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Atlantic City has been on the fast track to becoming a “Las Vegas of the East” ever since the classy Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa opened in 2003. Since then, there have been oh-so-many hotel expansions and re-inventions. From The Quarter at Tropicana to the Atlantic City Outlets, there seems to be a new development popping up every time you blink. And since Harrah’s Entertainment purchased Caesars in 2004, the four Harrah’s-owned resorts in the city are being given one heck of a facelift.

Case in point: the new Pier at Caesars. The new shopping center and entertainment complex is literally on a pier that extends over the Atlantic City beach and onto the ocean. This is a prime location, a beautiful idea, and an upscale tourist-centric place to spend your hard earned (or hard-won) dollars.

Visitors can enter the enclosed pier complex either from the Boardwalk or from an enclosed walkway overpass directly from the Caesars Atlantic City casino. Other than the windows offering such views, there is little to distinguish it from just a regular tourist mall. The shops are great (but expensive), the restaurants are diverse and serve quality food. And since the darn thing is so long and thin, its is almost impossible to get lost – unlike the nearby casino floor.

The first two floors are basically a shopping center feature upscale name-brand merchandise. There is an Apple Store, a Brookstone, a Gucci, and even a Tiffany & Co. The decor here – I think – tries to emulate a beachy Boardwalk, but with a bit of a contemporary twist. The floor is wooden and the ceiling has a artistic “waves”. The second floor is more twlight, with lights twinkling perpetually on the ceiling. Most of these floors have no windows, so you may forget you’re even on an ocean pier – which doesn’t do the location justice.

The third floor is the most popular, and the best-designed of the Pier. This is where all the restaurants are, such as Phillips Seafood, Continental, and the more casual Trinity Pub. It is hard to go wrong at any of these places – they all have solid offerings, but are also crazy expensive (no bargains at the Pier). The best aspect of this floor, however, is the view. All restaurants are on the north end of the pier, so visitors can enjoy an entire panoramic view of the Atlantic City south skyline as they stoll down the path. Even more, there are beach chairs – complete with sandy floor – where visitors can sit and stare for hours on end at the ocean. A very nice touch.

At the far end of the pier, viewable from the first 3 floors, is a kind of pier centerpiece called simply The Show. This is a preprogrammed Bellagio-esque indoor fountain show that features dancing water, lights and sounds – but on a much, much smaller scale (Bellagio’s show in Las Vegas is vastly better). Still, it is fun to watch once or twice, and there are different shows for the daylight and evening hours.

It is interesting to note that The Pier was designed by the same folks that did The Forum Shops in Las Vegas. Are they comparable? No way, The Forum Shops is much better. But for Atlantic City’s limited real estate and relatively new venue of non-gambling entertainment, this new development is pretty good.

#1 The N.J. Nets finished first in the division with a 49 -33 record and lost to Miami in the conference semi-finals. Head Coach Lawrence Franks has drafted point guard Marcus Williams, in the first round to back up Jason Kidd and newly aquired Eddie House to provide scoring off the bench. They lost Jacque Vaughn, Lamond Murry, Scott Padgett and Jeff Mc Innis. The Nets have one of the top point guards in Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson plus a lot of versatility on the bench to play tall or small to adapt to any opponent.

#2 The Toronto Raptors and Head Coach Sam Mitchell turned themselves into the international team in the NBA by adding #1 draft pick Andrea Bargnani from Italy, Jorge Garbajosa from Spain, and center Rasho Nesterovic from Slovenia, plus guard Anthony Parker. They lost guards Mike James and Alvin Williams as well as forwards Charlie Villaneuva and Matt Bonner. Chris Bosh still leads this team and their defense must improve.

#3 The Philadelphia 76ers and Head Coach Maurice Cheeks signed free agent Alan Henderson and picked up forwards Rodney Carney and Bobby Jones in the draft. They lost John Salmons but replaced him with Willie Green. Top scorer Alan Iverson and Chris Weber need to rebound more to make it to the playoffs.

#4 The Boston Celtics and Head Coach Doc Rivers increased the speed by adding point guard Sebastian Telfair and drafting Rajon Rondo. They also added veteran Theo Ratliff to be their stopper. They lost Raef La Frentz and guard Dan Dickey as well as Orien Greene, a free agent. With two new point guards, DeLonte West moves to shooting guard, and all star Paul Pierce is still the man.

#5 The New York Knicks and new Head Coach Isah Thomas takes over after the firing of Larry Brown. They signed free agent Jared Jeffries and drafted forward Renaldo Balkman as well as guard Marty Collins in the first round. They lose forwards Maurice Taylor and Qyntel Woods and center Jackie Butler. Their guards are solid with Stephen Marbury and Steve Francis but need scoring from Quentin Richardson and Eddie Curry.

You wake up one day during your Outer Banks vacation, and you realize that you overstayed your welcome on the beach yesterday. The beach is not an option, you have no interest in shopping, and it is your vacation, so you don’t want to hang around the rental house. What is there to do? You’ve heard the waters off of the Outer Banks have been labeled “The Graveyard of the Atlantic”, so maybe you want to find out a little bit more about that. Developing your own Graveyard of the Atlantic tour is pretty easy, and is exactly what my wife and daughter did during one of our stays.

Let’s assume you are staying in one of the northern towns in the Outer Banks, so we will start in the north and work our way to the south. In your tour, we will include stops at the four lighthouses on the Outer Banks located from Corolla to Ocracoke, which are Currituck, Bodie, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke lighthouses. In addition, we will include a stop at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station and a stop at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.

The first stop on our tour is the Currituck Lighthouse located in Corolla. The Currituck lighthouse was built in 1875, and it unique red brick exterior makes it stand out amongst it four fellow lighthouses. It is one of two lighthouses that you can climb to the top to witness a breathtaking view of Corolla. The property consists of the lighthouse and the keeper’s house, both now museums.

As you head south, the next stop on the tour is the Bodie Lighthouse, located in Nags Head in the very northern section of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The black and white striped Bodie tower was built in 1872, and was the third one constructed. The first having been turned down due to poor construction and the second was destroyed by the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Bodie Lighthouse is still being restored, so a climb to the top is not possible.

The next stop on our tour, as we continue south, is a stop in Rodanthe at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station. Originally built in 1874 as one of the twelve original lifesaving stations in North Carolina, its mission was to aid ships in distress off the treacherous waters of the Outer Banks. It was one of twelve original lifesaving stations in North Carolina, placed at seven mile increments as part of the United States Life Saving Service, a forerunner to the U.S. Coast Guards. These dedicated men risked their lives for the cause, and as one was quoted as saying, “The book says you have to go out. It don’t say nothing about coming back.” The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station is the best preserved of the original twelve stations.

The next stop on our tour is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton, the most famous of the lighthouses. Built in 1872, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is perhaps the most recognized lighthouse in North America. The current vertical striped tower is actually the second tower, the original built in 1803. The 2800 ton lighthouse was actually moved 0n July 9, 1999 southwest 2500 feet from its original location. The arduous 268 step climb is worth every step to the top to witness the breathtaking views.

Next stop on our journey south is the Village of Hatteras and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Opened in 2002 while work continued through 2007, the museum will pull the whole Outer Banks maritime story together. The museum’s mission is to catalogue the role the waters off the Outer Banks played in maritime history with particular emphasis on the period of time from 1524 through 1945.

Last stop, Ocracoke Lighthouse, but this will take a ferry ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke. Rest assured, it is worth the trip. Built in 1823, it is the oldest operating lighthouse on the North Carolina Coast. The original lighthouse was built in 1803, but was destroyed by lightning in 1818 to be replaced with the current structure.

And so ends our tour, a long day (or two) to be sure but one that will give you a greater appreciation of the rich history of the Outer Banks. To find out more about each of the sights listed above, follow the links to the sightseeing page on Outer Banks Revealed.com.

Ending a battle that lasted more than a year, the City Council voted to end the last major loophole to a tough statewide ban on smoking in public buildings that had conspicuously exempted gambling halls.But patrons still will be able to light up in unstaffed smoking lounges away from the table games and slot machines if the 11 individual casinos choose to build them. The ban takes effect Oct. 15. Smoking would still be permitted in enclosed smoking lounges where there would be no gambling.

New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act took effect April 15, 2006, prohibiting smoking in restaurants, bars, office buildings and other indoor spaces. It carries fines of $250 to $1,000 for people who light up and businesses that let them. The one exception then: Atlantic City casinos, which argued that a smoking ban would drive away business.

Although, New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act took effect April 15, 2006 had the casino exemption, anti-smoking groups generally supported the state law, even while vowing to work to include the gambling halls later on. Now the city, through a local ordinance, is poised to give them what they’ve been seeking. About two dozen casino workers held a rally on the Boardwalk on Tuesday to support the City Council proposal. Smokers will be able to continue lighting up in New Jersey’s 11 casinos but will have much less room in which to do it, after the City Council passed a compromise law by restricting but not banning smoking on the gambling floor. It prohibits smoking on 75 percent of a casino floor but requires that 25 percent of the floor space be set aside as smoking areas. The council had considered a total ban on casino smoking, but it backed down under extreme pressure from the casino industry, which said it could lose 20 percent of its revenue and 3,400 jobs.

8% of smokers as well as former smokers who were surveyed revealed that they tried to quit because of a smoking ban. There is clearly something telling smokers that they should try to quit, as 43% of the 27,000 smokers and former smokers surveyed stated they tried to quit from 2006 to 2008.The attempts are there, and smoking bans only helps that further as they are not as prone to light up a cigarette if regulation does not allow them to do so in places where they live.

The full smoking ban was to take effect 90 days after being signed into law by Evans. But just before the vote, a compromise was reached between council members and casino officials to extend the deadline to Oct. 15, 2008 to have the smoking lounges built.

There was mixed reaction to a full smoking ban among some other patrons of the seaside resort. Some smokers forced to not to smoke as because the full ban’s becoming law and some of them are not interested in visiting Atlantic City no more and they wish to fit out to Places like Las Vegas where smoking is allowed.

Every year an estimated 53,000 Americans die because of exposure to secondhand smoke, say health experts, and that’s not to mention the hundreds of thousands who develop serious diseases as a result — cancer, asthma and heart disease. So far,18 states have passed laws banning smoking in public places, but sometimes special exemptions in those laws make the bills all but meaningless.

A ban on smoking should not deter people who enjoy casino entertainment from smoking – rather it will give them a reason to choose to play in a casino in a neighboring state. A ban on smoking will for sure put New Jersey at a competitive disadvantage, as neighboring states will benefit from New Jersey’s loss.

Currently in the mainstream of discussion is the debate over whether to legalize sports betting in Atlantic City. The obvious impetus for the re-birth and rejuvenation of this discussion is the current and now consistently declining economy. To that end Atlantic City and the region in general are experiencing the same down market that the world economy as a whole is experiencing. More so the State of New Jersey has been wrestling with budgetary issues for many years now well before the overall economic decline. Measures and options of all kinds need to be considered in this dire time. The question is quite simple. Legalize Sports Betting in Atlantic City, Yes or No? The answer from this one persons perspective is an overwhelming YES!

I’d like to delve right into the absurdity in the fact that the issue of legalizing sports betting is even worthy of a debate. Especially considering the unique factor of doing so in Atlantic City. Atlantic City, and New Jersey for that matter has basically legalized almost every form of gaming. From full fledged casinos that have numerous types of table games, poker and slots, to both simulcast and live horse racing, to the lottery, New Jersey basically has it all. All that being said, for a state that has been struggling to find a solution to fill in the ever growing gap of deficit and budgetary crisis. Let’s lay out how truly insane, ironic, hypocritical, counterintuitive the fact that legalized sports betting in Atlantic City is even an issue.

Ridiculous fact number one, the amount of money and resource that is being spent year in and year out to monitor, investigate and prosecute instances of illegal sports betting in New Jersey. Just think about that. New Jersey spends Millions of Dollars a year in criminal justice operations associated with sports betting. Does anyone else see the bizzaro world of logic here? First, we’re spending money and focusing resources that could be used to monitor, investigate and prosecute criminal matters that truly have a serious epidemic effect, such as violent crime and guns. Second, the crime and legal process where the focus is being targeted is gambling related. It’s not like we’re in a state where the notion of gambling is taboo. We’re in New Jersey!

Ridiculous fact number two, the incredible benefit to not only the casino industry but the ripple effect to the local economy. First, by increasing taxable income that is produced by the increase to the bottom line of the casinos. In the Summer of 2008, a $22 Million a year illegal sports betting operation was busted at the Borgata. That’s one single operation that is operating behind the scenes, and not being actively marketed. Imagine a highly organized system, monitored by an existing and experienced regulatory agency, the Casino Control Commission, that is marketed by some of the best in the world in terms of oversight. The pundits have no argument that sports betting would seamlessly fit into the regulatory and associated administrative process off the CCC. What’s more imagine the significant positive effect this would have on the Atlantic City Travel market and the Atlantic City Vacation market. The numbers are very clear. Las Vegas sports books account for a considerable percentage of total gambling and the associated statistics that account for an increase in hotel stays and greater visitation make an incredible argument for the merits of legalizing it in Atlantic City.

All told the time is now and the time for debate is over. The time has come to start coming up with options that are not conventional, to critically look at how things are being decided and enact solutions that balance both the common good and do so in a timely manner. The question of whether or not to legalize sports betting in Atlantic City is a resounding yes with extreme prejudice. Let’s just get it done.

One politician in the area has been a big advocate for such legislation and his name is Jeff Van Drew. The following phone number is to his office in Cape May Court House and is (609) 465-0700 and his fax is (609)465-4578.

Famous Quote
“I don’t go into ventures to make a fortune. I do it because I’m not satisfied with the way others are doing business.”

Growing Up

Branson dropped out of school in 1967 at the age of 16 and started a magazine called Student. He hoped it would be a forum for politically-minded youth. He soon was publishing essays and interviews from such figures as Jean-Paul Sartre, James Baldwin, Alice Walker, and Robert Graves. Despite such a roster of great minds and literary figures, the magazine never made money and seemed bound to fail.

Starting the Business

Branson began marketing his next idea in the pages of Student; selling albums at a reduced rate through the mail. It rapidly became a more profitable business than the magazine itself. The staff of Student suddenly found themselves the employees of the Virgin discount record store. “Virgin” because no one had been in business before. Virgin had been going strongly but it was discovered Branson was dodging his tax payments. He was arrested and jailed.

Building an Empire

An out-of-court settlement was reached and, determined to keep the balance sheets carefully, Virgin Records was founded in 1973. Mike Oldfield’s progressive “Tubular Bells” was the first record released through Virgin and became an international success. But, it was the signing of the Sex Pistols to his label in 1977 that truly established Virgin Records. Though the Pistols broke up soon after, Virgin became the largest indie label in the world. Bands like the Rolling Stone, Peter Gabriel and UB40 were signed to Virgin.

Over the next six years, Branson started over fifty different companies encompassing everything from filmmaking to air conditioner cleaning. Though he was making more than $17 million dollars from his various companies collectively, Branson insists that money is not the motivation behind his involvement in so many ventures. Rather, he enjoys attempting to do something more effectively than those who have tried before him.

In 1984, Branson started Virgin Atlantic Airlines – a company that would prove to be a great challenge as well as the cause of financial distress. Branson ignored discouraging comments that told him he could never compete with British Airways, and to look to the example of those who had failed before. The reason being that he had observed how airline companies did not look after their customers adequately enough – so he would be the one to bring affordable and enjoyable flights to the public. Virgin Air was immediately recognized for its service and luxury. In-flight massages, hydrotherapy baths and seat-back video screens were all part of the experience on-board a Virgin aircraft.

With fuel prices having doubled in the early ’90s, terrorist attacks making people afraid to fly, and BA launching a campaign to put Branson out of the airline business, Virgin Atlantic struggled to stay afloat. Branson was forced to sell Virgin Records in order to raise enough money to keep Virgin Atlantic and pay off his creditors. The sale of the company that gave him his start was a crushing blow.

From this point on, Branson developed a new approach to business called “branded venture capital”. Through this method, Branson licenses the well-known Virgin name and logo in exchange for a controlling interest in the venture. Consequently, Branson has his company’s name fixed to more than 200 different companies, among which are Virgin Bridal, Virgin Publishing, a blimp company and a modeling agency.

Branson is known for his unusual business practices (no central headquarters, no board meetings, and he can’t operate a computer), his showy publicity stunts (like driving a tank into Times Square and buzzing over Big Ben in an Airbus jet), and his adventurous exploits (he was the first person to cross the Atlantic in a hot air balloon and has attempted three times to fly it around the world). It might be thought that such an approach to business could have ruined him, but Virgin is a towering $5 billion dollar giant. And Branson keeps dreaming for the future. In discussing the prospect of starting a shuttle service into space, Branson has said, “Why not? It’s virgin territory.”

Famous Quote
“I don’t go into ventures to make a fortune. I do it because I’m not satisfied with the way others are doing business.”

Growing Up

Branson dropped out of school in 1967 at the age of 16 and started a magazine called Student. He hoped it would be a forum for politically-minded youth. He soon was publishing essays and interviews from such figures as Jean-Paul Sartre, James Baldwin, Alice Walker, and Robert Graves. Despite such a roster of great minds and literary figures, the magazine never made money and seemed bound to fail.

Starting the Business

Branson began marketing his next idea in the pages of Student; selling albums at a reduced rate through the mail. It rapidly became a more profitable business than the magazine itself. The staff of Student suddenly found themselves the employees of the Virgin discount record store. “Virgin” because no one had been in business before. Virgin had been going strongly but it was discovered Branson was dodging his tax payments. He was arrested and jailed.

Building an Empire

An out-of-court settlement was reached and, determined to keep the balance sheets carefully, Virgin Records was founded in 1973. Mike Oldfield’s progressive “Tubular Bells” was the first record released through Virgin and became an international success. But, it was the signing of the Sex Pistols to his label in 1977 that truly established Virgin Records. Though the Pistols broke up soon after, Virgin became the largest indie label in the world. Bands like the Rolling Stone, Peter Gabriel and UB40 were signed to Virgin.

Over the next six years, Branson started over fifty different companies encompassing everything from filmmaking to air conditioner cleaning. Though he was making more than $17 million dollars from his various companies collectively, Branson insists that money is not the motivation behind his involvement in so many ventures. Rather, he enjoys attempting to do something more effectively than those who have tried before him.

In 1984, Branson started Virgin Atlantic Airlines – a company that would prove to be a great challenge as well as the cause of financial distress. Branson ignored discouraging comments that told him he could never compete with British Airways, and to look to the example of those who had failed before. The reason being that he had observed how airline companies did not look after their customers adequately enough – so he would be the one to bring affordable and enjoyable flights to the public. Virgin Air was immediately recognized for its service and luxury. In-flight massages, hydrotherapy baths and seat-back video screens were all part of the experience on-board a Virgin aircraft.

With fuel prices having doubled in the early ’90s, terrorist attacks making people afraid to fly, and BA launching a campaign to put Branson out of the airline business, Virgin Atlantic struggled to stay afloat. Branson was forced to sell Virgin Records in order to raise enough money to keep Virgin Atlantic and pay off his creditors. The sale of the company that gave him his start was a crushing blow.

From this point on, Branson developed a new approach to business called “branded venture capital”. Through this method, Branson licenses the well-known Virgin name and logo in exchange for a controlling interest in the venture. Consequently, Branson has his company’s name fixed to more than 200 different companies, among which are Virgin Bridal, Virgin Publishing, a blimp company and a modeling agency.

Branson is known for his unusual business practices (no central headquarters, no board meetings, and he can’t operate a computer), his showy publicity stunts (like driving a tank into Times Square and buzzing over Big Ben in an Airbus jet), and his adventurous exploits (he was the first person to cross the Atlantic in a hot air balloon and has attempted three times to fly it around the world). It might be thought that such an approach to business could have ruined him, but Virgin is a towering $5 billion dollar giant. And Branson keeps dreaming for the future. In discussing the prospect of starting a shuttle service into space, Branson has said, “Why not? It’s virgin territory.”

Cycling the Atlantic Coastline is spectacular thru parts of the North Carolina Coastline to Virginia Beach. If I may recommend a starting point for a long-distance ride thru some of the best scenery of the Atlantic Coast; start at Gull Rock at Long Point and ride your two-mile warm-up to Gibbs Point at Englehard. Then up the coast to Mantee, NC passing Long Shoal Pt, Sand Pt and Stumpy Pt; this is about a good 25 miles.

From there we will ride East onto the Outer Banks and 10-miles of breathtaking scenery thru Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, NC then from Kitty Hawk back to the shore at Point Harbor NC. From there it is a straight trek 38 miles into Virginia along Highway 158 to 168 passing thru the towns of Harbinger, Spot, Mamie, Powel’s Point, Jarvisburg, Grandy, Coinjock, Barco, Maple, Slingo and Moyock before you hit the Stateline. May I also recommend the Hwy 3 detour on the 158, which takes you 1.3 miles thru Poplar Branch and Aydlett.

Just before you hit the 168 Toll-way in Virginia make a right turn towards the coast again and it is only about 25 miles into Virginia Beach and this rounds out a great scenic ride and you can crash on the beach for a few hours for a good pick-up point. Consider this in 2006.

Atlantic City Casinos are open 24 hours a day, waiting for you to try your luck. They are the largest employers in the region and for many is the only way to really make a quality living. Atlantic City casinos are taking a closer look at “comps,” those promotional allowances designed to attract customers. Atlantic City casinos are famous for gaming and for world-class entertainment. To check out the non-stop action along the Boardwalk and in the Marina District, Atlantic City casinos are waiting for you. Atlantic City casinos are concentrated along the famous boardwalk, together with numerous fabulous restaurants, galleries, and shops. By comparison with depressed Vegas, the Atlantic City casinos are booming. These casinos are basically slot machine palaces. Donald Trump’s Atlantic City casinos are the Trump Plaza, Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Marina. Each of the casinos has its own hotel.

The Atlantic City casinos are going after a market that falls between high rollers who arrive in limousines and the lower-stakes bettors who take buses. Atlantic City casinos are the second only to Las Vegas as the most popular commercial casinos in the United States. To this day, Atlantic City casinos are not allowed to bar card counters. The Atlantic City Casinos are required to pay an annual tax of 8%. Atlantic City casinos are taking a closer look at comps – those free hotel rooms, show tickets, buffets and other goodies given out to make patrons happy. Today some $300 million in taxes collected from Atlantic City casinos are used to benefit the state’s elderly and handicapped. The Atlantic City casinos are strictly regulated by a special government agency of the state of New Jersey: Control Commission.

Their are 12 Atlantic City casinos that are competing for the public’s business everyday, by offering special promotions, buffets, tickets, and hotel rooms.