May 08, 2008

CBS 3 Miffed Its Employees Still Remember Who Alycia Lane Is

Ha ha, apparently if your work fires your coworker you're never allowed to see that person again. Or hang out with her boyfriend, at least. Yes, CBS 3 is upset some of its on-air talent went to Chris Booker's birthday party.

Booker is, of course, the boyfriend of one Alycia Lane, who you can't possibly have forgotten by now, but, hey, who knows?

Among staffers at the party were traffic anchor Bob Kelly, reporter Todd Quinones and meteorologist Doug Kammerer. We're told that station management talked only with Kammerer, mostly for appearing in pictures on Q102's website in which he was holding drinks. While several pictures of Kammerer remain on the site, at least one was removed this morning.

Gawd. How dare we live in a world where the public is allowed to know that Doug Kammerer drinks at an Atlantic City birthday party.

Oh, yeah, Lane is still suing the station, so that could have something to do with it.

CBS 3 upset over talent attending Alycia's A.C. bash for Booker [Phillygossip]

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March 21, 2008

Problem Gambler Can't Use New Chips

Back in 2004, a man only identified as S.D. lost money in Atlantic City. He did the only sensible thing: He went to the Casino Control Commission and asked he be banned from gambling in Atlantic City for life.

Whoops! Turns out he loved to gamble, and since New Jersey shares its list of banned gamblers with other states, now S.D. can't really gamble anywhere. Yesterday, a state appeals court ruled the Commission didn't have to reverse the ban when S.D. asked.

It's a shame for our mysterious problem gambler, since Atlantic City has introduced a new chip that's worth $25,000. (We bloggers call that "a day's pay.") The $25K chip is the highest denomination the state offers, but Caesars notes they have special plaques for its customers who make single bets of $50,000 or $100,000. You may begin weeping now.

Court: Casino panel doesn't have to lift voluntary lifetime ban [The Star-Ledger]
High rollers raise stakes with new $25,000 chip [AP/Courier-Post]

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February 26, 2008

Cecil Fielder To Manage A.C. Surf

The Atlantic City Surf's manager from last season is now a part-owner of the team, and so the team knew there was only one man who could lead the Surf to the championship: Cecil Fielder.

The robust slugger, who hit 51 homers in 1991, managed the Charlotte County Redfish last year and moves up to the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball team this year. (The team is no longerin the Atlantic League with Camden; the Battle of the Atlantic City Expressway is no more.) He's also the dad of 2006 NL Rookie of the Year Prince Fielder!

"I’m excited to join the Surf organization," Fielder said in a release, because he certainly wasn't going to be disappointed to get a new job. “This is a great opportunity, and we’re putting together a team that will give one hundred percent every night. I’m looking forward to managing in such a strong baseball area, and we’re working to bring another championship to Atlantic City.”

The Surf previously employed Mitch Williams as a pitcher/manager; it seems unlikely Fielder would be called on to pinch hit, but we can hope. (Here's a photo of Cecil now.)

Things must be going better for Fielder nowadays. It is not always a man who lost his fortune gambling takes a job in Atlantic City.

[img via Check Out My Cards]

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January 31, 2008

A.C. Councilman To Be Just Visiting

Earlier this week, an Atlantic City Councilman's lawyer asked for DWI and related charges to be dropped since Atlantic City won't turn over discovery information. Hmm, shocking, that's how things work down there? Who knew.

A Press of Atlantic City article yesterday detailed just what Councilman Tim Mancuso was doing at the time of the alleged drunk driving:

Mancuso was arrested after celebrating the jailing of a rival who had just been charged in connection with the 2006 blackmail taping of fellow Councilman Gene Robinson. It remains unclear what he was doing on the beach in his city-issued vehicle at about 2:20 a.m., and who he was with.

Atlantic City should just be ruled by a king or czar or something; it would probably be much better for everyone. Mancuso's lawyer says the Breathalyzer results aren't his client's -- somehow -- and that politicians are allowed to break the law and drive on the beach. In a shocker, Mancuso was re-elected last November.

Meanwhile, a rookie cop in Millville got into an argument with his wife and she fired his gun. He's been suspended.

DWI charges against Atlantic City councilman may be dismissed [Press of AC]
Tuesday: Getting Away With Driving On The Beach

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January 29, 2008

Getting Away With Driving On The Beach

Sometimes I really think I should just move to Atlantic City and write about there; while there's no Milton Street, there is a constant stream of ridiculously awesome political scandals.

Take City Councilman Tim Mancuso. He was arrested on April 21, 2007, for allegedly driving a city-owned vehicle on the beach. Oh, and Mancuso was drunk, cops said; he was charged with DWI, reckless driving and driving on the beach without a permit. But now it looks like the charges will be dropped. Why? Because Atlantic City simply won't provide discovery information.

While the case was moved to Cape May since Mancuso is a City Councilman, the city has simply refused to provide discovery info and nobody has any idea why. Mancuso's defense attorney asked for a dismissal, which the judge says he'll most likely do in 45 days if there's still no discovery.

"It appears the people in Atlantic City are not complying and assisting the prosecutor," the judge said. "Somehow it's not being produced, and I don't know why. It appears someone is passing the buck." AC is so awesome; if they add sports gambling I'm spending all my time there.

Atlantic City's inaction may force court to dismiss DUI charges against councilman [Press of Atlantic City]

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January 25, 2008

Legalized Sports Betting In A.C.?

Earlier this year, several people in New Jersey were arrested for allegedly running a casino out of a Borgata poker room. While we here in this country do simply love sending people to jail for activities between consenting adults, apparently some people in New Jersey feel otherwise: They'd like to legalize sports gambling in Atlantic City!

Two former assembly members, senators Jim Whelan and Jeff Van Drew -- who you may remember from attack ads that made them out to be child-rapists last year -- are at the forefront of the push to legalize sports gambling in Atlantic City. Sports gambling is regulated by federal law, and New Jersey missed its previous chance to legalize it, so it could become a messy states' rights issue that will no doubt be decided in favor of the federal government.

But, hey, who knows? I don't know who would gamble in AC when Internet sports gambling is plentiful and no doubt has better odds. But, hey, if horse racing is the sport of kings and that's base on killing horses and betting on it, who's to say Atlantic City shouldn't get a piece of the action? Well, the National Football League, paragons of virtue and holiness and sponsors of fantasy football, doesn't think so!

"It's bad policy because it turns human players into roulette chips with the sanction of the state," said NFL attorney David H. Remes.

What the hell does that even mean? Oh, no, the big 'roided-up men and their spying coaches might have their integrity ruined, wah wah wah. Human-roulette chip hybrids! What ever will we do? The NFL's lawyer might as well as it's bad policy because it turns human players into zombies that will overrun the earth, a la Resident Evil. Hey, we should be able to gamble on video games, too!

Bid renewed to bring sports betting to A.C. [AP/Philly.com]

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November 14, 2007

N.J. Takes Strong Stance Against Gambling (Unless You're Betting At A Casino. Or On Horse Racing. Or The Lottery.)

Investigators are probing an illegal sports gambling ring in New Jersey, concerned that Atlantic City's reputation will be sullied with betting on sports.

A source told the Associated Press more than 18 people have been arrested and a press conference is scheduled for the top of the hour. Some of the arrested have ties to organized crime! And probably Al-Qaeda!

Meanwhile, in actual crime fighting news, a six-hour standoff outside a casino ended peacefully. Also, there was near nudity! " The man, who was not identified, was ordered by FBI agents on the scene to strip down to his inner clothing and complied at about 4:45 a.m., said state police Sgt. Stephen Jones."

Report: Sports Betting Ring at Borgata Busted [AP/6 ABC]
Standoff Outside A.C. Casino Ends Peacefully [6 ABC]

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November 05, 2007

There Are Apparently A Lot Of Asians In Atlantic City

No, really. Just ask this guy:

On a recent Saturday night, Kevin Yu played a few hands of baccarat at the Trump Taj Mahal, then headed to the casino arena to catch the Hong Kong singing sensation Twins.

To Yu's surprise, the postmidnight concert was sold out. "Wow, so many Asians!" said Yu, 45, a Hong Kong native and truck driver who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Asians are way more likely to be compulsive gamblers than anybody else, so the casinos are doing the only sensible thing: Marketing to them as much as possible!

A.C. RIDES ASIAN TIDE [Inquirer]

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October 25, 2007

A.C. Descends Into Anarchy, Incessant Lawsuits

Hey, remember when that mayor was missing in Atlantic City? Yeah, of course. Well, it seems the departed Bob Levy would be a better mayor than whatever is going on in Atlantic City now. And, so, the process where only one nomination was allowed for the selection of Atlantic City mayoral candidates is being challenged in court by the State Democratic Committee.

Yes, New Jersey's (New Jersey's!) Democrats are so angry they're suing the Atlantic City Democrats for being even more corrupt than anyone ever imagined.

[T]he process ran counter to what city party Chairman Scott Evans told committee members and the media. Evans earlier said all nominees would be considered and the party would name the top vote-getters.

Instead he called the vote after taking nominations from only one person - city ethics board member Howard Barsky, who nominated Evans, a school board member and city fire battalion chief, city Business Administrator Domenic Cappella and former City Councilwoman Barbara Hudgins - at the meeting Oct. 17.

Meanwhile, Evans said they filled City Council vacancies this way and they didn't do anything technically illegal so nyah nyah nyah.

Continue reading "A.C. Descends Into Anarchy, Incessant Lawsuits"

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October 24, 2007

Pro Wrestlers Stronger Than Singers, Study Finds

Congratulations to the Atlantic City Press for the lead of the day:

WILDWOOD - Imagine WWE Raw superstar Umaga [at right, apparently--dmac] taking on 1950s singing sensation Little Anthony and the Imperials.

Chances are Umaga, the 350-pound heavyweight, could make quick work of the group with the aid of his famed Samoan Spike.

In another Press lead today, we learn that Atlantic City's acting mayor does not have two heads, he merely has one.

Atlantic City's acting mayor is one head wearing two hats [Press of AC]
Fifties Weekend sets Wildwoods Convention Center attendance record [Press of AC]

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October 19, 2007

Atlantic City Can't Do Anything Without Controversy

Earlier this week, the Atlantic City Democratic Committee selected the three candidates to replace resigned-and-disgraced ex-mayor Bob Levy. And it turns out there was controversy throughout the meeting!

Here's how it works: The Democratic City Committee chooses three candidates to replace the vacant mayoral position, currently held on an interim basis by William "Speedy" Marsh. The three candidates council will have to pick from are Business Administrator Domenic Cappella, ex-City Councilwoman Barbara Hudgins and Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Evans. The chair of the meeting was, naturally, Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Evans.

And Evans only allowed one person to nominate the candidates for mayor, leading to a predictable cry of corruption from the masses:

Committee member Eva Garrison danced as she left the building. "We need people in here that care for the people of the city, not just themselves." [...]

"If you get voted up or down, fine. But one man's nomination? The process was totally flawed, closed, and in the end you got what the people don't want," Marsh said.

Robert McDevitt was one of the loudest critics. McDevitt, president of the casino workers union Local 54 of UNITE HERE, said he ran thousands of meetings.

"If I did what Scott [Evans] did tonight, I would be led away in handcuffs." Pointing to the yellow police line that separated the committee members from the audience and media, he said, "I'm glad there's crime scene tape, because this is criminal. There are criminals running the city."

City Council has to vote on the nominations by Nov. 9, but nobody knows if they're going to view the three candidates chosen as legitimate due to the ridiculousness of the meeting! Oh, and a guy who voted at the meeting is charged with blackmailing a city councilman with a prostitute! Ha ha, Atlantic City!

Oh, actually, one thing did go well: The implosion of the Sands casino went off without a hitch!

Cappella, Evans or Hudgins to replace Levy [Press of Atlantic City]
From Sands to pile of dust [Press of Atlantic City]

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October 16, 2007

Casino To Be Imploded, Stuffed

When there are big, important events -- say, the implosion of Veterans Stadium or the World Rock Paper Scissors Championships -- people flock to them. But sometimes people flock to events that are stupid as well, like the implosion of a casino that just stole your money for almost 30 years.

And some people are really pumped about the October 18 implosion of the Sands.

Andrea Edmonds had been keeping her suitcase packed and her husband on alert, telling him that he had better be ready to make a trip as soon as she received word. For weeks, she wrote to newspapers, television stations and others hoping to find out the date of a once-in-a-lifetime event that would set her plans in motion.

"I am 62 years old and wish to see an implosion before I die. My husband, on the other hand, wishes to see olives pitted and stuffed," Edmonds cracked.

Olives being pitted and stuffed, though, man, now that's an event I'm pretty psyched about.

Sands implosion ensures Atlantic City spectators will have a blast [Press of Atlantic City]
Demolitions in Atlantic City [Press of AC]

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October 15, 2007

New A.C. Mayor Won't Let Old Staffers Pass Go

I know what you're thinking. "How, exactly," you say, "can this Atlantic City mayoral scandal get any better? The missing fake Green Beret mayor resigned already. There's nothing else that's gonna happen in this story." (Incidentally, I know what you're thinking because you're saying it out loud. Try to be a little quieter.)

Let me assuage your fears: This story is far from over. Atlantic City politics are kind of like Philadelphia politics, except everyone is about 100 times stupider. (So maybe it's like 1980s Philly politics?) This means there's still plenty of laughs to go around. For example: William "Speedy" Marsh, after being sworn in last week, decided to do this:

Continue reading "New A.C. Mayor Won't Let Old Staffers Pass Go"

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October 10, 2007

Atlantic City Mayor Now Officially Out Of Office

The Atlantic City missing mayor, Bob Levy, emerged from his stump today and saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of summer and he's resigning his post as mayor of A.C.

One may wonder why he didn't just resign in the first place, since he had to have known that by disappearing he was effectively resigning his seat. But, hey, his lawyer made the announcement so maybe this is all a plot and he still is missing!

Atlantic City Mayor Bob Levy resigns, effective immediately [Press of AC]
Archives: Bob Levy

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October 09, 2007

Missing Mayor Comes Out Of Hiding, Kinda

Hey, they finally found missing Atlantic City mayor and fake Green Beret Bob Levy! He was at a psychiatric facility for a little over a week after his Sept. 26 disappearance and has been recovering at home ever since.

The revelation of Levy's whereabouts came just after his wife spoke (exclusively) to CBS 3. "I'm concerned about his health, we all are," Hazel Levy said. "Our family loves Bob very much and we're going to get through this because we have a lot of faith in a higher power."

Ah, it was only a matter of time 'til God got involved in this mess.

Missing A.C. Mayor's Whereabouts Revealed [CBS 3]
Exclusive: Wife Of Missing Mayor Breaks Silence [CBS 3]
[Image via HarryHurley.net]

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Uniforms Quash Individuality, Identifying Features

You may think the missing mayor is the only big story in Atlantic City right now.

You'd be wrong:

In essence, Atlantic City High School has done nothing but wrap a pretty bow around its problems. The students know that the uniform policy has only added to the agitation of the school's delinquents, who are currently seeking any outlets they can to voice their outrage.

The school keeps itself hidden from the public eye, and even the students do not know all of the mishaps that occur.

But this year has already started out worse than the last. Sept. 27 was a prime example, with two fights and a fireworks display in the main hall.

An encore fireworks presentation occurred on the following day as the unidentifiable uniformed culprit struck once again.

So not only do they have uniforms, but they have uniforms which make them unidentifiable! Yeah, I'd say that might be a bit much.

Uniforms add to ACHS troubles [Press of Atlantic City, 2nd letter]

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A.C. Mayor To Come Out Of Hiding To Resign?

It appears Bob Levy's reign of green beret terror is coming to an end. Levy is expected to come out of hiding to resign his seat sometime this week.

And if he doesn't come out and resign, he's just going to be removed from office since, well, he disappeared without a trace and verbally left some guy in charge. Somehow, this led a mob of angry citizens led by Steve Young to storm City Hall. Arguments are scheduled today to see if the mayor can be legally removed from office and just who becomes mayor after him.

Meanwhile, the beach is pretty nice today.

Public Waits For A.C. Mayor [6 ABC]

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October 08, 2007

Practicing Direct Democracy In Atlantic City

Like a dictator in exile, fake Green Beret and Atlantic City mayor Bob Levy went into hiding -- or, rather, "sick leave" -- on Sept. 28. Since then, City Administrator Domenic Cappella has been acting as acting mayor, but nobody's really sure if he should actually be allowed to have that power.

And, so, on cue, a mob of angry citizens stormed City Hall. "City resident" Steve Young led a protest into City Hall, declaring, "Every week you hear of some official going to jail because of being corrupt or some other unlawful issue." Oh, and he complained about police brutality, too.

Continue reading "Practicing Direct Democracy In Atlantic City"

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October 03, 2007

Just Where The Hell Is Atlantic City's Mayor?

Sometime last year, a few diligent reporters checked into Mayor Bob Levy's claim that he was a Green Beret on a tip, and -- surprise! -- Levy was never a Green Beret. But, and this is crucial, he wore a green-colored beret while in Vietnam. So no big deal, mmm-kay? (What's weirder is he was decorated in Vietnam; apparently that wasn't good enough for him.)

Well, alright, there is a recall petition being passed around, but, I mean, there's no way anybody in Atlantic City is actually that organized for it to work. (Key quote from that article: "Hey, I don't like being called a fucking coward by anyone. I'm getting tired of this shit.")

Apparently Levy is a little scared of the recall vote, however, since he's missing and nobody knows where he is. Well, actually, his lawyer says he's in the hospital, but isn't releasing any information.

Continue reading "Just Where The Hell Is Atlantic City's Mayor?"

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September 04, 2007

Reporter Terrorizes A.C. Community

Despite its glitzy casinos and bright lights near the beach, the rest of Atlantic City isn't quite a beachfront paradise. It's kind of a dive. Come to think of it, the casinos are dives, too. Okay, well, at least the beach is free. I think.

Anyway, consider the case of Lucy McGlynn, who lives in the Cove, a development partially paid for with casino revenue. In nine years of living in AC, she says she's been robbed 10 times, including a thief who took her garden shoes.

Of course, if you own garden shoes, why are you living in Atlantic City? Funny, that's pretty much what McGlynn says an officer said to her when she reported a crime. The neighborhood still seems fairly safe, except for one woman, but when the Press of Atlantic City attempted to get the scoop on the neighborhood, the residents all ran away:

One woman closed her door when she saw a reporter approaching, later leaving in a car while refusing to make eye contact. An older woman chatting with a neighbor through a car window said McGlynn was the only one with problems.

But she refused to give her name or further discuss problems, saying, "I don't have to give a reason. I don't want to talk to you."

Perhaps the residents thought the reporter was another thief.

A.C. resident waits for next time she'll be robbed [Press of AC]

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August 20, 2007

Atlantic City A Last Resort, Honestly

The Press of Atlantic City walked the boards in AC recently, and learned people apparently only go down the shore because they have no other option.

"I would've liked to take a cruise," said Tony Giuliano, 28, of Albany, N.Y. "Probably the Bahamas or something" he said, dryly.

"Act like you're happy, like you're on vacation," goaded his vacation partner, Andrea Johnson, 27, also of Albany.

Julio Melendez, 28, of New York, would have preferred to visit Europe. With prices the way they are, it may just as well have been a fantasy, he said.

And the people who do enjoy the shore are either (a) dogs or (b) guys who dub themselves "The Poker Menace."

Shore visitors ponder missed summer opportunities [Press of AC]
[Image via The Sign Museum]

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August 06, 2007

Library Prejudice Exposed By Newspaper

A few weeks ago, I saw a news story online about how Tacoma, Washington is attempting to move drug dealers away from the bus station with classical music. I laughed, but the article ended with a 19-year-old playing a Nintendo Gameboy saying "This is wack."

I then pegged the approximate date of this article at about 1992. But perhaps I was wrong. Here's an article from the Press of Atlantic City about kids spending their summers at the library.

“Yeah,” Upshaw Bethea added. “Some people say going to the library is whack. But they’ve never been here.”

Eh. I think "Going to the library is wack!" is a bit catchier than "Reading is FUN-damental!"

Hangin' in the stacks [Press of AC]

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June 25, 2007

Evil Homeless People Nearly Disrupt Gambling

Yesterday, several buildings caught fire on the Atlantic City boardwalk, interrupting many vacationers' plans to buy t-shirts with stupid slogans on them ("I'm not as think as you drunk I am" being the pinnacle of such shirts), to purchase items for 99 cents and to, uh, get a massage.

Also catching fire were the headquarters of the casino commission, although NBC 10 lets us know the important details.

Investigators said homeless people living illegally under the boardwalk might have started Sunday’s three-alarm blaze that destroyed five businesses and damaged casino offices. No one was hurt in the fire that broke out near Ocean Avenue, and casino officials said gaming in the city should not be affected, even though control offices were damaged.

Phew! Those terrible homeless people, starting a fire and nearly disrupting the plans of vacationers to give their money to rich people. You people are the reason why Donald Trump is leaving AC. Ugh. Can't the homeless think of anyone but themselves once in a while?

Police: Vagrants May Have Started Atlantic City Boardwalk Blaze [NBC 10]
Officials trying to find cause of Atlantic City boardwalk blaze [AP/Philly.com]
Trump's A.C. era could be near end [Inquirer]

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April 16, 2007

Pa. Judges Just As Trashy As Other Pennsylvanians

If you're ever going up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a lawsuit¹, please note you don't really have a shot if the judge is current Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Paul P. Panepinto. Panepinto got a free Super Bowl ticket from the Steelers last year.

Okay, so Panepinto got his ticket from friends who were invited to the game by the Steelers and so his free ticket would hopefully not influence his decision. (But it certainly gives you grounds for appeal, if that's how "grounds for appeal" works.) And, hey, this judge got offered a free Super Bowl ticket. I don't think it's hard to see a successful smear campaign against a judge who turned down a free ticket to the Super Bowl on the grounds he doesn't have his priorities in order.

In Pennsylvania, unlike most states, judges can receive gifts up to $250 as long as they report them. This is a great practice because it allows journalists to write stories about wacky gifts lawmakers got, such as Judge Panepinto's Super Bowl tickets.

And, uh, sometimes the gifts were just a little odd:

James DeLeon, a Philadelphia municipal judge seeking the Democratic nod for Superior Court, said he and his wife renewed their wedding vows during a "mock marriage" event at the Trump resort, an event he said is mainly designed for gamblers. DeLeon said he is not a gambler, but was referred to the resort by a friend.

Hey, just think: In just a short time DeLeon can renew his vows at a "mock marriage" right here in Philadelphia.

Gifts to judges -- like free Steelers Super Bowl tickets -- raise questions about Pa. rules [AP/PittsburghLive.com]

¹ I'm not quite sure how you would have been in a position to sue -- or, I suppose, be sued by -- the Pittsburgh Steelers, but I bet it involves Terry Bradshaw and Paxil.

[Photo via ePodunk]

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April 11, 2007

Well, They Blew Up The Chicken Man In Philly Last Night. Now, Okay, No, They Didn't.

While speaking with anti-smoking advocates who had helped push through a New Jersey-wide smoking ban, state Health Commissioner Fred Jacobs said he had fined various casinos for violating the smoking ban.

Although smoking is permitted on gambling floors in Jersey -- although Atlantic City Council recently passed a local ordinance restricting smoking to just one-quarter of the gambling spaces -- it's not allowed in restaurants and other non-gambling casino areas.

The only problem with Jacobs' assertion, though, is that it happened to be not true at all. In actuality, zero casinos have been fined for violating the smoking ban! Jacobs says he "told the truth" and he told an aide to direct the AC Health Dept. to issue the citations and it didn't follow through.

Of course:

But Ronald Cash, director of the Atlantic City Health Department, insisted his staff had never heard from anyone from Jacobs' office about fining casinos. "We have not gotten any calls about fining the casinos," Cash said. "When we get a complaint, we respond to them. At this point, we have not had enough evidence to produce citations against anybody."

Who will win this bureaucratic showdown? The Health Comissioner or the AC Health Department! I don't know, but I bet it will take a lot of paperwork to find a winner.

Smoking ban celebrated, but casinos draw activists' notice [Camden Courier-Post]

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