In The Belly of The Beast

[richiebee]

I have only been to the newly renovated Aqueduct \"Racino\" twice: On the Saturday
after Thanksgiving for what has become an annual visit with some friends to
Equestris and on this past Sunday in pursuit of what has proven to be,all things
taken into consideration over the last 25 or so years, one damn expensive free
calendar.

On the first visit I was basically tethered to the buffet, but last Sunday, with
what was a very uninspiring card, I had the opportunity to check out the casino. I
need to preface my commentary by noting that I have been in a real casino exactly
twice in my life, both times in AC -- the first time was the day that Ferdinand won
the Ky Derby from dead last under \"The Shoe\" and then again in 2003 as a guest of
General Motors.

First Impression-- The Aqueduct parking lot used to be very accessible from the Belt
Parkway/Conduit Blvd. After following the convoluted new traffic/parking pattern on
Sunday, it occurred to me that if whoever designed this system had been part of the
US war effort in WWII, this post would be in German. Another thought was that
whoever conceived of this pattern may have been responsible for inventing Marriage.

The renovated portions of the old Aqueduct structure are now pristine. As I passed
through the various areas of the casino, feeling a bit like a tiny pinball in a huge
machine, I noted what was the largest TV monitor I have ever seen, which was showing
Cryin Ryan\'s boys choking in a big way. Smaller screens showed all other sporting
events.

There are exit doors on both floors of the casino which are currently open which
open out towards the racetrack; outside these doors is a wide loge or mezzanine which
provides a tremendous sightline for watching horses warm up and race. In warmer
weather I think some outdoor furniture would be appropriate, but these people are in
the casino business and do not want you sitting outdoors more than a few feet from
their revenue producers.

I do not know if one exists or is planned, but I believe that the Genting people
would be well served to open an upscale simulcast room/ teletheatre within the
casino, preferably a facility which would be situated such that it would be able to
take advantage of the aforementioned mezzanines. Cover charge, food service,
beverage service, modest dress code, desks with internet connections and of course
betting windows and large monitors would all be appropriate. As it stands now, as
far as I could discern, there are no monitors showing racing anywhere in the casino.

Two final observations: Again I have not spent much time in casinos in general, but
I was shocked to see the diversity  ... in terms of age and ethnicity ... at this
facility. As much of a melting pot effect as I have ever experienced within this
great melting pot of a City.

For El Jefe: They have refurbished the area where forms, programs and newspapers are
sold. At said area, there is a sign clearly noting where TGs and Rags may be
purchased. For those keeping score at home, TG is listed on top.

[sighthound]

Nice update.

You need to write professionally regarding racing.

[TGJB]

Or New York. Red Smith would have been proud of \"this post would have been in German\".

[richiebee]

JB:

Might have to give David Milch credit on that one, I first heard some variation of
\"German\" muttered by Det. Andy Sipowicz on \"NYPD Blue\".

[TGJB]

Speaking of which, don\'t remember whether I posted on this or not: I finally got to see that pilot of \"Luck\", and it played way better than it read. And Mann pulled out the \"Thief\" soundtrack, too, which was great.