato   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Here’s a game that was worth the wait. Kojima Productions brings gamers the anticipated last chapter of the Metal Gear Solid series with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. The game takes place in the not-so-distant future, where owners of private armies dominate a war-torn global economy. Liquid Ocelot, the infamous enemy from the series, controls many of the largest armies and wants to launch a massive war to control the planet. The main character of the game is Solid Snake, though now he is called Old Snake as he is aging at an abnormally fast rate for some unknown reason. He must accept his final mission to destroy Ocelot and save the world. As with the other Metal Gear Solid games, MGS 4 focuses on tactical combat and stealth rather than brute force to get through all of the bad guys. Playing often in third-person shooter mode, you must decide whether to hide as enemies pass or engage them in battle. If you do fight them, however, you must be prepared to eventually escape and hide because the scene enters an alarm mode where an insurmountable amount of enemies will eventually appear. MGS 4 offers some new features to help players in their missions, such as an old steel barrel in which to hide and a camouflage suit that blends in with the background. With an intense and dramatic storyline, MGS 4 has already received many of the best reviews of the year. For fans of the series, it ties up many of the loopholes from the overall plot and provides a thrilling ending. It is definitely a plus to be familiar with the Metal Gear Solid series, but newcomers will enjoy the cinematic battles and involving gameplay. As with many new games today, MGS 4 is a bit like playing through a good movie. And hey, it beats enduring the long lines and crowded movie theaters to see other summer blockbusters.

By Chris Borino   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Chances are if you’re reading this review, you aren’t deaf; you’ve no doubt heard the first single, “Violet Hill,” from Coldplay’s fourth CD.

Well, the song just doesn’t do it for me. It’s monotonous and lacks the bombastic fury and catchiness of Coldplay’s previous hits. The song isn’t horrible, it’s boring—starting with a 41-second intro so synthetic that The Girls Next Door are calling it out for being fake.

I first liked Coldplay because they went over the top; they were theatrical and dramatic. Chris Martin’s style was grandiose without being cocky. But on Viva la Vida, Coldplay is weird without being creative.

The CD is too understated and fails to deliver the payoff that we’ve come to love or hate from this band. I blame so-called genius producer Brian Eno for this throwaway album. Eno is the father of ambient music and the producer of two notable U2 records, The Joshua Tree and All That You Can’t Leave Behind. He likes melodies that are simple and repetitive to the point of nihilism, making the listener feel like turning violent as a relief from the stagnant tranquility.

There are some decent tracks on Viva La Vida, such as the standout “Lost”. Martin sings, “I just got lost/every river that I tried to cross/every door I ever tried was locked.” It’s Martin’s clever rhymes and open-ended words that keep this album from being a complete failure.

Another example of his lyrical command is from the song “42:” “Those who are dead are not dead/they’re just living in my head… Time is so short and I’m sure/there must be something more.” The track shows promise, but ultimately the music falls flat.

This CD is a stalling Ferrari, or thoughts of your Aunt Fanny while you’re making love. Coldplay’s going through some growing pains. The band wants to silence critics by experimenting, but they haven’t found the right blend of melody and phrasing to pull off the studio gimmicks, and the results are unimpressive.

By Greg Jones   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Not all movies are made for snobby movie critics who think La Strada is the be-all, end-all of filmmaking. And there is little doubt that Will Ferrell vehicles are not aimed at the critics at all.

Ferrell’s cinematic star has faded. The good will he built up in Anchorman, Old School and Zoolander—not to mention his legendary sketches on Saturday Night Live—has been wiped away by mindless and stupendously unfunny flops like Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory. There are actually people who refuse to see anything Ferrell is in, but in doing so, they’re missing on his newest film, Semi-Pro. The movie has something that sets it apart from the last handful of films he appeared in: it is actually funny.

Semi-Pro centers on Jackie Moon, who takes the profits from his hit song and buys the Flint, Michigan, Tropics, a struggling American Basketball Association team. Moon does little to help the team, despite taking on the responsibilities of owner, head coach and power forward.

When news comes that the National Basketball Association will take four teams from the ABA, Moon does everything he can to make the Tropics one of those four, including trading the team washing machine for a washed-up guard named Ed Monix, played by Woody Harrelson.

Monix uses his NBA experience to coach the team and leads them from the league cellar to fifth place, helped by the play of Clarence Coffee Black (Andre Benjamin), the only player with a legitimate shot at the NBA.

Like the majority of comedy films, the story starts to fall apart after about 50 minutes, but it still remains funny. Sure, the comedy is crude and it definitely benefits from a more than generous sprinkling of profanity throughout.

Perhaps it’s the low expectations set by his last two movies that make this one stand out, but the fact remains that with a few beers and a few friends, Semi-Pro is a perfectly serviceable flick.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

July 4 Melissa Etheridge, Borgata Rush, Taj Mahal Erick Morillo, Borgata Boz Scaggs, Borgata The Neville Brothers, House of Blues

July 5 Gretchen Wilson, House of Blues Otto & George, House of Blues Doug Benson, Finesse Mitchell, Trump Marina Jay Leno, Caesars Michael Bolton, Trump Marina Chelsea Handler, Borgata

July 6 Plain White T’s, House of Blues John Legend, Borgata Big Daddy Graham, Joe Conklin, Borgata

July 6-11 Mickey Rooney, Hilton

July 9 Weird Al Yankovic, House of Blues

July 10 The Breeders, House of Blues

July 11 Overdose & Sabbra Cadabra, House of Blues The Alarm, the English Beat and the Fix, House of Blues

July 11-12 Russell Peters, Borgata Tony Bennett, Caesars

July 12 Josh Blue, House of Blues The Zombies, Trump Marina Villiage People, Hilton Steel Pulse, Trump Marina Battle Cage Xtreme V, Tropicana Stephen Lynch, House of Blues Van Morrison, Borgata Wowowee & Willie Revillame, Boardwalk Hall

July 16 George Clinton, House of Blues HOB 3rd Anniversary Party with Eve 6, The Nudies, House of Blues

July 17 Boyz II Men, House of Blues DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist, House of Blues The Eagles, Borgata

July 18 Dom Irrera, Richard Belzer, Borgata

July 19 Elton John, Boardwalk Hall Alonzo Bodden, Rich Vos, Trump Marina Eddie Griffin, House of Blues Brad Garrett, Borgata Michael McDonald, Taj Mahal

July 19-24 Boogie Wonder Band, Hilton

July 20 Al Green, House of Blues

July 23 Seether, Finger Eleven, House of Blues

July 25 Gov’t Mule, House of Blues Aretha Franklin, Borgata

July 25-26 Donna Summer, Caesars

July 26 Crosby, Stills & Nash, Borgata George Carlin, Borgata Fab Faux, House of Blues Starship & War, Hilton

July 27 Celebrity Chef: Paula Deen, Caesars

July 30 Darkstar Orchestra, House of Blues

July 31 Zappa Plays Zappa, House of Blues The Mother Truckers, Don McCloskey, House of Blues 

Revues

Ongoing Yesterday—A Tribute to the Beatles, Tropicana 

To July 4 Thunder From Down Under, Trump Marina 

To August 17 Kalin & Jinger’s Real Magic, Trump Marina

To August 31 Tony ’n Tina’s Wedding, Showboat

To August 31 Defending the Caveman, Bally’s

July 1 - August 17 The Wedding Singer, Harrah’s

July 3 - August 31 The Aluminum Show, Trump Plaza

July 6 - August 30 Dancing Queen, Trump Marina

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

The 1990s: a decade of flannel, unwashed hair and musical experimentation. The jeans were ripped, the coffee was strong and the songs were full of amp feedback. Most of the bands that exploded in the ’90s quickly fizzled, and though the musical energy was high, it was difficult to sustain.

During the grunge heyday, Pixies bassist Kim Deal founded the Breeders with a friend, guitarist Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses fame. Though both the Pixies and Throwing Muses were producing critically acclaimed work, Deal and Donelly decided to funnel their creativity into a new band, and thus, the Breeders were born.

The band released two successful albums full of eclectic (and essentially ’90s) material, including a smash hit, “Cannonball.” But like most bands of the 1990s, the Breeders fell apart, with members splitting off to record their own music.

An eventual reunion produced two more albums, including this year’s Mountain Battles, and subsequent touring, proving that the Breeders are more than just another Lollapalooza burnout band.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Al Green has provided the silky soundtrack to many romantic evenings. Anyone who has ever danced to “Let’s Stay Together” can attest to that.

A hitmaker in the 1970s, the R&B crooner transitioned to gospel music and became a pastor. Now Green has returned to the style that made him famous, recently releasing contemporary soul records for jazz label Blue Note.

His latest albums are solid, but many attend Al Green concerts hoping for a blast from the past. As you sway to standards like “I’m Still in Love With You” and “Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy),” you may feel transported to the era of shag carpets and spin the bottle. Only Al Green can take you there.

But don’t reminisce for too long, because the singer’s newest material is comparable to his earlier work. Lay It Down, released this year, features duets with hit artists like Corinne Bailey Rae and John Legend, as well as classic-sounding songs like “Standing in the Rain” and “You’ve Got the Love I Need.”

Al Green is guaranteed to add a little romance to your hot summer night when he appears at the House of Blues for an 18+ concert this month.

Al Green will perform at The House of Blues on Sunday, July 20. Tickets are $36, $41, $51, $56, and $71

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

The Plain White T’s began as most young bands do: they released a few albums, toured relentlessly and slowly began to gain a following, which was largely comprised of high school girls and their pop punk boyfriends.

Then came “Hey There Delilah,” a sweet acoustic ballad first released on the band’s 2005 effort, All That We Needed.

The song had a number of fans, but didn’t begin climbing the charts until two years later. In summer 2007, “Hey There Delilah” hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts, besting Rihanna’s gargantuan hit, “Umbrella.” The band was even nominated for Song of the Year at this year’s Grammy Awards.

The massive popularity of “Hey There Delilah” catapulted the Plain White T’s to pop rock superstardom. Time will tell if the band can capitalize on this success, and retain the fans who knew them when they were small-time Chicago rockers looking to make it big.

The Plain White T's will play the House of Blues on Sunday, July 6.  Tickets are $26.50 and $28.50

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Comedian Eddie Griffin gets back to his roots this month when he performs his edgy act at the House of Blues on July 19. Though Griffin’s television work has been hilarious (witness his performance as one of the titular characters in the UPN comedy Malcolm and Eddie), his film work has been spotty at best.

But Griffin redeems himself with his stand-up routines. He got his start at a small-town comedy club before relocating to L.A. to begin a show at the famous Comedy Store. Griffin became known for his quick pace and dead-on impersonations. He eventually landed television work, including his own HBO special.

Griffin now performs mainly in movies, where his talent is largely wasted in cheesy bit parts. But when he returns to stand-up comedy, watch out, because his razor-sharp wit shines.

Eddie Griffin will appear at the House of Blues on Saturday, July 19, Tickets are $42, $47, $51.50, $62 and $77.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

When he was still a teenager, piano prodigy John Legend got his big break—though no one could have guessed how big it would become.

Emerging songstress Lauryn Hill of Fugees fame asked Legend to play piano on a little song called “Everything Is Everything.”

The song turned up on Hill’s debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which reached stratospheric heights of success. Legend’s guest spot landed him work with Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys and producer-turned-rapper-turned-mentor Kanye West.

West eventually signed Legend to a record deal in 2004, and his debut album, Get Lifted, netted him a Best New Artist Grammy. The CD’s lead single, “Ordinary People,” is a soaring soul song that epitomizes Legend’s old-school influences and marks his own unique sound.

His second studio album, Once Again, was released in 2006 to critical acclaim. Legend has also released a trio of live albums. Though he’s a throwback to true R&B stars like Curtis Mayfield and Bill Withers, Legend manages to blend his soul roots with contemporary artistry, ensuring that this Legend is certain to endure.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

When Vanity Fair columnist Christopher Hitchens penned his January 2007 column on “why women aren’t funny,” he had clearly never heard of Chelsea Handler.

Handler refutes Hitchens’ premise with ease. The stand-up comedienne and author is notorious for her consistently biting wit, which is brilliantly showcased on E!’s The Chelsea Handler Show. From snarking on celebrities to expounding on her love for booze and her best friend Chuy, Handler is a no-holds-barred performer.

This summer, she’s hitting the road to deliver her often-vicious quips to audiences nationwide. Comedy fans can likely expect anecdotes akin to those delivered in her books, 2005’s My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands and 2008’s Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea. Handler shares tales of awkward sexual encounters and drunken antics, but don’t be fooled by the sorority girl set-ups. This comedienne’s comic timing and wickedly hilarious punchlines position her as a dressed-down Tina Fey.

So when you’re laughing through your tears at Handler’s July Atlantic City performance, take a look around. Christopher Hitchens will likely be nowhere to be found.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Kicking off the holiday weekend on Friday, July 4 is one of the seminal power trios of the ’70s and early ’80s, Rush. As pioneers of progressive rock, Rush has made a career creating epic soundscapes and sprawling song structures. Though the band never reached the upper echelon of pop stardom, Rush carved its own niche in music history with spacey jams like “Tom Sawyer” and “The Spirit of Radio.” The Canadian super-group—which consists of bassist, keybordist and lead singer Geddy Lee, along with guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart—forged a tight, intricate style that pushed the boundaries of hard rock and influenced many future bands.

More than three decades ago, Rush released its debut album. Though critics labeled its sound “pretentious,” fans quickly flocked to the band’s larger-than-life stereophonics. With nearly 20 studio albums to their credit, Rush experienced commercial success through the release of radio-friendly records like Permanent Waves (1980) and Moving Pictures (1981).

The band members’ trials and tribulations have contributed to their powerful lyrics. Tragically, drummer and main lyricist Neil Peart lost both his daughter and wife within the same year; other recent songs relate to the uncertainty of life in a post-9/11 world.

This year’s Snakes & Arrows Tour is a celebration of sorts; after releasing only two albums in the past decade, Rush is back to revive rock (or at least to revive memories of what rock used to be).

Rush will present its powerhouse anthems in Atlantic City on Independence Day—fitting for a band that never fails to go against the grain.

By Robert Rossiello   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

July 2 Edgardo Cintron & the Azuca Band, 6 p.m., Atlantic City Free Public Library, Atlantic City • 609-345-2269 Mummers Parade & Concert, 6 p.m., Community Hall, Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-967-3936

July 2, 16, 23 Children’s Summer Playhouse, Stockton College of New Jersey’s Performing Arts Center, Pomona • 609-652-9000

July 3, 10 Chickenbone Beach Jazz Concert Series, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City (see page 44 )

July 3 Fireworks co-sponsored by Borgata and Harrah’s, 9:30 p.m., Marina District, Atlantic City Freckle Contest, 6 p.m., Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace, Ocean City • 609-525-9304

July 3-4 AC Surf vs. NJ Jackals (fireworks to follow 7:05 p.m. games), Bernie Robbin’s Stadium, Atlantic City • 609-344-7873

July 4 Independence Day Parade, 2 p.m., New Jersey Avenue & The Boardwalk,

Atlantic City Fireworks, 9. p.m., Margate Beach, Margate • 609-822-1129

4th of July Celebration, bike parade 9 a.m., kite contest 5 p.m., fireworks 9 p.m., Ocean City • 609-525-9300

Parade & Fireworks, Cape May • 609-884-9565

Freedom Festival/Fireworks, Wildwood • 609-523-1602

Independence Day Celebration, Fireworks, Concert, starts 8 a.m., 80th Street Recreation Field, Stone Harbor • 609-368-1210

Ventnor Beach Volleyball Tournament, Cambridge Ave., Ventnor, www.ventnormerchants.com

July 5 6th Annual Red Wine & Blues Festival, Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St. Tuckerton • 609-296-8868 Family Festival & Fireworks, Avalon • 609-967-3936

July 7, 14, 21, 28 Stockton Goes to the Beach Concert Series, 8 p.m., Music Pier, Ocean City • 609-652-9000

July 8, 22 Talent Show, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City

July 9, 16, 23, 30 International Night Concert Series, 7 p.m., Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City • 609-345-2269, ext. 3115 (see page 44 )

July 9 Sand Sculpting Contest, 9 a.m., 6th St. Beach, Ocean City 609-525-9300 • www.oceancitychamber.com

July 11, 18, 25 Music Concerts, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City (see page 44 )

July 12 DUB Magazine Custom Auto Show & Concert, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m, AC Convention Center, Atlantic City • www.dubshowtour.com

July 12 Beach Fest, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., Margate City Beach, Martgate • 609.822.1129

July 13 Noyes Museum Summer Garden Party, 6 p.m., Ram's Head Inn, 9 West White Horse Pike, Galloway • 609-652-8848

July 16 AC Rotary Club Beachfest, 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m, Beach at AC Hilton Casino, Atlantic City • 609-926-9048

July 18 Merchants in Venice Seafood Festival, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Asbury Avenue, Ocean City • 609-399-2269

July 19 Night in Venice Boat Parade, 7:30 p.m., Great Egg Harbor Bay, Ocean City • 609-525-9300 Christmas in July Boat Parade, Wildwood • 609-522-1987

July 20 Christmas in July 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk, New Jersey Ave. & Boardwalk, Atlantic City • 609-344-0660 ext.103 • www.active.com

July 24-26 Quilts By The Sea, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Shores at Wesley Manor, Ocean City, NJ • 609-391-6321

July 25 Bert Lopez Hispanic Night, 7 p.m., Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City

July 26-27 “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” music from the Magic Kingdom, Margate Performing Arts Center, Monmouth & Frontenac Aves. • 609-487-7783 July 30 Jazz Festival, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., Historic Garner’s Basin 800 New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City

July 31- August 28th Annual Art of Surfing, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m., Ocean City Music Pier, Ocean City • 609-398-8887 • www.sagemore.com

Out & About 

There is nothing quite enjoyable as listening to live music on a summer night. In July there is plenty to keep you on your feet, including jazz, karaoke, Caribbean, and more.

Every Wednesday, the Atlantic City Free Public Library brings International Night to Kennedy Plaza. This ecclectic mix of dance and music showcases cultures from around the world. Performances include:

July 9 Latin jazz sensation Edgardo Cintron and his 10-piece band Azuca.

July 16 The Nai Ni Chen Dance Company takes the stage in what is described as “a blossom of color, energy and motion.”

July 23 has the Woori Garek Korean Dance Company with traditional Korean dances.

July 30 features Ray Smith: The Sounds of Caribbean.

August 6 Local singer and songwriter Gina Roché performs a spicy blend of standards, blues and originals.

August 13 offers an energetic blend of drumming, ancestral dancing and stilt walking with Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble.

   The Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Concert series each Thursday at Kennedy Plaza is a jazz lover’s dream. The first two events are lined up, with others to be announced.

July 3 Beach Youth Jazz Ensemble opens for trumpeter Wallace Roney.

July 10 features Saxaphonist Tia Fuller.

Other events at Kennedy Plaza include Saturdays in July with Pattie Harris’ Incubator for Talented Youth, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., the Steel Pier Band with Jim Craine July 11, Eddie Morgan Jazz Band July 18, and Bert Lopez Hispanic Night July 25.

For aspiring vocalists, every Monday in July is Planet Rose Karaoke Night, 7 p.m. -9 p.m. at Kennedy Plaza.

A gospel choir will perform at Kennedy Plaza, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13 and July 27. An outdoor movie will be shown following each performance.

An exciting jazz festival takes place Wednesday, July 30 at Historic Gardner’s Basin from noon to 8 p.m.

  And don’t miss Dante Hall’s “Bad Girls of Summer Series,” which runs July 12 through August 16. The diverse mix of opera, theater and concerts showcases the most gifted women ever to hit the stage. For more information, call 609-344-8877 or visit www.dantehall.com.

By Dave Bontempo   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

It seems appropriate that Paul Ryan is reaping the rewards of the gaming industry. He was one of its original lobbyists.

The Brigantine native helped Local 54 solicit support for the gambling referendum in 1976. Now, after a long stint at Resorts, the Golden Nugget and Trump Marina, Ryan is general manager for Fantasy Springs Resort Hotel and Casino in Indio, California.

With a wealth of experience in food and beverage and hotel operations, the gaming veteran enjoys a rich career.

“Casinos have been good to a lot of us,” he says.

Ryan was good to the business first. He invested in the process when gaming was simply a proposal.

“Some great things happened right at the beginning, like carrying signs, distributing buttons and doing everything we could do to help the referendum get through,” he says. “It really worked out. When gambling came to town, it was magical. We saw tremendous social change. All of us socialized in AC and worked in AC.”

Before heading to Resorts as vice president of hotel ops and Trump Marina as COO, he gained an extensive education in food and beverage at the Nugget.

“It is an area of tremendous discipline,” Ryan says. “It also has many moving parts. There is so much inventory. You learn purchasing, how to move product, how to store product, unique scheduling needs, etc. It had a financial component, too. You had so many different outlets, the pricing matrix and the cost of sales. The mechanics of food and beverage gave you such a great amount of knowledge.”

Ryan got further seasoning by working with unions. Because he’d been in one and respected its leadership, he developed the ability to view them as partners, not adversaries. That became important in day-to-day operations. He also let the experts in each department lead the way.

“I had always been hands-on in the other departments, but as a VP of hotel ops, I had never checked a guest in,” he says. “At the first staff meeting, I realized there were 15 people there and every one of them knew their job better than I did. For the first time, I realized you need to be dependent on people. There’s nothing wrong with that. The goal now is to always be surrounded by people who are better than I am. As long as you know what your goals are and get them achieved, that formula works for you.”

Though he later went to Trump Marina and helped usher in its Rock the Dock era, Ryan was proud of his Resorts stint. Before he left, the casino hit an unprecedented high of $53 million EBIDTA (earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization).

“We went over the $50 million mark on New Year’s Eve; it was great drama for us,” he says.

Atlantic City sharpened Ryan, making him an ideal fit in other markets.

“It was the most competitive, most difficult market you could manage,” he says. “You have 11 properties trying to grab the $5 billion pie. It was an intense level of competition. That’s why Atlantic City people are in demand.”

Like the early days of Atlantic City, Fantasy Springs is a wide-open book in which to write a story.

“Coming here, you see a property with great potential, but it lacked an identity,” Ryan says. “It didn’t have a brand, the way MGM has entertainment, the way Showboat has Mardi Gras. We looked at it, realized we had a 100,000-square-foot events center, and turned it into a theater. We got into the headliner biz.”

Ryan ran a celebrity golf tournament involving pro athletes at Fantasy Springs’ Eagle Falls course in early June. The last weekend of June, the tournament will be televised on Fox TV’s Best Damn Sports Show.

Eagle Falls had to be unique in order to shine. It was 130th course built in an acknowledged golf paradise.

“How do you build number 130? You build the best one,” Ryan says. “We took advantage of the flat landscape. The course has tremendous elevation changes, Scottish bunkers, English rock walls and a 40-foot waterfall on the 18th hole that is beyond words. And, you can play a golf tournament with major stars and never be concerned about the weather.”

He wouldn’t anyway. Ryan’s career disposition has been 80 and sunny.

Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Craig Callaway did not run for elected office last month. Yet Craig Callaway has been discussed as often as any candidate who vied in June’s mayoral primary. Why is Callaway—sitting in federal prison, hundreds of miles away—such a focal point for Atlantic City political discourse?

Every New Jersey urban center has warring political factions that use absentee ballots to win elections, and Callaway perfected the process. He was very successful at influencing Atlantic City elections; his efforts enabled Lorenzo Langford to defeat Jim Whelan in 2001, and in 2005, after he fell out with Langford, Callaway worked during the Democrat primary to defeat Langford and nominate Robert Levy.

On March 13, 2007, Callaway was sentenced to 40 months in prison for taking $36,000 from a contractor in exchange for major Atlantic City construction work. Since his incarceration, Callaway’s political machine has diminished in power and stature, and last month’s primary may have been a last stand for the Callaway machine. Mayor Scott Evans enjoyed the support of what remained of the Callaway absentee ballot operations; Langford’s primary victory signaled a continued decline in Callaway’s political power.

Atlantic City’s political power landscape is shifting. Callaway’s departure from city politics has created a power vacuum. The vacuum is slowly being filled, but there’s been no assertion of political muscle to compare with Callaway’s.

June’s primary displayed a tired Atlantic City electorate. Langford is trying to replace Callaway as king of the political mountain. He has surpassed the Callaway machine in political clout, but among observers in greater Atlantic City, Callaway continues to hold more interest and allure.

Barack Obama’s presumptive presence on November’s Democrat ticket in the general election is a huge advantage. Atlantic City is the only town in New Jersey with more registered Democrats than both Republicans and unaffiliated voters combined. Independent candidate Joe Polillo and Republican John McQueen have an uphill battle.

Keep in mind, the Obama factor is a national phenomenon. The municipal reality is that Atlantic City suffers from a worn and apathetic political dynamic. Even Langford’s endorsements from City Council are disinterested in tone and scope. One must wonder, are these council members half-heartedly supporting Langford while entertaining plans for their own 2009 mayoral campaigns?

The verdict underlying June’s primary is that Atlantic City residents are more interested in Craig Callaway’s previous political accomplishments than in the candidates who ran in the primary.

A specter is something that is visible, yet not actually present. “Specter” is the word that best describes the focal point of Atlantic City politics: Craig Callaway, a person hundreds of miles from Atlantic City, yet more present in voters’ minds than the candidates in their town.

By   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

CNN reports that homebuilders are getting away from “McMansions” and building smaller. What’s the wisdom in that?

McMansions were popular when utilities were more reasonable. Now properties are built to accommodate more people in a smaller area. A few five-to-six-bedroom million-dollar homes that recently sold on the island had open, spacious layouts of the common area, yet scaled down the bedrooms.

What’s more valuable when it comes to resale: plenty of house on a modest plot, or a smaller house on a large property?

Location, location, location is most important, and property at the shore is always at a premium. In some cases, if your property is a double lot—say, 50x125—and it’s multi-family zoned, you could build two condominiums. Offshore, people expect more land for their money and like the privacy of living farther from their neighbors. Once again, if you have a smaller home on a larger lot, you have potential to build a larger home and in some cases subdivide—keeping your privacy, but making money on the subdivided parcel.

For young couples starting out, is it better to rent for several years and build a nest egg, or buy a home and build equity?

No question, buy now and build equity. Rates are still reasonable and purchases should be made at the shore if possible, because the appreciation of a shore property surpasses any other destination. When the entire country is struggling, our owners become more negotiable and will lower their price, but they do not have to give the property away or take much of a loss. And when sales slow down, properties can be rented more easily. What are some financial incentives sellers use to entice home buyers? Some sellers offer assistance at the table up to a certain amount; it’s determined by how much the buyer puts down.  

You can get up to 6 percent back from the seller, but it has to be used for closing. How does a home warranty policy work, and do you recommend them?

In the case of new construction, you must by law get a 10-year HOW (homeowner’s warranty). Make sure you receive this warranty at the close. And whether it’s an old house or new construction, I always tell my clients to hire a home inspector. You usually have a 10-day period to have the home inspected to find out if there are major problems. If you get the home warranty and issues are found, you can renegotiate the price. If that’s too involved, you have the contingency to cancel the contract. The owner is usually given a week or two to put into writing what they will fix. Home warranties usually take care of heating, air conditioning, roofing, etc. Some policies cover the appliances, electrical system, plumbing, garage door opener and more. Shop around, read your policy carefully and always put everything in writing. For more information, contact Ronnie Brancato at Veronica Realty 609-823-9500, or email veronicarealty@aol.com.

BY DESIGN: Crowning Achievement

Crown molding adds depth and distinction to any room and almost always increases the value of your home. But installing it is anything but simple. First, you must choose the materials. Plaster crown molding is custom-made, often ornately carved and quite expensive, but it will never lose its original shape. Wood molding is less costly and stains beautifully, but it can warp or shrink with time and cannot be milled with the same intricate high-relief patterns. Some contractors use wood composites to get a more elaborate design. These days, you can even get crown molding made of Styrofoam and other pliable materials, which make the task much easier, and far less time- and temper-consuming. If you’re handy with a saw and miter box, you may attempt to do the job yourself. Otherwise, call a contractor or carpenter.

By   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Ask most casino workers who are not in the executive suite, and chances are they spend hours each day—sometimes even whole shifts—on their feet. For dealers, floor people, wait staff and others, long periods of standing or walking are just part of the job description. As a result, many who work in the casinos—men and women alike—are at risk for varicose veins.

Varicose veins are not just unsightly. They can cause discomfort, itching, swelling, a sensation of heaviness and fatigue in the legs—even ulcerative wounds that can be prone to infection.

Fortunately for the 20 million Americans who suffer from varicose veins, the painful, laborious process known as vein stripping has gone the way of the Edsel. Though varicose veins cannot be eliminated or completely prevented, these days, the procedures to alleviate them have been vastly improved and streamlined.

“In my opinion, vein stripping today is almost never necessary,” says cardiovascular surgeon Jeffrey Gosin, MD, of the Jersey Shore Center for Vascular Health. “I can accomplish the same results in my patients with what’s called the Closure Procedure.”

Also known as endovenous ablation, the Closure Procedure does not remove the veins (stripping), but seals them so they are cut off from the circulatory system. Without an inflow of blood, the size and appearance of varicose veins are markedly improved.

Other benefits of Closure over vein stripping: “It’s done in the office, with a local anesthetic,” says Gosin. “It’s done through small needle punctures under ultrasound guidance; there are almost never any incisions or stitches required.”

And recovery is swift—most patients can go back to work within a day or two.

Best of all, says Gosin, “It makes people’s legs feel dramatically better. The heaviness, the fatigue, the cramping and swelling are relieved. This treatment is extremely effective.”

Spider veins can be eliminated in similar fashion. With a process called sclerotherapy, a solution is injected into the veins through a tiny needle, causing them to collapse. (The veins are then reabsorbed into the body.)

For casino workers whose very livelihood requires hours of standing, these treatments—in the U.S. for about six years—are a welcome option.

“You can’t always change your occupation,” says Gosin. “Whether you’re a pit boss or a cashier, a dealer or a host, you’re on your feet.”

When varicose veins make the job harder, the minimally invasive Closure Procedure could be for you.

Jeffrey S. Gosin, MD, FACS, is a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon at the Jersey Shore Center for Vascular Health in Somers Point. For more information, call 609.927.3030 or visit www.getgreatlegs.com.

Life, Unplugged

It’s easy to get depressed when you’re bombarded with daily reminders of all that’s wrong in the world.

TV, internet and newspapers, by their very nature, focus on the bad news (hence the old TV news axiom, ‘If it bleeds, it leads”). These outlets inundate your mind with tragedy, turmoil and unrest, most of which we cannot influence for the better.

The remedy? Consider a “media fast.”

That’s right. For a week, turn off the television. Ignore the computer. Let the newspapers pile up (at the end of the week, you can build a bonfire!).

You’ll reap several benefits. First, you’ll rediscover your own inner voice, which can be easily drowned out by the clamor of talking heads.

Next, you’ll realize there are many hours in the day (hours once absorbed by the TV or computer) that can now be devoted to other pursuits—like friends, family, hobbies, nature and the arts.

While breaking the habit of constant “information” may feel strange or empty at first, stick with it. Tuning out the news media can cause a profound shift in your day-to-day experience of living, leaving you calmer, less wound-up, and much more placid. Just as important, this kind of media-free life (even if you only do it for a few days) can lead to a marked reduction in news-induced stress.

Your first response may be, “But it’s important to stay well-informed! I can’t switch off all that’s happening when the world is in such bad shape.”

To which we reply: Yes, you can. And for your own health and happiness, maybe you should.

Balanced Facial:  The Balancing Collection by True Cosmetics, offered at Immersion—The Spa at the Water Club, gives combination skin just what it needs (and nothing it doesn’t).

Try the Balancing Antioxidant Mask, a refreshing, invigorating treat that soothes the skin; or the Weightless Moisturizer, a bevy of botanicals that create a more luminous look.

With rosewood essential oils and other natural ingredients that balance skin while urging cellular repair, these products exfoliate and brighten, cleanse and hydrate to help you achieve and maintain poised skin.

The Balancing Collection is lightweight summer care for skin of all types.

By Dave Bontempo   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

Here comes the oceanic Grand Slam. Just as golf has the U.S. Open, British Open, Masters and PGA championship, local lifeguards have the Atlantic City Beach Patrol Classic, the Dutch Hoffmans in Wildwood, the Margate Memorials and the South Jersey championships in Ventnor. The four events occur on successive Fridays beginning July 18, encompassing all 15 beach patrols in Atlantic and Cape May counties.

Atlantic City, the nation’s oldest beach patrol, was started in the late 1890s. It launches its Classic at Albany Avenue. Expect colorful boats, legions of people and substantial noise. It’s like an oversized beach bar with athletic competition. Lifeguard races often attract a couple thousand fans.

“We look at this as another attraction in a city that has many,” says Rod Aluise, chief of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol. “The casino people bring their families to watch. These races are colorful, recreational and have wide appeal. Even if you have come here to gamble, this is a great way to enjoy the beach. You can relax, have a good time and be part of a unique way to enjoy the resort.”

Officials stress the life-saving component of life guarding. Area patrols make thousands of rescues each year, using skills that may show up in a lifeguard event.

Races demand the strength of rowing, the agility to guide boats over three-to-six-foot swells, swimming, running, paddle-boarding and navigating varied ocean winds. Most events involve three or four individual races. The lineup includes a 1.5-mile doubles row, a 1,000-meter singles race and a half-mile swim. A paddle board race has been added to some of the events. Points are usually awarded to the top five teams in each race.

The beach patrols rank their top athletes according to internal competitions, then set them loose to compete against all other patrols. For most teams, a field of perhaps four has won the right to represent a patrol of 50 to 200 members. Many of their teammates come to root them on, creating a boisterous atmosphere.

Squads from Brigantine, Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, Longport, Avalon, Ocean City, Upper Township, Sea Isle City, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Cape May, Stone Harbor, North Wildwood and Cape May Point are represented at the four major summer events.

Lifeguard events are free to the public, typically take place at 6:30 p.m., and offer ample parking.

“The competition is serious and the intensity is high,” Aluise says. “The finest athletes compete in this event. These people train all year. It gives them a chance to fine-tune their skills and display them to the public.”

Bragging Rights - Ventnor Beach Patrol is the area’s recent kingpin. It owns a mini-dynasty at the South Jersey event with victories from 2001 to 2003, 2006 and 2007. As last year’s winner, it will host this year’s contests at the Suffolk Avenue beach.

The South Jerseys, begun in 1924, pre-date the casinos by 54 years and are considered the nation’s oldest lifeguard event. Winning is a prestigious distinction.

“It creates a lot of pride, especially among the patrols,” says John Hazlett, Ventnor Beach Patrol lieutenant. “The best part about the races is that they help maintain a long tradition and a focus for staying in shape for the job. They sharpen the lifeguards’ skills for saving lives and protecting people on the beach. The races are great for the morale of the patrols.”

Some athletes gained notoriety beyond the beach. Ventnor’s Wayne Colman became a star for the Eagles and Saints in the NFL. His son Doug, a lifeguard in Ventnor, played for the Giants and Titans.

“We’ve had all kinds of accomplished people in these races,” Hazlett says. “Between the FBI, college coaches, judges, doctors, lawyers, dentists and firefighters, you name it, that profession has been represented here.”

Even politicians. New Jersey State Senator Jim Whelan, also an Atlantic City mayor and champion swimmer, was inducted into the Atlantic City Beach Patrol Hall of Fame in 1994.

Support Your Local Lifeguard

July 18 Atlantic City Classic, Albany Avenue Beach

July 25 Dutch Hoffmans, Wildwood, Lincoln Avenue beach

August 1 Margate Memorials, Decatur Avenue beach

August 8 South Jersey championships, Ventnor, Suffolk Avenue beach

By Robert Rossiello   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

It’s July, and that means Atlantic City’s beach bars are in full swing. You’ll be able to enjoy these unique offerings just about any day of the week, featuring a heavy rotation of local bands along with exotic drinks, great beach food and a lively social atmosphere.

Be sure to check out the 4th of July celebration at the beach bars, including a major event at the Hilton, featuring the legendary Beach Boys at 6 p.m. on Friday the 4th, Three Dog Night at 5 p.m. Saturday and the Springsteen tribute band Bruce in the USA early afternoon on Sunday. Along with the headliners, you can enjoy beach activities the entire weekend, including local bands, henna tattoos, volleyball and face-painters. Hilton player’s club members get a free commemorative T-shirt with minimal play.

Bikini Beach Bar at Bally’s - Open Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m.

• Live music daily July and August
• Pickle’s Deli menu
• July 5: Compete in battle of the AC Rock Stars; $500 prize, 7 p.m.
• July 11: The Trammps bring their “Disco Inferno” to the Boards, 9:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
• July 12: Fashions from The Walk; B-Street Springsteen tribute band

Beach Bar at Trump Plaza - Open 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

• DJ & live music daily
• Beach Bar seafood combos
• Rock Idol Live Band Karaoke every Wednesday
• Battle of the Bands every Thursday
• Pantano Dance Party every Friday

Hilton Beach Bar - Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Holiday Celebration July 4-6
• Live radio broadcasts, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., every Thursday, Friday & Saturday
• Complete bar menu & tropical drink specials
• Live music, promotions and prize giveaways

The Deck at Trump Marina Open noon to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

• Bubba Mac Blues Night every Monday
• Country Night every Tuesday
• Island Night reggae every Wednesday
• B-Street every Thursday
• Live local bands Friday and Saturday
• New stage; complete bar menu; island drink specials

By   Wed, Jun 25, 2008

With a roster of classic seafood and Italian dishes and an emphasis on simplicity, Ventnor’s Red Room Café has become very popular very fast.

Though it only opened April 14, the once-vacant insurance office on the corner of Dorset and Monmouth has already built a loyal following. Patrons flock here for intimate but casual dining and great cuisine in a friendly, distinctly contemporary atmosphere.

Owner Robert Conti says he didn’t want “a typical Italian restaurant with Sinatra playing and pictures of Sicily on the walls.” As the name suggests, the décor is sophisticated red against a black backdrop—crimson walls and ceilings, black tablecloths, vivid red napkins, black-clad wait staff. No Sinatra, Tony Bennett or Andrea Bocelli—the soundtrack is suitably adult contemporary.

A carved monkey chandelier adds a whimsical touch, as does the “drunken monkey” poster (actually an old-time ad for anisette). Framed photographs of racehorses and jockeys reflect Conti’s love of thoroughbreds (he owns and runs several).

The South Philly-bred entrepreneur who also runs a construction company admits that, when he decided to open a restaurant, he knew next to nothing about the business.

“I can build you a house,” Conti says, “but the only thing I know about food is how to eat.”

Apparently, that’s enough. Conti’s approach to the menu—“simple and fresh, nothing extra-fancy, nothing extra-hard to make”—is reflected in selections like Chicken Giambotta. Tender chicken breasts and mild sausage are served up with sweet and hot peppers and roasted potatoes. Here’s where the artistry is evident: the potatoes have a just-right firmness; the string beans and baby carrots are just crisp enough. A tart wine sauce with capers and calamari olives does not overwhelm the entrée. It’s possible to actually taste each item on the plate.

Ditto with the Mozzarella & Tomato Caprese. It’s your basic tomato-basil-mozz: fat slices of succulent cheese stacked on fresh slices of tomato, dressed with basil in olive oil and a balsamic reduction. Alongside a basket of Conti’s home-baked focaccia bread—which is tasty, crunchy, almost buttery—this appetizer is delicious and filling.

Conti and his wife Britney are strict, almost fanatical about freshness. They permit no dried or powdered herbs in their kitchen, and produce is just off the truck: “I buy as we need things,” says Conti. “I don’t want things laying around.”

His personal menu favorite is Veal & Wild Mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce with shitake and porcini mushrooms, served with roasted potatoes and vegetables, and finished with salt, pepper and fresh basil.

For lunch, we suggest one of the Red Room’s pizzas: the marvelous Mediterranean has eggplant, artichokes, roasted red peppers and feta cheese; the Pescatore Marinara (Fisherman’s) Pizza is a colorful mélange of mussels, clams, thinly sliced calamari and shrimp with fresh basil, onions and buffalo mozzarella.

Desserts change periodically; cook Joe Bela recommends the banana napoleon, tira misu and crème brulee. Cannolis are a staple.

Weekends are busy, so reservations are recommended.

The Red Room is staffed by immediate and extended members of the Conti clan “to give that family feeling, with people at one table talking to people at another table,” says the owner. For atmosphere as well as cuisine, this charming café gets high marks.

Hours Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dinner: 5 p.m. -11 p.m. Open Sundays, closed Wednesdays for private parties.

(609) 822-1067

By Roger Gros  

For years, Joe Domenico headed up table and slot operations at Harrah’s Atlantic City as vice president of gaming. For the past several years, he has held executive positions at Harrah’s properties throughout the Midwest. He is now back in town as the new president of Bally’s Atlantic City, where he has a tough act to follow, succeeding longtime Bally’s chief Ken Condon. He spoke with Casino Connection Publisher Roger Gros and Editor Frank Legato at his office in June. To hear a full version of this interview or others, go to www.casinoconnectionac.com and click on Boardwalk Podcast.

Casino Connection: You started in Atlantic City. How does it feel to come home to run one of the company’s most important casinos?

Joe Domenico: It’s a pleasure to come back home. We had great relationships and great properties in the Midwest. Hopefully I’ll bring some of those good Midwestern values as they relate to service and bring them back to Atlantic City.

Have you been back long enough to have a vision of where you see Bally’s going?

We now have a four-property strategy in Atlantic City. We’ve put some significant investment into Showboat as well as Harrah’s, we’re in the process of completing some changes at the Caesars property, and we are just beginning here at Bally’s.

We’ve completed three new restaurants offerings up on the sixth floor—6ix the Bistro, the Red Pearl Asian restaurant, and the soon-to-be-open Reserve, which is our seafood and steak house. That’s the first aspect in completing our sixth floor destination experience. Right now we’re thinking about how we’ll master plan the rest of the facility, particularly the casino floor. It’s a piece of the asset that hasn’t had significant investment for quite a period of time.

One of the changes is closing the first floor of the Claridge Casino. Why did that happen?

We found after some significant analysis, and really as a result of the Sands closing, that the critical mass at that part of the facility just wasn’t there. That first floor, we found, was more like an appendage to the building; it was like working in the basement. So we said, ‘Lets move everything upstairs. Let’s create an exciting gaming environment that’s consistent all the way through the Wild West, all the way through the Claridge.’ It made sense to take all the table games down on that first floor and move them up to the third, so now there is essentially one level of gaming throughout the facility. It works better from a customer and traffic flow standpoint.

Will improvements include room upgrades?

Yes, because they provide an additional 500 rooms to what was originally Bally’s foundation. So rooms are key. Rooms are key to the whole future of Atlantic City.

You continue to emphasize the convention business.

We have found it’s a very profitable and strong business at Bally’s. With the rooms we now have, we run in excess of 95 percent a night, even during non-peak times, because we can supplement the gaming business with conventioneers.

One of the objections about the smoking ban is that it could hit the Asian business badly. What’s your prediction about how it will impact that customer?

Every one of our markets that had smoking had between a 15 and 20 percent impact on overall business (when smoking bans went into effect). The challenge for us here, as well as our competitors and sister properties in the market, is that the 25 percent smoking that we do allow is primarily in the high-end areas: high-end slots and high-end tables. That’s my main concern, because those customers have been allowed to continue to smoke.

As for Harrah’s policy on a national level, we would have preferred to see non-smoking in every market, but the issue goes state by state, versus being mandated federally. But by October, we will be in full compliance, with smoking lounges ready to go in strategic locations for those customers who desire to have a smoke.

Bally’s has been known as a great slot house ever since it opened. Now that a slot guy is in charge, do you plan to tweak the slot ops?

Well, I’m not necessarily a slot guy; I have a finance background and came up through the ranks that way. As far as our slots, we’ll continue to enhance the offerings in each one of our locations—that being the West, that being the Bally’s main floor, as well as in the Claridge. We’ve had some new game offerings that we just brought on board. We did bring in Rapid Roulette for table games; we also brought in roulette slot machines. So any new game offering that’s available will be on the Bally’s floor. We prefer to be first to market when we can, and that’s our focus because it is a great slot house. And being at center Boardwalk, you can’t overcome the location.

We understand that Trump Plaza is installing an entire floor of electronic poker tables. Are electronic table games something you’ll be looking at more and more?

They have performed rather well down at our Cherokee property, so at some point we’ll take a look at them. We find that Rapid Roulette, being our first venture in, has been good in terms of real customer appeal from both a table game standpoint and a slot standpoint, because it has all the attributes of a slot machine as well.

How about server-based gaming? There’s such a buzz in the industry about it; MGM City Center has announced they’re going to have a totally server-based floor when they open next year. Is this something you’re preparing for?

Not as of yet, but Harrah’s as a brand is, in terms of our strategic slot team. We’re looking at some point to enhance our coupon offerings through our slot machines called Real Rewards, and we look at some point in the future to have the downloadable credit technology when the technology has the flexibility to meet not just Bally’s needs or Harrah’s or Caesars in our marketplace, but over 40 properties domestically and soon going worldwide. It will be a considerable investment.

Are customers ready for it?

I don’t have a feel for it yet. It’ll depend on the experience of the customer. There are things we’ve invested in that took off without question, and customers didn’t even look back. When we went to ticket technology, for example, the customers never looked back at coin, and originally we were all skeptical about it. It all depends on what the customers want.

Bally’s has been known for sponsoring major events at Boardwalk Hall. Will you continue to do that?

 Yes. It may be wrapped up the in Caesars brand, because it’s known now that Harrah’s will change its name to Caesars Entertainment. That’s a great icon in gaming and we are a separate brand under the Caesars brand. We’ll continue to support Boardwalk Hall, particularly in boxing; we’re changing the entertainment strategy here and offering shows in our respective ballrooms—Kenny Loggins, John Rich of Big & Rich—trying more of the monthly shows versus the conventional production shows we’ve had in the past. Boardwalk Hall will be continue to be supported by all four properties.

Your neighbor next door is Caesars Atlantic City. How closely do you work with Caesars and with Dan Nita?

We work closely with all the properties in the market. We share customers among all properties through our “four-stop strategy.” We do market events collectively and we coordinate our calendars to make sure we’re not running over one another in terms of events, while still providing customers with choices.

At one point there was talk about re-theming Bally’s. Is that completely off the table?

 Right now it’s on the back burner, because we’re still the second or third highest-grossing property, fighting back and forth with our sister property, Harrah’s.

You took over for Ken Condon. How did you get the employees used to the change?

Kenny’s a great guy and an icon in Atlantic City who had a great rapport with the staff. I’ve just been getting out there, talking to the folks, customers as well as each one of the team members. It’s a big property, almost 5,000 employees and though I like to say I can remember 5,000 names, I’m not quite that good. We want the best for each and every employee. If we have happy employees we’ll have happy customers, and at the end of the day that will benefit us financially. That’s the overall goal.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Before we opened, the attorney general and I were debating gaming. He said, ‘With casino gambling, we’re still going to have prostitution.’ I said, ‘We may still have prostitution, but I’m sure we’re going to improve the quality of the product.’ —Steve Norton, , former executive VP of Resorts International, at Resorts’ 30th anniversary celebration Everyone knows that times are tough. Does it put some kind of black eye on the city to say that things are cheap right now? That’s head-in-the-sand kind of stuff. Getting a bargain is always a powerful thing, no matter what your social strata. To not play this up right now is crazy. —Anthony Curtis of the Las Vegas Advisor on the failure of Las Vegas marketing campaigns to play up the discounted room rates being offered right now Laying off a quarter of the staff was no way to get on in the casino business. They flunked Casino Management 101 as far as I’m concerned. —Ralph Frulio, retiring New Jersey Casino Control Commissioner, on the rise and fall in Atlantic City of Columbia-Sussex Corp., former owners of the AC Tropicana Las Vegas-style casinos will now be at the doorstep of the residents of Florida. Floridians won’t have to go to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to play their favorite casino games. —Seminole Gaming CEO James Allen, announcing the addition of 72 banked table games to Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida, which began June 22

By Casino Connection Staff  

It was revealed last month that Colony Capital, the owner of the Las Vegas Hilton, as well as Resorts and the Hilton in Atlantic City, had bought the $23 million loan on Michael Jackson’s Neverland estate in California last year. The company has been discussing with Jackson options for repaying the loan and one of the scenarios is signing him to a long-term contract to conduct an entertainment extravaganza in Las Vegas. While there has been no agreement on a show, sources say, Jackson is eager to make a comeback to validate his continuing popularity. An aborted attempt at a comeback was made in London in 2006 but panned by critics. Since then, however, the re-release of his classic album Thriller demonstrated strong sales. Jackson has been mired in debt for years and the Colony involvement is a shrewd move by its chairman, Tom Barrack. The Hilton struck gold with a Barry Manilow revival and the “city of second chances” may do the same for Jackson, who was accused in the past of child molestation. He was either acquitted or the charges were withdrawn after a settlement. “We've been having discussions with Mr. Jackson about a recapitalization and refinancing of Neverland in addition to various other business opportunities and mutual interests,” Barrack told the Wall Street Journal.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Indiana Downs LLC opened Phase 1 of its Indiana Live Casino at the Indiana Downs horse track in Shelbyville last month. The temporary, 70,000-square-foot racino—said to be the world’s largest “sprung” structure—is some 25 miles southeast of Indianapolis on Interstate 74, a prime link to Cincinnati, Ohio. Built and managed by the Cordish Company, a Baltimore-based developer, Indiana Live is the second of two racinos allowed by Indiana law. The other, Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, opened June 2 in Anderson, about 30 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The initial Indiana Downs operation includes a Café Live by Wolfgang Puck, also located for now near the track’s backstretch. Construction continues on 233,000 square feet of permanent facilities connected to the grandstand that are due to open in January with 570 workers. They include three restaurants, two bars, live entertainment areas and a 5,000-seat outdoor concert space. Indiana Downs will have the full legal complement of 2,000 slots in the permanent Indiana Live casino. Hoosier Park’s casino opened with nearly all 2,000 machines running in the fully completed 92,000 square feet. Initial state licenses for the slots cost each operator a quarter-billion dollars. Former Atlantic City executive Dennis Gomes is the principal behind the Cordish gaming operations for Indiana Live.

By Casino Connection Staff  

The executive director of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board resigned on May 29, citing “personal and family reasons.”

Anne LaCour Neeb’s hasty resignation came three weeks after the Allentown Morning Call reported that she and board chief counsel Frank Donaghue ordered gaming investigators to repeatedly alter a background report on Mount Airy Casino owner Louis DeNaples. DeNaples has since been charged with perjury for allegedly lying to investigators about mob ties. Though his operating license was suspended in February, the casino is still open for business.

Neeb is a New Orleans native and former executive director of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. She resigned effective June 6 but will continue to be paid through September.

By Casino Connection Staff  

The 2008 World Series of Poker kicked off May 29, and already is setting records. The second event, the $1,500 no-limit hold ‘em tournament, attracted more than 3,500 entrants, the most players to enter any tournament event outside the WSOP Main Event. “This is a great start,” said Jeffrey Pollack, commissioner of the WSOP. “The sound of chips chirping throughout the Rio is a welcome return for all of us who love poker. This year, the Main Event—the $10,000 buy-in no-limit Texas hold ‘em contest—will not be held until early November, when ESPN will televise it live.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Isle of Capri Casinos put the finishing touches on a transformation of the former Casino Aztar in Caruthersville, Missouri, marking the official start of the Lady Luck Casino era. Isle purchased the casino in 2007 for $45 million, but has left the name as Casino Aztar until now. Last month, the company changed the chips, cards, tabletops and dice. “Our team members are thrilled to become the first Lady Luck Casino,” said Lyle Randolph, general manager of the property. The Caruthersville casino is the first property branded with part of Isle of Capri’s two-name system.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Hedwigs Las Vegas Top Tier will not be purchasing the Hooters Casino Hotel in Las Vegas after 155 East Tropicana terminated the purchase agreement with the company. Hedwigs failed to make a $500,000 payment by the June 6 deadline, prompting the owner of the Hooters Casino Hotel to look for another buyer. Hedwigs had paid $5.5 million in deposit and extension fees to date, but it was never able to come up with the necessary financing to purchase the property. Hooters President Richard Hessling said the company has three options: look for a new buyer, expand or stay the course. “We're certainly going to evaluate every possibility,” Hessling said. “We've always believed this is a very good piece of real estate. Current credit markets aside, we didn’t need to do anything at this point in time.”

By Casino Connection Staff  

Players at the four Harrah’s Entertainment properties in Atlantic City are flocking to a new type of live roulette—well, it’s live roulette with a technological assist.

Called “Rapid Roulette,” the new game, produced by Las Vegas-based Shuffle Master, Inc., links a live roulette wheel to video slot-like individual player terminals. The terminals display the roulette betting layout on a touch-screen video monitor, and the player buys in by placing bills into an acceptor.

After a voice over the loudspeaker says “place your bets,” players tap into their stakes by touching images of chip stacks on their screen and dragging them to the betting circles on the screen. After 30 seconds, the “no more bets” announcement comes through the speaker, and the dealer starts the ball spinning.

The player can watch the real wheel spin or watch live video of the spinning on their own terminals. Wins are added to the player’s stake just like slot credits.

Other than the automation, the game plays exactly like traditional roulette. The automated betting and payoffs, though, make the game about twice as fast as at a regular roulette table.

The four Harrah’s casinos—Harrah’s, Caesars, Bally’s and Showboat—are presenting the game in configurations of 12 player monitors surrounding each wheel. Two dealers are used to guide players through the game and make payouts in chips if desired.

The automation and faster games increase the earnings of the wheels, which in turn permits lower stakes—some of games have $5 minimums, which is a rare stake on any table game these days.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Harrah’s Entertainment’s Atlantic City casinos won new five-year licenses last week.

“What comes through is that this entire organization is solid,” said New Jersey Deputy Attorney General John Adams of the four properties: Harrah’s, Bally’s, Caesars and Showboat.

Harrah’s is the biggest casino owner in Atlantic City. Next in line is Trump Entertainment Resorts, which owns three casinos but just inked a deal to sell one, Trump Marina, to casino developer Coastal Marina LLC.

In January, Harrah’s Entertainment was acquired by private equity buyers Apollo Management Group and Texas Pacific Group. The price: $17.7 billion. The new owners were approved to own casinos in New Jersey last month.

By Casino Connection Staff  

As F. Scott Fitzgerald famously observed, “The rich are different from you and me.” His assertion has special significance here in Atlantic City, where developers are building plush new lodgings and upscale hotels, despite an economy that has many Americans switching from two-ply to one-ply toilet paper.

A new survey by Market Metrix, a California-based researcher for the hospitality industry, says luxury hotels seem to be recession-proof, with guests willing to paying several hundred dollars per night to snooze in swanky surroundings.

According to the survey, the average rate for a luxury room in 2007 was $293, and the wealthy (as well as international travelers whose currency is strong compared to the U.S. dollar) have no trouble paying it.

Another reason, says study co-author Jonathan Barsky, is that luxury hotels are not plentiful, and some people just love to be pampered.

“Only in the last 10 years has there been a demand for super-luxury properties,” Barsky says. “When you have a high demand outstripping the supply, it means the market will have a higher price for fewer rooms.”

That news bodes well for the future of Atlantic City’s new $400 million Water Club (above), where guests will pay $609 per night for rooms on a holiday weekend, and the upcoming Chelsea, where a penthouse suite will cost $935 per night.

By Casino Connection Staff  

In this month’s Q&A Bally’s President Joe Domenico gives a rundown of several new dining options at the casino—6ix, a Bistro, for casual dining, the Red Pearl, with Asian fare, and the Reserve, for seafood and steak.

Those aren’t the only new restaurants open now in Atlantic City. For adventurous gastronomes, here’s a complete rundown:

• Patsy’s, the famous New York restaurant once frequented by Frank Sinatra (and still a hangout for stars like George Clooney, Al Pacino and Jennifer Lopez) has opened its only other location at the Atlantic City Hilton. Chef Sal Scognamillo’s Italian recipes have endured through three generations.
• Izakaya. This modern Japanese fusion “pub” helmed by star chef Michael Schulson is yet another jewel in the Borgata’s culinary crown. Specialties include sushi, sake and robotayaki; shareable plates are available.
• McCormick & Schmick’s of Portland, Oregon, will opens its renowned fresh seafood restaurant at Harrah’s. The menu emphasizes fresh seafood, and the menu changes daily depending on the day’s catch.
• il Mulino. The legendary Italian eatery comes to Trump Taj Mahal in two guises: as a restaurant (for a more refined, white tablecloth experience) and as an adjoining trattoria (for great casual dining). Il Mulino occupies the former Bombay location. Mangia.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Yes, there’s a ton of entertainment happening around town this summer on the casino stages and the Boardwalk Hall. But have you considered the big screen?

There are several great venues—indoor and outdoor—where you can visit movieland this summer. One of the coolest is the Pool at Harrah’s, where you can relax poolside on a beach chair under the massive domed structure every Tuesday for a “Dive In Movie” double feature.

Selections this month include baseball-flick night July 8 with Major League and Field of Dreams; two of the three in Matt Damon’s “Bourne” trilogy July 15 with The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy; an Adam Sandler fest July 22 with 50 First Dates and Big Daddy; and Ben Stiller’s two classic takes on marriage July 29, Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers. Admission is only $5, or free if you show up in costume to meet the theme.

If poolside movies aren’t your thing, how about oceanside? Kennedy Plaza continues its summer series of seaside movies under the stars every Sunday this month, beginning at 9 p.m. and free to the public.

On tap this month are movies with Atlantic City connections. The first two are films depicting the city’s history: On July 6 is Atlantic City By The Sea; on the 13th, AC Then and Now. The other two this month are dramas with Atlantic City story lines, Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken on the 20th and The Burglar on the 27th.

Finally, no movie lineup this month is complete without the IMAX at the Tropicana, and this month’s offering stands to be one of the best. On July 18, Batman debuts on the Boardwalk in the IMAX version of The Dark Knight, the second installment in the “new” Batman series starring Christian Bale as the dark superhero.

Notable about this sequel to 2005’s Batman Begins is the final performance of Heath Ledger before his untimely death—a very creepy turn as the Joker, in what has been heralded as the best performance of a tragically short career.

By Casino Connection Staff  

After a four-year legal wrangle, a New Jersey appeals court ruled last month that MGM Mirage Inc. was within its rights when it declined to sell a 14-acre waterfront lot in Atlantic City to a condo developer. In July 2004, Seaboard Towers Development Co. sued A.C. Holding Corp., an MGM subsidiary, when the deal fell through. Seaboard had offered $22 million for the undeveloped land, which it planned to turn into a luxury condo-hotel complex with three high-rises; its option to buy was extended, but when the agreement expired MGM withdrew from the deal. Over the years, the disputed tract has been the proposed site of at least two casino projects. In the 1980s, casino titan Steve Wynn planned to build a resort on the property, which is located next to Trump Marina. The appeals panel in the MGM case upheld a 2007 ruling by Superior Court Judge William Todd, who found no reason to sell the land to Seaboard, despite its insistence that MGM violated its agreement. MGM is also developing 72 nearby acres into a $4.5 billion-to-$5 billion Las Vegas-style mega-resort that will be Atlantic City’s largest casino complex. Pending state construction approvals, the company expects to break ground on the project this year or in 2009, and open in 2012.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Bidders for the Tropicana Hotel Casino in Atlantic City will have to up the ante if they want a second chance to buy the property, which has been on the block since mid-December. At the request of state-appointed conservator Gary Stein, who is overseeing the sale, the Casino Control Commission last month extended the deadline to sell the Tropicana by 120 days. Stein, a former Supreme Court justice, had hoped to find a buyer by the end of April. Commission Chair Linda M. Kassekert said none of the bidders—including Colony Capital LLC, Gomes+Cordish, Planet Hollywood and a group of private investors from New York—offered fair market value for the embattled Trop, which underwent a public relations assault last year when former owner Columbia Sussex Corp. lost its license. Mass layoffs under Columbia Sussex owner Bill Yung III reportedly resulted in sub-par service and conditions at the Atlantic City resort. The loss of Atlantic City resulted in a fire sale of other properties as well as legal wrangles when bondholders sued for immediate repayment of millions in loans. Last month, Tropicana Entertainment filed for bankruptcy protection, listing $2.5 billion in creditor claims. Earlier this month, at the behest of senior lenders, Yung stepped down as CEO and was replaced by Scott Butera, former COO for Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and onetime Trump executive. Butera was credited with crafting Trump’s successful recapitalization plan. As a part of its corporate restructuring, Tropicana Entertainment is considering moving its corporate headquarters from Kentucky to Las Vegas.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Donald Trump’s company has sold one of its three Atlantic City casinos to Richard T. Fields, a onetime intimate and recent adversary whom Trump sued for allegedly pushing him out of a lucrative development deal. Fields, chairman of Coastal Marina, LLC, announced in June that he will pay $316 million to complete the transaction to buy Trump Marina. As part of the deal, Trump and Fields have agreed to “end prior unrelated litigation, with prejudice.” Pending approval, Trump Marina will become Margaritaville Resort and Casino, bringing musician Jimmy Buffett’s feel-good brand and cult-like following to Atlantic City. On the heels of the announcement, Donald Trump called the Marina “a wonderful building in a great location” with a loyal customer base. Yet in a neighborhood dominated by newer, more high-brow resorts like Borgata and Harrah’s Atlantic City, the resort has struggled to perform. Trump Taj Mahal has been the best performing of the Trump casinos, with gross gaming revenues last year of $508.5 million (fifth among Atlantic City’s 11 casinos). Trump Plaza was next, with $280.3 million. The Marina brought up the rear with revenues of $241.9 million in 2007, the lowest annual GGR of any of the 11 Atlantic City casinos. Coastal Marina spokesman Charlie Leonard acknowledged the property’s underperformance and promised a change. “The valuation from Coastal’s perspective was largely based on the underlying real estate and infrastructure,” Leonard told Casino Connection. “We believe there’s a significant amount of untapped potential that can be realized under an exciting new brand. Jimmy Buffett is a national and international entertainment icon and has an enormous following.” Interestingly, Buffett’s partner in a Mississippi casino project will be his rival here. The $700 million Margaritaville Casino & Resort in Biloxi, slated to open in 2010, is a joint venture of Buffett and Harrah’s Entertainment (soon to be Caesars Entertainment Corp.). Harrah’s is practically next door to the Marina, which could turn the Mississippi partners into competitors in New Jersey. It’s common knowledge that Trump has been fishing for an offer for at least a year. While declining to comment on the timetable for Margaritaville—or who will finance it—Leonard said the company expects to close on the Marina in “six to nine months… Then we’ll have more news about the expected timetable and about the refurbishment and rebranding of the property.” The transformation of Trump Marina into Margaritaville would give the property its fourth identity. Originally built by Hilton Hotels, it was acquired by Trump in 1985 after Hilton was denied a gaming license. At that time, Trump dressed up the place with medieval royal artifacts and changed the name to Trump’s Castle. By 1997, the castle theme wasn’t working and the property became Trump Marina. The casino was the first in Atlantic City to target a younger clientele. When most casinos were still stuck in the superstar-entertainment mode, the Marina’s program of rock concerts on the Deck was almost revolutionary. Trump Marina also became known for innovative slot club promotions, such as million-dollar dice rolls and random cash giveaways. Trump CEO Mark Juliano says cash from the sale will provide “the additional financial flexibility” the company needs to improve its remaining properties and consider opportunities outside Atlantic City. The sale ends speculation about Trump’s willingness to divest and marks the end of his 2004 lawsuit against Richard Fields. In the suit, Trump claimed his former friend hoodwinked him out of a deal to develop the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Florida. Fields developed the property with Cordish Co. of Baltimore, and Trump sought damages that some estimated in the $1 billion range. Buffett Zone Judging by his most famous song, Jimmy Buffett is the most laid-back guy on the planet, with booze always in the blender and little more to occupy his day but the odd flip flop repair. Buffett has made a career with his party-guy persona, but under the ball cap is a wily businessman who’s turned his happy-hour schtick into a corporate kingdom. Buffett runs two restaurant chains (the Margaritaville Cafes and Cheeseburger in Paradise), produces his own beer (Land Shark Lager), has written several best-selling books (including—what else?— Tales from Margaritaville), and licenses Margaritaville tequila, shrimp and footwear. But his biggest ventures may be in casino gaming. In 2007, in partnership with Harrah’s Entertainment, Buffett announced plans to build the Margaritaville Casino & Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi (near his birthplace of Pascagoula). The proposed Margaritaville in Atlantic City will add millions to his net worth. When Buffett travels, he’s not hoofing it in flip flops. He’s winging it via his Grumman HU-16 airplane or Dassault Falcon 900 private jet. He has more in common with Warren Buffett than the beach bum he so happily portrays. No wonder the man is smiling.

We’ve all experienced sticker shock stopping to fill up at the gas station. Some of us are thinking twice about making a separate trip to the grocery store or the mall. To keep vacationers from thinking twice about visiting Atlantic City this summer, area casinos, hotels, restaurants and attractions are making sure there’s no reason to go anywhere else. The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority has listed some money-saving promotions at www.atlanticcitynj.com.

On July 6, one lucky person will drive away a winner at Tropicana’s Win a Smart Car & $25,000 Gas Card Giveaway. From noon to 5 p.m., hourly drawings will be held for gas cards; the grand prize winner will get the keys to a 2008 Smart Car. Some restrictions apply. Visit www.tropicana.net for complete rules and regulations.

The Atlantic City Hilton and sister property Resorts are holding a $250,000 Gas Card Giveaway. To win their share, visitors can earn points with promotions cards. The drawing will take place on July 27 with 100 people (50 at each property) winning gas for a year in the form of $2,500 gas cards. Some restrictions apply. Visit www.hiltonac.com or www.resortsac.com for more information.

Bally’s Atlantic City Total Rewards club members can participate in the Redeem Total Rewards Points for Shell Gas Cards & Gas Card Sweeps. Members can redeem their points based on rated slot and table play at Bally’s Studio Stores for gas cards. Then, on August 24, Bally’s will hold the Gas Card Sweeps, giving away two $2,500 gift cards every 15 minutes from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Some restrictions apply. Visit www.harrahs.com for complete details.

It’s not just the casinos getting in on the act. As long as the price of gas is more than $3.50 per gallon in Ocean City, guests booking reservations for three or more nights mid-week at the Scarborough Inn will receive a $50 gas gift card. For more information, call 609-399-1558 or visit www.scarboroughinn.com.

Choice Hotels’ Quality Inn & Suites and the Comfort Inn, both in Galloway, are participating in the $50 Gas Cards for Choice Members promotion. Members of the Choice Privileges rewards program who book a stay at choicehotels.com or 800-4CHOICE this summer, staying three separate times between June 1 and August 14, will be eligible to receive a $50 gas card. Membership is free. For more information visit www.choicehotels.com.

The new Residence Inn by Marriott near Atlantic City International Airport is offering free gas for visitors. When guests stay two nights in a Studio Suite, they will receive a free $25 gas card. Limit of one card per room. For more information, visit www.marriott.com.

Guests who stay at the Marriott Seaview Resort & Spa will get a free gas card for each night of their stay. Book by July 3 to receive a special weekday rate starting at $185 per night or weekend stay starting at $205 per night. Rates include a $20 gas card for each night’s stay. Some restrictions apply. For more information, call 800-943-5517 or visit www.SeaviewMarriott.com.

The Renault Winery Resort & Golf and Tuscany House Hotel are offering vacationers a $20 discount on getaway packages to offset the price of gas. To receive 20 Tuscan Dollars, e-mail kmccarty@renaultwinery.com or call 609-965-2111 extension 404, and mention “Tuscan Dollars for Gas.” For more information, visit www.renaultwinery.com.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Atlantic City Outlets, The Walk on Atlantic Avenue is offering an “Economy Proof” menu. For $35.95, diners will enjoy a soup, salad and entrée from a special menu Sunday though Friday. Some restrictions apply. Visit www.ruthschris.com for complete details.

At Steel Pier, this summer the ride is on them. With the purchase of a $100 ticket book (200 tickets), guests will receive a $20 gas gift card. The promotion is running throughout the season and can be redeemed at Steel Pier or online at www.steelpier.com.

Web Feet Water Sports in Atlantic City’s Historic Gardner’s Basin asks guests to Ride a Bike & Save 10%. This summer, visitors can park the car and travel around Atlantic City on a bike. Visit www.webfeetwatersports.com or call 609-572-1004 for details.

New Jersey Transit is offering visitors a chance to ditch their cars altogether with a Tropicana Getaway Package. Go to www.njtransit.com and enter for a chance to win a Tropicana Getaway Package for two that includes one-night mid-week hotel accommodations, two tickets to a Tropicana revue and round-trip train transportation.

Of course, anyone who participates in the gaming-related promotions must be 21 years of age or older. Individual properties reserve the right to change or cancel the promotions at any time. For the casino promotions, participants must have a player’s card. They can be obtained at the individual casinos free of charge. Additional details and complete rules and regulations can be found at each of the participating venues.

Last month, we lauded the framers of the Casino Control Act for creating a model of gaming in New Jersey that’s stood the test of time. That remarkable legislation continues to provide incredible opportunities to distinguish Atlantic City’s casino industry from convenience forms of gaming in other East Coast jurisdictions. Merely having a good model, however, does not guarantee success. As bright as Atlantic City’s future may be, there is no shortage of short-term challenges—ranging from significant competition from Pennsylvania and other nearby jurisdictions, to a smoking ban that takes effect October 15, to a faltering economy, to high fuel prices, to the credit crunch that’s stifling capital investment for new projects. Clearly, our industry is at a crossroads: Will we realize our potential as the Las Vegas of the East, or will we become a tired, second-tier regional destination? The Las Vegas model—casinos surrounded by entertainment centers that include upscale hotels and spas, incredible retail, world-class restaurants and entertainment, nightlife galore, meetings and conventions, etc.—can work in Atlantic City. Just look at the success of Borgata, the Pier, the Pool, the Quarter and all the non-gaming amenities that have been added to our market over the past five years. This model works by attracting customers interested in non-gaming experiences, who previously had no desire to visit Atlantic City. Multi-dimensional destinations attract more people who stay longer and return more frequently. Longer stays create more revenue, which generates greater tax revenues for the state. Greater returns on investment spur additional investments in other attractions, which generate more economic development. Larger critical mass of new attractions generates constantly renewed interest in the tourist market, resulting in both new and repeat visits. Regional tourist destinations with a non-descript gaming-centric experience will attract locals, but not tourists who travel significant distances. While these convenience models can be effective for what they are, they’re limited, as the volume of customers is restricted to those who live nearby. The length of their stay is limited to hours instead of days, and they’re limited to a one-dimensional gaming experience. Sounds familiar? This would describe Atlantic City only five years ago. In our last article, we also pointed out that, 30 years ago, the decision was made to spur Atlantic City into becoming a regional tourist destination as a means of changing the fortunes of a then-depressed city. The entire state rallied around us, because our citizens thought that was the right thing to do. How right they were. The economic benefits have exceeded all expectations in terms of taxes, jobs, purchases of goods and services from New Jersey vendors, and capital investment. New Jersey has never claimed perfection, but we can rightfully say that the Casino Control Act and its policies have been the right answer for Atlantic City, the South Jersey region, and the whole state. Atlantic City will further exceed expectations by transforming itself from a regional destination to a playground for tourists from the entire East Coast. At one point in our history, this was not a necessity but a goal. With competition from Pennsylvania and New York, it’s now a requirement. Atlantic City must continue to reinvent itself. Much in the same way the entire state rallied around Atlantic City 30 years ago to create a regional destination, we require the same level of commitment today. Or we may look back 30 years from now and lament a tremendous opportunity lost.

Atlantic City’s mayoral primary last month provided some relief for those of us fed up with the Callaway organization. The bullies were in full force prior to the campaign, but the worst-case scenario—the Democratic nomination of Lorenzo Langford—came to pass anyway. I’d love to be able to say the Callaways are now part of Atlantic City history (after all, their figurehead, former City Council President Craig Callaway, is now serving time in jail for bribery). But I’ve been around long enough to never write off any bad influence on Atlantic City at any time. The problem with all three candidates during last month’s primary was that they were all, at one time, joined at the hip with the Callaway gang. Langford was the first to move away, followed only recently by Domenic Cappella and later, rather furtively and unsuccessfully, by the soon-to-be-former mayor, Scott Evans. And because Langford’s initial term will be relatively short—assuming he wins the November general election, which is not much of a stretch—the next year will reveal a lot about his character and about his vision for the city and its major industry. With several declared and undeclared opponents to his re-election in 2009, Langford will immediately be thrust into campaign mode (several potential candidates sat on the sidelines during this campaign for that very reason). He will not be able to run on his recent record because he won’t have much of one. And if he runs on the record of his previous administration, it gets problematic for many reasons, not the least of which is the payment he received for a lawsuit settlement against the city that he was ordered to return and apparently cannot, because he spent it. So does this mean that Atlantic City will spend another 18 months in a state of suspended animation? I certainly hope not. Since several of Langford’s potential opponents are now members of City Council, it’s not likely they’ll want to work with the mayor. That’s where we need a sea change in Atlantic City. Citizens have lost their faith in city government. Turnout was low in the primary because no one likes to choose the lesser of three evils. It’s time Atlantic City has the chance to vote for someone who inspires hope and faith in the future, instead of politics as usual. And that’s exactly what an impasse between the mayor and the council would be: politics as usual. We’re tired of the squabbling between people who are interested only in their personal aggrandizement, not in the good of all Atlantic City. I’ve been living here long enough to know that this is a long, long shot. The selfishness of public “servants” in Atlantic City never fails to amaze me; I would be shocked if the current batch puts aside their personal goals and works together. Really shocked. Most importantly, it’s time to get casino employees and executives involved in Atlantic City politics. For too long, casino workers have been locked out of the process. It’s time for Senator Jim Whelan and our two assemblymen, John Amodeo and Vince Polistina, to work together (and demonstrate true non-partisanship) to push a bill through the legislature that eliminates the ban on political participation by casino employees. It’s an archaic law and one that must be reversed for Atlantic City to move forward. Without casino employees, the talent pool is just too shallow. The current eligible candidates have made a mess of things. So we need the expertise and experience that casino workers can bring to the table. In the past, casinos have contributed technical assistance to city government. The city’s main industry and its government should be in partnership in areas where there are no conflicts. Because what is usually good for the casinos is good for the city, and vice versa. So maybe casino workers should rally at City Hall during council meetings demanding their rights. After all, it can’t get any worse!

By Frank Legato   Thu, Jun 19, 2008

By Roger Gros   Mon, May 19, 2008

By Roger Gros   Mon, May 12, 2008

By Roger Gros   Mon, Mar 10, 2008

By Roger Gros   Wed, May 23, 2007

By Roger Gros   Wed, May 23, 2007

By Frank Legato   Tue, May 22, 2007

By Roger Gros   Tue, May 22, 2007

By Frank Legato   Thu, Mar 01, 2007

By NBC 40 WMGM   Tue, Feb 02, 2010

Convention Center:  Feb 3-7 is the International Power Boat Show. Feb. 20 Spirit Unlimited Cheerleading Competition. February 26th to 28th is the Atlantic City Classic Car Show & Auction.

Boardwalk Hall: February 27 Show of Shows, featuring the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association, 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. in Boardwalk Halls arena. 

February 25 9th Annual Men R Cookin at Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club to benefit Boys & Girls Club

It's the Second Annual Atlantic City Restaurant Week from February 28th to March 6th.  70 restaurants with prefix menu's at prefix prices... mark your calendar NOW!

For more information go to http://www.acrestaurantweek.com/

January 30 2010 Casino Connection Magazine update with Lisa Johnson on NBC 40

By NBC 40 WMGM   Fri, Jan 29, 2010

By NBC 40 WMGM   Fri, Jan 22, 2010

By NBC 40 WMGM   Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Late last month the founder  of Beal Bank, who is also known as a high-stakes poker player, made a surprise move by joining billionaire Carl Icahn in a new bid for Trump Entertainment. Beal hopes to convert his multimillion-dollar loan into equity in the company.

“Trump jumped ship at the last minute,” Icahn attorney Edward Weisfelner said in court, “and left Mr. Beal standing at the altar.”

see entire article here:  http://casinoconnectionac.com/issue/january-2010/article/games-the-same-but-players-have-changed

By NBC 40 WMGM   Wed, Dec 02, 2009

http://casinoconnectionac.com/issue/november-2009/article/ac-outlets-the-walk-your-holiday-headquarters

 

By NBC 40 WMGM   Wed, Sep 30, 2009

By NBC 40 WMGM   Tue, Sep 22, 2009

FAREWELL TO A LEGEND

Atlantic City bids goodbye to a favorite adopted son, the late Arturo Gatti, September 19 at Bally’s. A professional card has been established, with fights being sandwiched around highlight presentations, speeches and tributes to the most prolific fighter in Atlantic City history.

Gatti, based first in Montreal and then in Jersey City, became the only sure thing in a town known for gambling. Twice a year, he’d fill up Boardwalk Hall against any opponent, and his loyal fan base substantially spiked the drop in nearby casinos. Gatti was responsible for nine consecutive sellouts here, including the second and third bout of his famed trilogy against Micky Ward, and a matchup with Floyd Mayweather that established a non-heavyweight record for gross sales receipts in Atlantic City.

Gatti’s appearance was the brainchild of Bally’s then-President Ken Condon.

“We should have a special day for Arturo,” Condon said while Gatti was still alive. “I’d be the first to put that together.”

The tribute is appropriate. While earning about $20 million for himself, Gatti performed some other memorable deeds. He stayed with one promoter, Main Events, for his entire 16-year career. That’s now unheard of. He waged several Fights of the Year in boxing and created high paydays for Ward, Ivan Robinson, Mayweather, the gaming industry and HBO.

Gatti died under mysterious circumstances July 11 in Brazil (authorities first believed he was murdered by his wife, then changed the determination to suicide, which the boxing community does not believe).

He is sorely missed, not only for the exciting boxing, but for his effervescent, approachable personality. Gatti could laugh at himself, display respect for his opponent and make good copy for the media. He reminded those around him why they loved boxing.

Casino Connection salutes the athlete who symbolized the boxing-gaming marriage and carried a presence we may never see again.

By NBC 40 WMGM   Tue, Sep 22, 2009

By NBC 40 WMGM   Mon, Sep 21, 2009

Here is a link to the written article "Colony's Atlantic City Headache" on casinoconnectionac.com.

 

By NBC 40 WMGM   Fri, Sep 11, 2009

Don Marrandino named president of Harrah's Eastern Division Tides Story