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Borgata just added Interpol to their schedule Saturday, July 20 at 9pm. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, June 2 at 10am. Over at the House of Blues The Aggrolites are penciled in for Thursday, July 26 and Reggaeton star Calle 13 performs Thursday, July 12. Those shows also go on sale this Saturday at 10am.
According to the Associated Press, Mike Tyson is hoping to be in Atlantic City this Saturday night working the Briggs-Ibragimov fight. The heavyweight bout will take place at Boardwalk Hall and is to be shown on Pay-Per-View.
Before the Carrie Underwood debut Friday, May 25 at Caesars Circus Maximus, media members were invited to a dinner at Mia. Fashionably late, thanks to a five hour limo ride from New York City, was famed Village Voice gossip columnist Michael Musto. I’ve spent hours stuck in holiday Parkway traffic, so I felt his pain. For someone who mingles with the rich and infamous, Musto was down-to-earth as he chatted with his tablemates.
Since he was sitting across from an AC local, he asked about the obvious changes in AC in the past few years and I was happy to catch him and his companion up on the World’s Playground (I’m old school and I like AC’s old nickname).
I’ve been a fan of Musto and his La Dolce Musto column in the Voice since his first byline in the early 1980s. Check out his latest column here.
Dinner, by the way was delicious, especially my scallops and lobster tail with fingerling potatoes, and the selection of mini-desserts that included a yummy crème brulee.
Carrie Underwood opened the newly retrofitted Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars last weekend, May 25 and 26. No longer a nightclub, the Circus Maximus has 1,600 forward-facing seats covered in maroon velour, and a $1 million sound system. Oddly enough, the disappearance of the nightclub tables gives this huge space a more intimate feel.
The sound in the new showroom certainly reaches the back of the house.
Carrie Underwood has a fantastic voice, but just two years removed from her American Idol win, she needs more seasoning to improve her skills as an entertainer.
She is still qualifying her dynamic rendition of “Before He Cheats” by saying she doesn’t condone violence. In the song, Underwood talks about keying her boyfriend’s truck, carving her name in the seat and taking a baseball bat to the headlights, hoping he might think twice before cheating on his next girlfriend. The packed house loved the song as it, without apologies. Attitude is something Underwood displays fully in her vocals but she could use a little more of it in her chat between songs.
This minor quibble aside, Underwood’s impressive vocals were on display as she performed most of the songs from her debut album including her hits “Wasted,” “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” and “Jesus Take the Wheel” for her encore.
She also performed her excellent cover of the Pretenders “I’ll Stand By You” which she performed on the Idol Gives Back charity concert.
Perhaps hoping to give her squeaky-clean image a little tweaking, towards the end of the show Underwood did a couple of Guns ‘n Roses covers, “Patience” and “Sweet Child ‘o Mine.”
The Atlantic City Surf opened its 10th season and first in the Can-Am League with a come from behind 5-4 victory over the league’s touring team The Grays. The level of play was several notches below the Surf’s former Atlantic League environs. The throws were not as crisp, the pitchers featured an array of wild pitches and hit batsmen, and the fielders seemed less sure of themselves. Of course opening night is always nerve-wracking.
Both teams were big on stolen base attempts. The Surf scored their first run without a hit thanks to a hit batter, a stolen base and two wild pitches.
One player who does have a strong arm is Surf centerfielder Lucas Taylor, who scored the first run noted above. In the top of the second with the bases loaded, a hard single was hit to center. Taylor charged the ball and threw a perfect strike to catcher Mischa Dworken, who successfully blocked the plate, which is more that Phils’ catcher Rod Barajas did the other day.
Atlantic City DH Rich Daly broke a 4-4 tie with a sacrifice fly to left center field that drove in Ed Montague in the eighth inning. And yes, that is the son of National League umpire Ed Montague. Atlantic City's Matt Pike earned the save.
The kids in the stands didn’t seem to care about the play on the field as long as Splash was in the house to amuse them.
Tonight, May 25, the Surf presents fireworks after the 7:05pm contest, and they have games on Saturday and Sunday. The team is then on the road for three games against the Brockton Rox, returning to Bernie Robbins Stadium for a 7-game homestand June 1. For more info on the Surf visit their Web site.
With next Friday (June 1) being the official start date of the 2007 hurricane season, Courier Post writer Jeanne Ridgway reports on summer plans for a test evacuation of the AC Expressway, announced yesterday by area emergency officials. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is forecasting an "above normal" 2007 Atlantic hurricane season.
As expected the American Idols finale was anti-climatic with Jordin Sparks taking the mantle. The show was okay. I enjoyed seeing the boys as the back-up singers for Smokey Robinson and the girls doing the same for Gladys Knight. The vocal highlight was Melinda Doolittle sharing the stage with Bebe and CeCe Winans for a gospel song. Melinda had been a back-up singer for Bebe. Doug E. Fresh with Blake in a beat-boxing frenzy was fun too.
Bette Midler looked great but it sounded like she hadn’t sung in awhile. Her chops were a bit stale as she performed her ultra sentimental “Wind Beneath My Wings.” I wonder who’s providing the wind for Simon Cowell? By the way, did we really have to see Fox star Jeff Foxworthy every five minutes? Maybe I should ask him when he comes to Harrah’s June 2.
Mostly the show was a plug for the Idols tour, which comes to AC Sept. 8. My bad luck is that I will be in Toronto. Bummer.
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome! The Lost finale absolutely redeemed what has been an up and (mostly) down season. Jack’s showdown with the master manipulator Ben was a face pulverizing and richly deserved smackdown. The whole flash forward/dream in which Jack finds out that going home isn’t exactly what he expected—therefore confirming Locke’s view of island life—was a spectacular twist. Frenchy finally meets her daughter and Walt (looking very grown-up making a visit to Locke), provided two more great moments.
Hurley’s inventive intervention in the rescue attempt had me laughing to the point of tears. I might have shed real tears at the death of Charlie, except that his death has been inevitable all season. Not to mention that his final sacrifice for Claire and the baby was a life affirming moment, beautifully constructed. Obviously the Russian is on the same wavelength as the island when it comes to spontaneous regeneration, just like Locke. Either that or he dropped by Heroes when we weren’t looking and absorbed the cheerleader’s powers.
The brilliant finale, coupled with the news that the final three seasons will be presented in continuous 16 episode blocks, has me totally psyched. Lost has regained the style and Twilight Zone-esque twists that hooked us in the first place.
Alley Cat Allies is a national organization that promotes Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the only humane, effective method to reduce the feral cat population. The organization is looking for volunteers to help with an Atlantic City event. Alley Cat Allies and Dr. Suzanna Brown/Best Friends Veterinary Hospital of Mays Landing will be hosting a Feline Frenzy! to spay or neuter and vaccinate at least sixty cats from Atlantic City. Volunteers are needed to humanely trap the cats, transport them to the clinic and return them to their habitat after surgery. As a cat lover and Animal Planet junkie, I've signed up and am looking forward to helping the lives of these cats. Please join me. The cat pictured above is a content kitty from the AC boardwalk program.
ACA, based in Bethesda, MD, has managed a successful TNR program on the Atlantic City boardwalk for six years, but this event will expand their efforts to other parts of the city. Volunteers are needed from Friday, June 8 to Monday, June 11. Exact location and times will be assigned based on skills and availability of volunteers. To volunteer, call 1-866-309-6207 or E-mail alleycat@alleycat.org. For more info on ACA, visit their Web site
After last night’s American Idol smackdown, there should be no doubt that Jordan Sparks is the winner. Her vocal superiority was evident. The litmus test was the interpretation of the new song, “This Is My Now,” that will be the winner’s first single. 
When Blake Lewis sang the song, all its cheesiness and sentimentality came out. It seemed bland and boring, and Blake appeared uncomfortable, knowing the song was a dud.
However, when Jordan sang the song she put so much vocal variety and emotional context to the song, she made it remarkably palatable. I decided that maybe the song wasn’t as sappy as I thought it was.
Blake will have a career anyway, and so will Melinda Dolittle, the best pure singer of the group. Phil Stacy is also likely to slip into a country recording slot, and Sanjaya will continue his talk show circuit for a few months before he uses up his 15 minutes of fame.
The American Idols are in Atlantic City Sept. 8 at Boardwalk Hall. For tickets go here.
Heroes finished up the season with an awesome episode, a very satisfying ending. The heroes worked together to stop Sylar. Nathan redeemed himself. Molly and Micah are new friends. Nikki/Jessica are together at last and we have a new unknown villain to think about over the summer. I think the shape-shifter is very dangerous myself.
I really loved how they brought back Richard Roundtree and we found out he is part of the team. That scene with Peter was terrific. It does make you wonder if Simone’s dad knew Linderman (he must) why didn’t Linderman cure him if they are on the same side.
I also have a small quibble I felt while watching the Heroes marathon last weekend. When HRG a.k.a. Noah and Haitian Man took Nathan earlier in the season, how could Nathan fly around Haitian man?
I enjoyed the episode and enjoyed the beginning of “Generations” in ancient Japan. Unlike Lost and 24 this season, which have been inconsistent in quality, Heroes delivered.
P.S.: I really liked Jericho and am sorry that CBS has canceled it. Too bad the executives didn’t figure out that taking such a big break between episodes would lose the audience.
The Borgata added a few more headlines to their schedule: Staind (July 3); Jon Lovitz (July 6); Dom Irrera (July 14); Craig Ferguson (July 21, pictured at right), Mary J. Blige (July 28); The Moody Blues (Aug. 10); Lewis Black (Aug. 10). Staind goes on sale this Friday, May 25; the rest are on sale Saturday, May 26.
Here’s an announcement I’ve been waiting for since the Police world tour was announced months ago. Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers are coming to Boardwalk Hall to perform Saturday, Nov. 3 at 8pm. Tickets are $50, $100, $225 and $350 and will go on-sale Sat., May 26 at 10am. Tickets can be obtained by either calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420, on line at www.ticketmaster.com or in person at the Boardwalk Hall box office.
Thanks a heap, Donald. Trump Entertainment pulled off this major concert deal for AC. For box office hours or more information please call 609-348-7000. For more info on the band visit here.
www.thepolicetour.com.
Legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist Bo Diddley has been hospitalized following a stroke suffered on Sunday May 13. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member was taken to the emergency room at Creighton University Medical Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The 78-year-old Diddley, who has a history of hypertension and diabetes, showed signs of disorientation following a concert at Harrah’s Casino in Council Bluffs. Tests indicated Diddley had a stroke that affected the left side of his brain, impairing his speech and speech recognition. He remains in intensive care and his condition is listed as “guarded.”
Diddley was scheduled to perform at the House of Blues July 6. Check out Jeff Schwachter’s interview here with audio excerpts.
Fans are asked not to contact the hospital but may send well wishes to postmaster@tciartists.com or via snail mail to TCI (Talent Consultants International, Ltd.),105 Shad Row, 2nd Floor, Piermont, NY 10968.
Taylor Hicks, after a sold-out solo debut at Borgata April 14, is coming back to town. He’ll perform Sunday, June 24 at the House of Blues at 8pm. Tickets, $33 and $38, go on sale this Saturday from Ticketmaster at 10am. Click here to read my interview with Hicks.
The summer schedule is filling in rapidly at AC's casinos. Other shows added this week include Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price bringing their “Last of the Breed” tour to the Taj Mahal on Friday, Aug. 31. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Fri., May 18) at Ticketmaster. Also just added are Poison at the Taj July 27 (on sale Sat. May 19); LL Cool J, July 5 at the HOB (on sale Monday, May 21) and Diana Krall and Chris Botti, July 7 at the Borgata (on sale May 19 on their Web site).
I’m still steaming about Melinda Doolittle not making it to the final two. It was a combination of the youth movement for Blake and Jordan, plus and the kiss of death: Simon said Melinda should be in the finals. However, I know that Melinda will get a recording contract and career out of her Idol exposure, as will the talented teen and Mr. Cool.
Speaking about the Idols, the ten finalists will be coming to Boardwalk Hall Saturday, Sept. 8, including the adventurous hairstyles of Sanjaya, the belting of Kiki, the legs of Hayley, the Goth appeal of Gina, the crooning of Phil and the Timberlake vibe of Chris R.
Boardwalk Hall has announced a Special Internet Only Pre-Sale for the American Idols Live! Tour 2007. The presale begins tomorrow, Friday, May 18, at 10am and ends at 10pm. The Password is: Top10. You can get a 24-hr. jump on the ticket sales. Tickets are $39.50, $52.50 and $72.50. Go here for the pre-sale.
As in previous seasons of American Idol, the top 10 finalists are going on tour later this year and will stop in Atlantic City (Sept. 8, Boardwalk Hall). Who'll be appearing? In case you stopped watching the Fox show after the March 8 dismissal of Point Pleasant's Barba, the 10 finalists — all slated to go on the road together — are Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, LaKisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Richardson, Phil Stacey, Haley Scarnato, Chris Sligh, Gina Glocksen and Sanjaya Malakar.
While tickets go on sale this Saturday, May 19, through Ticketmaster, fans of the show can purchase tickets online the day before (Friday, May 18, 10am) exclusively through local radio station WAYV's Web site.
This week, the final three contestants will find out who will be the latest to get booted off.
Last weekend, every celebrity's favorite DJ — Adam Goldstein (AKA DJ AM) — provided music for an interesting sounding Kentucky Derby bash where one artist-formerly-known-as-the-husband-of-Britney-Spears provided some national gossip column juice. This weekend, Nicole Richie's (along with a boatload of other actresses' and models') ex-beau will fly into town where he'll be spinning at Borgata's mur.mur on Saturday night.
Morbidly obese with multiple co-morbidities.
That’s how a doctor describes someone like me who is over 100 pounds overweight with the obese-related conditions of high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea. The time has come to consider bariatric surgery.
My dad died of a massive heart attack covering the Phillies in Chicago during their championship season of 1980. He was 56; I’m 53.
Personally, I’d like to live a little longer than my dad. I’d like to see my niece graduate from college and become a doctor. I’d like to see what my nephews and nieces are like in ten years. I’d like to become a great aunt.
The only way that is going to happen is if I lose at least 100 pounds (150 pounds would be ideal).
Unlike the people with perfect metabolisms out there, I’ve struggled with my weight most of my life. These days they categorize morbid obesity as a disease, like alcoholism. There is a complex mix of genetics, socialization, psychological factors and metabolism/appetite that combine to make it nearly impossible for some people to lose weight by conventional means.
This is particularly galling to be because I was a top athlete as a child, a schoolyard legend. I was a two-sport letter winner in high school and a three-sport athlete at Stockton where I earned “athlete of the year” honors in 1974.
I put my weight on gradually, but five pounds a year for twenty years adds up. I first tried Weight Watchers in 1972, most recently in 2004-05. I always lose weight on the program; I’ve lost 50 lbs a half dozen times over the years, but I always hit a plateau. My body fights me.
This time I’m fighting back. I am going into training for the biggest challenge of my life, bariatric surgery. I’m hoping I qualify for restrictive lap-band surgery (AGB), which is less invasive than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB). For details on both procedures go here.
In order to qualify for bariatric surgery, most insurance companies (mine is Aetna) insist on a doctor-supervised diet and exercise program (usually three or six months long), plus a visit with a shrink to determine that you fully understand the consequences of the surgery. Also, you have to prove that you can radically change your habits in order for the surgery to be successful. It is not a cure, but a tool. Like alcoholics, food-aholics can find a way around the restrictions of having a stomach pouch the size of an egg and a stomach opening the size of a dime.
I’m not thrilled about having another surgery, but I’m tired of hitting that wall. The frustration of failure, and the everyday pain I’ve endured for years on my joints and back is no longer tolerable. I’m in the danger zone; there is a heart attack or stroke with my name on it out there unless I lose the weight. It still might happen but I want to change the odds in my favor.
My journey began after a five-hour visit with a bariatric surgeon. Step two is my nutritional evaluation June 6, the start of my three-month program to qualify for the surgery.
I know I am not alone. The obesity epidemic in the United States has the attention of the medical community big time. As my journey continues I will periodically provide updates on my progress. I’m hoping to change my life, and maybe offer encouragement to people out there like me who are thinking about this surgery.
Failure is not an option.
Just when you thought the casino summer concert announcements had hit their peak, think again. Just as fast as tickets recently went on sale for Jimmy Buffet's Atlantic City debut (which pretty much sold out in like five seconds), and Bob Dylan's folks announced he'll be kicking off his summer tour here in June, and Squeeze, Ne-Yo and Tool shows were finalized for the coming months — here comes another announcement, which fans of pop-blues-rock sensation John Mayer will surely appreciate.
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