We are down to the Final Five. After last night's performances of Neil Diamond songs, I have to say it is time for Dreadlocks Dude to go. Jason Castro has hit a musical rut and doesn't seem all that interested in getting out of it. His versions of "Forever In Blue Jeans" and "September Morn" were bland and boring. Of course it's a shame we can't vote off Paula after that ridiculous mistake when she talked about Jason't two songs and he had only sung one at that point in the show.
Syesha Mercado has been improving weekly. Her "Hello Again'' was one of her best performances to date and her fun-filled ''Thank the Lord for the Night Time'' wasn't bad either. Brooke White recovered from her weak "I'm A Believer" with a fabulous take on "I Am ... I Said." Brooke finds her zone when she is barefoot at the piano. David A. was in his comfort zone with the all-American appeal of "Sweet Caroline" and "America." David Cook is still the front-runner in my book and he earned props from Simon for taking songs that weren't that well known ("All I Really Need Is You,'' "I'm Alive") and making them his own.

My top five:
1) David Cook
2) Brooke White
3) David A
4) Syesha Mercado
5) Jason Castro

Posted by moviejunkie at 04:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sunday night, we stopped by the Hamilton Mall for a sneak preview of the newest location of Johnny Rockets restaurant. Their first area location is on the Boardwalk near the entrance to Bally’s Casino.
General manager, Allen Truhan, said that they were having a lot of fun at the Atlantic City location so they decided to open a second Johnny Rockets at the Hamilton Mall, which is located on the ground floor near the center entrance. Tables surround the perimeter of the restaurant. You can travel back to the '60s and select your favorite oldies but goodies with a working nickel jukebox at every table.
If you happen to be there at the right time, you might catch the young waiters and waitresses dancing to the oldies.
Reminiscent of feel-good America, Johnny Rockets, offers burgers, shakes, malts, floats, fries, chicken, salads, chili, BLT’s, Philly cheesesteaks and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. They also have kid’s meals.
We sampled the Rocket Cheese Burger, the Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich, and fries, topped off with tasty Root Beer Floats.
(Photo by Lew Steiner)

Posted by Lew Steiner at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Twenty years ago, Mark Juliano (at right) discovered the Il Mulino Restaurant in New York. When Juliano came to the Trump Taj Mahal
in 2005, he encouraged the Il Mulino Restaurant to open a location there. Last night this became a reality when Juliano, the CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts and Jerry Katzoff (left), Chairman of the Il Mulino, USA, invited guests for a preview of the foods that Il Mulino will offer when the restaurant opens at the Taj Mahal this summer.
Juliano said, "We are very excited that we will soon offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy one of America's finest Italian restaurants.”.
Katzoff noted, "It's recognized that Il Mulino New York is the crown of Italian dining in New York and reservations are always at a premium."
Katzoff explained that there will be two separate dining concepts located at the Taj Mahal: Il Mulino New York and Trattoria Il Mulino. Il Mulino New York will offer the traditional white table cloth experience with tuxedo-clad waiters and an extensive list of daily specials with wine recommendations.
The Trattoria will offer a more casual dining experience featuring many of the creative fares of Il Mulino New York, along with more traditional pizzas, pastas and lighter dishes.
The foods were prepared in the Taj kitchens by the chefs of Il Mulino, New York. Executive Chef Michele Mazza (bottom photo - left) and Corporate Kitchen Manager, Michael Greco (bottom photo-right) made sure that everything was perfect. Chef Mazza trains the chefs at all of the Il Mulino restaurants.
(photos by Lew Steiner)

Posted by Lew Steiner at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Until he became a baseball commentator on Comcast’s Phillies Post-Game Live show a few years back, I didn’t know who John Marzano was. As a career back-up catcher in the American League (for Seattle, Texas and Boston), he might as well have played on Mars since I’m a diehard Phillies fan. However, when this South Philly-bred baseball veteran started talking about the
Phillies for Comcast, I became an instant Marzano fan. He had that South Philly attitude. When the team made a bonehead play, he said so. When a player stunk up the joint, he didn’t try to make excuses. His post-game analysis was entertaining and informative. From all accounts, he was a great guy as well as a great baseball man. His shocking death at age 45 from an apparent heart attack has taken one of the good guys away long before his time.

Posted by moviejunkie at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As the Associated Press reported last night after Atlantic City's city council unanimously passed a bill to curb smoking inside the casinos - effective Oct. 15 - this is an important time in the history of the casinos, which celebrate their 30th anniversary in Atlantic City this year.

Posted by Ace E. Weekly at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

First, if you're gearing up for a summer stay at Borgata's new Water Club, reservations are now being taken for stays starting July 1. The Water Club, which will feature 800 rooms and suites, a two-story spa on the 32nd Floor, five pools, six retail shops and more is set to open to in June.

Second, a recent AP story details some of Curtis Bashaw's plans for a new casino in in Atlantic City.

Lastly, NJN reports today that a criminal investigation is underway in Atlantic City.

Posted by Ace E. Weekly at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Before the walk began, the McDonnell family, some of members of the Patti McWalk Committee and media partners, gathered for the Atlantic City Weekly cameras in front of Lucy. First Row: Jackson T. Chase (Kool 98.3), Lyndsey McDonnell, Ro McDonnell, Lisa Marinelli, Marlene Aqua (Kool) & Meg Perez. Second Row: Jim Craine (MC), Bob McDonnell, Joe Ricci (Kool) & Riana Milne (Kool), Scott Stevens (The Shark). Third Row: Bob Adams, John, Tara Adams, Kevin McDonnell, and Missy Adams.
(Photo by Lew Steiner).
Bob and Row McDonnell along with friends and relatives have been celebrating the memory of their sister Patti with this fundraiser which is the number one fundraiser for the South Jersey Cancer Fund.
Hundreds of participants met at Lucy the Elephant. Joe Ricci introduced Bob McDonnell who thanked all those in attendance. Joe MCNally of the S.J. Cancer Fund told how the organization helps people with Cancer in many ways. Also on stage was Dr. Larry Naame of Atlantic Care. Jim Craine sang the Star Spangled Banner and everyone hit the beach, dressed in green Patti McWalk shirts. Congressman Frank LoBiondo was there with his two dogs in support of this local event.
After taking a walk to the Margate Pier and back the group went to Maynard’s Café in Margate where they enjoyed food provided by Steve Troiano and Buddy McCabe. The late owner of Maynard’s Al Troiano helped the Patti McWalk when it began 7 years ago. He was a strong supporter of the South Jersey Cancer Fund and Patti’s smile was often seen at Maynard’s.

Posted by Lew Steiner at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Somewhere, Frank Sinatra is smiling.
For years, he begged his favorite New York restaurant, Patsy’s, to open up a branch in Vegas or Palm Springs, where he spent so much of his time in his final years. He could have added Atlantic City to that list, and now, finally, there will be a Patsy’s outside of Manhattan, at the Hilton.
Scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend, Sal Scognamillo, executive chef of Patsy’s and the grandson of the original owner, will supervise the creation of a new Patsy’s. (Pictured, above, is a rendering of the dining area). It was long time customer Nicholas Ribis, owner, vice chairman and partner of Resorts International LLC (parent company to Resorts and the Hilton) who suggested the expansion to Atlantic City. The fit seemed perfect to Scognamillo.
“I feel really comfortable about this. It’s a big undertaking — “I’m Italian, so I don’t trust anybody — But I don’t have any reason not to trust these people. If there weren’t so many lawyers in the world, I think this could have been done on a handshake deal.”

Scognamillo is all about family and he feels confident that the Hilton branch of Patsy’s will continue that family feel. Scognamillo will be training the chefs and other staff at his restaurant for a nine-day boot camp, and will continue that supervision and training the first week in Atlantic City. Since Patsy’s already bottles and sells their master marinara sauce, it will be used at the new Patsy’s.
The Hilton put out a lunchtime spread of some of Pasty’s favorites April 17 to announce the restaurant that will replace Caruso’s. These included some incredible, tender meatballs (made only with veal, said Scognamillo), the restaurant’s hot and cold anti-pasta (the melt-in-your-mouth eggplant Rollatine was delicious), and Rigatoni Sorrentino. The desserts included mini cannolis and creamy Tiramisu.
Speaking of desserts, Patsy’s has a tradition on December 12, Frank Sinatra’s birthday, of serving his favorite desserts to everyone in the restaurant for free.
Here’s hoping that tradition will be passed down to the Atlantic City branch. To get your tastebuds prepped for the May opening check out Patsy's Web site.

Posted by moviejunkie at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"[A]ccording to the latest Market Metrix Hospitality Index results, some things are changing [in Atlantic City]. Atlantic City is now challenging Las Vegas in fundamental measures [of hospitality] including guest satisfaction and certain emotional experiences." This according to new results released by Market Metrix.

Check out casino index results at left.

Although Atlantic City has fewer casinos, it beat out its distant desert cousin in every category.
The Market Metrix Web site adds the following:

"Compared to the Las Vegas Strip, Atlantic City guests are more satisfied with their hotel and casino experience and, in turn, are more likely to recommend Atlantic City hotels and casinos to others. For example, Atlantic City guests are impressed with Harrah’s service and employee attitudes and love Borgata’s celebrity-chef-run restaurants."

According to the company's Web site: "Market Metrix was founded in 1996 by Jonathan Barsky, Ph.D. and Lenny Nash to provide hospitality companies with better customer and employee satisfaction measurement programs and management tools. Since then, Market Metrix has earned a reputation for industry leading research and effectiveness for clients of all sizes."

Posted by Ace E. Weekly at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Maybe it's just me, but I only thought David Cook was ok with his performance on MC night, yet there was Simon, giving him the most ebullient praise the Simonator has dished out all season. It's not that I'm down on David; he is still my favorite Idol, but I just wasn't blown away by his interpretation of Mariah's ''Always Be My Baby.''
David Archuleta led off the show with ''When You Believe,'' and he was back with a soaring vocal, although it had a few rough spots (the lower range notes as usual). Carly Smithson continues to falter. Her "Without You," a Mariah version of the Nielsson song, was screechy on the high notes. What has happened to her? She was great a month ago. Syesha Mercado's ''Vanishing'' was solid but not spectacular. I don't get why Simon bitched about her doing a song that isn't a big Mariah hit; that seems like a smart move to me.
Brooke White performed an unplugged version of ''Hero,'' which was excellent in spots but a bit rough in others, as Randy pointed out. Kristy Lee Cook's ''Forever'' gave Mariah Carey chills. It was one of KLC's best performances, which isn't saying much. Still, she might hold on one more week.
I'm with Paula on Jason Castro's take on ''I Don't Wanna Cry.'' After Randy's wacked "luau" reference, I agreed with Paula saying she'd want to hang out at that luau.

My Top Seven:
1) David Cook; 2) David A; 3) Jason Castro; 4) Brooke White; 5) Carly Smithson; 6) Syesha Mercado; 7) Kristy Lee Cook.

After last week's MJ shocker, I'll say Brooke White is leaving the building, although I'm hoping it's KLC.

Posted by moviejunkie at 05:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Resorts Atlantic City is having a big time party Memorial Day Weekend to celebrate 30 years of gaming in AC with a four-day extravaganza. The celebration to commemorate when Resorts opened its doors as the first casino in New Jersey on May 26, 1978, will take place from Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26.
On Friday, May 23, the celebration kicks off with a spectacular fireworks display from the rooftop of Resorts. Following the grand display, the party will move inside to Boogie Nights with special guest host DJ Big Joe Henry. The music, décor and tribute artists will transform Boogie Nights into a 1970s lounge. On Saturday and Sunday, Natalie Cole appears in the Superstar Theater Tickets are $75.

On Sunday, Resorts will give away 300 flat panel televisions. The promotion commemorates Resorts’ 30 years of gaming, with a give away of 30 televisions every hour from 2–11pm. To be eligible to win, players can earn points by playing their favorite casino games using their Resorts Destination Casino Club card between May 1 and May 24. On Monday, May 26, the celebration concludes with an aerial spectacular performed by Freefall Adventures, Inc. At 11:30am, thirty skydivers will form the number 30 in the air, followed by a reenactment of the first dice throw. This reenactment will take place on an over-sized craps table on the Boardwalk in front of Resorts.

Posted by moviejunkie at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Borgata has announced a few more of their summer shows. Bill Maher headlines on May 31, Melissa Etheridge will be appearing July 4, Earth, Wind & Fire on Aug. 2 and Herbie Hancock on Aug. 16. Tickets for all these shows go on sale this Saturday on the Borgata Web site.

Posted by moviejunkie at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Hilton Casino Resort is offering players the chance to sell their gold for cash April 25-27 in the Hilton Ballroom. Get Cash Gold Inc. is the company that will be on hand to buy the gold. The Hilton is featuring the promotion on a billboard on the AC Expressway.

Posted by moviejunkie at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Live Nation presents Grammy Award musician/vocalist, Alicia Keys with Ne-Yo and Jordin Sparks performing in the Mark G. Etess Arena at Trump Taj Mahal on Saturday, May 31. Tickets go on sale April 19.

Posted by moviejunkie at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I usually skip commenting on the Idol results show, but Yo Dawg, that was a bummer! Michael Johns has been one of the top performers and he had one of the better vocals during the bland “inspirational song” week. I’m really shocked; if fact I haven’t been this shocked about a vote since Chris Daughtry was booted off. He as least had a fourth place finish. MJ, hang in their baby, with your talent and good looks your national profile and career will continue. If Bucky Covington can have a hit record … any ex-Idol can.
P.S.: I loved Bucky's hit single "A Different World."

Posted by moviejunkie at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The 4th Annual Street Life concert to benefit the Hansen House takes place at Harrah’s Concert Venue Wednesday, April 30, at 7pm and will bring together more than 20 featured local performers including Alex Glover, Bobby, Kit & Greg, Bugzy, Cathy Donofrio, Cibon, Dane Anthony, George Mesterhazy, Geri Mingori, Gina Roche, Howard Isaacson, Jennifer Hansen, Kathy Fowler, Michael Pedicin, Ken Jeremiah, Melanie Rice, Patty Balbo, Paul Jost, Suze Schneider and Tom Adams.
Tickets for the concert are $25 per person, and $150 for VIP seating which includes a reception with the musicians after the show. Tickets may be purchased online here or by calling Nina Soifer at (609) 965-3700, ext. 15.
Street Life is produced by Melanie Rice and Bob Fowler, with Philadelphia entertainer Eddie Bruce serving as Master of Ceremonies.

The inaugural concert in 2005 and the accompanying CDs were the brainchild of Northfield’s Nina Soifer. Soifer became inspired when hearing Hansen House founder Jennifer Hansen perform a song titled “Street Life,” which Hansen wrote about her own experience of having lived life on the streets with a drug addiction.
All proceeds from the Street Life Concert will benefit Hansen House, two, 24-bed residential treatment halfway houses (one for men and one for women) located at 411 Aloe Street in Galloway Township, N.J. A private, charitable 501(C) 3 non-profit corporation, Hansen House treats the diseases of alcoholism and drug addiction, providing clients with the tools and skills needed to live productive and responsible lives.

Posted by moviejunkie at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Fine Living television network has named Atlantic City’s Boardwalk as one of the top five ’walks in the nation. Atlantic City was third on the list, after Santa Cruz Beach, Cal. and Virginia Beach, Va. Ocean City, NJ 's boardwalk also made the list, coming in right behind AC at #4. The complete list is online here .

Posted by moviejunkie at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. announced today, April 9, that its board of directors has approved a plan to change the company’s name to Caesars Entertainment Corporation, pending regulatory approvals.
The name change is designed to capitalize on the high international name recognition enjoyed by the Caesars brand and to appeal to customers attracted by its connotation of luxury, opulence and world-renowned entertainment, dining and shopping options.
“Adoption of the name Caesars Entertainment Corporation will provide our company with greater prestige and help attract strategic business partners as we pursue expansion opportunities in new jurisdictions,” said Gary Loveman, Harrah’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The change also reflects our evolution into a full-service entertainment company that offers a rich range of gaming and non-gaming amenities to our guests.”
We don't know yet whether this corporate change means that any of the Harrah's/Caesars Atlantic City casinos — Bally's, Harrah's, Caesars and the Showboat/House of Blues — will have a name change.

Posted by moviejunkie at 01:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The inspirational night wasn’t all that inspiring. David Cook stumbled, but not enough to put him in the bottom three. David A. has some rough moments but Simon loved the song so he had a bit of a comeback.
The best performance of the night was from our favorite hippy dippy music dude in dreadlocks, Jason Castro. His “Over the Rainbow,” borrowed from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, was a perfect choice. It was something different on a night when everyone else was treading water — or worse.
David Cook presented an incoherent version of Our Lady Peace's ''Innocent.'' It was all over the place, and none of those places were any good. Thanks to his previous strong performances, however, he should avoid being in the bottom three.
Syesha just keeps hitting her head on the wall with her song choices. Will she never learn? This might be her last chance. After doing Whitney last week, she decides to pale in comparison by doing Fantasia’s season three anthem, “I Believe.” She did a nice job but as pointed out by the judges, the emotion was not there. We will see that emotion when she is booted off tonight.

Syesha is in the crosshairs because Kristy Lee Cook was smart enough to do a song that suits her, Martina McBride’s “Anyway.” She obviously can’t match the emotion McBride brings to the song, but she did her best vocal of the contest and should be back next week.
Carly Smithson had an off night with her rendition of “The Show Must Go On.” It was a wee bit shrill at times for the Irish lass, and there did seem to be an underlying vibe of anger, which doesn’t fit a song that is supposed to be inspirational. I think she might be in the bottom three but I think she’ll get by.
David Archuleta's version of ''Angels,'' was rough in the beginning. David’s real weakness is his low notes. Once he was in a more comfortable note range, however, adorable David was back.
Michael Johns did a solid, but not spectacular, cover of “Dream On.” His performance was a prime example of my treading water analogy.
Finishing off the evening was folk-tinged Brooke White, who lately has been crying after every song she sings — even before Simon rips into his assessment. Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend” is one of my favorite songs, and although Brooke’s rendition was too much of a King carbon copy, it was well sung.

The Bottom Three
Syesha, Carly, Brooke — going home, Syesha

My Idol Top Seven:
1) David Cook; 2) Michael Johns; 3) Brooke White; 4) Jason Castro; 5) David Archuleta; 6) Carly Smithson; 7) Kristy Lee Cook

Posted by moviejunkie at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A performance by The Last Goodnight scheduled at the House of Blues for this Thursday, April 10 has been cancelled. Ticketholders should check with the HOB about refunds.

Posted by moviejunkie at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A benefit for the New Jersey WWII Memorial will take place May 10, 2008, presented by Resorts Atlantic City in its Superstar Theater. Read Pinky's Corner in tomorrow's issue of AC Weekly for more information. Also, here's a great piece written by Jim Waltzer on Atlantic City's Camp Boardwalk during WWII. At left, a picture of Camp Boardwalk from the AC Public Library's Heston Collection.

The May 10 program will include:
7:30 - 8:00 PM Patriotic Salute to WWII Veterans & Camp Boardwalk
8:00 - 9:00 PM Joe Piscopo Live! with Orchestra conducted by Vincent Falcone
9:00 -10:00 PM Dessert Reception with Meet & Greet & Photo Op

Invited Guests include Gov. Jon S. Corzine and WWII veteran Yogi Berra. The evening to honor NJ WWII veterans and Camp Boardwalk will also include a special tribute to N.J.'s WWII vets on the A.C. Boardwalk and a military flyover. A special commemorative coin will be given to all private event guests. Tickets for civilians: $125 for show & dessert reception; $75 show only. For veterans: $60 for show & dessert reception. Tickets are limited and all registrations payable in advance by:
· Online: Go to www.acchamber.com (click on WWII event scrolling on lower right hand side and follow registration instructions)
· Mail: Make checks payable to: Greater Atlantic City Chamber. Donors should note WWII Memorial in memo section. Proceeds to benefit WWII Memorial Commission and donations to be considered tax deductible contributions within the scope of Section 170 (c) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations can be made out to: Treasurer, State of New Jersey.
· Mail checks for event & donations to: Greater AC Chamber, Gordon's Alley, 12 S. Virginia Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Call 609-345-1666 for more information.

http://acweekly.com/?inc=article_cat_listings&type=columnswww.acchamber.com

Posted by Ace E. Weekly at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Check HBO's boxing Web site for a little video and slideshow action regarding the upcoming televised fight between Miguel Cotto (31-0, 25 KOs) and Alfonso Gomez (18-3-2, 8 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round contest, scheduled for this Saturday night, live from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. See this Thursday's issue of AC Weekly for more on the main event and the man behind it, Ken Condon.

Posted by Ace E. Weekly at 03:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Hilton has announced that sometime during Memorial Day Weekend (May 23–26), it will open a new eatery, Patsy’s Italian Restaurant.

Patsy’s executive chef and co-owner is Sal Scognamillo, who has rubbed elbows with plenty of celebrities, including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Nicholas L. Ribis, vice chairman and partner of Resorts International Holdings LLC, is also an owner.

Posted by moviejunkie at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yesterday afternoon, I was ready to rip into the Phils. I turned on the radio at lunchtime and the Fightins’ were already down 5-0. Philly fans aren’t stupid. We are astute sports fans who understand that going 0-3 for the third season in a row doesn’t mean the Phils won’t be there at the end of a long season, but it sure as hell makes us nervous. We’ve had so many bad Aprils turn into bad seasons. It is especially nerve wracking when one of the best hitting teams in the league can only manage one hit in a game against the Washington Nationals, as the Phils did in the second game of the season.
Well, I held back my wrath and was rewarded by seeing the Phillies dig themselves out of that 5-0 hole and come roaring back. Jimmy Rollins legging it from first to third on Shane Victorino’s bunt was a thing of beauty (pictured), and just a day at work for the reigning MVP.
Tom Gordon is still making me wince — retire already, Flash, that tear in your shoulder is hurting you more than you’ll admit. Brad Lidge can’t come back fast enough (hopefully as scheduled tomorrow). Losing the first series of the season at home is still not great, but 1-2 is a hell of a lot better than 0-3.
Hey guys, let’s get on the right track by showing the Reds how good the reigning National League East champions can really be.

While we’re on a sports topic, here are my picks for the NCAA Final Four tomorrow and Monday. UCLA beats Memphis, 75-72, Kansas defeats NC 80-72 and UCLA takes the national championship on Monday by beating Kansas 86-76. Check out AC Weekly for my complete story.

Posted by moviejunkie at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I’ve been checking out other Idol blogs and the anti-country music fans are out in full force. Dolly Parton Night was pretty damn good in my book, although the Sixers were playing so well I was wearing down the return button on my remote.
David Cook did a terrific job on Dolly’s “Little Sparrow,” but he was not the hottest performer of the night. Michael Johns leaped past Cook into front runner status with his superb, sexy and soulful take on ''It's All Wrong, but It's All Right.'' I still don’t know what the bug up Simon’s bum is when it comes to Carly Smithson, but her enchanting performance of “Here You Come Again” was dyn-o-mite. Her pop interpretation of the song blended with her fabulous vocal skill to create the only performance that challenged Michael Johns this week. Yet, there was Simon, saying it was only okay. Is he nuts?
David A. did his usual polished vocals on "Smokey Mountain Memories," but he seems to have lost his emotional mojo. Even since his tear-inducing “Imagine,” his performances have been technically good but emotionally disconnected.
Jason Castro’s “Travelin’ Through” had more energy than some of his recent performances, so I’ll count it as a rebound. Syesha, couldn’t resist going the Whitney route with Dolly’s ''I Will Always Love You.'' You don’t cover Whitney, people! Haven’t you learned that yet? Brooke White was only okay with “Jolene.”
Can there we any doubt that the bottom two this week will be Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele, doing “Coat of Many Colors” and “'Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” respectively. Kristy has to looks to skate by and even get signed to a country label, but if she isn’t dumped this week, it is only because it will be the end of the line for Ms. Malubay.
Here is my top nine:
1) Michael Johns; 2) Carly Smithson; 3) David Cook; 4) David Archuleta; 5) Jason Castro; 6) Brooke White; 7) Syesha Mercado; 8) Kristy Lee Cook; 9) Ramiele Malubay.

Posted by moviejunkie at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Donald Trump, his daughter Ivanka, above, and wife Melania attended a wind-driven topping off ceremony for the Trump Taj Mahal's new $255 million, 782-room hotel tower in Atlantic City. NJ Gov. Jon Corzine, in attendance with other local and state dignitaries, as well as members of the Trump organization, joined in on the ceremonial beam-signing.
Said Trump to reporters at the event, which was followed by a luncheon, "We're helping to create the Atlantic City of tomorrow."
The Tower at Trump Taj Mahal is slated to open with about 400 new, much-needed rooms for the city in September 2008. About 100 new rooms will be added each month through December.
In other related Atlantic City development news, Moody's Financial Service has revised Pinnacle Entertainment Inc.'s outlook to stable from positive. The company plans to pursue new development opportunities in Louisiana and Atlantic City at the former Sands site. [Photo Lew Steiner]

Posted by Ace E. Weekly at 01:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)