It’s happening at Atlantic City Hotels and Casinos

Nothing this year made me so full of anticipation as the rumors of the legendary Stevie Wonder planning a long awaited (12 years to be precise) tour of the US, and nobody heard me squeal so profusely when I discovered those rumors were in actual fact - FACT!

For the millions of you who shared my delight, his tour which began in August has been a revelation. It was no wonder then that tickets were being sold at an alarming rate and I was somewhat (extremely) disappointed when I missed out. The good news is, ladies and gentleman, its not too late to be the bearer of a ‘golden ticket’. Sir Stevie Wonder has extended his tour and for those who missed out the first time round, tickets are now available to see our beloved icon in locations such as the Borgata Center in Atlantic City. As of October the 25th, Stevie will be giving us some live events throughout the east.

My ticket for the Borgata Center is in a safe place until the 27th of October arrives - the big day. After weeks of frustration, all my wishes came true with the announcement of the added dates. I am in no doubt that these tickets will soon be sold out too, so if your thinking about it, don’t! better not waste the time, just act on it. Come and join me boogieing on down to the likes of “Superstition”, “Higher Ground” and some of his later works; “So What the Fuss” and “Shelter in the Rain”.

So what made Stevie decide to tour after 12 years? Delighted as I was, I thought it was a little out of the blue. It has been reported that his inspiration came from the recent death of his mother, Lula Mae Hardaway. She is also the muse of his upcoming album “The Gospel Inspired by Lula”, to be released in January next year, coinciding with her birthday.

Stevie’s last studio album was titled “A Time to Love”. Emerging in 2005 and reaching number 5 in the Billboard 200, it was and still is a perfect blend of anthems and laid-back R&B/Soul. In a time when a lot of R&B is about drugs, money, or infidelity, Wonder’s lyrics offer us the innocence and simplicity of early Motown. A refreshing change I might add. After playing the album on repeat, for what seems like an eternity, I am more than a little excited to hear and see them live on stage.

I can’t comprehend for what might have been if I never bought my ticket for the Borgata. To me and to many others who have walked the globe since Stevie’s existence, the acceptance that this guy is a genius is just the beginning. I still find myself full of admiration for a man who is fully blind, but brimming with life and musical ambition. Everything that he’s recorded bares the tone of his jubilant positivity. He has taught us so much on issues of racial, social and spiritual context.

Stevie Wonder shares a love of music like I do and when I listen to him I feel on top of the world. No exaggeration. I can’t wait to see him later this month…Can you?

Catch him live at the Borgata Center, Atlantic City, 26th-27th October.

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Atlantic City, located in New Jersey, is famous for its boardwalk, casino gambling rooms, lovely beaches, shopping centers, retail shops, and breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. For these things, it is no wonder why people cannot stop visiting and pampering themselves at resorts to enjoy the pleasure this city provides. It home to three large malls for tourists, with various types of convenient transportation and the second best destination of professional gamblers.

Atlantic City is one of the most visited cities in the entire U.S. for entertainment and business purposes. Although the global recession has greatly affected the economy of Atlantic City in some ways, the place is still kicking and thriving. Although 11 of the city’s finest casinos have been experiencing an economic failure which includes Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal Casino & Resort and the Tropicana Casino & Resort, the country’s number two gambling destination is rising not due to bankruptcy but for continuous competitive business production.
Yes, you can still find all the extraordinary gambling venues. You can still indulge in luxury hotel rooms, soak in the sunset-view spas, have a taste of exclusive restaurants and the non-stop entertaining theater shows. People are obviously visible walking around the stylish walls and on brilliant floors of the casinos. Employees are busy taking care of luggage and stuff of their customers. Elite women and tuxedo dressed men are edging on hot seats of the casino.  Atlantic City has many delightful surprises to give its visitors.

One of the vice presidents of an extravagant hotel-casino said that there are more visitors and newcomers arriving each day. The number of tickets had enormously increased for viewing  some treasured music of great legends and that’s another reason why there are more shows produced throughout the city which shows that tourism is on the rise in Atlantic city.

Summer is the most popular get-away time for gamblers plus new players and site seers, however many of them visit throughout the entire year as well. During summer, live music shows appeal to many people. Who would ignore American Idols and worldly known pop stars like Kris Allen, Jimmy Buffet, Madonna, and more that are entertaining just a few feet away from your seat? Of course, you will have to run and get the VIP seat area. This is an ideal long weekend getaway destination that will amaze any individual. With so much to do and see it is a place you will keep you returning when you want to escape, relax and have fun.

Resorts, whatever the season, are still flooded by thousands of tourists, and you will find that the Hawaiian and Polynesian services are out of this world. One difference though is that the entertainment has changed in casino rooms. It is now held in a lovely area, which is known as the Boardwalk Hall.

There are several entertaining shows and offers, that are expected to come out this 2010. Bon Jovi is possibly going to come back for tour of his new released CD last November 2008. More new live entertainment shows will be produced for your pleasure. Planned new modernized facilities are already under construction with many new up and coming sites to see. In short, people are very much looking forward to the newly revived delights of Atlantic City. Book a getaway to see for yourself!

Image courtesy: http://www.clickatlanticcityhotels.com/harrahs_atlantic_city.html

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When you are headed to Atlantic City, you will find that you are in a great place for some fun in the sun, and when you are ready to start a party or to join one, you cannot beat the beach bars. The beach bars in Atlantic City are known for their lively environments and the great times that they offer to tourists and locals like, and when you are interested in having a great time, there are definitely a few that you need to check out.

For instance, when you don’t want to do anything fancy, why not consider the Atlantic City Hilton Beach Bar? This bar has a terrifically kitschy feel, and it is definitely stripped down. It might make you think of a bare shack on the beach, but there are some great things to check out. You can get some great wings, sausage and tacos here and you’ll find that if you are interested in a slightly older crowd, this is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you are in the mood for a place where you definitely won’t feel cramped, consider the beach bar at Trump Plaza. This place regularly has live bands in to perform and the crowd is pretty diverse and fun. You can get some great sandwiches and tacos, and when you are in the mood for something different, there’s the raw bar. You can take advantage of the luxury service that you can get from your own private cabana, and you can enjoy the luxury of being in one of the Sexiest Beach Bars, as decided by the Travel Channel.

If you are in the mood to be really close to the beach, you can’t get much closer than the Bikini Beach Bar at Bally’s. This bar is known for its live band and for its proximity to the water and you will find that though the food here is your basic bar food, it is plentiful and pretty tasty. Look for the Old Bay fries and the shrimp, and make sure that you stay long enough for the cocktails. There are many different theme nights that you can take advantage of when you are looking at the Bikini Beach Bar at Bally’s, so keep a look out for things like Latin Mondays and ’80s Wednesdays. There’s even a fun in the sun fashion show on Friday, so bring your best!

Take a moment to think about everything that you have heard about Atlantic City. The bar scene is among the most amazing in the world and when you are ready to have a good time, this is definitely the beach that you want to hit. Check out more local attractions and figure out which water holes are going to entertain you!

Image Courtesy : http://njmonthly.com/articles/jerseyshore/come-as-you-are-bars.html

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Mankind has always been curious about the history of the world, and with recent developments in archeology, more and more has become abundantly clear. What we have found is proof that a species dominated the earth longer than humans ever drew breath, and that species is dinosaur. This was a ferocious and terrifying species that ruled not through diplomacy and trade, but in some cases through fear and primal instinct. We are mystified by these species and we have done all that we can to learn more about them.

No doubt you have at some point seen the plethora of movies that have been made about dinosaurs. From time travelers in a bad movie, to a modern day tale of genetic experiments on an island in the middle of nowhere, dinosaurs have been a subject of both fascination and excitement for the young and old for many years and so far there is no evidence that is going to change any time soon. For this reason it was inevitable that dinosaurs would suddenly break onto the big screen.

Recently a total of ten million pounds was spent on an arena presentation of the cretaceous period in all it’s glory. This is presented to the public in an arena setting, meaning that the show will be displayed in a huge screen for your viewing pleasure. If you are a fan of dinosaurs or ever have been in the past then this will be a great experience for you to become closely acquainted with your favorite lizards from ages past.

You can experience this event from July all the way to august, so get ready to buy your tickets and take a trip into the past that you never would have thought possible. If this sounds like something that would interest you then you are quite in luck as you can find all the information you need regarding attending the shows online either at it’s official website or on the website of one of their many affiliates. This happens to be a huge event so you will no doubt be able to find someone that has decided to cover it!

Whether you are young or old, big or small, you will enjoy this presentation as it drags you through the creation of dinosaurs all the way to their humble end. No matter who you are, this is the show for you. So head online, or call your local box office for showtimes and prices. This is definitely one show you’re not going to want to miss.

If you do happen to miss one showing don’t be incredibly discouraged because chances are you will catch the next one! Not to mention it’s showing at many different places, so you aren’t going to experience overcrowding regardless of how popular the show happens to be. Just keep an eye out for showtimes and you’ll be able to get in on it in no time!

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The Pink Floyd Laser Show in Atlantic City, NJ is a show that you will not want to miss! This Laser Spectacular show done by the Texas-based expertise of Paramount Entertainment will have you awe as it takes you in by their special laser techniques. Synchronized to the music of the popular Pink Floyd, this 90-minute show was first done back in the early 90s.

With new additions and adjustments, this rockin’ show is now seen throughout approximately 75 cities each year. Steve Monistere, who is the president of Paramount Entertainment, states that it is comparable to a live performance concert minus the band and that you will not be disappointed.

The sound for The Laser Spectacular involves a 10,000-watt stereo system that rocks the house. This show also boasts high quality lighting, as well as many incredible props. On a 2,500-foot screen you will be in for a treat with colored lights and images that are animated. When a laser is presented you will notice that the light beam is so strong. This laser is so strong that it has the potential to pierce metal. Only used for digital recordings, microsurgery, fiber optics and other technical situations back in the 60s, the laser then now found its way into the entertainment industry. The usage of the laser in planetariums in the 70s was when its popularity really took off and made a name for itself.

Initially, the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular is performed to the album, Dark Side of the Moon, followed by The Best of Pink Floyd. It is not uncommon to see a few generations of people sitting next to each other as the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular attracts crowds from 15 years of age to 30 years of age to 50 years of age. What began as a band back in the day has now rekindled a new respect for the music that the younger people are finding enjoyment from. After each showing of the Laser Spectacular featuring the Pink Floyd music CD sales have been shown to skyrocket.

With technology advancing so rapidly in the past 20 years the Laser Spectacular has also gained more by receiving improvements with each new technological enhancement. Receiving rave reviews this deserving credit is warranted by this incredible and amazing laser extravaganza!

Do not miss this one-of-a-kind, breathtaking Laser Spectacular featuring the music of Pink Floyd at their best. Come and enjoy what all have been talking about and see for yourself just how fantastic this show is. Purchase your tickets early to see this Laser Spectacular on July 31, 2009 at 9 p.m. at the Atlantic City, Hilton in Atlantic City, NJ.

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Jackson Browne still puts on one heck of a show! He is coming to The Borgata Casino Hotel and Spa in Atlantic City on July 25th at 9pm. The Borgata is showing the concert Sold Out, but you can still find tickets on the Internet. I found some on razorgator.com that ranged from $121 for some upper level to $455 for 8 rows from the stage. You can also go to the link on cheapatlanticcity.com and find other tickets for sell at different websites.

Jackson Browne’s one of the great American rock singer-songwriters and musicians. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 by Bruce Springsteen. They have some similar music, although Jackson Browne is well known for his “Running on Empty” tour. He alternates between rock, folk, and country.

His newest studio album was “Time The Conqueror”, released in September, 2008, which is the tour at The Borgata. The concert reviewers have given it 5 stars out of 5. He’s got the full band for this show and tour, including backup singers, even though the last tours were acoustic renditions of his best works.

If you’re a Jackson Browne fan, you can expect to hear a lot of the favorites-old and new. Reviewers say, “As a whole package, there are not many bands-artists with such good bands-who can come close. Sound levels were always right, there were never any obvious mistakes and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. A fair balance is struck between the new songs and all of the classics”. If you have never been to a Jackson Browne concert, but have always been a fan, you are in for quite a treat.

The Borgata is a fun place that offers “Up all night” packages for The Borgata Comedy Club that includes dinner buffet, drinks and tickets to that venue and they have other packages that include spa and suite or room and breakfast, that are great values. With 5 styles of rooms, like the “Classic” rooms that have a marble bath and shower for 2, the “Studio” that has a plasma television and the “Piatto Suites” with wet bar entertainment area, it’s a great selection for a special occasion.

The Borgata has over 2,000 rooms and 134,000 square feet of gambling space, you can find the room that suits your personal tastes and gamble the night away in a great venue that offers five bars and clubs. With the spa, salon, ground level shopping, pump up fitness room, pool and internet surfing, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you busy.

Located near the Trump Marina and Harrah’s, The Borgata is near the action and only 2 minutes away from the Atlantic City, (AC) Expressway. Of course, you never have to leave the 40-story tower to find some of the finest food Atlantic City has to offer. The Borgata has some world-renowned fine dining restaurants with different gourmet cuisines and there are several great casual dining choices, too.

Jackson Browne’s “Time The Conqueror” promises to be a great show and The Borgata is a great venue. Don’t miss your chance to get in on this great weekend of fun!

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Two motion pictures have recently visited Atlantic City and made use of the gambling town for filming scenes from the movies. Just who has been seen hanging out in Atlantic City, New Jersey? A list stars Jennifer Aniston, the unforgettable hunk Gerard Butler and veteran actor Nick Nolte.

Aniston and Butler are both starring in “Bounty Hunter” and both stayed in suites at The Water Club while they filmed at the Borgata. Andy Tennant who also directed box office hits Hitch and Sweet Home Alabama directs “Bounty Hunter”.

In the action comedy, Gerard plays a bounty hunter whose current target is his ex-wife played by Aniston who has jumped bail. Gerard is probably most famous for starring in the epic film “300″ as the leader of the Spartan army. Aniston, starred in one of the most successful television comedies, of all times, the long running “Friends.” She has starred in many successful box office productions since then including the recent hits, “Marley & Me” and “He’s Just Not That Into You.” The cast also includes “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” star, Jason Sudeikis who plays Aniston’s coworker who mistakenly believes that she is in love with him.

Interesting onset pictures have surfaced from the film, including a barefoot Aniston pedaling a bike taxi. While staying at The Water Club Aniston and Gerard have both been seeing using the Immersion Spa’s fitness center. Butler has been seen swimming laps in the indoor pool, getting the services of a trainer while at the gym and relaxing with a soothing four hand massage at the spa. Aniston has been seen almost daily working out on the treadmill and elliptical machine as well as relaxing with yoga. Aniston hosted a small dinner party for 8 guests in her room with a menu that included dishes from restaurants Izakaya and Bobby Flay Steak. Aniston and the Andy Tennant also shared a dinner together at Bobby Flay Steak.

With Gerard and Aniston both being single, maybe we can expect to see some sparks off screen, since Aniston is well known for dating her costars. Past relationships that developed onset include her romance with Vince Vaughn. The two started dating during the filming of “The Breakup.” Aniston recently ended her relationship with singer John Mayer who she started dating in 2008.

Nick Nolte has also been seen in Atlantic City shooting some scenes for his upcoming film, “Warrior.” In the action flick “Warrior,” Nolte plays a Vietnam vet and former mixed martial artist that let his alcoholism tear his family part. Now sober, Nolte welcomes back his youngest son and trains him to fight in a mixed martial arts competition, where he will face his older brother in the ring. Nolte was last seen in the box office hit “Tropic Thunder,” costarring alongside Ben Stiller. Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton play the two competing brothers in the film. The cast also includes Jennifer Morrison of “House” fame.” Gavin O’Conner who also wrote the screenplay directs Warrior”.

Image Courtesy : http://eastcoastgambler.net/2009/06/jennifer-aniston-atlantic-city-bounty-hunter/

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/celebrities/index.ssf/2009/07/gerard_butler_jennifer_aniston.html

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When the big Tropicana Casino and Resort was put on the selling block at the beginning of 2008, most people expected it to fetch a cool $1 billion. But with the faltering economy a group of investors that includes Carl Icahn made an offer to trade $200 million of debt they are previously purchased in a trade for the ownership of the casino giant. And it worked.

Jon Weinert, a Spectrum Gaming Group casino analyst said that this super low price for one of Atlantic City’s big hitters in the casino arena is a sure sign of very troubling times in the United States. He stated that the Tropicana is a very attractive asset and will be in good standing to continue to thrive when the nation’s economy makes a recovery.

The Icahn group was the single bidder for the Tropicana, which is one of the largest casinos in Atlantic City. The attorney overseeing the conservator who has been monitoring the process of the sale said that the group of investors could expect to be given the green light as the new owners very soon by a judge specializing in bankruptcy.

The group would next need to seek temporary approval from the casino regulators in New Jersey and apply for a license to run the casino resort. This process could take a full year to complete. The new owners of the Tropicana would apply for interim authorization, a process that lasts nine months. This process could be extended for three additional months beyond that, according to a spokesman for the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

These investors, which include Icahn, have a mortgage of $1.4 on the casino resort, which helped them to make a bid that no one could match. The group has agreed to lay down a minimum offer in bankruptcy court and if no one goes over it they get the casino.

The group of investors entered an offer of two hundred million of debt that they owed for the Tropicana. This made it a requirement for other interested people to offer more than that amount in either cash or as securities. This was something that no one was interested in or willing to do. An attorney for the investors group did not want to make a comment regarding this.

The Tropicana lost their license to operate the casino in late 2007, making this sale an absolute necessity. A retired New Jersey state Supreme Court Justice by the name of Gary Stein was appointed to oversee the Tropicana until a suitable buyer was found.

Regulators around the country and various casino executives had initially expected the big casino resort to bring a price in $1 billion range. Some offers were close as one group of investors from New York offered $950 million and Colony Capital LLC who owns two Atlantic City casinos, offered $850 million.
Stein said no to both of those offers, stating that they were not high enough and he questioned the financing that backed up the offers, so the process started over. A few months later $700 million in notes and cash or a flat $575 million was offered by a Baltimore company. This offer was withdrawn due to the worsening economy. This is when the investor group with Icahn included, stepped in.

Image Courtesy : http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/06/icahn_group_buys_ac_tropicana.html

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 On May 29, 2009 an event almost 20 years in the making will occur! Comedian Jay Leno will be retiring from his iconic gig as the host of The Tonight Show! The long running, NBC program has been a favorite with friends and has won TV’s most prestigious award, the Emmy.

Less than 24 hours later on May 30, 2009, Jay will be live right here in Atlantic City! Come out and help Jay celebrate the next stage of his career before he starts his new primetime talk show on NBC.

The hilarious stand up comedian was born on April 28, 1950 in New Rochelle, New York. Jay has been a comedian since the 1970’s and has constantly strived to improve his craft. In his early days, he was constantly working at comedy clubs in New York and Boston.

Jay is now considered one of the greats of stand up. Unlike his contemporaries Jay does not use race related, drug humor or vulgarity to become a success Leno focused on a more feel good, everyman type of humor. Leno has followed in the footsteps of recognized and respected late night show hosts such as Steve Allen and Jack Paar. As well as Johnny Carson, who choose him to be his replacement on The Tonight Show.

Since 1992, Leno has been making American laugh with his humorous bits on the air. His opening monologue shows his comedic range and his roots in standup. With an observational style of delivery, Leno is able to equally cover and mock politics, current events and celebrities. Some of his most memorable bits on the show include the Jaywalking segment where Leno interviews real people and his Headlines segment where Leno recaps funny articles and advertisements from the media.

There is no doubting Leno’s popularity. His late night show has been the top performer in its time slot for over a decade. The biggest stars of film, TV and music have clamored to be interviewed by the late night host. Even president Barack Obama, choose to visit the late night host and show his respect in March!

Though The Tonight Show keeps him busy, Leno constantly performs at clubs, colleges and other venues all across the country and even around the world. If you are going to spend your hard-earned money on only one or two live acts this year this is the only live act you MUST SEE!

Jay Leno will be live at the Borgata Event Center at 8PM. Tickets are on sale now. Atlantic City is honored that Leno has chosen to grace us with what is sure to be a one of a kind performance that the city will be talking about for years to come!

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Chrisette Michele has taken the R&B and Soul industry by storm with her debut album, ‘I AM’ and returns with her sophomore tunes of heartbreak in Epiphany. Epiphany, a leading single, hit the airwaves earlier this year to start a more destined trend of solo ballads by female artists. Chrisette’s ability to create her own majestic personality lands her in the top spot for dynamic up-and-coming artists of R&B and Soul.

The 24-year old songwriter, singer, and composer was said to be a protégé as she completed her first solo at the age of 4. Her vocals favor that of Billy Holiday; a sensually intense vibe creating a stream of love-ballad songs of how great it is to love. She returns on the scene with the lead single, Epiphany, climbing charts across the board. Epiphany is unlike her debut album, I AM, because it’s stretched into heart-wrenching pain associated with bad relationships. She stands against the grain as she continues to move crowds with ‘Be Ok’, ‘Love Is You’, and ‘Let’s Rock’.

There’s much speculation surrounding her sophomore album and it leads critics wondering which level of R&B and Soul she will conquer this year. According to Chrisette Michele, she views this as a new introduction into another side of her mind, soul, and music.

Jazz and hip hop enthusiast claim Chrisette Michele as an elite, young soul with potential to ignite the industry in the next few years. We can see this predestined success as she moves through the industry leaving scents of impressions. And she’s reaching into different audiences during her US tour which comes to our beautiful Atlantic City on June 6th. The speculation continues to rise as fans rush to get front row tickets to listen in on this heavenly voice.

Tickets are available through your local Ticket Master and are running out slowly. Chrisette Michele plans to perform lead hits from her debut album I AM and Epiphany. If you’ve never heard the unique way in which she accentuates a beat – this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.

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