Sep 24, 2013

What The Monopoly Properties Look Like In Real Life

Posted by Scout on September 23rd, 2013

Whenever I played Monopoly as a kid, I used to love imagining what the game’s city would look like in real life. I remember thinking of Mediterranean and Baltic as being these short, run-down alleys ala West Side Story, while Pennsylvania Ave and the other greens as Fifth Avenue-style apartment buildings.

What I didn’t know back then was that the properties in Monopoly were in fact named after the streets of Atlantic City. Monopoly itself has a long and complicated history, but the addition of Atlantic City-based street names can be traced to one Ruth Hoskins. Hoskins had learned a version of the game in Indianapolis, and upon moving to Atlantic City in 1929, made her own copy from scratch naming properties after streets where her friends lived.

This past weekend, I was driving through south Jersey, and decided to make a quick detour through Atlantic City to see what the Monopoly board looks like in real life. Everyone have their tokens picked out?

Mediterranean Ave: Running northeast through the city, Mediterranean Ave mostly consists of low-rise residential properties. On Hoskins’s original board, this was named Arctic Avenue; it was later changed to Mediterranean by Charles Darrow (once popularly considered to be Monopoly’s sole creator) because he liked the warmer feel of the name.

Baltic Ave: Who would expect to find a J. Crew on the corner of Baltic Ave?? Thought it might be second cheapest property on the board, Baltic today actually has a thriving strip of retail stores right as you enter the city.

Oriental Ave: Running a scant 10 blocks in the southeastern-most corner of Atlantic City, the selling point is probably the Revel casino at the south end, but I personally like this strip of row beach houses. The one on the end even has an over-sized Monopoly deed card hanging above the porch!

Photo by Flickr user J. Stephen Conn – Click here for the original!

Vermont Ave: The centerpiece of Vermont is the Absecon Light, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 171 feet. Built in 1854, it was officially deactivated in 1933 but still lights up every night. You can now tour a recreation of the keeper’s house, as well as climb to the top of the lighthouse (only 228 steps!).

Connecticut Ave: The most expensive of the light-blue properties runs straight to the boardwalk and nets you the new Revel Casino, which opened in 2012.

St. Charles Place: St. Charles Place is gone forever, built over by the Mardis Gras-themed Showboat Casino in 1987.

States Ave: Just a single block of States Ave remains today, running along the west side of the Showboat Casino.

Virginia Ave: Lined by mostly new residential developments, Virginia Ave ends directly at the Trump Taj Mahal.

St. James Place: St. James Place runs for just a few short blocks, but has some really classic buildings along it that feel like Atlantic City of old. Fun fact: St. James Place is considered one of the most valuable properties in Monopoly (the oranges are the most landed-on group in the game).

Tennessee Ave: Tennessee Ave runs pretty much the whole length of Atlantic City. Property owners can count a Super 8 and the NJ Casino Control Commission among their possessions!

New York Ave: The plethora of vacant lots waiting for development is pretty depressing, especially when you consider that a lot of original buildings were probably torn down to make way.

Kentucky Ave: Lots of parking here for the historic Madison Hotel, which dates to 1929. Closed since 2006 (yes, I would love to explore those empty halls), it was purchased in 2013 for $4 million with plans to reopen.

Indiana Ave: Indiana Ave nets you the backside of Bally’s.

Photo by Flickr user Paul Lowry – Click for the original!

Illinois Avenue: Illinois Ave still exists but was renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in the 1980s. The deed holder of Illinois can count one of the most beautiful buildings in Atlantic City among his properties: the Carnegie Library. Founded in 1903, it was used as a public library until 1984, when the library moved to a larger space. The building was abandoned in 1994 and remained that way for seven years. It was finally renovated in 2001 and is now used by Stockton College as a library center.

Atlantic Ave: As far as I can tell, Atlantic Ave is the longest street on the island, running over 8 miles from Atlantic City to Longport. It’s also one of the most commercial heavy, quite a steal for only $260!

Ventnor Ave: And now for something completely different…Ventnor Ave runs east-west into Ventnor City, the next town southwest of AC. It’s mostly residential, and gets nicer as you head west.

Marvin Gardens: Marvin Gardens holds a few unique distinctions. First, it’s the only property not located in Atlantic City (it’s actually in Margate City). Two, it’s misspelled (the real Marven Gardens was a combination of the names Ventnor and Margate). Third, it’s easily the most beautiful property on the Monopoly board. A housing community founded in the 1920s and 1930s, the homes and gardens have been immaculately maintained and are literally picture perfect. Seriously, next time you’re in Atlantic City, make it a point to drive a few miles down the road to check out this dead ringer for the town in the Truman Show. Wow.

copied from ScoutingNY.com..........

hey, is this the cutest and most interesting blog post you have ever read in your life or what.........

here is a link to the page and the rest of the post--nice comments, too:

http://www.scoutingny.com/?p=6935

Sep 22, 2013

Fareed Zakaria: Telling us the Story of the People of The World

This is a man that thinks out of the box--out of the Amrican box, that is.

What makes him tick.

Where is he from and what is his education and background.

He seems so smart but what powers his international mind set?

Why does he care?

Did his parents encourage this kind of thinking?

He is quite unusual from the typical home-grown American.....or is he the norm.....how does he see himself.

Sep 21, 2013

Jeremy Irons: Explains Shakespeare To Me.......

The gloriously lovely Jeremy Irons...........

PBS last night: Richard II, Jeremy Irons does a good job of explaining Shakespeare to the viewer.....me.

Last night Henry Bolingbroke's "friends" murdered the very lovely King Richard II for him, can you believe it? But, in the long run, it turned into a big mess because King Henry IV ended up feeling sad and guilty his whole life.

Next week we get to see my favorite actor in the whole world, Jeremy Irons, play Henry Bolingbroke, who is now the King, Henry IV. The cool thing is that Jeremy and the other actors take time to explain the whole thing to us, the viewers. Right, it's hard to understand, but this Richard II guy was so amazing I couldn't stop watching him.

Dear Henry Bolingbroke......Just wanted to say I enjoyed your show last night on PBS.......I said I will never be able to stay up that late and watch the whole thing, but as you suggested, when Shakespeare is done really well one is so entranced....well, I couldn't stop watching it. Thank you for explaining the story to me.

You see, I always want to like Shakespeare but, in all honesty, I just do not understand a lot of it. When the actor keeps explaining it and talking about it, the importance of the story in history and what they are trying to tell the viewer.....well, this is very good.

Good job, Jeremy, for taking time to tell me about the kings and good job to that lovely man that played Richard II. He is lovely and I could not stop thinking about his performance--totally entranced and thinking about it all night. Can't wait to see you in Henry next week. chloe louise and ronnie.....san diego

to Jeremy on his facebook page.......I hope it's the right one.

and a cute picture of "Mr. Hot."

Jeremy Irons

Sep 17, 2013

Chip Franklin--Out at KOGO Radio--from the UT

Chip Franklin no longer with KOGO Radio

By Jay Posner3:59 P.M.SEPT. 13, 2013

Chip Franklin, a fixture at KOGO-AM (600) since 2007, is no longer with the station.

The Clear Channel-owned station on Friday announced a new lineup beginning Monday and Franklin was not included. Afternoon host Chris Merrill will be in the morning-drive spot previously handled by Franklin and LaDona Harvey (who joined Franklin early this year).

Harvey will be on from noon to 3 p.m., with the previous occupant of that time slot, Bob "Sully" Sullivan, shifting to 3 to 7 p.m.

"I had a great run at KOGO, and they have and continue to treat me in a highly professional manner," Franklin said via email. "Believe it or not, I have been very lucky. I still have a lot of great friends there and I sincerely wish them the very best.

"The new morning guy, Chris Merrill, is a friend and a tremendous talent. Don't underestimate him.

"It's all good."

Franklin, 56, came to San Diego from Baltimore six years ago. He also has worked as a stand-up comic and music performer. The KOGO website referred to him as "San Diego's most popular morning talk show host."

A few years ago KOGO was often the top-rated station in San Diego. But ratings have declined in recent years and in August, KOGO ranked 17th among San Diego stations rated by Arbitron.

Cliff Albert, KOGO program director, could not be reached for comment. In the statement released by the station, Albert was quoted as saying: "Our goal is to inform and entertain in a way that connects with our listeners and this lineup adjustment helps us accomplish that." Franklin's name was not mentioned in the news release.

Merrill recently gained attention when he made controversial comments about the appearance of one of the women who accused then-Mayor Bob Filner of sexual harassment.

Andy Davies · · San Diego, California

Cliff Albert's reference in the press release to needing to connect to listeners is a tacit admission that the lineup was becoming too out-of-touch with listeners. Why? The fiscal woes of parent Clear Channel has forced KOGO to gut a once award-winning news and public affairs department such the 'News-Talk' has become a misnomer. The Bob Filner imbroglio really exposed Baltimore expat Chip Franklin as our of touch with San Diego politics. Franklin's eagerness to talk over or cut off those he didn't agree with didn't engender many new followers either.

The new lineup has potential to reclaim some listeners but has a long way to go to rebuild the station into a go-to source for local news and talk.

Though he has his detractors, I'm happy to see Sully get a strong afternoon drive slot to engage listeners in local issues.

Just one question -- is Merrill going to keep his Friday 'Speakeasy' tradition but move it to morning drive?

copied from the UT..........................

here is a link to the page....most of the comments are very favorable to chip franklin:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/13/chip-franklin-kogo-radio/

Sep 15, 2013

I Want To Be Leslie Stahl So I Can Wear Her Earrings....

Yes, it's true.

I want Leslie's earrings....I want to make them. I want to wear them. I want to own them.

I want to be a good, no great--fantastic journalist, reporter, question asker like Leslie.

I think if I was Leslie Stahl I would be a better person--certainly more talented and intelligent about my blog.

She is beautiful and brilliant and successful and does not give up in her question asking, yet remains polite but straight forward.

She has cute earrings.

Her earrings inspire me to make and sell my jewelry--they are a statement in color.

I like her .....and that is all.

Sincerely and admirably,

Chloe louise.....do her cats walk on her keyboard when she is in the middle of an important story...or jump over it while typing....I bet not!

Sep 14, 2013

Chip Franklin--Finally Out at KOGO

Was Chip Franklin on his way out for a long time, now?

Obviously talented and intelligent and extremely quick thinking but his repeated call for vigilante justice could be offensive--particularly vigilante justice against women.
......................

One morning he called for restaurant smokers to be gunned down rather than have another government ruling about smoking--he is always against more big government rules--motorcycle helmet rules, etc.

This statement was immediately erased from the podcast and when questioned the webmaster said they only erase commercials and their talk is meant to be provocative and interesting.............

The addition of the very popular and strong LaDona Harvey immediately made the morning drive tolerable and entertaining. LaDona actually had the gift of curtailing chip's on-air anger and showing off his talents--once LaDona went on vacation he was up to his old tricks.

chip was just way too caustic at 5 o'clock in the morning. Just this week he again called for someone to be beat-up--on more than one occasion.......before the radio dial went over to 760................

agree or disagree...all comments are welcome......chip, you can comment, too. I know you read my blogs as evidenced by your comments in Salon......everyone wants to hear what you have to say, and "your take" on the situation..............

.........................................

this is an interesting comment from the UT posting on chip not being included in KOGO's new fall line-up......

Andy Davies · · San Diego, California

this is a link to the UT page on chip:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/13/chip-franklin-kogo-radio/

...................................................
here we go with a blog post from Salon with a response from chip:

http://open.salon.com/blog/chloelouise/2011/08/24/chip_franklinironic_violent_or_just_plain_stupid

....................................

the ronnie republic post from April 10.........

San Diego Radio KOGO 600's Town-Clown chip franklin Short-Leashed by LaDona Harvey

http://www.wikihow.com/images/6/6a/SSA42117.JPG

KOGO 600's Town Clown chip franklin Short-Leashed by LaDona Harvey

Right, it took the big beautiful wild horse of a lady, LaDona Harvey to stomp-out the bald-headed bad boy of San Diego talk radio, chip franklin.

It's about time--he was way out of control--I imagine it was almost time for him to go off the air after his producer Don Ayres was removed and news ladies were added to neutralize the acid tongue of shock-jock, chip.

chip was all over those girls verbally with a certain exuberance that was cringing to hear at that hour of the morning.

Is there anyone who can control chip?.........

This morning chip and LaDona were conducting a serious go-round, the verbal brawl was impending--LaDona was winning and the caller confirmed it, "You've lost this one, chip!"

LaDona will not back down. chip does not ever want to give up or be beat in an discussion--if the argument loss is imminent he goes "O'Reilly."

I don't want to hurt chip's feelings, as if that were possible, but I have only written one post about LaDona Harvery and people are searching my blog daily for more info--where is she..... is chip on his way out....why did she go to mornings....every day....it's taking up the whole page.

The search race has been won by LaDona, Mayor Bob Filner coming in with a close second and chip franklin last...unless he acts-up, then his searches top the list.

LaDona and chip are very talented and strong personalities but chip's war on women and violent outbursts were very hard listening at the 5 AM hour.

Do I agree with Ladona, often not, but like the lady she loves to wrangle, Gloria Allred, she does not mind standing up for her beliefs.

I think she is almost too harsh in some of her philosophies about women (apparently, she always likes to read the fine print before she dives into anything--not all ladies have that opportunity, LaDona) but, nevertheless, her talent and strength and self-belief prevail.

Good job, Ladona.

--
chloelouise

clear crystal quartz cushion earrings...10.00.........sterling
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Sep 12, 2013

Thibeault's Table Again--I'll Have That Right Now Please

file under: bringing the world together with food and fabric.......

http://www.thibeaultstable.com/

Grilled Brie with Baked Garlic and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

These pictures are from Thibeault's Table--a cooking blog with really nice pictures and good food ideas--the instuctions are easy to follow and the pictures are fun to see--thanks, Thibeault, for this very enjoyable cooking blog.....cl
here is the link to the ingredients and the blog:

http://www.thibeaultstable.com/

Sep 10, 2013

Seriously--the great nations of the world, RT and AJAM, try to go up against Anderson Cooper--will they be successful?

Right, I am trying to watch AJAM but I am unable to find it.. I will put your post in my blog--the ronnie republic. I am temporarily annoyed with CNN at this time, because I feel that they only want to focus on AC right now---and forever--and refuse to run other interesting shows. After seeing AC360 twice--completely--I feel like I have successfully comitted it to memory and a third complete running of the thing every other hour is really not necessary.

Which leads me to the only reasonable conclusion that Anderson Cooper is trying to take over the world. It's obvious at this point.

Why are you taking this bias in your post--are you very pro-Israel and you are worried? Please explain and I will also post you response--

Do you know how to see AJAM.

Do you have any feelings on RT.

Seriously--the great nations of the world, RT and AJAM, try to go up against Anderson Cooper--will they be successful?

NEWS MEDIA

How to watch Al Jazeera America

GHITIS

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BY FRIDA GHITIS

FJGHITIS@GMAIL.COM

For those of us who believe the American public deserves and needs to know much more about what goes on in the rest of the world, the arrival of a television network determined to focus on hard news, to “make news the star,” to quote my old boss Ted Turner, should be cause for celebration. But when that network is Al Jazeera, we all need to take a few steps back and prepare before we start watching.

The first fact to keep in mind when watching the just launched Al Jazeera America is that the new network is, like the other Al Jazeera channels, owned by the royal family of Qatar, which has used Al Jazeera to spread its influence, raise its global profile, shape public opinion and try to create its desired outcomes.

Al Jazeera is an arm of the Qatari government and an instrument of Qatari foreign policy.

Al Jazeera’s Arabic network has seen its popularity in the Arab world plummet recently as its coverage of uprisings in the Middle took a strong pro-Muslim Brotherhood tilt. The network was dubbed “the mouthpiece of the Brotherhood” by countless commentators writing about a phenomenon that was transparent to viewers. Nearly two dozen Al Jazeera staff members resigned to protest Qatar’s instructions to continue supporting the Brotherhood in their coverage. Anchor Fatma Nabil and others said the bosses in Doha provided guidelines to support the Brotherhood in their studio discussion and downplay anti-Brotherhood sentiment.

Qatar’s foreign policy was to promote the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, and the main devices to exert Doha’s power were Al Jazeera and billions of dollars in Qatari funding to Brotherhood groups in Egypt, Syria and elsewhere.

Al Jazeera America, broadcasting from New York, promises to focus sharply on “fact-based, in-depth stories of U.S. and international news.” Sounds great, as long as the network refrains from some of the practices that have tainted its journalism on other Al Jazeera networks.

Full disclosure: I spent many years on staff at CNN, a major competitor of Al Jazeera. I am now a frequent — paid — contributor to CNN.com. But I am not employed by CNN. Like many people who worked for CNN when the news was, in fact, the star, I would like to see more hard news on CNN. I hope the new competition will create pressure to spend more time on news, particularly international news. Although I have no illusions.

Al Jazeera, owned by tiny Qatar’s fabulously wealthy ruling family, employs many friends and former colleagues of mine, whose individual integrity and talent I do not question. And much of what I have seen on Al Jazeera English (AJE) — a separate network from the new Al Jazeera America (AJAM) — is of excellent quality, with top production values and high journalistic standards. AJE has done excellent work.

That, however, is not enough to ignore the red flags that go up when you say the words Al Jazeera.

When Al Jazeera first came on the scene, back in 1996, it shook the Arab world, where the news had featured only state-owned, kiss-up-to-the ruler reporting. Qatar became a force to be reckoned with, sending AJ reporters to expose corruption and injustice. Nobody had seen anything like it. It even interviewed Israeli officials, a startling and often disturbing novelty.

But, as Fouad Ajami reported in 2001, Al Jazeera’s coverage was driven by “an aggressive mix of anti-Americanism and anti-Zionism.” The network specialized in close-ups of dead bodies, crying and wounded children, with ominous sound tracks designed to heighten emotions.

The Arabic and English channels used two different approaches. In Arabic, coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as documented by, among others, Mohamed Elmenshawy, of the Middle East Institute in Washington, portrayed Israel as the enemy, “always on the wrong side.” Palestinians are often referred to as “resisters” and “martyrs,” while Israelis are frequently called the “occupiers.” The English channel’s wording is much more careful.

When the network first went on the air in 2006, its principal U.S. anchor, David Marash, went on a promotional tour guaranteeing potential viewers that journalists in the United States would have full editorial independence. He eventually resigned, charging that editorial control had gradually but steadily reverted to Qatar. Al Jazeera’s top executive in Doha is a member of the ruling family.

The long-time Emir of Qatar recently stepped down, handing power to his son. The emirate’s foreign policy of backing the Muslim Brotherhood, believing the group would sweep to power in the Middle East, now looks like a disastrous bet, so policy may change.

For Americans watching Al Jazeera America, it’s important to watch out for subtle biases in content. And it would be interesting to compare any deviation from objectivity and balance against Qatar’s interests.

It’s a challenge for American viewers, who urgently need access to strong, unbiased, responsible journalism.

4

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/24/3581967/how-to-watch-al-jazeera-america.html#storylink=cpy

copied from the Miami Herald.....dated 8-26-13

Finding Al Jazeera.....

Finding Al Jazeera.......

Right, finding Al Jazeera America in America....where is it.

Cox Cable in San Diego states they do not have it.

If it is available on the internet streaming the individual writing this blog is unable to locate it. Perhaps it is a case of OE.*

How does one visualize this channel?

You see, some people like to watch a little bit of all of the news--news is exciting from different places.

Watching the news in the London Hotel...........

So far, in limited world travel, it has been noted by many that London has very many news stations form all over the place. There is news there from all over the world, different clothes, different types of news--information from places that never come to mind in San Diego.

It's a fun news bazaar.

Back to Al Jazeera America in San Diego............

Any information on this subject in the comments section below would be really appreciated..........

On the blog of Larry Hancock, noted JFK researcher and author of Someone Would Have Talked in the recent post Going Forward........many contributors are talking about a documentary recently shown on RT. This doc also shows David Atlee Phillips who has been a very interesting and mysterious figure in the JFK assassination controversy. Now, this doc, as far as one can determine, is only shown at certain times......but good news, Larry King is available all of the time.

how to watch this doc, too..................information wanted...........