'Lady Day' B'way Cast Album Debuts At #1

PS Classics' Original Broadway Cast Recording of Audra McDonald in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill topped four of the Billboard Charts in its first week of release: #1 in Cast Albums, #1 in Jazz, #1 in Traditional Jazz and #1 in Heatseekers. According to Billboard, the album is McDonald's highest-charting solo release ever.

In its first week of release, the album has already attracted a slew of rave reviews from the press: New York Magazine cheered, "It would have been enough to record for history Audra McDonald’s profane, repellent, hilarious, heartbreaking (and Tony-winning) inhabitation of Billie Holiday. But this 85-minute, two-disc live rendition of the event in many ways improves on the stage experience, as everything extraneous to the central performance melts into audience hum." Entertainment Weekly echoed, "It’s the performance everyone’s been talking about: six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald's latest star turn. It’s a fully transportative experience for the audience, whose reactions help create the illusion carried by McDonald’s performance. The two-disc set offers an immersive translation of the show, a feat not reflected in several of this season’s recent cast albums." 

And The New York Times cheered, "Onstage and in this two-disc cast album, Ms. McDonald 'becomes' Billie Holiday. Her performance transcends impersonation to become an indelible rite of spiritual communion between two great artists." 

Recorded live at Circle in the Square Theatre during performances in late May of 2014, the album was produced by label co-founder Tommy Krasker and staff engineer Bart Migal.

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, which earned Audra McDonald an unprecedented sixth Tony Award, stars McDonald as Billie Holiday in an intimate concert performance filled with personal revelations and extraordinary renditions of some of Holiday's most glorious songs, including "God Bless the Child," "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" and "Strange Fruit." 

The production, directed by Lonny Price and produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Jessica Genick, and Will Trice, who are joined by Ronald Frankel, Rebecca Gold, Roger Berlind, Ken Greiner, Gabrielle Palitz, Irene Gandy and GFour Productions, opened on Broadway on April 13, 2014.

Founded by Tommy Krasker & Philip Chaffin, and an eight-time Grammy nominee (for its cast albums of Assassins, Nine: The Musical, Grey Gardens, Company, A Little Night Music, Sondheim on Sondheim, Follies and Porgy and Bess), PS Classics' catalog includes award-winning cast recordings; solo albums by such artists as Victoria Clark, Maureen McGovern, Kate Baldwin, Steven Pasquale and Liz Callaway; and restorations of long-lost musicals, including Sweet Bye and Bye, Kitty's Kisses and Sweet Little Devil. 

Recent releases include the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Violet, the Original Cast Recording of Fun Home, Philip Chaffin’s Somethin’ Real Special (The Songs of Dorothy Fields), Judy Kuhn's All This Happiness, the 2013 New York Cast Recording of Passion, and the premiere recording of Maury Yeston’s Tom Sawyer (A Ballet in Three Acts). Visit www.psclassics.com.

Fifty Shades Of Grey Trailer: First Look!

Fifty Shades Of Grey - Valentine's Day 2015
http://fiftyshadesmovie.com Fifty Shades of Grey, the movie opens on Valentine´s Day a day that is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year. This, despite the fact that the film´s namesake says he´s "not into romance." Not since the French cult classic The Story of O has a book created such a sensation built around a sort of pop notion of sexual domination. Will it prove to be a Major Motion Picture and a top-grosser or will it simply be all too graphic for mainstream audiences?

An Insight Into Obama's REAL Priorities . . .

NJ Pension Crisis: The Numbers Don't Lie!

No Pain No Gain: By The Numbers

Pension and Benefit Reform Is the Only Way To Stop The Looming Crisis

___________________________________________________

$120 Billion	Savings NJ taxpayers will see from Governor Christie and state leaders from both political parties coming together in 2011 to pass historic, bipartisan pension and benefits reform. Even this just simply isn’t enough.
$24.4 Billion	Expenses over the last 10 years from New Jersey’s health care benefits (from FY 2006 through FY15).
$23.3 Billion	Growth of New Jersey pension liability over the last 10 years.
$7.6 Billion	Cumulative pension expenses New Jersey has paid out over the last 10 years.
$4 Billion	State revenues have grown by only $4 Billion in the last 10 years.
$2.5 Billion	Amount New Jersey in FY 2015 is spending less on all other government programs outside of pensions, health benefits and debt service than in FY 2008.
$837 Million	The cost of the “Cadillac Tax” or federal tax that the State will soon be further burdened by part of Obamacare because New Jersey’s health insurance is so generous.  $261 million in FY18 and a staggering $837 million in FY22.
$90,000	Approximate average annual cost to New Jersey taxpayers for each state employee between salary, pension and health benefits
64%	New Jersey taxpayers pay 64% more for public worker health insurance than the average private-sector employer pays to cover its own employees – an average of $7,727 more per employee family.
Zero	Zero new taxes. Governor Christie will not solve this problem on the backs of New Jersey’s already overburdened taxpayers.

Christie Warns: Pensions Will 'Eat Our State Alive!'

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie at a "No Pain, No Gain" Town Hall with the people of New Jersey today on Long Beach Island.

Monday AC Special At The Continental!

Christie Video: Let's Deal With Pensions Now!

Philadelphia Museum Of Art: Upcoming Exhibitions

Upcoming Exhibitions Schedule Spring 2014

• Full Circle: Works on Paper by Richard Pousette-Dart
  September 13–November 30, 2014
  Lynne and Harold Honickman Gallery and Muriel and Philip Berman Gallery 
• Paul Strand: Master of Modern Photography
  October 21, 2014–January 4, 2015
  Dorrance Galleries
• Vitra: Design, Architecture, Communication: A European Project with American Roots (working title)
  November 22, 2014–April 26, 2015
  Collab Gallery, Perelman Building
• Art from the African American Collections (working title)
  January–April 2015
  Lynne and Harold Honickman Gallery and Muriel and Philip Berman Gallery 
• Ink and Gold: Art of the Kano (working title)
  February–May 2015
  Dorrance Galleries

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among the largest museums in the United States, with a collection of more than 227,000 works of art and more than 200 galleries presenting painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, decorative arts, textiles, and architectural settings from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Its facilities include its landmark Main Building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Perelman Building, located nearby on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Rodin Museum on the 2200 block of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and two 18th-century houses in Fairmount Park, Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove. The Museum offers a wide variety of activities for public audiences, including special exhibitions, programs for children and families, lectures, concerts and films.

For additional information, contact the Marketing and Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art at (215) 684-7860. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call (215) 763-8100, or visit the Museum's website at www.philamuseum.org.

Guadagno Continues Agribusiness Tour In Sea Girt

Continuing her annual agribusiness tour, New Jersey Acting Governor Kim Guadagno today visited Barlow’s Flower Farm in Sea Girt to highlight the role of agribusiness as a catalyst for economic growth in the Garden State.

“From New Jersey’s infancy, agriculture has been at the heart of our state, and the Garden State’s farmers continue to work hard and make significant contributions to our economy,” said Acting Governor Guadagno. “As one of New Jersey’s largest annual retail growers, Barlow’s is leading the way as a prime example of how family farms are thriving and finding innovative ways to expand and grow their businesses. We wish them continued success for many years to come.”

Stephen and Leslie Barlow purchased the historic family homestead and horticulture business in 1983 and have since been joined in the business by two of their children, Stephen Barlow, III and Stephanie Barlow Peduto. The original Barlow Flower Farm has expanded over the years to include a fully renovated retail facility, 60,000 square feet of nursery greenhouses and a 1.5-acre outdoor growing area. The Farm also offers an interactive Children’s Garden.

Barlow’s specializes in propagating seeds and cuttings and produces up to 70% of the flowers and plants sold and used by the company in landscape designs throughout the year. The company’s talented team has been recognized for beautifying gardens throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties and is the recipient of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Perennial Plant Association’s Landscape Design Award. Every year since 2007, the Farm has been voted “Best of Monmouth County” by the Asbury Park Press.

“Our family is honored to have Acting Governor Guadagno take the time out of her schedule to visit our farm. This Administration’s support of New Jersey Agriculture is shown in their commitment to our farm and all the hard working farmers throughout the Great Garden State,” said Stephen Barlow, President and Owner of Barlow’s Flower Farm. “As with many young farmers in the state, I have grown up on the farm and learned all the ins and outs of what makes our operation grow. It takes strong leadership, a great team and hard work to maintain and expand a successful company. Our family is excited to see the future of agriculture in New Jersey and how our farm can contribute.”

Through its garden center, landscape design and growing facility, Barlow’s is committed to providing customers with high quality products and superior customer service. To learn more about the farm, visit its Sea Girt location or its website athttp://www.barlowflowerfarm.com/shop/.

Agriculture is New Jersey’s third largest industry. In 2012, the state’s 9,071 farms generated sales totaling $1.14 billion. With 715,057 acres of farmland, the Garden State produces more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables that are enjoyed throughout the Northeast, in Canada and globally.

The horticulture industry is one of New Jersey’s top agriculture commodities. The industry includes nursery, greenhouse, sod and Christmas trees and generated $444.8 million in sales in 2012.

Businesses considering a move or in need of assistance are encouraged to call New Jersey’s Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789 or visit the State’s Business Portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.

Snyder Hockey Camp Students Get Special Treat

Tomorrow (Thursday, July 24) 35 students from this week’s Snider Hockey Bantam camp at Scanlon Recreation Center will explore the Franklin Institute’s many exhibits on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. 

The students will focus on a presentation titled “Space Command”, which is directly related to this week’s camp academic theme of “Space”. Students will have the chance to explore an exhibit titled “Electricity”, which relates to academic sessions conducted at previous camps. The students are 13-14 years old and are part of the Snider Hockey recreational and travel hockey programs during the winter seasons.

The players will arrive by bus directly in front of the Franklin Institute, entering the building through the group entrance just to the left of the main entrance.

Philadelphia Flyers founder Ed Snider created Snider Hockey in 2005 as a personal commitment to teach children important life lessons. The mission of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation is to build lives and unite communities. It uses the sport of hockey to help educate young people to succeed in the game of life. Snider Hockey services are targeted for inner-city boys and girls who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn to skate or to play ice hockey. The program has rapidly grown to include over 3,000 students.

Eatery Offers 'Summer Vacation Wednesday'

Border Protest Rally Succeeds, Gets Ignored By Media

Here is a special message from the Independence Hall Tea Party Association:

Dear Members and Friends,

Without much of a heads-up, Americans for Legal Immigration called for a nationwide protest against illegal  immigration--and, as many of you know, those protests took place this past Friday and Saturday.

In spite of ALI's somewhat haphazard organization (they were working with only 50 local groups to cover 300 national sites--meaning that some of their protest locations did not have a point person--including the Mexican Consulate at the Bourse building in Philly), things somehow came together.

We learned of one of the Friday/Saturday rallies (Mexican Consulate, New York City) through a contact in Jersey on Wednesday (July 16)--two days before it was to take place.

Not until Thursday morning (on Dom's Show) had we heard anything about the Friday Bourse rally in Philly.  We believe Dom learned of the NYC rally from our Wednesday email--and then found the ALI website which listed the Bourse location.

Despite the last minute notice, we decided to help organize as many protesters as possible for Friday's Rally (see above).   

The rally was scheduled from 11 AM-4 PM--which most of us thought was too long.  We decided to shorten it to three hours, 11 AM-2 PM.  

And between those hours, roughly 60 of you attended.  At the height of it, around 12:30 PM, there were nearly 50 folks--not bad for 24 hours notice!

Unfortunately, even the 11 AM-2 PM time frame was problematic.  Here's why: 

Illegal Immigration Protest Rally Hijacked by Opponents

Professional pro-illegal Immigration forces, dubbed the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, were on the scene at 10:30 AM--accompanied by the media. 

They were there to trump us and trump us they did.  About 80 counter-demonstrators made sure to upstage us--using the favorably inclined press to do so.  

When members of side arrived on the scene, they were immediately swamped by the media who quickly got their story and left before a majority of our folks had arrived.  The Inquirer 's Michael Matza wrote this copy as a result:

 

Demonstrators on opposing sides brought the hot debate over immigration - and what to do about the soaring number of Central American children surging across our southern border - to a Center City sidewalk Friday.

About a dozen members of the Independence Hall Tea Party Association, led by president Teri Adams, of Elkins Park, assembled outside the Bourse Building, which houses the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia.

They carried signs - "Invasion is not a human right" - and an open letter to Mexican Consul Carlos I. Giralt calling for Mexico to halt the flow of immigrants, including "unsupervised children" who cross the border "with the aid and encouragement of your government."  [Read the full letter below.]

Giralt was in Mexico on business. Deputy Consul Juan Gabriel Espejo said the letter would be reviewed.

On the sidewalk a few yards away from the tea party-led protest, about 100 members of pro-immigrant support groups, including the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia and the Latino-support group Juntos, sang, prayed, and shared loaves of bread in a counter rally.  (Click link below for rest of the story)

So, according to this story, we lost the numbers game--when in reality--the numbers were fairly equal.  It's just that a majority of our folks we not on the scene at 11 AM when the press was present.

http://articles.philly.com/2014-07-20/news/51749892_1_central-american-children-legal-immigration-pac-new-sanctuary-movement 

Fortunately, Stu Bykofsky of the Daily News wrote the following column to present a more accurate view of our numbers and our mission.

Closed to Open Borders by Stu Bykofsky, the Daily News 

If We Could Have A Do Over 

We would have renamed it a "Secure Our Borders Rally."  (Americans for Legal Immigration called it an "Illegal Immigration Protest Rally" and we did not think it appropriate to rename their event.)  We would have also shortened the hours even further (11 AM-1 PM) while calling on everyone to arrive at 10:45 AM.

  

Still, with Dom's help, we were able to attract roughly 60 supporters to the rally on only 24 hours notice.  We issued a press release and a letter to theMexican Consul (see below).  We did our best.

By the way, 40 folks, including members of the Delaware County Patriots andsome of you, made it to the Boothwyn Overpass Rally on Saturday.   There were no counter-demonstrators--so of course, no media.

Ditto for Friday's NYC Mexican Consulate Rally.  They had even fewer participants than either Philly or Boothwyn--and, oddly--no counter demonstrators and zero press.

July 18, 2014

Theresa Adams, President

Independence Hall Tea Party Association

P.O. Box 306

Cheltenham, PA, USA

Cell Phone:  267.531.8169

Email:  Teriaa222@yahoo.com 

To:  Mexican Consul Carlos I. Giralt Cabrales, Philadelphia, PA

Subject:  Illegal Immigration and the Return of US Marine

Dear Honorable Consul,

This letter is being written on behalf of the Independence Hall Tea Party Association, and thousands of its sympathizers living in the Delaware Valley, regarding two critical issues involving the Mexican Government and the Citizens of the United States.

First, we respectfully request that the Government of Mexico immediately enact measures to stop the illegal flow of immigrants across the 

Mexican/American border.

Citizens of Mexico and various Latin American countries, including large numbers of unsupervised children, are exiting Mexico and illegally entering the United States at alarming rates. 

These emigrants appear to cross the American border with the aid and encouragement of your government.  Their journey is fraught with danger and too many of them have needlessly died before reaching their intended destination.

Millions of Americans are simply fed up with the lack of respect for the integrity of our southern border--as well as the immigration laws of our nation.

Second, while the government of Mexico allows tens of thousands to illegally cross into our country annually, it is currently holding a US Citizen, Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi, against his will.

We demand the immediate return of Sergeant Tahmooressi to his family and friends in Weston, Florida. To hold him prisoner any longer would be considered a serious provocation to countless Americans across the political spectrum.

These two critical issues, if not resolved in an appropriate manner, could drive a lasting wedge between our nations.  We hope and pray that

Mexican/American relations will not deteriorate any further.

Thank you, in advance, for your attention to these matters.

Sincerely,

Theresa Adams

Upcoming Events                                                                          

Dom Giordano and WPHT are hosting another terrific event as part of their Speakers Series.  On Wednesday, July 23rd, Dom will interview Col. Tom Manion about the book, Brothers Forever.  (Click image below for details.)

 

Chris Stigall's Shore Tour continues this Friday as he and Paige Powers

broadcast live, 5:30-9 AM, from the Bagel Shack in Beech Haven.  (Click image below for details.)

 

   

Hope to see you soon! 

On behalf of the Association Board,

Teri Adams

Christie Selects New Homeland Security Director

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today announced his selection of Dr. Christopher Rodriguez as New Jersey’s next Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP). Rodriguez brings more than a decade of experience in the Central Intelligence Agency, where he held a variety of analytical and management positions. Rodriguez will replace Edward Dickson, who has led OHSP as Director since February of 2012, as he departs to pursue new opportunities in the private sector.

“I am proud to name Dr. Chris Rodriguez as our state’s next Director of Homeland Security and Preparedness, bringing his extensive career experience in the U.S. Intelligence Community and most recently in his role overseeing OHSP in this Administration,” said Governor Christie. “Given Chris’ stellar qualifications and his commitment to public service, I have no doubt that the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will continue to grow under Chris’ leadership. I thank him for his willingness to take on this role for the people of New Jersey. At the same time, I want to thank Edward Dickson for his commitment to service and leadership for New Jersey as he led OHSP through incredibly trying circumstances for our state.”

Dr. Rodriguez, who will be leaving his current position with the CIA, has previously served as a policy advisor on Governor Christie’s staff where he oversaw OHSP, the Department of Law and Public Safety, the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, and the Department of Transportation from 2011 to 2012.

Dr. Rodriguez served as a senior analyst in the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center. In this position, he monitored terrorist groups in the Middle East and South Asia, closely collaborating with U.S. Intelligence Community partners at the federal, state, and local levels to identify and counter persistent threats to the United States and its allies. During his time at CIA, Dr. Rodriguez also oversaw an analytic unit that handled global economic and energy security, as well as related counterintelligence and cyber threats.

Dr. Rodriguez has been recognized with several awards from CIA and the Director of National Intelligence for his leadership and professional achievements, both in the U.S. and abroad. Born and raised in Morris County, Dr. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts and a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

Dr. Rodriguez will start in his role as Director of OHSP on Monday, July 28.

Like To Fish? Win $1 Million In AC Fishing Challenge!

Calling all fishermen and fisherwomen! Grab your tackle boxes and rods as the Atlantic City Alliance hosts the first-ever DO AC Beach N Boat Million Dollar Fishing Challenge with a chance to win more than $1 million in cash for the largest eligible catches over three days — Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 22-24, 2014, including the chance to win a $1,000,000 fish. 

The event is free and open to the public, and participants are invited to register at www.beachnboat.com/DO-AC<http://www.beachnboat.com/DO-AC>, and find details about the event, including rules and exact fishing boundaries. Family and friends of anglers are encouraged to attend.

Anglers can register anytime through the last day (Sunday, August 22) of the Fishing Challenge event. Those wishing to qualify for the $1 million fluke prize must complete an additional online registration form at www.beachnboat.com/DO-AC<http://www.beachnboat.com/DO-AC> before noon on Tuesday, August 19, 2014.
Whoever catches the NJ state-record Fluke (current record is 19.75 pounds) during the competition will win $1 million, courtesy of the Atlantic City Alliance!

Atlantic City’s Historic Gardner’s Basin will serve as event central and “Base Camp” for the DO AC Beach N Boat Million Dollar Fishing Challenge. There, anglers will check-in, weigh fish and enjoy exciting post-fishing activities, including live entertainment, fishing products on display, drawings, giveaways and more. Lucky (and skilled) anglers can weigh qualifying fish at designated times throughout the event.

In addition to the $1 million fish, winners are eligible for prizes including first place ($5,000) and second place ($1,000) during the Atlantic City fishing event for the largest qualifying catches in each of the Challenge’s recognized species, including: striped bass, fluke, weakfish, black drum, bluefish, kingfish, tautog and sea bass. Up to $63,000 may be distributed depending upon the qualified catches that are weighed in.


Anglers can fish anywhere in saltwater, in and around Atlantic City — from the shore, a boat (including a kayak, canoe, private boat, party or charter boat), AC’s free beach, a dock or in the bays or ocean. A description of the boundaries will be available at www.beachnboat.com/Do-AC<http://www.beachnboat.com/Do-AC> in rules and regulations. Plus, they can fish for an hour, a day or all 54 hours of the Challenge.
Additional DO AC Beach N Boat Million Dollar Fishing Challenge Information:

·         In addition to the three days of fishing the surf-fishing-only Beach Bonus Contest will take place Friday morning, August 22, 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on the beach by Steel Pier (at Pennsylvania Avenue near the Trump Taj Mahal and Resorts Casino Hotel). Anglers who catch the heaviest eligible fluke, kingfish or bluefish will win $5,000 for each.

·         Registered anglers can fish anytime from Friday, August 22, at 6 a.m. until the final weigh-in time, Sunday, August 24, at noon. An awards ceremony will take place with special presentations from the various event sponsors, including the Atlantic City Alliance.

·         Anglers must check-in at the Gardner’s Basin Base Camp.

·         Check in for the Beach Bonus Contest is at the Steel Pier station before fishing in order to be eligible to win prizes. The exact location will be announced on the website closer to the event.
Do The Challenge But Be Sure to DO AC
In order to take full advantage of the fantastic fishing and fun planned for the three-day event —including exciting weigh-ins, fabulous boats and the latest fishing gear on display, participants (and their friends and families) are strongly encouraged to stay in Atlantic City for the entire weekend. Guests can take advantage of the free beach and world-famous Boardwalk, as well as all of the entertainment (including several free concerts), phenomenal restaurants, casinos, hotels, spas, shopping, charter boats, party boats, kayak rentals, local tackle shops and other local attractions that the resort island on the Jersey Shore is best known for. A brochure and map of the hottest fishing spots, schedule, rules, sponsors and local businesses will be available. SeeDoAtlanticCity.com<http://www.doatlanticcity.com> for more info or to plan a visit.
About the Jersey Shore Beach N Boat Fishing Tournament
The DO AC Beach N Boat Million Dollar Fishing Challenge is a segment of the “Jersey Shore Beach N Boat Fishing Tournament,” a New Jersey statewide, season-long, inshore, saltwater fishing tournament. The tournament is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism. Participants must be registered anglers of the “Jersey Shore Beach N Boat Fishing Tournament” and can also register for that for free at www.beachnboat.com/DO-AC<http://www.beachnboat.com/DO-AC> using CODE: 9551.  (Note: Weigh-ins from the Challenge will count toward the prizes in the annual “Jersey Shore Beach N Boat Fishing Tournament,” as well.)

About Atlantic City
From sandals to stilettos and foie gras to funnel cakes, Atlantic City offers something for everyone. Enjoy world-class entertainment, dining, shopping, gaming, relaxing on the beach and strolling the historic Boardwalk in the city created to escape the city. For more information visit www.doatlanticcity.com<http://www.doatlanticcity.com> or:

 *   Facebook – www.facebook.com/DOAtlanticCity<http://www.facebook.com/DOAtlanticCity>
 *   Twitter – www.twitter.com/VisitAC<http://www.twitter.com/VisitAC>

 *   YouTube – www.YouTube.com/DOAC<http://www.YouTube.com/DOAC>

 *   Foursquare – www.foursquare.com/VisitAC<http://www.foursquare.com/VisitAC>
 *   Instagram – www.instagram.com/DOAC<http://www.instagram.com/DOAC>
 *   Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/DOAtlanticCity<http://www.pinterest.com/DOAtlanticCity>
 *   Twitter for Media Only – www.twitter.com/VisitACpress<http://www.twitter.com/VisitACpress>

For destination photos and videos please visit www.doatlanticcity.com/mediaonline<http://www.doatlanticcity.com/mediaonline>
where new assets are available for download.

The Atlantic City Alliance was established in 2011 as a private, not-for-profit corporation whose primary mission is to develop and implement a full-scale, broad-based, multi-year marketing program for Atlantic City.

Federal Court Strikes At Heart Of Obamacare

BREAKING: In what's being seen as a crippling blow to Obamacare, a federal appeals court panel declared today that most Obamacare subsidies are illegal. Yes, those government subsidies worth billions of dollars that helped 4.7 million people buy insurance on HealthCare.gov are illegal. 

We'll say it again: Obamacare is the biggest mistake Obama and the Democrats ever made.

Fourteen Quotes That Bear Remembering . . .

"Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it." - Ronald Reagan

'Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.' - Ronald Reagan

'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.' - Ronald Reagan

'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.' - Ronald Reagan

'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.' - Ronald Reagan

'I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.' - Ronald Reagan

'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.' - Ronald Reagan

'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.' - Ronald Reagan

'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.' - Ronald Reagan

'Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.' - Ronald Reagan

'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.' - Ronald Reagan

'If we ever forget that we're one nation under GOD, then we will be a nation gone under.' - Ronald Reagan

 

Obama Continues War On Religious Freedom

Here is a very special message from catholicvote.org:


Dear CV Friend, 

The Supreme Court has already rebuked Obama twice on religious liberty. 

But that isn't stopping this president from launching another attack on religious liberty. 

This time, Obama is using the purse strings of the federal government to marginalize employers with religious convictions. 

President Obama today signed an executive order which demands that all federal contractors and subcontractors grant special treatment based on “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” 

The executive order signed by Obama thankfully preserves an exemption put in place by President George W. Bush which allows religious employers the freedom to favor employees of a certain religion in making hiring decisions. So under the new rules, a religious university could not fire a teacher for being a lesbian, but could fire her because she’s not a Catholic. 

Legal experts say that Obama's new executive order will launch a flood of lawsuits against employers who have deeply-held convictions that certain kinds of sexual behavior is inconsistent with their moral or religious beliefs. 

The executive order, expected to take full effect in 2015, will affect 24,000 companies employing approximately 28 million American workers, or about one-fifth of the country's workforce. 

President Obama could have easily issued this executive order for LGBT employees while maintaining a robust exemption for religious liberty. 

Once again, Obama has shown his strong hostility to religious expression in American life. In his mind, we have only “freedom to worship” inside the four walls of our church. But we dare not practice “freedom of religion” where we take our faith to the public square. If we do that, Obama believes that we must also sacrifice any religious principles out of sync with the federal government. 

In Obama's mind, it's ok if you go to Church on Sunday, but don't you dare act like a Christian any other day of the week. 

Joshua Mercer 
Political Director 

Corbett Focuses On Pension Crisis Again

In Pennsylvania, the Corbett-Cawley campaign today released the following statement in response to Moody’s downgrade of Pennsylvania’s bond rating. Moody’s cites Pennsylvania’s growing pension liabilities as a primary reason for the credit downgrade. Pennsylvania’s pension debt is expected to grow to $65 billion within the next four years, or $13,000 per household.

“Moody’s has cited the Commonwealth’s growing pension liabilities as a primary reason for downgrading Pennsylvania’s credit rating despite millionaire Secretary Tom Wolf’s repeated denial of a pension crisis,” stated Communications Director Chris Pack. “It is a true shame that despite all of the evidence of our state’s pension crisis that Secretary Tom Wolf continues to deny there is a problem at all. It is time for Secretary Tom Wolf to stop denying our state’s pension crisis for his selfish political reasons and instead encourage his Democratic cohorts to do what is right for the 12.7 million residents of Pennsylvania and not just what is best for the Harrisburg special interests.”

The Corbett-Cawley Campaign launched a grassroots petition late last week calling on Secretary Tom Wolf to stop being influenced by public sector union money and support pension reform. The campaign also released a campaign ad highlighting Wolf’s unwavering refusal to even acknowledge that our state has a pension crisis. Since May, Wolf has received $1.13 million in campaign contributions from public sector unions opposed to pension reform.

Corbett’s leadership’s and willingness to address our pension crisis has earned him praise from multiple newspapers, including:

The Philadelphia Daily News
The Delco Daily Times
The Times Herald
The York Daily Record
Philadelphia Magazine

For more information on the Corbett-Cawley campaign for a stronger Pennsylvania, visit www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com.

Pope Decries Persecution Of Christians In Mideast

“I have received with some concern the news from the Christian communities of Mosul, Iraq, and from other parts of the Middle East who, ever since the beginnings of Christianity, have co-existed there alongside their fellow citizens, making a significant contribution to the good of society”, said the Pope after yesterday's Angelus prayer. “Today they are persecuted. Our brothers are persecuted, they are cast out, they are forced to leave their homes without having the chance to take anything with them. To these people I wish to express my closeness and my constant prayer. Dear brothers and sisters, so persecuted, I know how much you suffer, I know that you have been deprived of everything. I am with you in faith in He Who conquered evil”.

He urged them to continue their prayer for the situations of tension and conflict that persist in many areas of the world, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine. “May the God of peace rouse in everyone an authentic desire for peace and reconciliation. Violence cannot be overcome with violence. Violence is defeated with peace! Let us pray in silence, for peace; all of us, in silence. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!”.

Pope Francis Calls Terrorism 'A Form Of Madness'

On Friday, July 18 the Holy Father sent a video message to the Argentine Israeli community, to convey his closeness to the families of the victims of the bombing of the AMIA (Argentine Israelite Mutual Association), which took place twenty years ago in Buenos Aires (18 July 1994). It caused 85 deaths and more than 200 casualties, making it one of the most significant terrorist attacks the country has experienced.

“Terrorism is a form of madness”; says Francis in the recorded message. “Terrorism knows only how to kill – it does not build, it destroys. Therefore, I wish to express my closeness to all those who have seen lives derailed and hopes dashed, ruined. Sometimes it is said that Buenos Aires is a city that needs to mourn, but has not yet wept enough. At the risk of repeating a well-worn cliché, I repeat: we need to mourn more. We tend to set things aside, not to come to terms with our history, with our sufferings, with things that could have been beautiful but were not. For this reason, it is so difficult for us to find the path to justice, to settle the debt that this tragedy has contracted with society. Along with my closeness, along with my prayers for all the victims, today I wish to add my desire for justice to be done. May God bless you all, institutions and families. And may God give peace to those who died in this act of lunacy”.