By Beth Joseph  

The year is 1854 and the Powhattan vessel, packed with German immigrants, sways with each crashing wave. The skipper fights to stay on course against the fierce northeastern wind and the approaching darkness. Only 600 yards from shore, the watermen battle weather, winds and weariness, but a safe arrival seems a daunting task.

The Powhattan never made it ashore, sinking just off the coast of Absecon Island, marking one of the most tragic shipwrecks in East Coast history. At 5 p.m., the vessel broke in two as rough seas tossed bodies into the waters. Three hundred and eleven immigrants lost their lives to the Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1854. The same evening, less than one mile south, a schooner struck the Brigantine shoals, and nine of the 10 aboard perished. The shoals—also known as sandbars—off the Brigantine coast became a feared stretch for sailors.

Ship to Shore

Over the decade of 1846-1856, 64 ships went down within a 10-mile radius of the Atlantic City area. While hundreds of vessels traveled along the shoreline, more than 5,000 shipwrecks in New Jersey waters earned the coastline the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

Due to the massive number of wrecks and ships that ran ashore, the government created eight life-saving stations. These stations were designed to warn the ships’ crews of impending dangers, assist the captains of passing ships, assist boaters in seeing the mainland, help distressed vessels and rescue those in need.

By 1857, help arrived, as the first of the Jersey Shore’s legendary lighthouses appeared. Nearly 20 stations were erected to illuminate the coast from Sandy Hook to Cape May including Absecon, Barnegat, Brigantine, Ship Bottom and Long Branch. Early life-saving stations housed a keeper and a six- or eight-man crew, called surfmen. The personnel running the life-saving stations in New Jersey and other states were banded together to create the U.S. Life Saving Service in 1848.

While budgets and salaries were tight during early years, the service, along with the newly constructed lighthouses, helped significantly reduce the number of casualties at sea.

Only three lives were lost during the first three years of the Life Saving Service. Despite the new technology and manpower, the Giovanni wrecked in 1875 along Cape Cod, killing all 14 men aboard. Over the following five years, only 16 lives were reported lost along the coast. From 1848 to 1854, the Life Saving Service assisted 407 distressed vessels and preserved an estimated 4,650 lives. While the U.S. Life Saving Service was replaced in 1915 by the United States Coast Guard, the use of lighthouses still remains prevalent today.

Beauty of the Beacons

It has been nearly 350 years since the first United States lighthouse was erected on Little Brewster Island in Boston. Due to advances in technological navigation, the need for lighthouses has declined over the years, leaving a mere 1,500 still in operation today.

Lighthouses erected around the state display true gems of the Jersey Shore, and with 11 structures open to the public, lighthouses have become popular visitor spots—to learn and to climb.

In the beginning, lighthouses were constructed mainly of sandstone, then advanced to brick and mortar to ensure a stronger, longer-lasting structure. The lighthouse towers were constructed to be cylindrical to reduce the effect of wind on the tall structure, especially on soft soil or wet land.

Made of 598,634 bricks, the Absecon Lighthouse is planted in Atlantic City’s back yard on Vermont and Pacific avenues. Erected in 1854 as a result of the Powhattan tragedy, the Absecon Lighthouse stands 171 feet high. On January 15, 1857, the lantern was lit, shining 19.5 nautical miles out to sea.

While construction took nearly two years, the Absecon Lighthouse reported no lost ships or lives lost during its first year of operation. The lighthouse remained active until 1933, when its light was extinguished. Now listed on the New Jersey and National Historic Registries, the Absecon Lighthouse has been fully restored and contains lightkeeper housing, museum and lens exhibit.

“The Absecon Lighthouse is off the beaten path of the Boardwalk and other hot spots,” says Executive Director Jean Muchanic. “But judging by the reaction of everyone who finds their way here, and the words they use to describe the lighthouse—like amazing, spectacular and beautiful—it is a must-see in Atlantic City.”

Approximately 15,000 visitors climb the 228 steps to the top of the country’s third-tallest lighthouse every year.

Traveling north to Long Beach Island, the Barnegat Lighthouse, otherwise known as “Old Barney,” stands at 165 feet in height. While Barnegat contains 217 steps and is slightly shorter than the Absecon Lighthouse, due to its location above sea level, it is considered the second-tallest lighthouse in the United States.

“It’s a very fine lighthouse, and was one of the most important change-of-course points for oceanic travel due to its location,” says Alex Butrym, visitor service assistant at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. “Its historic value makes this point a recognizable one in American history.”

Used as a lookout during World War I, the red-and-white tower now represents a symbol of the state, as it is depicted on the “Shore Conservation” license plates.

New Jersey’s southernmost lighthouse, located at the tip of Cape May, features views from Wildwood to Delaware on a clear day. Built in 1859, under the supervision of First Lieutenant and famous Civil War General George Meade, the lighthouse juts 157.5 feet into the air. As a part of the 190-acre Cape May Point State Park, the lighthouse, topped with a red cupola, is a popular sightseeing spot for thousands of peninsula visitors.

“It’s a huge view of the ocean and the city below. Once upstairs, the watch gallery of the 1859 structure has a panoramic view of the Jersey cape and the Atlantic Ocean,” says Communications Coordinator Margo Harvey. “More than 100,000 visitors per year come to the house. New this year are ‘Ghost of the Lighthouse Tours,’ which tell people about the supposed spirits of the lighthouse.”

In addition to bringing thousands of visitors who listen to ghost stories and take in the sights, the Cape May Lighthouse is operated by the United States Coast Guard—it is still an active nautical navigation guide. Its light shines 24 nautical miles, flashing every 15 seconds to aid ships along the state’s south end.

The state’s oldest lighthouse at Sandy Hook is among those that still shine brightly each night. Built in 1764 by Isaac Conro, it was originally called the New York Lighthouse, since it was funded by the New York state ship taxes and lottery. As the northernmost lighthouse in New Jersey, Sandy Hook was the first visible landmark for sailors approaching the New York harbor.

The octagonal white tower was originally built 500 feet from the hook’s tip. However, due to expansion from shifting sand, it is now 1.5 miles from the point. First lit on January 11, 1764, the lighthouse is now run with a 1,000-watt bulb that emits 45,000 candle-power. Sandy Hook’s light is visible 19 miles out to sea, and has only gone dark twice in its more than 200-year history, during the Revolutionary and Civil wars.

Lighting the House

While the size and design of the lighthouses have captivated visitors for years, the beacons are the real focuses of attention. Each lighthouse contains a light source known as a lamp that can be run by either fuel or electricity. The light is then magnified using lenses to create a powerful, bright beacon that beams out onto the ocean.

Original lighthouses were operated using a continuously burning fire supplied by wood and coal that was lit similarly to that of a candlewick. Whale oil was used in later years, before being replaced by kerosene. Lighthouse keepers took on the job of carrying the fuel to the tower’s top, daily cleaning of lenses and mirrors and maintaining a non-stop illumination. Despite the difficult and often mundane task, the keeper wasn’t allotted a salary until 1857 when the government appropriated a $200 yearly stipend.

With the advancements of technology and the introduction of the satellite navigational system, the seaside towers were upgraded to use solar power which required less maintenance, eliminating the role of a keeper at most lighthouses.

The largest advancement in lighting technology was the invention of the Fresnel lens by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel. The new, thinner lens allows for more light to pass through, in turn creating a longer beam of light. Today there are six orders of Fresnel lenses depending on their focal length, which vary from 36 inches to 17 inches. Most light beams for New Jersey lighthouses shine from approximately 20 to 30 nautical miles from the lantern room to the ships’ decks.

All operating New Jersey lighthouses contain Fresnel lenses. Sandy Hook uses a third order lens that displays a fixed white beam while Hereford Inlet uses a slightly smaller fourth order lens in a white flash that is displayed every 15 seconds.

\Each lighthouse uses tower colors and designs known as their “daymark,” and differing beam characteristics, or “nightmark,” to identify themselves. This gives sailors an easy way to find placement in the water as well as avoid submerged obstacles while guiding them safely around the shoreline.

Meeting the Challenge

Just like no two fingerprints are exactly the same, neither are the lighthouses. New Jersey has 11 public lighthouses totaling more than 1,100 steps. Visiting them all in two days is a challenge that thousands tackle each year during the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge. Held this year October 20-21, the 8th annual challenge teaches visitors the history, importance and beauty of the towering beacons.

“All lighthouses look different and have their own unique features,” says Doreen Berson, Lighthouse Challenge chairman. “The Challenge raises awareness by exposing participants to these important structures and their history.”

The New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge rewards challengers as they arrive at the various sites with a souvenir. Those who collect all 11 lighthouse (Sandy Hook, Twin Lights, Barnegat, Tucker’s Island, Absecon, Hereford Inlet, Cape May, East Point, Finn’s Point and Tinicum) tokens complete the challenge and are honored with an additional token to commemorate the statewide lighthouse tour.

For a chance to see the shining beacon working under the moonlight, the challenge offers night climbs at Sandy Hook, Cape May and Tinicum. Additional evening hours are available at Absecon and Tucker’s Island for visitors to get a glimpse of the night skyline.

For more information about the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge, contact the Lighthouse Society at 856-546-0514 or online at www.njlhs.org.

On September 15, the Delaware Bay Lighthouse Adventures invites the public to cruise the waterways while visiting nine local lighthouses. The seven-hour tour departs at 10 a.m. for a chance to experience Cape May Lighthouse, Harbour of Refuge (Lewes); Delaware Breakwater East End (Lewes), Brandywine Shoal, Fourteen Foot Light, Miah Maull Shoal, Cross Ledge, Elbow of Cross Ledge and Ship John Light. The cost of the trip is $99 per person, and includes breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit www.capemaymac.org.

A southern lighthouse series on September 16, run by the Littoral Society, starts at Absecon then travels to Hereford Inlet and Cape May for a day of touring. This day-long trek costs $35 and includes lunch. For more information, visit www.littoralsociety.org.

By   Fri, Sep 19, 2008

By Frank Legato   Thu, Jun 19, 2008

By Roger Gros   Mon, May 19, 2008

By Roger Gros   Mon, May 12, 2008

By Roger Gros   Tue, Mar 11, 2008

By David Schwartz   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

The jitney is an almost-uniquely Atlantic City mode of transportation. Though the distinctive short buses seem timeless parts of the city, they have been around less than 100 years. Their history, however, encompasses some of the resort’s best and worst times.

Jitney buses arrived on Absecon Island in 1915, when automobiles were relatively new. Though several of the larger hotels had private motorcars to pick up valued guests from the train station, most people used trolleys to get around. Jitney drivers charged 5 cents a head (“jitney” was once slang for a nickel, and the name stuck). On good summer days, drivers made between $15 and $20 a day, and even in the off-season they could expect to make $10 a shift. Jitneys were essentially large motorcars.

At first, jitneys were almost entirely unregulated, and they ran roughshod over the city during the 1915 tourist season. About 500 of them crowded the streets, picking up and discharging passengers willy-nilly.

There may have been some legitimate public safety concerns, but the trolley owners were most concerned—their income dropped by almost 75 percent. By November 1915, the Atlantic City Traction Company was reporting an annual loss of over $100,000. Unable to pay its debts, it fell into receivership.

City officials proposed more stringent regulations, but jitney drivers bitterly contested any change—in March 1916, they staged a 12-hour strike to show the public just how indispensable they were. But the demand for regulation was indomitable, and by August the City Council had passed a comprehensive jitney regulation bill.

Jitneys were now forced to run regular routes, and the 5 cent fare was written into law. Drivers could be fined up to $100 (a good week’s pay) for a variety of offenses, including overloading passengers, not following prescribed routes, and crossing avenues in mid-street.

As a result of the stricter oversights, the number of jitneys was reduced to 200. In 1917, further legislation reduced the number of jitneys to 190, where it remains today.

In the ensuing years the trolley line struggled and eventually died, while jitneys became an accepted part of the city. Once considered dangerous rebels, jitneys were now a welcome part of the city’s fabric.

Even though fares rose (to a dime by the 1940s, and higher still in the future, reaching the current $2 fare), the routes remained dependable, and riding the jitney became a necessary part of an Atlantic City vacation and an easy way for car-less residents to navigate their hometown.

The Atlantic City Jitney Association, founded in 1915, championed the cause of the privately run buses from its inception. It faced its darkest days in the early 1970s, when gas rationing and the city’s general decline raised the possibility that the service might disappear.

But the advent of casino gaming in 1978 brought the jitney drivers millions of new passengers, and with routes customized to serve casinos in the Boardwalk and Marina areas, jitneys adjusted to the new casino-driven resort. By the early 1980s, rides cost 75 cents, and routes were running profitably 24 hours a day.

To provide service to the city’s growing casino population, jitney routes increased to four. In addition, in the 1990s the Jitney Association partnered with the South Jersey Transportation Authority to run free round-trip shuttles between the train station and the casinos.

The Jitney Association is currently trying to battle a free shuttle service instituted by Harrah’s Entertainment to transport players between its four properties in Atlantic City. The jitney is more than a part of Atlantic City’s past; it is an indelible part of American culture. In 1982, the Smithsonian Institute received a full-size retired jitney for its collections, a fitting reminder of this humble bus’ contribution to the city and the nation.

By Dave Bontempo   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Michael Moreno thrives on advanced empathy.

The veteran Trump Marina dealer, twice an Employee of the Month winner, understands who, along with what, drives the business.

“You want to be nice to people who have gone through traffic, checking in, etc., just to play at your game,” Moreno says. “We have a lot of rules in the casino business. It’s better to find a nice way to say things, rather than hit someone over the head with them. You wouldn’t just tell someone not to smoke. You can say, ‘Sir, I’m sorry, but this is a non-smoking area.’ If someone wants a comp and you can’t give it to him, you say, ‘Sir, I apologize for the inconvenience, but at this time we are unable to give you a comp.’

“If you have to tell someone something they won’t like, it’s important to find a way to be not so harsh, not so ignorant. You never want to tell a player that he or she has to do something. Players don’t have to do anything, other than walk out of your building. You can never forget that they are your customers.”

Moreno has enjoyed the player-employee relationship on several fronts. The Glen Riddle, Pa., native discovered Atlantic City on gambling trips. After playing, he switched to the casino side as a Bally’s dealer in 1982. He came to the Marina in 1985, figuring to spend another three years, and has instead reached 22. Moreno advanced to dual-rate pit manager, a job which also entailed simulcasting and poker.

The casino recently let him switch back to dealing so he could spend more time with his young children. Moreno may eventually re-enter management.

From either perspective, Moreno has witnessed some intense developments. He once dealt to Leonard Tose, the former Eagles owner who became notorious for gambling losses. Moreno remembers other high-spirited action with lesser-known rich players.

“When you are in the middle of a jam-up game, you need the ability to remove yourself from the value of the money,” Moreno indicates. “The biggest hand I ever dealt involved a guy betting $7,000 and holding all seven blackjack spots. Then he would double down and split everything. Even in a routine game, he would have $49,000 out there at once.

“I turned over a five and got 21. There went his money. But as fast as it was over, he was ready to bet again. He did not even change expression. That’s a lot of money for most of us, but for him it was probably like $4.90 would be to you and me. The swings were so fast.

“In some blackjack games, you see somebody up $800,000 one minute and down $1.2 million the next. The swings are incredible. You have to remind yourself to keep it in perspective, that his bankroll can survive that.”

What kept the business fresh for him?

“People sometimes wonder how you can be dealing blackjack for years,” Moreno says. “Believe it or not, you do learn something new every day. You think you’ve seen all the action you can possibly take in, and then along comes a new twist on something.

 “We have a little saying that before you go on the casino floor, look in the mirror and remind yourself that it’s showtime.” For this versatile, introspective veteran, the show has gone on for 25 years.

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Maybe you are being a little too picky when it comes to finding a mate. Try a day date with a new prospect around mid-month. What you have been looking for may not really be the best match for you in the long run. (Hint: Look for someone with a job.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Look forward to a long weekend vacation at month’s end. Time to get out the suitcase and load up the car. A trip out of town proves to be a pleasant bonding experience. (Don’t forget to bond pleasantly.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Don’t let kindness cloud your ability to do your job this month. It’s time to admit you can’t handle it all. Spreading jobs among others will allow you to produce better at the task at hand. (And give you time to loaf.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Someone close to you has a big surprise at the end of the month. Don’t take the new information too lightly. It will prove to be life-changing news for both of you. (Apparently, the rabbit done died.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

A little extra spending money will come your way early in the month. Embark on a small shopping spree and you’ll be living large, but don’t forget to purchase the necessities. (You know, like underwear without holes.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Everybody needs a little time to themselves every once in a while. Learn to enjoy your own company this month with a solo lunch or long twilight walk. The time alone will prove peaceful and relaxing. (Just ask any monk.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

It’s time for you and your partner to have a long talk about the relationship. Discussing concerns and feelings gets everything in the open and establishes a clear line of communication for the future. (Remember to hide all blunt objects first.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Give back to the community this month by volunteering at the homeless shelter, cleaning the beach or helping your neighbor. Your good will not only help others, but will reveal what you’ve been taking for granted. (Yes, community service can actually be voluntary.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

You have not been the greatest friend to others lately. It’s time to pick up the phone and plan a night out with your friends. Spend some quality bonding time this month to rekindle lifelong friendships. (Don’t forget bail money.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Time doesn’t seem to be on your side. Do whatever is necessary to get the job done, even if it means working late and on weekends. A job well done by month’s end proves positive for the entire company. (Even if you’re dead by then.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

An unlikely suitor will approach you this month. Don’t be too quick to dismiss on looks alone. The eye can be deceiving at times, and a closer look is needed. (Pay no attention to the festering boils.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

You are ready for a transformation. An intense mid-month conversation with a close friend will spark its beginning. This life change will revive your spirits and leave you thinking differently. (You may also speak in tongues.)

By Frank Legato   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Originally released last year, this gem by Geoff Emerick, the EMI engineer responsible for the Beatles’ most innovative recording ideas, has recently come out in paperback. It is a must read for any Beatles fan.

Here is an insider’s account of the men behind the music, from the one who worked by producer George Martin’s side.

We learn in Emerick’s first-person narrative (helped by co-author Massey) that he knew as a child he wanted to be involved in making records, and landed his dream job at EMI’s Abbey Road studios at age 15. As an assistant engineer, his first job was to assist on a recording test in 1962 of a brash young group that called themselves the Beatles.

From there, we hear an expert’s—and music-lover’s—account of the ins and outs of working with the Beatles, the highlight coming when Emerick became the group’s main engineer in 1966 for the Revolver album, and had to figure out how to satisfy John Lennon’s request that his voice sound like the Dalai Lama on a mountain for the song “Tomorrow Never Knows.”

It is a fascinating account of how, using primitive technology, Emerick managed to bring out the best of the band, and change recording technology forever in the process, particularly on the groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band—a masterpiece for Emerick as much as the Beatles.

We also learn firsthand about the breakup of the band, and the change in attitude that came over some band members in the group’s final days—ultimately leading to Emerick walking away from his dream job after the White Album. We learn what a genius and what a jerk Lennon could be.

We learn of Harrison’s constant discontent with the band. We learn of Emerick’s continuing association with McCartney after the Beatles broke up, including the session that was ruined as everyone tried to absorb the reality of Lennon’s murder.

Most of all, we learn the human side of the legends.

By Joe Legato   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

With the end of the summer always comes a few great things—cooler weather, the start of the NFL season, and of course, the new Madden.

 EA Sports brings fans possibly the best Madden title to date. Madden NFL 08 has so much diversity that players can immerse themselves in practically any aspect of the NFL. Players may choose to pick a team and take them all the way to the Super Bowl, or run their own franchise as they build stadiums, move teams and create their own championship ring.

Gamers may also want to just continue playing with the legacy they made in NCAA 08 by importing him into Superstar Mode. Madden NFL 08 even offers a chance to play football mini-games and trivia with friends.

One update on Madden NFL 08 is typical of new games for next-generation consoles: more control and a more realistic game play. Great plays are now more dynamic, as you can get smashed in a mid-air collision while jumping for the football, or may have to engage in one-handed catches for difficult-to-reach balls.

Additionally, you have the option of tackling high or low, and multiple people can engage in a tackle. This becomes particularly helpful when bringing down big players.

Another new feature of this year’s Madden is the weapon display, where an icon may be shown above players that are exceptionally skilled in a particular area. Icons include a “Cannon Arm” bullet above QBs who throw the farthest and a “Smart Safety” light bulb above safeties who can read the offense well. Madden NFL 08 is definitely an improvement over the last title, and it is available for a ton of consoles.

This means you have options such as scrambling around the field on a standard Playstation controller or switching to the Wii version and using the remote to actually throw your hands up to make a catch.

By Chris Borino   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Interpol is a Joy Division for today’s college kids. They’ve been a notable band in the New York indie rock scene since they began making demos in the late ’90s under a variety of names before Interpol stuck.

Our Love to Admire marks the band’s third studio release, and their first record with a major label. Making the transition from underground favorite to commercial success challenges bands by asking them to enter the paradox of achieving massive popularity while not sounding too mainstream. Interpol pulls it off.

Our Love continues the path the band laid out with Turn on the Bright Lights and Antics, but Interpol evolves and ultimately accomplishes what skeptics thought they couldn’t—they reinvent themselves but keep their signature sound. Interpol frontman Paul Banks touches on familiar subjects but without cliché.

The first track, “Pioneer to the Falls,” is a prelude to the dark vision of New York City life to come forth throughout the rest of the album: “show me the dirt pile and I will pray that the soul can take three stowaways.” Not exactly the kind of hook we’re used to hearing on popular radio, but it’s not insincere like John Mayer’s kitschy lyrics and it’s not contrived like Marilyn Manson’s depravity.

Interpol writes about a sad, lonely world because, well, sometimes the world is sad and lonely. Sometimes you’re a rock star, and you need to talk to your girlfriend about which vowels are in ménage a trois—“No I in Threesome,” my favorite song title to prominently feature a single vowel since Taking Back Sunday’s “Cute Without the E,” suggests, “Baby it’s time we give something new a try, alone we may fight, let us be three tonight.”

The first single, “Heinrich Maneuver,” is something that anyone who’s been in a bad relationship can relate to, as Banks expresses his lack of interest in his ex without sounding bitter.

Interpol’s latest record will probably jolt the bands popularity significantly but if they won’t lose any ground with the indie kids.

By Robert Rossiello   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Pumped like a gym rat on steroids, the movie 300 has been conquering the DVD rental charts for the past month.

Based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller, who brought us the equally bloody Sin City, 300 is a visual feast that has attracted a legion of fanboys across the nation, proving that Hollywood is surely in touch with its inner-adolescent.

The movie recounts the battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans faced off against a massive Persian army bent on enslaving the Greek empire. Led by the buff and cunning King Leonides (Gerard Butler), the Spartans are a warrior clan whose greatest glory is to die in battle. Using the landscape to full advantage, for three days they hack their way through hordes of Xerxes’ army.

Played like an interior decorator with an overly-inflated ego, Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) is a seven foot giant drapped in jewelry who fancies himself a living god and has a harem of erotic freaks. This is vintage Miller, always on the lookout for the grotesque. The movie goes to great lengths to capture the look of his graphic style, complete with splatters of comic-book blood. The stop-motion camera work is innovative, a ballet of carnage that puts you at the center of the action.

Unfortunately this sumptuous, bombastic movie fails on the level of storytelling. The actual battle of Thermopylae included an epic war at sea, with a smaller fleet of Greek vessels besting a Persian armada. The sea battle is missing completely from 300. Sticking to the ground troops, it cuts from the battlefield to the temples of Sparta, where Leonides’ strong-willed wife (Lena Headey) tries to convince her reluctant countrymen in a call to arms. There’s a lot of long-winded speeches about honor and duty and sacrifice that, in these politically-charged times, can be a bit off-putting.

Of course, those who want to see this dark fantasia know exactly what they are in for. But can CGI effects stand in for characterization? Is violent spectacle a substitute for solid storytelling? Now there’s a real battle.

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

September 1

Donny Osmond, House of Blues

Stephen Lynch, Borgata

Liza Minnelli, Taj Mahal

September 1-2

Brad Garrett, Tropicana

September 2

Keith Sweat, House of Blues

Carlos Mencia, Borgata

Steve Miller Band, Caesars

The Spinners, Taj Mahal

Pink Floyd Laser Show, Hilton

September 3

Brian Hyland, Harrah’s

September 7

Lou Neglia’s Ring of Combat XV, Tropicana

Chevelle, House of Blues

September 7-8

Counting Crows, Borgata

September 8

American Idols Live, Boardwalk Hall

Jerry Seinfeld, Hilton and Resorts

Robert Klein, House of Blues

September 9-13

The Tramps, Resorts

 Lorna Luft, Hilton

September 11

The Used with Army of Me, Bled, House of Blues

September 13

Hanson, House of Blues

September 14

Mandy Moore, Paula Cole, Borgata

September 14-15

ProAm Championship Bodybuilding/Fitness, Taj Mahal

September 15

No Code (Pearl Jam tribute), House of Blues

Macy Gray, Brand New Heavies, Borgata

Battle Cage Xtreme II (MMA), Boardwalk Hall

September 16-20

The Dovells, Resorts

September 20

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, House of Blues

September 21

John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, House of Blues

September 22

Otto & George, House of Blues

Aerosmith, Joan Jett, Borgata

September 23

George Thorogood, Bryan Adams, House of Blues

 September 23-27

Toxic Audio, Hilton

September 28

Schism (Tool tribute), House of Blues

September 28-29

Bobby Vinton, Trump Plaza

September 28-30

 The Temptations, Tropicana

September 29

Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Taj Mahal

Heart, Trump Marina

David Brenner, House of Blues

Steve Vai, Borgata

 Lou Graham, Hilton

Tickets for most Atlantic City shows are available at property box offices, or through Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420 or www.ticketmaster.com

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

If early ’90s pop rock is your thing, you certainly won’t want to miss the return of the Counting Crows at Borgata September 7 and 8.

 It’s been nearly 10 years since the Counting Crows were at the peak of their game, yet the California-based band remains a viable entertainment option at concert venues around the country.

Led by moody lead singer and ladies’ man Adam Duritz, who approaches his lyrics in a free-form poetic style, the Counting Crows defied the odds by breaking into the mainstream despite the fact that most of their music is remarkably somber. That’s because “Mr. Jones,” the only upbeat song on the band’s 1993 debut, shot to No. 1 and became one of the most played songs of the 1990s.

While Duritz wouldn’t cave to record company pressure to write another “Mr. Jones,” the band’s next album, Recovering the Satellites, scored another major hit with the ballad “A Long December.” The next hit for the band would come from the unlikely venue of an animated film, when “Accidentally in Love” became a surprise hit on the Shrek 2 soundtrack.

The Counting Crows perform 9 p.m. September 7 and 8 at Borgata’s Music Box. Tickets are $75.

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

You never know what to expect from comedian David Brenner. Although the comedian has been performing in Atlantic City since the casinos debuted here in the ’70s, Brenner is anything but stale. He keeps each night fresh by ripping his routine from the daily headlines, making every night a different show worth seeing.

Audiences will have a chance to catch Brenner at the House of Blues on September 29.

Brenner’s improvisational approach to comedy is what made him the huge success story he is. The native Philadelphian knows no boundaries with his material, attacking everything from politics to celebrities. He has appeared on The Tonight Show a record 158 times, along with appearing in four HBO comedy specials and writing several books.

 David Brenner performs 8 p.m. September 29 at the House of Blues at Showboat. Tickets are $30 and $40.

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

The biggest and best men and women bodybuilders will display their sculpted bods at Trump Taj Mahal on September 14 and 15.

The 2007 International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Atlantic City Pro Bodybuilding Fitness and Figure Championships and the NPC Figure Championships will span the course of two days.

The flexing begins 5 p.m. September 14 and noon September 15 for the prejudging, followed by the finals at 6 p.m. September 15.

 The IFBB is the most important organization in the world of bodybuilding, responsible for the Mr. Olympia contest, World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and other major bodybuilding events.

The 2007 International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Atlantic City Pro Bodybuilding Fitness and Figure Championships will be held September 14 and 15 at the Trump Taj Mahal Arena. Tickets are $55 and $115.

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Gravel-voiced Grammy winner Macy Gray makes a triumphant return to Atlantic City when she plays Borgata’s Music Box on September 15.

Born Natalie Renee McIntyre, Gray grew up in Canton, Ohio with aspirations of becoming a songwriter, since she was not fond of her raspy voice. She wrote songs for a friend’s band whose singer failed to show up for a demo recording, so Gray stepped to the mic. With her mix of soulful grooves and R&B, Gray’s vocals have been compared to Billie Holiday’s. She made several popular appearances at Los Angeles jazz clubs, and finally landed a record deal with Epic.

Her debut album On How Life Is was released in 1999 and became an instant success. The album was nominated for Record of the Year and the hit single “I Try” was nominated for Song of the Year. With the help of additional singles “Why Didn’t You Call Me” and “Still,” the album went triple Platinum and garnered Gray a Grammy award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Two follow-up albums, The Id (2001) and The Trouble with Being Myself (2003), did not fare as well as her debut, but assured Gray an international following.

Gray is now touring to promote her fourth studio album Big, which was released in March. Expect to hear tracks from that disc as well as her past hits.

Opening for Gray is the cult funk band the Brand New Heavies.

Macy Gray and Brand New Heavies perform 9 p.m. September 15 at Borgata’s Music Box. Tickets are $49.50.

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

American Idol has become such a phenomenon that it has spawned an annual tour. This summer’s version should be another great one as the top 10 finalists from season six of the popular Fox reality series will perform.

The tour, which lands at Boardwalk Hall on September 8, will feature Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh, Gina Glocksen, Haley Scarnato, LaKisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar, runner-up Blake Lewis and winner Jordin Sparks.

Each performer will do a short set, most likely featuring the songs performed on the TV series. Sparks and Lewis, of course, will get a little more stage time than the others.

The American Idols Live Tour 2007 begins at 7 p.m. September 8 at Boardwalk Hall. Tickets are $39.50, $52.50 and $72.50.

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

The “Polish Prince” Bobby Vinton brings his arsenal of oldies-but-goodies when he hits Trump Plaza for shows on September 28 and 29.

The Pittsburgh-area native, dubbed the “all-time most successful love singer of the rock era,” will roll out all of his hits, including “Roses Are Red (My Love),” “Melody of Love,” “Blue Velvet,” “Blue on Blue,” “There! I’ve Said It Again,” “Mr. Lonely,” “Please Love Me Forever,” “I Love How You Love Me” and others that helped him sell more than 75 million albums, earning more than a dozen Gold records.

Bobby Vinton will perform 10 p.m. September 28 and 9 p.m. September 29 at the Trump Plaza Theater. Tickets are $50.50.

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Jerry Seinfeld returns to Atlantic City with another dual-casino gig, at Resorts Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Hilton on September 8.

Seinfeld, who made history in Atlantic City during his last visit by playing two casinos in one night, will repeat the task this month by playing at the Hilton and Resorts, the two Boardwalk casinos owned by Resorts International Holdings.

The big television star has been able to solely concentrate on his stand-up routine now that his NBC series is off the air and he has a boatload of money.

Jerry Seinfeld performs 8 p.m. at the Atlantic City Hilton Grand Theater and 11 p.m. at Resorts’ Superstar Theater on September 8. Tickets are $150.

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Aerosmith alone could easily sell out Borgata’s Event Center, but coupled with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, they create the biggest rock concert of the month as they perform September 22.

One of the greatest and most popular rock bands of all time, Aerosmith shows no signs of slowing down despite being together for more than 30 years—as proven by the band’s relentless touring schedule of sold-out show after sold-out show.

This tour, with the help of Jett, should be no different, as the Boston Bad Boys hit the road for the World Tour ’07, which promises to be bigger, louder, faster and harder than any rock tour on the road today.

Aerosmith’s last tour supported Rockin’ the Joint, a live DualDisc CD/DVD combo that was recorded at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

Aside from legendary tunes including “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” “Dream On” and others, expect some rarely played Aerosmith gems, including the fan favorites “Seasons of Wither,” “No More No More” and a cover of the Fleetwood Mac chestnut “Rattlesnake Shake.”

Jett and her Blackhearts are known for playing pure rock and roll. Jett, a former member of the Runaways, scored a classic hit with “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” as well as successful turns on “Crimson and Clover” and “I Hate Myself For Loving You.”

Aerosmith and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts perform 8 p.m. September 22 at Borgata’s Event Center. Tickets are $185 and $225.

By Joseph Harrison   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Fans will finally get what they've been waiting for when Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony team up for their first joint tour.

The long-awaited tour kicks off right here in Atlantic City, with a September 29 performance at Trump Taj Mahal’s Mark G. Etess Arena.

 J-Lo and Mark are expected to sing their own hits while also teaming up for a set of duets. They will sing their songs in both English and Spanish, including several numbers from this year’s Spanish-language Lopez CD Como Ama Una Mujer (“How A Woman Loves”), which debuted in March at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin chart and No. 10 on the U.S. chart, and set a record for first-week sales of a Spanish-language album.

The superstars, who currently appear on the big screen together in El Cantante—a biopic of legendary Puerto Rican salsa singer Hector Lavoe that was produced by Lopez—will take their tour across the United States and eventually Canada and Puerto Rico after the Atlantic City launch.

Como Ama Una Mujer produced the hit single “Que Hiciste,” with its popular video written and co-produced by Anthony. The New York-born singer/actress has sold more than 17 million records worldwide while also appearing in numerous films, including Out of Sight and Monster-in-Law.

Anthony has sold more than 10 million records worldwide, and is the top-selling salsa artist of all time. He has also shown his acting chops in Big Night, The Substitute and Hackers. His latest music can be heard on the soundtrack for El Cantante, in which Anthony pays tribute to Lavoe.

Lopez and Anthony have appeared on each other’s albums, but the Taj stage will host their first-ever joint public appearance.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony perform at 8 p.m. on September 29 at Trump Taj Mahal’s Etess Arena. Tickets are $96—$196.

Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Rehabilitation after injury or surgery in human medicine is a well-known and accepted fact. The same principles are now working their way into veterinary medicine. Since pets are loved companions, helping heal injuries to our four-legged friends is just as important as aiding a hurt family member.

When your pet is injured, the big question is how to return the injured part back to normal function. Post-injury or surgery rehabilitation reduces, minimizes and mitigates disablements, preserves and restores function, and maximizes independence. Rehabilitation is a dynamic process with ever-changing consequences, and it must be individualized for each pet.

Human studies have shown that starting the first day after surgery, a 1-2 percent loss of strength occurs in the affected muscles. This translates into a 10-20 percent loss per week, with large muscles atrophying twice as fast as small ones. If the muscle is losing strength every day and your pet is in a cast for four weeks, or holding its leg up for a week post-surgery, you can imagine the weakness that’s going to develop. Rehabilitation and physical therapy combat this trend.

The first step in the process is patient evaluation. The doctor will assess muscle and neurological function as well as range of motion to the affected area—in other words, how much physical therapy is needed and how long your pet is able to undergo rehabilitation. Some older animals may not be able to take a rehabilitation or exercise program of three times a week, so each animal requires a specific recovery plan.

This involves any further diagnostic and medical treatment, determining the short- and long-term goals of rehabilitation, anticipating long-term medical needs and coming up with an estimated length of time for therapy.

Rehabilitation “medicine” is physical therapy for your pet. This can include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, wound management, thermal modalities (such as ultrasound), electro-therapeutic modalities (such as E-Stim or TENS), underwater treadmill therapy, and even orthotics and prosthetic evaluation.

The benefits of physical therapy include enhanced immune response, positive anabolic (muscle-building) effects, and an antidote to atrophy. Physical therapy also counters the effects of steroids (used with disc disease), and is often helpful in pain management.

Rehab needs other than post-surgery or trauma rehabilitation include cancer (weakness, lethargy), cardiac (controlled exercise benefits), geriatric (cardiac and muscular strengthening exercise program) and chronic disease rehabilitation for such things as arthritis, chronic pain, loss of strength in the hind legs and elimination problems.

The goals of rehabilitation are improved quality of life, reduced pain and improved attitude by improving ambulation or restoring proper function.

Isn't that what we want for our best friend, family member and bundle of energy and love?

Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Tucked between neighboring Northfield, Egg Harbor Township and Somers Point, Linwood is one of the state’s little gems. With luxury residential housing, manicured lawns and blooming landscapes, it is a true family town with all the amenities.

“On our city seal are printed the words education, recreation and family,” said Mayor Richard DePamphilis III. “I moved here 23 years ago for the same reasons that bring new residents to Linwood today—a friendly residential community with safe streets and an excellent school system.”

The 3.8-square-mile town is a close-knit community with much of the population consisting of families. Just nine miles west of Atlantic City, Linwood is sometimes overlooked. However, its stores, sports and schooling are top in the state.

 “This is where the doctors, lawyers and casino executives live,” said Sherry McCord, owner of Trinkets in Cornerstone Commerce Center. “It’s beautiful, it’s a great location and the town’s got everything.”

Everything anyone would need is packed into the two main downtown districts, Cornerstone and Central Square, with specialty shops, a gym, offices, boutiques and eateries. Walking between stores, shoppers can find unique gifts and merchandise while avoiding the mainstream chain stores found at local malls.

“There are a lot of people who live in the town who don’t want to shop at the malls,” said Roberta Barr, owner of Quality Chocolates in Central Square. “The thing that makes the Linwood stores great is the personal service at every shop.”

Directly across from Cornerstone Commerce Center is the Mainland Regional High School, ranked in the top 5 percent among United States public schools by Newsweek magazine. Linwood’s public schools brought in awards in chorus, mock trial, volunteering, essay contests and various sports during the 2006-2007 school year.

After school, the recreational opportunities from organized sports to playgrounds offer residents a chance to enjoy the outdoors. All Wars Memorial Park contains football, baseball, soccer and basketball facilities available for the public as well as league teams and tournaments. Linwood also has a hockey rink and bike path. The 2.4-mile bike path running through the middle of town paved the way for neighboring communities such as Northfield to add their own bicycle transportation routes.

While Linwood lacks big-city grandeur, the local housing from Country Club Drive to Hamilton Avenue makes the town ideal suburban living. Mainly single-family homes, the community consists of a mix of casino employees, executives, business professionals, at-home mothers and elderly.

Pairing upscale living, shopping and schooling, the city of Linwood sets the precedent for the state’s little communities. As the mayor explains, “You cannot find a better place than Linwood to live and raise a family.”

City Hall Address

400 Poplar Ave.

Linwood, NJ 08221

609-927-4108

Mayor: Richard L. DePamphilis III

City Council: Donna Taylor, Eliot C. Beinfest, Ralph Paolone, Nancy L. Ridgway, Tim Tighe, Alexander Marino, Eugene Maier

Population: 7,172 Tax Rate (per $100): 3.244

Schools: Seaview School (K-4) Belhaven Avenue School (5-8) Mainland Regional High School (9-12) Gospel of Grace Christian School (K-12)

Fun Facts

There are only three traffic lights in the city, located at Central and Oak, Central and New Road, and the final light at Poplar and New Road. An additional traffic light lies on the border of Somers Point at Ocean Heights and New Road.

Nearly 400 Linwood residents work in the casino industry.

The city is widely known for African violets grown at Fischer Farms and orchids from Brighton Farms. Also, the Linwood Convalescent Center is one of the largest facilities of its type in the state.

Weeks before opening, the Bake Works, in Cornerstone Commerce Center, was forced to alter an old city ordinance stating that no commercial bakeries were permitted in Linwood.

Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Whether buying a house or refinancing a mortgage, you’re either going to be your own best friend or your own worst enemy, depending on:

a) how well you do your homework—that is, how well-thought out and detailed you've listed your financial goals before you make the final decision with your broker; and

b) how well you’ve made sure that broker has done his or her homework! It’s up to you to do this, now more than ever in this crazy sub-prime lending time, when predatory mortgage lenders have sold home buyers more house than they could afford, and just as much house as they were willing to say “yes” to.

I have two points of advice about that, one old and one relatively new.

Point 1: House hunting (or mortgage hunting) begins with planning. Simply put, it’s determining how much house you can afford to buy. Know your affordable price range, and stick to it. Don’t be swayed by the emotion that a prospective new house can create. The “right-brained” spouse needs to let the “left-brained” spouse take the lead here, because that emotional attachment isn’t going to help you much if the monthly bills aren’t being paid.

And the affordable price range—how’s that derived? That should be the natural outgrowth of just figuring out your monthly income, expenses and home budget. Simple enough? Problem is, hardly anyone actually does this, or sticks to it. But if you do, you’re ahead of the game.

Point 2: There’s a particular type of optional ARM (Adjusted Rate Mortgage) out there known as a COSI Loan.

COSI stands for Cost of Savings Index, and it’s this factor that makes a COSI different from other ARMs, many of which tend to be too risky for budget-watching new home buyers or refinancers.

ARMs tend to “adjust” (the interest rates go up and down because they’re tied to a fluctuating index like the Prime Rate), but the COSI uses the same index that banks use when they lend money. The Cost of Savings Index is the percentage that banks pay on checking and savings accounts, and CDs.

That makes for stability. Another distinction: the loan re-amortizes twice a month, not once a month; so the negative amortization that often accrues at the end of other option ARMs doesn't happen here. Other features? The COSI is paid off in 25 years (not 30), and the monthly payments are vastly reduced from that of conventional home and business loans.

Everyone I’ve talked to who has one is happy with it. Unfortunately, it hasn’t had nearly enough consumer exposure, and isn’t easy to find. The only lender I know who offers it in the South Jersey area is AmeriWealth Mortgage in Mt. Laurel.

The COSI is not a template cure-all for every situation, but it’s definitely worth the time to investigate—if you as the home-buyer or refinancer have done your goal-setting homework first.

For more information, visit www.ecameriwealth.com

By Dave Bontempo   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Kim Baron literally dressed for success. The Philadelphia native marched in the 1982 Miss America Parade for the Sands—as a slot machine.

Twenty-five years later, Baron holds a career resembling triple sevens. Stints at the Sands, Golden Nugget and Trump Plaza propelled her onto the nationwide gaming circuit. Baron now serves as marketing director for Empire Slots at Yonkers Raceway in New York, which is basking in a prosperous slot market.

Baron thrived by spotting a wave—the Atlantic City slot revolution—and then getting in front of it.

“Marketing is what I know best, and that’s why it’s been what I’ve stayed with all this time,” Baron says. “It’s always changing, it’s never boring. Look at how we communicate with people today. You have iPods, the internet, cell phones. There are so many facets to it. Years ago, you simply called someone on the phone or sent direct mail.”

Now it’s a high-tech, higher-stakes world. Customers can be reached more easily, but competitors find them too. Marketing programs must reach out, but not over-extend.

“Take a look at the thrills you get from a successful promotion,” Baron says. “You come up with a concept, produce a budget, and work as a team to create all the collateral, like direct mail, websites, advertising and public relations.

“Then you need to increase employee knowledge and awareness; they are your communication board internally. Once you do the program, see a customer response rate and then see a significant lift in revenue that day, you may get a pat on the back from your superiors. Someone says ‘thank you’ and ‘good job.’ That goes a long way.”

Baron’s journey actually began with her father Bill, a retired Philadelphia police officer. He found a security job at the Sands and helped Kim land a part-time summer position. Baron, a Drexel University marketing and finance major, applied her skills to a changing market.

“Atlantic City on the whole provided a great time,” Baron says. “It was the beginning of player tracking systems. We began focusing on the slot customer. When AC first started, the attention was mostly on table games, and it may be reverting back, but the emphasis became the slot players. It was great to learn how to treat customers right, what the different programs were, how the comps worked. Then there were all the special events and catering.”

Within the marketing world, Baron serviced several jurisdictions. She launched a slot marketing analysis center, acted as liaison between marketing and operations, developed slot guest events, and slowly climbed the ladder. Baron was a slot marketing manager, special events supervisor, executive slot host and consumer marketing manager at Trump Plaza. She became responsible for $35 million of annual giveaway expense.

Baron sharpened her skills as casinos battled one another.

“In Atlantic City, you have to be competitive right away,” she says. “You get used to having to compete for market share. You get used to having to see those reports each month and see whether you moved up or down. It teaches you how to be creative, and it showed me that you can succeed if you work hard, stay focused and be both a good and honest person.

“The fondest recollections I have are from when I was at the Golden Nugget,” Baron adds. “Being 21, 22 years old, it was such a proud thing to work there, wear that badge and be part of that Steve Wynn thing. His philosophy was one of perfection, attention to detail, standards of excellence. It’s the model approach every company should take. It instills pride in you.”

Baron was well-schooled by the time L’Auberge du Lac Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana, came calling. Then came Charles Town Races and Slots and later Mountaineer Race Track, both in West Virginia. Yonkers beckoned last year, and Baron now leads a staff of 50.

The new trend Baron embraces is the racetrack-gaming marriage. Each enhances the other, albeit with a twist.

“Racetracks are a different breed,” Baron says. “You have to be cognizant of what you spend because of the tax structure. In Atlantic City it’s 8 percent, but around the country it’s much more. Here it’s something like 79 percent. That affects what you can do. We realize our customers visit for several hours, as opposed to days. This is not a destination resort, it’s a grab-a-bite-to-eat-and-play-the-machines type of place.”

Baron found an interesting way to grow the market. It’s a summer game show called “Uncover The Stashed Cash.” Entrants gain an automatic prize amount or can play for what’s in any of 100 containers. It draws more people each week, provides two daily drawings and makes audience members feel like stars. That breeds loyalty and more revenues.

For Baron, it’s one more thrill.

Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Margate Fall Funfest

September 29-30, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Amherst Ave. & the Bay, Margate

609-822-1129 • www.marvelousmargate.com

9/11 Memorial Service

September 11, 6 p.m.,

War Memorial Park, 6000 Main St., Mays Landing 

 609-625-5529 • www.mayslandingmerchants.com

11th Annual Cape May Food & Wine Festival

September 15-20, times vary

1048 Washington St., Cape May

 609-884-5404 • www.capemaymac.org

Street Rod Weekend

September 7-9,

6th St. & Boardwalk, Ocean City 

 609-525-9300 • www.njoceancity.com

Revolutionary War Encampment

September 8-9, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Cold Spring Village, 720 Rt. 9, Cape May

609-898-2300 • www.hcsv.org

Street Faire

September 9, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

30th St. between Ocean & Dune Dr., Avalon

609-967-3936 • www.avalonbeach.com

Wings ‘n Water Wildlife Arts Festival

September 15-16, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd. Stone Harbor

609-368-1211 • www.wetlandsinstitute.org

Smithville Antique Show

September 15, 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Village Greene, Rt. 9 & E. Moss Mill Rd., Smithville

 609-748-6160  • www.smithvillenj.com

Wildwood by The Sea Film Fest

September 27-30, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

1107 New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood

609-748-6160 www.wildwoodbytheseafilmfest.com

3rd Annual Folk Festival by the Sea

September 28-29 (Citywide yard sale starts 9 a.m.) •

9th & Asbury Ave., Ocean City

609-399-2629 • www.njoceancity.com

 Fall Family Festival

September 14-16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

29th St. to 57th St., Sea Isle City

609-645-6769 • www.seaisletourism.org

Fall Festival

September 29, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Memorial Park, 6000 Main St., Mays Landing

609-625-5529  www.mayslandingmerchants.com

Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Don’t get down because the summer season is ending. In September, being blue is a good thing as Bubba Mac presents the 2007 Mid Atlantic Blues & Music Festival.

This festival will rock you like no other. On Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30 at Bernie Robbins Stadium in Atlantic City, the festival will feature a diverse lineup of music, including New Orleans brass bands, Chicago blues, jazz, R&B and more. The festival is a partnership between Bubba Mac Enterprises and the United Way of Atlantic County and Delaware Valley.

Check out the lineup. On Saturday, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials take the stage. Known as the “King of the Slide,” Lil’ Ed Williams is one of the last authentic Chicago bluesmen.

The Detroit Women are sure to captivate the audience with styles that include R&B, swing, Chicago shuffle and Texas romp.

Eddie Shaw, playing with the Wolf Gang, is one of the most respected blues musicians alive today, and is sure to thrill the audience with his alto saxophones and harmonica.

Other performers include Hubert Sumlin, “Steady Rollin” Bob Margolin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, George “Mojo” Buford, Calvin “Fuzz” Jones, the Dirty Dozen Brass, Tab Benoit, Bobby Rush, and of course, the Bubba Mac Blues Band.

Sunday is being called “Children of Legends Day,” as almost every performer has a parent that is a musical legend. Terri Showers begins the day’s festivities, followed by Rooster and the Chicken Hawks. Next up, Big Bill Morganfield affirms that the blues is indeed in his blood. His baritone voice is a gift from his father, McKinley Morganfield, better known as Muddy Waters.

Also performing on Sunday is Grammy nominee John Lee Hooker Jr. He describes his sound as two parts R&B, one part jazz and down home blues. Bernard Allison specializes in playing rippin’ 12 bar blues guitar, along with soul, funk, R&B songs and rock thrown into the mix.

The Sunday program is rounded out by Grammy-nominated soul and blues singer Shemekia Copeland, Chicago guitar hero Ronnie Baker Brooks and Louisiana swamp blues specialist Kenny Neal.

Herb “Bubba” Birch, head of Bubba Mac Enterprises and leader of the Bubba Mac Blues Band, got the idea for the festival while hosting national touring acts a few years ago at his Bubba Mac Shack in Somers Point. “We would have four or five bands in a week, all of the same caliber as we plan for the festival,” Birch says. “Also, we have played in similar blues festivals. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to have the Bubba Mac Shack and the blues festival all in one, and it was helped along by the availability of the perfect venue in Bernie Robbins Stadium. It is sizing up to be quite a success.”

He adds that it is a perfect opportunity to raise money for the United Way, which will get a large percentage of the proceeds. An after-party is planned for Saturday night at the House of Blues. According to Birch, it will be a New Orleans-themed jam with the Radiators as the lead band. Everyone who bought tickets to the festival gets in free, and it also will be open to the public.

Performers and show schedule are subject to change. Show times begin at 11 a.m. each day. Gates open at 9 a.m. Advance tickets are $30 per day or $55 for the weekend. Day-of tickets are $35 per day or $70 for the weekend. For more information, visit www.bubbamac.com. Tickets can also be purchased at www.mycommunitymatters.org.

Another must for the month is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center 11th Annual Golf Tournament at the Vineyards Golf Course at the Renault Winery on Friday, September 14. Registration begins at 11 a.m., and the shotgun start, scramble format begins at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the stranding center, which is a nonprofit organization that has responded to more than 3,200 whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles stranded on New Jersey beaches over the past 29 years.

The $145-per-person tournament fee includes registration, greens fees, golf cart, box lunch, awards reception, door prizes and a welcome goodie bag. For more information, call 609-266-0538 or visit www.mmsc.org.

Attracting the region’s top professional and amateur surfers, the Atlantic City Pro-Am Surf Contest Series returns to Atlantic City on Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23 (alternate no-wave dates are September 29 and 30).

The Pro-Am Surf Series is free and open to the public. The contest is divided into two divisions: shortboard and longboard, each open to 32 surfers competing in four-person heats 20 minutes in length. The final will be 30 minutes in length. For more information, call 609-484-1267.

The Second Annual Atlantic City Arts, Books & Culture Festival, presented by the Atlantic City Free Public Library and Main Street Atlantic City, will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 29 at the Center City Park, located on Atlantic Avenue between North Carolina and South Carolina avenues.

The festival is a celebration of the community’s diversity and will feature the arts, books, music and dance of many cultures. African, Polynesian, Greek and Latin music and dance groups are slated to perform.

For more information, visit www.atlanticcityfestival.org.

By Heidi Heath   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

If you’re a Food Network groupie, you may be suited to a career as a culinary worker. There are two programs in the area that can start you on your way to becoming the next Bobby Flay. One is the Culinary Arts Institute at Atlantic Cape Community College, and the other is the Culinary Arts Apprenticeship and Baking/Pastry Apprenticeship offered by Local 54 of UNITE HERE.

The Academy

The Academy of Culinary Arts at ACCC was founded 26 years ago to meet the demand for culinary workers in the Atlantic City area. Since then, it has developed into a nationally known cooking school. Recently, Academy of Culinary Arts students returned with two gold medals from New York City’s annual “Salon of Culinary Art,” a competition against teams from other culinary schools, including Johnson & Wales and the Culinary Institute of America.

 “The academy produces some of the best-known chefs in the country,” said Dr. Patricia Owens, ACCC’s dean of continuing education and resource development. “One of our chefs is Michael Schlow of Boston’s Radius, and we have a working relationship with all of the chefs in Atlantic City.”

The academy’s close relationship with area restaurants and casino resorts smoothes the way into the workforce for its graduates, and in many cases it also eases the financial burden of paying for schooling. Thanks to the support of local chefs, the school is able to raise substantial scholarship money during its annual Restaurant Gala.

“Forty restaurants, including most of the casinos, come and donate the food and their labor to support the gala,” said Owens. “Last year we raised almost $250,000 in scholarships. So, I would say we have a very strong and positive relationship with the food and beverage industry in the area.”

For more information about the Academy of Culinary Arts, call 609-343-5000, or visit www.atlantic.edu/aca.

The Apprentice

 Local 54 offers a two-year apprenticeship in a nationally certified program that was designed by the New Jersey Department of Labor. It has been offered in Atlantic City for eight years.

According to Laurel Shafer, training and education director at Local 54, the program is primarily designed for high school students who are not college-bound, though they have had a handful of older applicants. Prospective apprentices must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. The program also requires a 100-word essay, a portfolio, a résumé and letters of reference.

“They go through a selection process with a panel of human resource representatives, as well as casino chefs,” said Shafer. “We have a contractual agreement with the casinos where they take the successful applicants under their wing for two years and give them the necessary training.” Last year, 80 people interviewed for the positions and 25 were accepted.

Not all of the apprentices make it through the rigorous program. Of the 25 students accepted in the last class, only 11 made it through the two years of training. “The problem with the students today is that they watch a lot of the television cooking shows and they see the glamour,” said Shafer. “But once they get into an industrial kitchen, it’s a great deal of hard work.”

In spite of that, Shafer has quite a few success stories to share. “One of our students graduated from the program in August and is working in the Trump Taj Mahal,” she said. “They already have this young lady designing menus, and they’re really grooming her for bigger things.” Another apprentice recently received rave reviews from the executive pastry chef at Bobby Flay’s restaurant in Borgata after flawlessly filling an order for 1,000 cheesecakes. And an apprentice who graduated last year is performing so well that they are sponsoring her schooling at the Culinary Arts Institute to promote her to chef. The Local 54 Apprenticeship Program is free to successful applicants, and requires only a $100 fee for textbooks. The program provides uniforms, a paycheck, free meals, and health benefits after nine months. For more information about entering the program, call Local 54 headquarters at 609-344-5400, or visit www.herelocal54.com.

By Heidi Heath   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

The school that many consider to be the top gaming educator in the country is located right here in Atlantic City. Atlantic Cape Community College’s Casino Career Institute has been training casino workers for almost 30 years.

In fact, according to Dr. Patricia Owens, ACCC’s dean of continuing education and resource development, the school’s stellar reputation has led other schools to turn to it for training purposes.

“We’ve worked globally with many organizations,” said Owens. “We have a five-year formal relationship with the Macau Tourism and Casino Career Center. We train their trainers and they lease our curriculum.” CCI is also affiliated with Blackpool & the Fylde College in England. Here in the U.S., the school’s officials and faculty have worked on a consulting basis to provide training all over the country.

Located in the Charles D. Worthington Atlantic City Center, CCI features a large mock casino, slot technician labs, a cafeteria and free on-site parking. The specialized curriculum can prepare students for careers as dealers, slot technicians or security and surveillance professionals. Courses vary in length. Table games can take anywhere from 150 to 300 hours, depending on the number of table games a student already knows. The slot mechanic course, on the other hand, is a full-time, five-day-a-week course that takes five months to complete.

“We encourage dealers to take a minimum of two games, and really encourage them to learn three games, because the casinos are looking for dealers they can move around,” said Owens. “We’ve had many experienced dealers come back and take a fourth or even a fifth game so they can be more marketable and skilled.”

Over the past two years, the school has seen a lot of interest in poker and its derivatives. “I really think it’s fueled by the celebrity poker you see on television,” said Owens. “It’s captured the customers’ interest in playing poker, so there’s been an expansion in the industry.”

Because CCI is a part of an accredited college, students benefit from the school’s proven curriculum and the faculty’s understanding of adult learning. Another big plus: All of the instructors are from the industry. “We have only adjunct, or part-time, instructors in our mock casino because all of them are pit bosses or supervisors,” said Owens. “They have a lot of contacts in the industry and they help us with the placement of graduating students.”

Four-Year Degrees

 For aspiring casino executives, the most sought-after degree may be a bachelor’s in hospitality management.

According to Rummy Pandit, director of hospitality management at Rutgers University, there is a tremendous need for hospitality graduates in hotels and casinos throughout the country. “With the growth and expansion of the industry, it should certainly present a bright picture for students graduating from such programs,” he said. “Here in Atlantic City, there are existing properties that are expanding as well as new properties being developed, so there should be a significant number of jobs becoming available.”

 Rutgers has offered the hospitality degree for five years. All of the classes are held at the Atlantic City campus of ACCC. Students take two years of general education courses at any community college, and then they finish their degrees with Rutgers. The program covers all aspects of the hospitality industry, from marketing and financial accounting to human resources and gaming operations.

There are currently 100 students enrolled in the program, and the student body includes a wide range of ages and experience. Some students are just a couple of years out of high school, while others are industry veterans who have returned to school to make themselves more marketable. Rutgers encourages all hospitality majors to start working in the industry while they are still in school. “This industry is so hands-on that if you graduate with a bachelor’s degree and you have never worked in a hotel or casino, you’re going to start at the bottom,” Pandit said, “whereas if you graduate and you’ve already worked for two years, chances are you’ll be ready for a supervisor’s or manager’s job.”

Drexel University in Philadelphia offers a hospitality management degree with a concentration in gaming. “We were one of the first colleges in Pennsylvania to offer this major, but now others are following our lead,” said Jane Bokunewicz, a hospitality management instructor at Drexel. “It’s definitely in response to the growth of the industry.”

Like Rutgers, Drexel sees plenty of value in on-the-job training. They require all of their students to go through what they term a “co-op,” which is a six-month stint of working in the industry. According to Bokunewicz, the co-op program has been one of Drexel’s big selling points for years.

Students at Drexel also are required to take a number of business classes as part of their curriculum in hospitality management. “They actually have enough business classes to declare a minor in business administration,” said Bokunewicz.

Other required classes include Casino 1 & 2, which cover casino operations, casino marketing and statistical profitability analysis; a security class; gaming law; gaming information systems; and a class called “Current Issues in Gaming,” which changes according to what the industry’s hot-button issues are.

As a former vice president of administration for Tropicana, Bokunewicz draws upon her 21 years of gaming experience in her new career as an educator. “I bring my contacts from the industry in as guest speakers,” she said. “And we do a lot of casino tours.”

Remembering her early days in the casinos gives Bokunewicz a renewed appreciation for the classes her students have available to them. “When I started as a computer programmer at Playboy, I had such a big learning curve,” she said. “I didn’t know what a marker was, or a comp, or a player rating. It took me so long to learn it all. But these students have that information when they graduate. They’re way ahead of the game.”

The Drexel program is designed to prepare its hospitality graduates for entry-level supervisory positions. “Some of our students have an interest in hotel management, others are interested in food and beverage management, and some are actually interested in casino operations,” said Bokunewicz.

Another program being developed at Drexel is a certification in gaming management, which will be offered in the School of Business. Credits from those courses will then count towards a Drexel MBA if the student chooses to pursue a master’s degree. The university also offers hospitality classes at Burlington County College, and they are currently developing some hospitality cyber-classes so that students can complete a portion of their degree online.

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Pomona also offers a hospitality and tourism management degree. Stockton’s broad-based curriculum promises to prepare students for entry into hotel operations, food and beverage operations, travel and tourism, marketing and accounting, human resources, and skilled property management.

 “With 200 students, we have the largest hospitality program in South Jersey,” said Cliff Whithem, director of hospitality management.

Stockton also insists that students serve internships in the industry, for which they receive college credits in addition to the hands-on experience.

Continuing Education

The most recent addition to local gaming education choices is Stockton’s Institute for Gaming Management.

Developed in collaboration with Spectrum Gaming Group, SIGMA provides a streamlined 72-hour course of study to working adults who wish to earn a certificate in gaming management. The program’s first graduates will be receiving their certificates this fall.

Classes are taught in the Carnegie Library Center in Atlantic City by Stockton professors and gaming industry professionals. Tuition is typically $200 for a full-day workshop. Subject matter covered in the program includes financial and managerial accounting, data analysis and database decision-making, and marketing and promotion strategies.

 The curriculum is dynamic, changing according to what representatives of the local gaming industry tell the educators is most needed. SIGMA’s directors meet regularly with a panel of marketing and operational executives to identify areas of need within the industry, so the educators can assure that the SIGMA program serves the local casino business. Even class schedules are designed to meet the needs of workers in the 24-hour-a-day industry.

 “SIGMA was developed to support the casino industry by enhancing the skills and knowledge of people within the industry, as well as those who want to enter the workforce,” said Dr. Israel Posner, executive director of SIGMA. “We expect it to grow modestly, but we want to keep the workshops small so that participants continue to receive personalized attention.”

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reinvigorate a stalled career, there’s a school close by to help you reach your goals.

By Beth Joseph   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

With its red velvet curtains and faux mink-lined booths, the newest nightclub at Tropicana’s Quarter is a far cry from a New York City church. However, the new club faithfully replicates the vibe of its New York namesake, a popular nightspot in a converted mid-1900s Baptist church on New York’s West Side.

The original Providence was transformed in the late 1960s into a recording studio frequented by the likes of the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel and Guns n Roses before its reincarnation as a nightclub. The Metronome Hospitality Group, the owner of the popular Manhattan nightspot, has incorporated several details of the original into its new Atlantic City location. With signature rafters, a raised ceiling and pointed archways, the nightclub is reminiscent of its beginnings, but the atmosphere is pure late-night excitement.

Providence’s standout features are twin suspended DJ booths in 20-foot-high towers overlooking the large wooden dance floor. Mere feet apart, two DJs spin hip-hop, classic rock, top 40 and R&B in an attempt to outdo each other in a twisted disc jockey battle. Focusing the club mainly on the musical entertainment, Providence hosts famous DJs as well as their own house DJ Jason Smith—aka “Boogie”—every Saturday. Friday nights, the ladies step up to the turntables, a feature proving to be a crowd-pleaser at the club.

“People who love to dance and know the value of a good DJ get a true taste of a Providence night,” said James Blackman, Providence beverage manager. “Monday and Thursday are more local nights, but we bring in a young, hip, well-dressed crowd all the time.”

With all the style put into the club, like crystals hanging from scaffolding, granite bar countertops and suede platforms, Providence prides itself on bringing in a stylish crowd as well. Dress code is always upscale casual for both the ladies and men. Jeans are permitted, but patrons are asked to leave hats, flip-flops and shorts in the closet at home.

“Everything, from metallic granite-like wallpaper to the suede, leather, moleskin and faux mink used in the VIP booths, gives of a feeling of luxury and elegance,” said Blackman. “We have a series of elegantly appointed rooms, top-level bottle and bar service with an all-premium beverage selection, and the biggest names in DJing from New York to Miami and Las Vegas, on a nightly basis. There is nothing else close to us.”

The space, formerly occupied by TSOP, features two main bars surrounding the dance floor and one upper-level bar for those overlooking the more than 600-capacity club. An oversized disco ball rotates above the center of the nightclub while more than $100,000 in lighting and 12 dancers keep the partying going until 4 a.m. four nights a week.

Providence is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m, but plans to add a food menu. Catering and extended hours are in the development phase. An a-la-carte menu featuring Mediterranean and Asian cuisine is expected to begin as early as this month. Cover charge is $20 for men and $15 for women on Friday and Saturday and $15 (men) and $10 (women) Monday and Thursday.

Cantaloupe Zyr Martini

(Can be ordered as a shot, martini or bottle)

 Take four ounces of Zyr vodka and marinate it for 48 hours in a ripe cantaloupe with a little sugar to sweeten. Take mixture and shake with ice and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a fresh cantaloupe ball.

By Sharon Harris-Zlotnick   Thu, Aug 23, 2007

The region’s diners have long recognized the Bookbinders name, dating back to the 1860s. Two families have owned the venerable restaurant for 142 years—the original Samuel and Sarah Bookbinder family, and the Taxins, who purchased the business in 1935.

Diners can now enjoy the same high-quality food and service at the new Bookbinders Linwood, which opened July 10. General Manager Bruce Schilder is targeting local population support from September through May.

With prices lower than in Philadelphia, the menu includes more meats and fowl. Temperature-controlled wine rooms store 105 varieties. Lunches under $15 will debut soon.

The backs of the large booths that partition the sections divide the spacious dining room. Dark wood tables contrast with the rust-colored carpet and line the floor-to-ceiling windows that border the restaurant’s three exterior walls. The fabric on the plush chairs complements both the carpet and the cushions’ tight nylon weave. Geometric cubed lighting, embellished by wrought iron, softly accents the airy 240-seat dining room.

There is also a sushi/raw bar station for 12, plus a pizza oven. Soon, six 40-inch LCD televisions surrounding the 25-seat bar will play the NFL Ticket program each week.

Schilder is looking beyond individual meal service. He aims to regularly utilize the private party room that accommodates 30, making it ideal for small functions and meetings. Bookbinders also does outside residential and business catering, plus large daytime banquets. Plans are under way for a New Year’s Eve gala, and reservations are being taken for holiday parties in December.

The a-la-carte menu offers choices for both casual and complete dinners. The raw bar, appetizers, salads, pizzas and soups—including the famed Bookbinders snapper turtle soup—average under $16. A complete sushi menu features several varieties for less than $11.

Bookbinders stresses samplers, and the $18 “Tiers of Taste” offers several choices for the three-item platters.

Fish, seafood, steaks and chops comprise a long list of entrée options. Schilder says the restaurant will soon include a small house salad with the entrée prices, which range from $16 into the $30s. Fish and seafood specials change regularly, and are sold at prevailing market prices. A-la-carte side dishes are $4 to $5, and are large enough to share.

Daily Happy Hours, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the bar, offer half-priced pizzas and sushi, discounted beers and margaritas, plus the “Tiers of Taste” at full price. A second Happy Hour, which includes the raw bar at full price, is available for one hour after the close of dinner service each night. With identification, casino employees receive an additional 10 percent discount off Happy Hour prices.

Dinner hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, until 11 p.m. on weekends and 9 p.m. on Sunday. Internet reservations are available at OpenTable.com. There is live entertainment from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Major credits cards are accepted, and there is free parking on center’s lot.

CHEF'S CORNER

Cajun Swordfish with mango puree & balsamic

Ingredients

10 oz. swordfish filet

Cajun Dry Rub

2 tbl. paprika

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dry oregano

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Balsamic Reduction

2 oz. aged balsamic vinegar

1 shallot (chopped)

1 tsp. raw sugar

Mango Puree

1 tbl. mango puree diced mango pieces

1/2 cup water

Fire Roasted Mango Salsa

2 mangos (rub-coated, grilled & diced)

1/2 jalapeno pepper (diced)

1/2 red onion (grilled & diced)

1/4 cup lime juice

1 tbl. extra virgin olive oil

To Prepare:

Coat both sides of the swordfish with the Cajun rub. Pan saute in oil approximately 3 minutes on each side.

For balsamic reduction place on low heat until mixture is reduced by half. For mango puree cook down for one half hour until water evaporates, then puree in blender.

For mango salsa lightly coat mangos in dry rub, grill for a short time until grill marks appear, then dice. Grill red onion and dice. Combine rest of ingredients. Serve fish over sauces with mango salsa on top.

By Dave Bontempo  

The world’s most famous ring announcer isn’t the only celebrity linked to Ventnor promoter Frank Gelb. Championship boxers, skaters, entertainers, swimmers, rodeo riders and classic musicians also cross his path.

Four sizzling decades atop the industry give Gelb a glittering portfolio. He launched Michael Buffer’s career, played cards with Luciano Pavarotti, dined in the home of Andrea Bocelli, managed Matthew Saad Muhammad and promoted George Foreman. Network television productions, Water Follies, concerts, Boardwalk Hall rentals and the circus form a collage of memories.

It’s been some ride for an entrepreneur who pre-dated casinos, anchored their ascent and grew worldwide wings when this market matured. Gelb witnessed the Atlantic City saga from more angles than anyone—small showrooms, major venues, tents and a racetrack. He also brought more events here—nearly 250—than anyone.

Gelb is the father of Atlantic City’s first casino/sports golden age. Besides promoting, he became a placement agent for other promoters, networks, executives, athletes and performers. Gelb’s ability to find homes for events often determined whether they occurred.

“So many good things have happened for me over the years, and a lot of them happened in Atlantic City,” Gelb says. “I watched a lot of people grow in the casino industry and worked with them. I attribute so many good things to the relationships built over the years. One name always leads to another name. They are intertwined.”

The Philadelphia native, who summered here throughout his youth, paid his dues before casinos arrived. Relationships blossomed with future gaming executives as he promoted Boardwalk events and they ran hotels. They later progressed through gaming, and his influence grew.

Smooth, even-tempered and pragmatic, he applied demographics knowledge to high-quality, high-end events. Gelb hasn’t been a high-profile, in-your-face promoter. He instead unites market forces—a boxing show with a gambler, or a tenor with a tailored audience. He reached the markets through interested parties, like casino executives.

“In any business, you need to research the product you are putting on the market,” Gelb says. “When you research, you will discover where that product will sell, whether it’s an automobile, a box of Rice Krispies, a fight or entertainment. You have to know where the market is for what that you want to sell.”

Gelb endured a difficult apprenticeship. He promoted pre-casino age events with no site-fee protection. Promoters rented venues, and paid dearly if they were not filled. Casinos ultimately removed the risk, replacing rentals with a fee paid to bring events to their players.

Once Resorts opened and Hungarian record producer Tibor Rudas sought talent for the new Superstar Theater, Gelb sought to capitalize. He had procured contracts to deliver a world-title fight, televised by ABC, to a willing buyer. Resorts seemed like a slam-dunk venue.

“Even though Resorts was the only casino, it wanted to give people value for their money and gain publicity,” Gelb recalls. “Here was this huge fight and a big-name fighter, Howard Davis. I had the contract. I thought I was a hotshot, that the casino would be dying for it. I approached Tibor and he said, ‘Vut? Vhy would you bring boxing into my showroom?’ He threw me out! I was devastated. Fortunately, I was able to go to the head of the casino and bring the show in. Tibor would later become my mentor, however.”

The Breakthrough

Gaming spread, as did opportunity. New casinos proclaimed their existence with priceless infomercials, promoting nationally televised bouts. Free advertising oozed from the corner posts, banners and lettering inside the ring.

Gelb held an office in Resorts, but helped promoters book fights in several properties. Top Rank Inc. gave him rights to place its weekly ESPN series anywhere east of the Mississippi. Gelb filled Atlantic City showrooms with boxing matches.

Customers arrived, watched fights and spiked mid-week revenues. Saturday bouts enabled casinos to lure customers from Thursday through Sunday. They came. They saw. They gambled.

Gelb found every link in prosperity’s golden chain. He put high rollers into positions of managing fighters. He linked customers with properties. Gelb played every role from lead promoter to middleman. He enjoyed the business of boxing, more than the fights themselves.

It was an unprecedented ride. During the 1982 NFL strike, for example, boxing replaced football on network television. Gelb once held nationally televised bouts at the Sands and Claridge simultaneously. In 1982, Atlantic City did a whopping, still-unmatched 136 shows. That came out to nearly three per week.

For casinos, boxing still had no peer in the sports and entertainment field. It drew gamblers. It was the king of ancillary revenue.

“That time period was just phenomenal,” Gelb says. “Atlantic City had the reputation then of being a drive-in town, or a weekend town at the most. Boxing helped the casinos produce the customer who would come in and stay during the week. We ran bus trips, gave coupons and set it up so the bean counters would see this was profitable.

“The market was altogether different. Today, you have other resources and other avenues where casinos look to make revenue. In the early days, they did studies and found that people who had a propensity for gaming also had a strong interest in boxing. A couple of good players could pay for an entire show.

“We knew it was a male-oriented audience, anywhere from mid-30s to mid-60s. Now, they measure a customer’s value much more closely.”

Budding Stars

Gelb marvels at the elite management corps produced during that era. He recalls Ken Condon, Bally’s future chief executive, as being the city’s first-ever casino host. Condon serviced customers by bringing them to Gelb’s bouts. Now, he is the city’s preeminent buyer of major boxing shows and heads an entire casino. Gelb remembers Mark Juliano as a captain in the Resorts showroom. Juliano now runs all three Trump Atlantic City properties, the latest stop in a stellar executive career.

Another personality emerged from that era. Gelb discovered a young, aggressive professional seeking to become a ring announcer. On gut instinct, Gelb lent him an opportunity. So began the career of Michael Buffer.

“He was coming to the fights and asked several times to audition,” Gelb recalls. “Here was a very good-looking guy with a nice voice, so we tried him on one of the small shows. He did well, and he went from there. He was a home-grown guy who had talent and really worked hard at trying to establish an image. It certainly paid off for him.”

Buffer became the most famous ring announcer of all time, but didn’t stop there. He landed numerous movie, commercial and television spots and now transcends the sport. His “Let’s get ready to rumble” phrase prompts an electric roar from audiences. Buffer’s appearances on David Letterman and numerous commercial ventures all grew from his Atlantic City baptism.

“I still fold my handkerchief the exact way Frank taught me,” Buffer says, smiling and pointing to an item meticulously placed in his suit pocket. “Frank taught me a lot, and he reached out to help me during that time. I appreciate what he did for me. He’s been a great friend.”

Buffer, Condon, Juliano and others prospered during the Roaring Eighties. They continued advancing, but the era, like the Roaring Twenties, could not. Pay-per-view erased the lucrative closed-circuit contracts Gelb held in Atlantic City. The days of supplying one big fight and gaining separate fees from several properties vanished.

The market matured, prompting bean counters to demand that all fights turn profits. Gaming’s growth enabled other cities to try the loss-leader scenario, in which boxing was simply an extended advertisement.

Gelb became further disenchanted with the lack of young fighters hitting the Philly gyms. Slowly, he left boxing.

Another Door Opens

The end of a long run would ruin many people, but Gelb was versatile. He found another “aria” with operatic heavyweight champions Pavarotti and Bocelli.

“Tibor Rudas came up to me and asked if I could help this guy Pavarotti,” Gelb recalls, laughing. “I asked how much he weighed. I thought Pavarotti was a fighter. It turns out that Pavarotti did a lot for me. He brought a lot of performers to Atlantic City. Many had been afraid to come here because they thought the acoustics were bad. He showed people that they were not.”

“What really became nice was that I was able to establish a relationship with Pavarotti,” Gelb says. “He became a poker-playing friend. Whenever we traveled, he always had a poker game going. It does help when you can reach that kind of relationship with a performer. It’s easier than having to cut through the channels of the managers, agents, agencies and record labels, all of whom have a big say in the career of an entertainer.”

Relationships surfaced again with Bocelli. Ron Adams, who had worked with Gelb at Resorts, discovered the charismatic Italian performer. He informed Gelb, whose son, Bruce, happened to be traveling in Europe. Bruce Gelb located Bocelli’s manager, set up a meeting and six months later Gelb owned rights to the performer.

Several tours later, Bocelli remains a big draw. He sold out Boardwalk Hall last year with the speed of a rock star. Bocelli’s next tour begins in November to support a new CD. Bocelli and Sarah Brightman provided Buffer and Pleasantville boxer Virgil Hill a unique synergy several years ago.

Brightman, a friend of German boxer Henry Maske, asked Bocelli to join her in a ringside tribute. Maske had announced his retirement before fighting Hill, and liked entering or leaving the ring to memorable music. Buffer introduced them to the crowd.

“So here we are for Maske’s farewell,” Buffer says. “Into the ring step Bocelli and Brightman. The song they played? ‘Time to Say Goodbye.’” Musically, it was a huge “hello.” The number was later recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra and became the best-selling German single of all time. Brightman will be part of a November 17 event with figure skaters, promoted by Gelb at Boardwalk Hall.

Somehow, the relationships always tie back.

Gelb’s personal lineup includes his wife Elaine, four children and 11 grandchildren. All of his children have worked in his business at some point. Frank and Elaine will be married 50 years next March. As a sign of the times, when Arturo Gatti waged his last Atlantic City bout July 14, Gelb baby-sat the grandkids so others could attend the bout. There was a time when that promotion was his. Now, he’s happy to savor the good life.

Maske did not heed Bocelli’s “advice.” He returned, ironically, against Hill several years later. Gelb enjoys his ride too. He remains active, committed and attuned to what sells.

Fortunately for many, it is not time for Frank Gelb to say goodbye.

By Dave Bontempo  

Boxing fans receive something special on September 29—a new era of sorts.

Gone are the twice-yearly Arturo Gatti spectacles, but in comes a sleeper. Kelly Pavlik seeks to wrest the WBC and WBO middleweight titles from Jermain Taylor at Boardwalk Hall.

Taylor is one of the sport’s dominant performers, but Pavlik has rekindled excitement in the division. He dismantled the wild-swinging Edison Miranda in an exciting May 19 victory in Memphis, Tenn. On the same card, Taylor narrowly escaped upset with a close decision over Cory Spinks. Pavlik-Taylor comparisons began, and the bout was finally signed.

Both fighters are undefeated. Taylor, the 2000 Olympic Bronze Medalist, was the first Arkansas native to make the United States boxing team. He advanced to capture the middleweight title against Philadelphia legend Bernard Hopkins in 2005, and this marks the fifth defense of his crown. He stands 27-0-1 with 17 knockouts. Pavlik, based in Youngstown, Ohio, supplies a 31-0 mark with 28 knockouts. The fighters have a combined 58-0 record with 45 knockouts, and the fight will be televised worldwide by HBO.

For Ken Condon, senior vice president and general manager of Bally’s Atlantic City, bringing the bout here was a no-brainer.

“All the sportswriters I spoke with told me what a great fight they expect it to be, and if they write that in their stories leading up to the fight, that will be nice,” he says. “The more people understand how good this fight is, the more they will support it. The turnout will be great for this fight. I think it will be one of the strongest events of the year.”

The event belongs in the East. Taylor’s absence of knockouts—none have occurred in his five title fights—blunts his Midwest drawing power. He heads here, where Pavlik’s Ohio base will be represented. Youngstown is the home of scrappy, popular ex-fighters like Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Harry Arroyo, both of whom filled Bally’s ballrooms in the 1980s.

Ohio gamblers displayed their prominence last March. They came in impressive numbers to root Xavier and Dayton on in the Atlantic 10 tournament. While New York and the Eastern corridor have long been considered Atlantic City’s prominent feeder markets, Eastern Ohio ranks highly. Atlantic City can be reached in one day via short flight or long drive.

“We have a large contingent of customers from that area,” Condon says. “Pavlik is the draw. Everybody wants to see the upset. They know that Pavlik is the guy. That all works well for us. There will be a combination of us bringing guests in and people jumping in their cars to attend the fight. The true boxing fans will support this fight. It will be a treat for them to come here for the weekend and see the fight in person.”

Pavlik began beating the promotional drums back in July. He was a recent in-game guest on the Cleveland Indians-Kansas City Royals broadcast. For nearly 15 minutes, he discussed the fight, ambitions and the Atlantic City date with baseball announcers. Boardwalk Hall will be his house September 29.

Taylor’s long reach and boxing style will contrast Pavlik’s opportunistic stalking. This will be the final defense of Taylor’s middleweight titles. He plans to abandon the division and move up to the 168-pound super-middleweight circuit. Taylor has struggled to make weight in recent fights, and lost nine pounds in the final 36 hours leading to the Spinks fight.

Taylor was once a dominant puncher, but has grown cautious. Boxing purists believe Pavlik can make Taylor aggressive again.

“We’re delighted to have the fight,” Condon says with a smile. “If we could only create another Arturo.”

Gatti Cedes Spotlight

The greatest one-man show in Atlantic City history ended July 14. Italian-born, Canadian-raised and Jersey City-based Arturo Gatti retired after being knocked out by unheralded Alfonso Gomez in Boardwalk Hall. Before a fanatical crowd that produced a strong gaming weekend, Gatti finally sevened out.

With slow reflexes and suspect defense, Gatti could not muster the intensity to beat a young fighter. It was his ninth straight Boardwalk Hall appearance over the past five years, but also his third loss in four fights. From 2002 to 2007, Gatti twice helped the Hall become Billboard magazine’s top-grossing venue in the world. Gatti established a non-heavyweight record gate of more than $5 million when he lost to Floyd Mayweather in 2005.

Although he held titles at 135 pounds and 147 pounds, Gatti was more known for a style. He made money for everyone, from opponents and networks to casinos and himself. The bill finally came due. The charismatic brawler, who was named in four Ring Magazine fights of the year, ultimately waged too many wars.

For gaming interests, he was the best thing Atlantic City ever had, even better than Mike Tyson during his glorious ’80s reign. Tyson provided mystique, but Gatti connected more with the regular guy. Gatti consequently brought hundreds of millions of dollars to Atlantic City.

“Some of our biggest bar nights would be after Arturo’s fights, because he would come back, win or lose, and hang out with his fans,” Condon says. “He was that type of guy. Arturo was here so many times that our customers knew him. He would talk with them, sign autographs, whatever they wanted. You never had to ask him to do it. Arturo was so natural about that.”

Gatti’s popularity came from a blue-collar work ethic, but it grew with an innate public-relations savvy. He speaks several languages fluently, and often gave a number of interviews in several languages.

“Arturo’s events were magical,” Condon says. “It was one of the rare times in the business when we could talk to Main Events (his promoter) on a multimillion-dollar deal and just talk about how we would split the money. There weren’t the intense site-fee negotiations you always see.

“All of us became partners. Twice a year on my calendar would be a January Gatti fight and a summer spectacular. We’d sell out Boardwalk Hall in January, a very tough time of the year to draw anything. That was unbelievable.

“And after all he’s meant to us, I’m glad that he’s leaving the game and that he’s not hurt.” It was quite a ride. Atlantic City’s boxing icon is already in the local Hall of Fame.

It would not be surprising for him to receive a special day.

By Joseph Harrison  

In Las Vegas, bingo is a very different animal compared to Atlantic City. For starters, cash games are allowed, and thrive. More than 25 casinos offer bingo. Websites are devoted to the subject, and include a list of bingo jackpots that change on a daily basis. There’s even a publication called the Bingo Bugle solely dedicated to bingo stories and advertising.

There’s progressive bingo, electronic bingo, giveaways of lucky charms like Beanie Babies and pink elephants. Other lures, like free breakfast and donuts and coffee, draw bingo players to their halls.

Arizona Charlie’s offers 24-hour bingo, making sure the most diehard bingo fan always has a chance to play.

Nearly every bingo hall has different levels of buy-ins, starting around $3 and ranging to the low $20s. The higher you pay to get in, the more the jackpot pays.

Bingo is so big that new casinos are building parlors. Michael Gaughan’s new South Point Hotel Casino & Spa built a gigantic, state-of-the art bingo parlor with 640 comfortable seats and plasma televisions. Its progressive game sometimes exceeds $50,000.

But the granddaddy of bingo in Las Vegas is Station Casinos. In fact, Station grew from the ashes of a bingo parlor—its first casino, Palace Station, originally was all-bingo—and has grown to be one of the most successful casino franchises in Nevada.

“Bingo is still a very big deal in Las Vegas,” says Weldon Russell, corporate director of bingo, keno and poker for Station Casinos. Station offers bingo at seven of its properties, the biggest being the 18,000-square-foot, 600-seat hall at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. “For some, it’s a pastime, a social gathering where they sit down together, talk, have a cup of coffee, play the slots. For others, it’s a serious thing. Some do it to get out of the heat.”

Station shows it’s very serious about bingo with its progressive jackpot that hovers around $50,000. And its cover-all countdown pays $125,000 if you cover the whole card with 46 numbers or less. It has paid off 14 times in two years. Station Casinos, like some others, offers electronic bingo. Upon buy-in, players’ cards are scanned. If you win, your beeper sings a song to you.

“It’s pretty high-tech stuff,” Russell says. “But there are some purists who stick to paper. There are some traditionalists left there.”

However, that electronic approach has drawn new bingo players, which Russell believes is the future of the game.

“We call a number every 12 seconds,” says Russell, who estimates that 80 percent of Station bingo players are locals. “So it’s pretty fast-paced. It’s quite interesting to see these new players come to the game.”

While bingo can be a money-maker for many casinos, the newest trend in bingo in Vegas isn’t too far from Atlantic City’s strategy, as bingo parlors are built to attract players—in hopes they play slots while waiting for their bingo sessions to begin.

By Joseph Harrison  

The balls whirl around the glass box as the large crowd, mostly full of older women, wait with their ink-filled daubers.

“B-2,” a man says, reading from a ping-pong-sized ball.

“Bingo!” shouts a man in the back row.

“Bingo!” yells a woman closer to the front as she jumps up and down.

They both walk out of the Atlantic City Hilton as if they just hit the lottery, splitting a $500 pot.

Yes, bingo is alive and well in Atlantic City. Nearly every casino in town has it, and when the casinos do host it, the rooms are packed.

But unlike Las Vegas, where bingo halls and casino bingo rooms are money-making ventures, Atlantic City casinos host bingo strictly as a marketing tool to attract players to their casinos.

In fact, that’s all the casinos are allowed to do. When the casinos were first introduced in Atlantic City, legislation was passed to restrict pay-for-bingo activity so church groups, fire departments and other charitable organizations that host regular bingos wouldn’t be hurt with the introduction of casinos.

That doesn’t stop casinos from hosting bingo, however. “It has a pretty big following,” says Phil Juliano, vice president of regional marketing for the Atlantic City Hilton and Resorts Atlantic City. “We use it as a reward for players. It’s great for people who love bingo.”

The Atlantic City Hilton hosts bingo once or twice a month, offering games that go up to $5,000 for the cover-all.

“We fill the theater,” says Hilton Director of Casino Hosts Roseanne Moffa, who notes that the theater holds approximately 900 people. “People love it. There’s something about it that people are just drawn to.”

As far as what you can win playing bingo in Atlantic City, it gets pretty lucrative.

At the Hilton, regular bingo offers approximately $7,500 in prizes, while the occasional “Super Bingo” offers as much as $25,000. Bingo may not sound cool, but it’s hip enough that Borgata even hosts games once a month.

“It’s a misconception that we don’t do any traditional marketing,” says Steve Nathan, Borgata’s director of database and direct marketing. “We might not put it on billboards and publicize it that much, but bingo is just another way to stay competitive in the market. We’ve done it since we opened.”

Borgata, like most Atlantic City bingo games, does remarkably well, drawing approximately 1,200 people for each of its three sessions. “And that’s 1,200 different people for each session: 3,600 people,” Nathan says.

Part of Borgata’s bingo success story is that it’s one of the richest purses in town, offering $10,000 in prizes for each session.

“We used to only have two sessions, but the demand was so great, we had to increase it,” Nathan says.

 Bally’s Atlantic City is one of the most aggressive casinos when it comes to bingo, offering it twice a week with a prize pool around $5,000.

“I think bingo is as strong as ever; at least it is here,” says Allan Doerr, director of marketing at Bally’s. “We fill the ballroom. We could never think about taking it away from our players. When people don’t get an invitation for a month, we hear from them. And when people are on the floor who don’t have an invitation and hear that we’re giving bingo, they want to go.”

Of course, like everything, bingo has its downsides.

“One of the biggest problems is that bingo takes quite a while to play,” says Juliano, who notes that most bingo sessions last 60 to 70 minutes. “People have limited time to gamble the way it is. Then, when you put bingo in the equation, there’s less time. We try to speed it up as much as possible. But you can’t do that to the point that it ruins it and you’re just handing out money. People enjoy the game of it.”

That was one of the reasons Juliano and his fellow executives pulled bingo from Resorts.

“When it comes to marketing, it’s always tough to give up the important time played,” Juliano says. “From that vantage point, gifts and bonus cash can work better for you. And that’s what we’re doing at Resorts instead. And if some of those Resorts players really miss bingo, they can come to the Hilton and play. But it never worked as well at Resorts as it does at Hilton. I think part of that is because the Hilton is so close to residential neighborhoods, and we get a lot of those locals. They are less inclined to drive deeper into the city. I think that’s why it wasn’t as effective.”

As far as the growth of bingo in Atlantic City, most executives say the game certainly isn’t experiencing a boom.

“I don’t see the game growing,” Juliano says. “That said, the fans of it really enjoy it, but it’s certainly not as popular as it used to be. I don’t see the game growing. It’s not really embraced by the Gen-Xers or baby boomers. The seniors and some older baby boomers play … the 60-plus crowd.

“They largely relate to it and have fond memories of it and socialize in that setting. I don’t know about the game’s future. If you look at the supply of bingo through the marketplace, you’ll see that it has dwindled over time. But there’s a plus to that. As the market grows and other casinos are abandoning something like bingo, you can step in and do well by providing it.”

Places that have abandoned bingo are replacing it with other marketing opportunities, usually cash offers.

Resorts, for example, has cash offers but tries to incorporate them into games to please customers who enjoy the action. For example, the casino’s “Spin to Win” game awards customers money. Then, a player can keep his cash prize or trade the cash for a chance to win a higher prize by spinning a wheel. Some of those prizes are lower than the original offer.

“That way, we give them a game, but it takes a hell of a lot less time,” Juliano says.

Cheryl Wilson, vice president of marketing for Trump Marina, agrees.

“Cash is king,” says Wilson, whose casino offers bingo weekly. “Bingo does well for us. We draw a good crowd every week. We try to mix it up and theme the bingo sometimes… maybe with a rock ’n’ roll theme with some prizes and memorabilia, just to spice it up. It’s a viable marketing tool, but our most popular promotions are cash giveaways or when Mr. Trump comes to town. It’s all about the fun factor.” If you ever played bingo in a church hall, you have a pretty good idea of what to expect at bingo in a casino. Those sweet little old ladies can get pretty uppity over $10, never mind $10,000.

“They can get a little vicious in there,” Moffa says. “They get wild. We have these old people jumping on their chairs and the tables yelling ‘Bingo!’ Others are screaming what ball they are waiting for as if they are magically going to pop out of the big bingo blower. Bingo brings out a different side of some people. Grandmothers are yelling some things that their grandchildren would be surprised by.”

Doerr says watching a bingo game is pure entertainment.

“That’s how you get an old lady to curse… yell ‘Bingo,’” Doerr says. “It’s really funny to watch them play. When the number is called, everyone’s heads lean in the same direction. There’s a lot of chatter, and then when a number is called, silence.”

This is a serious game.

“Some don’t even look up from their cards,” Moffa says. “They have them laid out over the whole table. I am in awe of these people. I can’t remember a phone number and they remember every number on their cards.”

Of course, bingo players, like many gamblers, are a superstitious bunch. They bring their bingo bag full of good-luck charms that include pink elephants, Troll dolls, frogs and even more bizarre items.

“I saw a lady with chicken bones,” Moffa says. “It was the weirdest thing I ever saw.” “They can get very cutthroat in there,” Nathan adds. “They all have their little quirks and things like that.”

For many, bingo isn’t totally about winning the big money. “It’s a social thing,” says Nathan. “It’s something to do so you’re not on the floor all of the time. They sit in groups and have their friends. When you retire, you look for more things to do. This is just one more thing.”

Atlantic City, unlike Las Vegas and Connecticut, doesn’t seem like it will ever be a bingo town. Even if the cash bingo ban was lifted, executives disagree on its potential.

“I don’t think there is any way you can offer bingo every day in this town,” Moffa says. “I think most people come to town to play slots and table games. Bingo is just something to give them a break.”

Nathan says that Vegas’ large local draw helps keep bingo alive there.

“Once or twice a month here is enough,” he says. “I don’t think the same interest is here. I don’t think anyone would want to dedicate that kind of space and attention to bingo, even if we could have it.”

“The Indian reservation casinos grew from bingo parlors,” Juliano adds. “They were huge. But as time goes on and technology advances, people found other things to play. They gravitated toward slot machines. Do I see it going away completely in Atlantic City? No, I don’t. That cult following doesn’t ever seem to go away.”

Doerr disagrees: “People are drawn to it because of its simplicity. My kids love to play it. When we go on a cruise ship, we see a lot of younger people getting introduced to it. It will never go away. If we were allowed to have cash games, I think we would. It would be a big success.”

By Casino Connection Staff  

Sam Nazarin’s SBE Entertainment Group LLC of Los Angeles and San Francisco-based Stockbridge Real Estate Funds have completed their acquisition of the Sahara Hotel & Casino on the Strip from Las Vegas-based Gordon Gaming Corporation, a deal first announced in March.

Nazarin’s company, which has hotel, nightclub, restaurant and film divisions, will operate the hotel and its associated food and beverage operations, while Sahara's 85,000-square-foot casino will be operated by Navegante Group, a casino management company owned by former Las Vegas casino executive Larry J. Woolf. Woolf previously was president of MGM Grand in Las Vegas and worked at Caesars Atlantic City in the 1980s.

Navegante took over operations in August after gaming regulators in Nevada gave the company final approval to operate the legendary casino. Woolf said he is not planning any changes in the operation of the casino. He will retain current casino employees and most of gaming management, he said.

The operating company will have a one-year lease to run the property, with the possibility of four three-month extensions in the following year. Officials with SBE and Stockbridge are applying for a gaming license to operate the property themselves.

Navegante operates three casinos in Elko and one casino in Carson City, as well as the Grand Sierra resort (formerly the Reno Hilton) in Reno. The company recently relinquished management duties at four casinos in Downtown Las Vegas.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Sedgwick County last month became the only one of six Kansas counties to reject slot machines for its racetrack and a state-owned casino in two referendums.

The first vote, which failed 56 percent to 44 percent, was whether to host a resort casino. Both pro- and anti-casino forces were hoping for, and got, a larger than normal turnout. But it was the anti-casino campaign that benefited.

The first casualty of the second, very close vote was the county’s one racetrack, Wichita Greyhound Park. A referendum on allowing slot machines at the track was defeated, and according to owner Phil Ruffin, it will close in three months.

Ruffin said the track is losing $200,000 a month. He kept it open this long only in the hope of being allowed to add slot machines. He has tried to get slots there for a decade. The park first opened in 1989. Ruffin bought it in 1997 and lost money from the beginning. Ruffin had actually been rooting for the regional casino to lose but for slots at his racetrack to win. That would have been the most profitable scenario. \Now, the only scenario is closing the track’s doors.

Now that Sedgwick County has rejected a casino, it automatically goes to Sumner County, where voters endorsed a casino two years ago.

Earlier this year the legislature passed a bill that authorized up to four regional resort casinos in six counties. Sedgwick, Ford, Wyandotte, Cherokee, Crawford and Sumner counties voted for casinos. A state board will decide among proposals.

The law also allowed three counties to vote on whether to allow slot machines at their racetracks. The Kansas Lottery Commission has already assigned 600 slots to the track in Kansas City and 600 to the track in Frontenac. Since the Wichita vote was disapproved, the remainder of the 2,800 slots will be assigned by a lottery. The tracks will pay $2,500 in licensing fees for each machine, although the state lottery will actually own them.

Cherokee County has already heard a proposal from Penn National Gaming. Crawford County hasn’t been presented with any proposals.

Dodge City, the legendary town of cowboy lore, is in Ford County, where voters approved a casino by 63 percent. The preferred site locally is near the Boot Hill Museum. The nonprofit corporation that runs the museum hopes to be approved to operate a casino. It hopes that the casino will leverage the Old West image and draw more tourists to the town.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Construction took 14 months. Lawsuits consumed years. Ribbon-cutting occupied just minutes last month, and finally Michigan’s Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians opened its $400 million Four Winds Casino Resort near New Buffalo. But now that it is open, the casino rivals anything found in Detroit or the state’s burgeoning Indian gaming market.

Lakes Entertainment is managing the casino, which includes “the world’s largest automated poker room,” under a five-year contract. Lakes hired former Trump Plaza President Matt Harkness to run the property. With 3,000 slot machines and 100 table games, Four Winds is slightly larger than any of the three commercial Michigan casinos 200 miles east along Interstate 94 in Detroit. The only larger operation among the state’s 17 other tribal casinos is the 4,000-slot Soaring Eagle, which has made the Saginaw Chippewa tribe wealthy in Mount Pleasant.

Four Winds will be hunting some of its revenue among players who have frequented northern Indiana’s five riverboat casinos near Gary and Chicago, Illinois. They are 40 and 70 miles from Four Winds’ southwestern Michigan location adjoining a Lake Michigan resort town with 2,200 residents.

One attraction may be the forest-lodge design of the casino and its 165-room hotel. The rotunda inside the main entrance features two massive fireplaces. Six restaurants include a 500-seat buffet near retail shops and a child-care facility. The majority of 3,200 parking spaces are in a garage enclosed against sometimes rugged weather off the lake.

The 130,000-square-foot casino boasts “three entirely new categories of slot game play from WMS Gaming,” officials say, with “slots such as Monopoly Big Event, Top Gun and Super Money Grab representing the next generation in casino entertainment.” Nineteen PokerPro automated tables seat 158 poker players in “the Midwest’s only World Poker Tour Poker Room.” (Lakes holds 61 percent of WPT Enterprises, which runs the World Poker Tour TV series.)

Pokagon’s 3,200 members form a restored tribe, its federal recognition returned in 1994, when other Michigan tribes were finding their legs in the state’s gaming business that belonged exclusively to them before the first Detroit casino opened in the late 1990s.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Last month, Trump Taj Mahal celebrated the official grand opening of its retail and dining promenade, Spice Road. Stem by David Tutera, a full service florist, and Accents, a men's and women's accessory headquarter, are the latest additions to the attraction. The newest openings add to the shopping choices of Trump Exchange, Cache and Marshall Rousso. Spice Road dining options range from Asian cuisine to burgers while coffee and candy remain perfect on-the-go stops.

Spice Road is part of Trump Entertainment Resorts $500 million dollar renovation to Atlantic City casinos. Construction on the new 40-story hotel tower is under way to add seven penthouse suites and 400 rooms. The initial price tag has increased nearly $5 million and officials announced in August that the tower opening will be pushed back until Labor Day 2008.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Harrah’s Entertainment last month kicked off its Special Gifts Campaign with a $1 million donation to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, which was used to create a new trauma center.

The hospital recognized the operator’s donation by calling the new facility Harrah’s Regional Trauma Center at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.

The new trauma center is part of a $128 million hospital expansion that includes a new trauma resuscitation area, 26 private intensive care units, 30 active care rooms and state-of-the-art nurses’ and doctors’ stations. In addition, the seven-story patient tower includes a new radiology department, behavioral health area and a contained infectious disease station.

A new helipad with stabilization area opened several months ago, and the updated trauma center is scheduled to begin opening in phases next month. The medical center project officially broke ground September 2005, and the final phase of upgrades to the existing 23,000-square-foot hospital area is scheduled for a mid-2008 completion.

Harrah’s was the first corporate donor for the city’s hospital. The Special Gifts Campaign that the million-dollar donation kicks off is a five-year program to raise $10 million for AtlantiCare for new and enhanced programs and services.

By Casino Connection Staff  

I think it would be a huge mistake—and I told it to the governor—to allow casinos on Bader Field. Not only would it cause us to stop and rethink our plans, but I think the same thing is true for the Revel Entertainment group.

—Pinnacle Entertainment CEO Daniel R. Lee, telling analysts in a conference call his company will abandon plans for a mega-resort on the former site of the Sands if Wynn Resorts is permitted to build on the city’s former municipal airport land

Pinnacle’s efforts should be directed at creating their own successful venture rather than trying to stop others from developing projects in Atlantic City. If Pinnacle Entertainment is afraid of competition, Wynn Resorts Ltd. would be willing to buy their Boardwalk site at their cost and they can then leave and try to control competition somewhere else.

—Statement from Wynn Resorts in response to Pinnacle Entertainment’s threat to pull out of Atlantic City if Wynn is granted a casino site at Bader Field

By Casino Connection Staff  

Merv Griffin’s career revolved around Atlantic City for many years. From his days as a singer with the Freddy Martin Band in the 1930s and ‘40s to his ownership of Resorts International in the 1980s and ‘90s, Merv also owned a radio station (WMGM) in the town for a time. His death last month at age 82 brought many fond reflections from people who worked with him during those years. His successes in other areas of his career—a long-running television talk show, development of game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and ownership of luxury hotels—might have made him aloof and unapproachable, but anyone who worked for him will tell you the opposite. Griffin encouraged his executives to push the envelope and to try things that were different. For four or five years, Griffin produced a New Year’s Eve extravaganza live from the Superstar Theater at Resorts, broadcast nationwide. While he clearly did it to bring customers and attention to his hotel, he also did it for Atlantic City and its visibility on an important “party night” of the year. He became an identity around town as a casino owner with celebrity ties, something sadly lacking in today’s Atlantic City. He will be missed.

By Casino Connection Staff  

All of Caesars’ great cooks can learn a thing or two when TV chefs Paula Deen, Lidia Bastianich and Giada De Laurentiis make appearances in the Circus Maximus Theater September through November as part of the “Caesars Chef Series—Ladies of Cooking.”

The series begins on September 9 with Paula Deen, Food Network star and Southern cuisine expert, allowing fans to get up close for two shows. The First Lady of Italian Cooking, Lidia Bastianich, takes the stage on October 7, and on November 18 Giada De Laurentiis offers her Italian expertise to the crowd.

Each of the three celebrity chefs will dazzle the audiences with two one-hour performances featuring personal stories, cooking anecdotes and an audience question-and-answer session. Show times of all three performances are at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 1-800-736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Nothing beats home-style cooking, and while the top chefs prepare signature dishes in the restaurants at Caesars, the true delicacies can be found in family recipes.

Caesars employees, from frontline to executives, have gathered together their favorite family recipes in a 165-page cookbook to benefit the United Way of Atlantic County.

From pancetta soup to roasted pork shoulder and whole-wheat peanut butter cookies, The Tastes of the Empire cookbook has more than 200 recipes. It costs $10, with all proceeds directly benefiting the United Way. In addition to the hundreds of employee home recipes, the cookbook contains conversion charts, 53 cooking hints and a food and beverage glossary.

The Tastes of the Empire can be purchased through the United Way of Atlantic County by calling 609-404-4483.

By Casino Connection Staff  

“Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” Summer Sendoff

When: September 3, 2 p.m.

Where: The Pool at Harrah's
Why to go: Wrap up the summer and meet Brian Hyland, the creator of the number one hit, Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. Enjoy Hyland's live performance along with 20 models, dawning yellow polka dot bikinis, along with food and drinks in the tropical atmosphere of Harrah's pool complex.

2007 Borgata Poker Open

When: September 5-20

Where: Borgata

Why to go: Watch or compete in the 16-day World Poker Tour event with top professionals and amateurs in hopes of finding a seat at the final table.

Atlantic City In-Water Power Boat Show

When: September 6-9, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Farley State Marina, adjacent to Trump Marina

Why to go: A chance to step aboard more than 700 boats for the largest in-water boat show in the region. Shop never-before-seen 2008 models occupying more than 200,000 square feet of the marina. For more information or to purchase tickets ($20 adults, $10 children) visit the website www.acinwaterboatshow.com.

A Celebration of Champions

When: September 8, 6 p.m.

Where: Trump Taj Mahal

Why to go: This black-tie event honors leaders like Governor Jon Corzine, Smokey Robinson and Jackie Joyner-Kersee who help children through education, leadership and the arts. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club. For more information log online to www.celebrationofchampions.com

United Way Kick-off Campaign

When: September 7, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Steel Pier, Atlantic City

Why to go: Listen to the Bubba Mac Blues Band while spending one last night at Steel Pier. Catch Trump Entertainment CEO Mark Juliano’s kick-off speech and campaign goal announcement. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children for unlimited food and drink. All proceeds benefit the United Way of Atlantic County, for more information call 609-404-4483.

Andrew Noten Hudson Memorial Golf Tournament

When: October 7, 9 a.m.

Where: McCullough's Emerald Links, Egg Harbor Township

Why to go: Enjoy a beautiful day of golfing while supporting the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. For information call 609-927-7287 or 609-892-9437.

By Casino Connection Staff  

The summer Olympics come to Atlantic City for the first-ever Harrah’s Entertainment four-property employee challenge. Staff from Showboat, Harrah’s, Caesars and Bally’s team up for the “Sizzlin’ Summer Casino Olympics” competitions on September 11. Held in front of Bally’s on the beach and boardwalk, the event gives employees a chance to bond outside of the casinos.

The all-day competition runs from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and includes events such as the traditional tug of war, obstacle course, pie eating and egg toss as well as casino-related activities like the “Waiter Relay” and “Bell Cart Race.” Those looking to break out the sneakers and show some muscle can participate in the 5K boardwalk race, beach volleyball, sprint relay races, three-on-three soccer and putting contest.

The Sizzlin’ Summer Casino Olympics is open to all employees. “This event is the ideal way for team members from all four resorts to get together, let loose and celebrate a successful summer,” said Carlos Tolosa, Harrah’s Entertainment Eastern Division President. “Of course, the winners get bragging rights that will last all year.”

By Casino Connection Staff  

Harrah’s Entertainment announced that Showboat Casino Hotel assumed control of the House of Blues entertainment venue and nightclubs, which had operated on a contract basis within the resort.

A licensing agreement with Live Nation, the House of Blues parent company based in Beverly Hills, has made the 11th location in the HOB chain part of Showboat’s operation. It is said to be the first such licensing agreement nationwide for the chain of clubs.

The House of Blues franchise is now owned by Showboat, and the majority of approximately 250 HOB employees are now represented by Local 54 of UNITE HERE, Atlantic City’s largest casino union. All HOB cooks, servers, bartenders and dishwashers will join the union, which represents between 14,000 and 16,000 Atlantic City casino employees at various times of the year.

Local 54 President Robert McDevitt is hailing the deal as a victory for the union, which numbered Showboat’s contracting of services to House of Blues workers as one of the main points of contention in its strike three years ago.

By Casino Connection Staff  

The Tropicana announced that Fred Buro, who has been president of the property since its takeover by Columbia Sussex corporation, is stepping down to pursue other business interests.

Mark Giannantonio has been named president and general manager of both hotel and casino operations at the property. Giannantonio is a 19-year veteran of the Trop who most recently was executive vice president of operations. The move marks a consolidation of the top executive spot overseeing both hotel and casino operations, formerly separate posts.

In other Tropicana news, John G. Jacob was named new senior vice president and CFO of Columbia Sussex Corporation and of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts.

Jacob has 20 years of financial management and accounting experience, and will assume his new position following regulatory reviews. He served as CFO of Acorn Products in Ohio from 1999 to 2006. He is credited with instituting efficiency drives that brought the company millions of dollars in savings.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Last year, Donald Trump confirmed he had been in discussions with Steve Wynn (below) to redevelop Trump Plaza and some surrounding land in the center of town. Some questioned whether the two moguls could work together, while others suspected it was a misdirection by the “master” of the deal, but not Donald Trump.

Wynn last month revealed that he’s been interested all along in Bader Field, the former municipal airport that shut down last year. The 142-acre parcel represents the last large piece of real estate in Atlantic City suitable for a major development. Reportedly, former state Senator Bill Gormley is working for Wynn as a go-between with Governor Jon Corzine and other state officials.

But there are problems with Wynn’s approach. First, the parcel is considered “Green Acres” land that requires the return of a similarly sized parcel as open space in the same town should that land be developed. Second, casino companies that have announced developments in Atlantic City—Pinnacle Entertainment and Revel Entertainment—have indicated that they would not build if Bader is developed as casino resorts. Third, the land is not zoned for casinos at this time. Some Atlantic City residents have objected to the idea of re-zoning this vast parcel as eligible for casino development, but if the city hopes to sell the land at a high price (Mayor Bob Levy has suggested a $1 billion price tag), the only organizations that would pony up a large amount would be casino companies.

And finally, the city would be wise—and probably legally required—to put the land up for bid. Wynn would have a host of competitors in that case, including Las Vegas Sands, owned by Sheldon Adelson (Wynn’s latest archenemy) and operated by former Atlantic City Sands executives; Boyd Gaming, half-owner of the Borgata; PBL Gaming, an Australian company owned by media giant James Packer; and the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, operators of the Mohegan Sun casino resort, among others.

So while all options are open for Bader Field, it will most likely be years before any resolution is made on the future of the site.

As you read this, the city no doubt will be basking in the afterglow of another successful edition of the Atlantic City Airshow.

The stars of the show, as always, are the military performers brought in by the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, main sponsor Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and the Atlantic City Mainland Regional Chamber of Commerce.

But those of you who think that’s the end of the story should know that there is a committee made up of approximately 30 people who work year-round to make sure each airshow is better than the year before. Multiple agencies, businesses and people put in their own time, materials and money to ensure the airshow takes place, and for many of those, the only return on investment they receive is that the show does take place for everyone’s enjoyment.

Did you know that more than 700 volunteers work to make sure the airshow is a memorable event for everyone? Organized by Lisa Spengler from the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, volunteers include the Atlantic County Women’s Center, who along with committee member Susan Schneider handles the merchandise sales; the Absecon VFW, which monitors the drop zone area for the show; volunteers from various businesses and organizations throughout the area who provide assistance for the chalet areas located on the beach; the vendors along the Boardwalk; and the Flight Line Club. Volunteers also include Boy Scouts from the Jersey Shore Council, Boys Scouts of America. The organization, led by Ethan Drady, also produces the official souvenir program, and sells it the day of the show.

Also during the show, Exceptional Medical Transportation makes its services available. EMT provides command planning, operations, organization and logistics for all EMS resources. They work with the A.C. Office of Emergency Management, Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management, the Atlantic County EMS Coordinators, Absecon EMS, Mutual Aid Emergency Services and others to obtain EMS resources for the airshow.

Looking out for everyone’s wellbeing during the airshow is the Atlantic City Police. Their primary responsibility is providing security and crowd control on the streets, beach and Boardwalk before, during and after the show. Can you imagine trying to control the amount of traffic in the city during the show? They work with the numerous municipal, state and federal law enforcement authorities and military contingents to coordinate appropriate operational and tactical plans. They are assisted by the New Jersey State Police, Casino Gaming Bureau.

While the police take to the streets, the U.S. Coast Guard and the State Police Marine Services Bureau take to the sea. They establish a safety zone in the ocean and monitor the large number of spectators who arrive by boat to enjoy the show. Also contributing each year is Towboat U.S. They act as the center boat and the mark for the planes.

Helping to organize and set up the airshow is the A.C. Special Improvement District. Led by Director of Landscaping Jon Bitzer, SID lays out the chalet and the Flightline Club, installs fencing and electrical setup at show center, and organizes deliveries for chalet caterers and vendors. And after the show, they help the Public Works staff with post-show cleanup. Those of you who stick around will see an amazingly clean beach and Boardwalk soon after the end of the show.

We’ve covered land and sea, but what about air? The FAA Atlantic City Tower provides air traffic control services for all the aircraft participating in the airshow by handling the aircraft movements between the A.C. International Airport and the show. In addition, they maintain all normal air traffic already operating at the airport.

Along with owning and operating the A.C. International Airport, the South Jersey Transportation Authority provides operations and logistical support to the airshow as well as assistance in marketing the event with the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.

The ACCVA partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to help promote the show. Under the guidance of Larry Sieg, senior director of marketing, the ACCVA produces all the collateral for the show including sales merchandise, fliers, sponsorship material including brochures, a PowerPoint presentation, posters and advertisements. Our website also advertises the airshow, and we use e-mail blasts to publicize the event. Media Relations Manager Michael Bruckler promotes the airshow through press releases and media alerts, editorials, public service announcements and by arranging interviews with key members of the show. He also pitches the show to the media and organizes any media events leading up to and during the airshow.

There’s more—too much to list here. Just remember, next year when you come out to see the Thunderbirds, Golden Knights, and all the other performers, there’s a whole show going on behind the airshow that you’ll never see.

The week of August 6-10 marked the 10th anniversary of the American Gaming Association’s Responsible Gaming Education Week. The kickoff for this year’s event occurred at Caesars Atlantic City.

AGA President Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr., Harrah’s Entertainment CEO Gary Loveman and Linda Kassekert, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, made opening remarks to set the tone for the week.

The AGA created Responsible Gaming Education Week on behalf of our industry to educate all casino employees about disordered gambling. While this problem impacts only a small percentage of our customers (1 percent), dealing with this issue sensitively, seriously and responsibly has become an important part of our industry’s culture.

While our casinos operate in a responsible manner 365 days a year, for one week each year we re-emphasize responsible gaming issues and initiatives for the purpose of increasing awareness of this important topic.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Responsible Gaming: In Your Own Words.” According to the AGA’s Fahrenkopf, this theme was devised as a way to energize the level of employee and public involvement in RGEW and to encourage all to maintain the momentum of this week throughout the entire year. It is also a celebration of a decade during which responsible gaming education and training have been made available, and our employees have taken the responsibility to educate themselves and apply that education by understanding the needs of those who experience problems with gambling.

Mr. Fahrenkopf also explained that more than $15 million has been committed to the AGA’s National Center for Responsible Gaming to combat problem gambling. Contributions are provided from the casino gaming industry, equipment manufacturers and other vendors and related organizations.

The NCRG is the only national organization exclusively devoted to funding peer-reviewed scientific research that helps increase understanding of pathological and youth gambling. The NCRG has identified effective methods of treatment for the disorder and it guides public education about responsible gaming research.

Harrah’s Gary Loveman was also one of the featured speakers at the kickoff event. This was most appropriate, as Harrah’s was one of the early industry leaders at the forefront of efforts to address responsible gaming issues. In his remarks, Mr. Loveman correctly pointed out that as casino executives and employees, we cannot control every aspect of how our customers experience our product, but we should do everything we can to provide the casino experience in a socially responsible manner.

He also pledged that the industry will continue working with community leaders, health care professionals and elected officials to bolster the ultimate goal that individuals who do not gamble responsibly not be permitted to play at our casinos.

CCC Chairwoman Linda Kassekert also spoke at the event, from her perspective as a regulator in a state that has long been concerned about problem gambling and has been active in trying to help people deal with their addiction.

Kassekert pointed out that New Jersey casinos are required to promote the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline run by the New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling, and that money the CCC collects from regulatory fines is allocated to support the council’s outreach and education programs.

She also discussed the New Jersey program that allows individuals to register themselves as individuals who cannot receive casino credit, and the self-exclusion program through which individuals can exclude themselves from all forms of casino gambling within the state.

So far, more than 700 individuals have availed themselves of the self-exclusion program, including some casino employees. Kassekert also made a point of advising casino employees that signing up for the self exclusion list in no way jeopardizes that employee’s casino license or job.

Kassekert noted that another component of responsible gaming is preventing underage individuals from participating in gaming activities. She thought it was important that underage individuals and their families understand that this issue is taken seriously by the Atlantic City casinos as well as by New Jersey regulatory and law enforcement agencies. Penalties include significant fines and loss of driver’s license for up to six months, not to mention that a conviction blemishes the underage person’s record.

While this kickoff event was important, perhaps more important were the various awareness events that were held at each Atlantic City casino throughout the entire week, given that the thousands of gaming employees in Atlantic City are at the heart of any responsible gaming effort. These employees are on the front lines, interacting with casino guests and able to identify indications that there might be a problem with a gambler that should be addressed.

 The industry wants everyone who visits our casinos to have fun, as we are in the entertainment business. However, we do not want people who do not gamble responsibly to play in our casinos. It is as simple as that.

Last month in this space I talked about how special the Boardwalk is to Atlantic City. I praised the CRDA and the Schiff brothers, who own large chunks of the Wooden Way, for their efforts in revitalizing this most important “street” in Atlantic City. But that sentiment was largely inspired by what the Boardwalk could be that would attract tourists in the hundreds of thousands.

This month, I want to talk about a more modest development—one that may only attract a few thousand tourists, but one that reflects the soul of the community.

I was around when Gardner’s Basin was formed more than 30 years ago. The idea was years ahead of its time: a waterfront park that would preserve some of the traditions of the region while becoming a comfortable and relaxing setting for residents and tourists alike.

Over the years, the Basin has had its successes and failures. But since signing a 15-year lease in 1996, the Basin has moved forward in an impressive manner by developing the Atlantic City Aquarium, new restaurants, deep-sea and back-bay fishing excursions, sightseeing and speed boat rides, a crafters village and much more. There is now a waiting list for the Basin’s fine recreational marina.

Events have always been the Basin’s strength. Harborfest, the Around-the-Island Swim and the Seafood Festival were great annual celebrations. The Atlantic City Jazz Festival in 1978 drew thousands of people who braved what was then a very scary neighborhood to hear some true jazz greats (including a legendary performance by Ray Charles). And smaller, more local events like movies and fireworks make the Basin the center of a growing and prosperous community.

Because city-owned land (the former Garwood Mills site) was no longer available for parking due to a pending development, events moved out of the Basin in the past year. But that development has now been scrapped (thanks to some nefarious dealings by convicted former City Council President Craig Callaway), so there is a tremendous opportunity to really capitalize on the Basin.

City Council recently approved a renewal of the lease for the Basin, over-riding a veto by “Acting Mayor” Domenic Cappella (Cappella was “acting” as mayor because the “real” mayor, Bob Levy, was hospitalized). But the fact that one of the major players in the Levy administration doesn’t understand the importance of the Basin is disturbing. Council’s action proves that they understand the potential for and importance of Gardner’s Basin.

During the past few years, the Basin has become a wonderful family-friendly location. The Atlantic City Aquarium offers a quality educational experience for kids of all ages. Attendance has almost tripled over the past five years to about 14,000 people annually. In short, the Basin is “happening” with very little help from the city.

Imagine what could happen if the city just took an interest in the Basin. Imagine if we could combine what’s happening at the Basin with the vacant Garwood Mills land. Yes, that land is valuable and historic. Let’s see if we can develop it in a manner that respects the history, recognizes the synergy it can have with Gardner’s Basin and provides a return for the city, whether that means more property taxes or more tourists to that end of town.

What would happen if the city installed directional signage to show people how to get to what is admittedly an out-of-the-way location? Let’s extend the Boardwalk all the way around the Inlet to connect to the Basin. Let’s bring back the Marine Mammal Stranding Center to the Basin, where it began more than 30 years ago.

And let’s make Atlantic City’s “hidden gem” a true diamond for locals and tourists alike.

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   Sat, Jan 23, 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   Sat, Sep 12, 2009

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