New Jersey: Energy Animates ‘America’s Favorite Playground’
Mark Green
Posted October 10, 2017
It’s early fall in the Mid-Atlantic, and memories of summer weekend jaunts to the Jersey Shore are still fresh – because, as Springsteen put it, “down on the shore everything’s all right.”
Here’s what’s alright: Folks loading up the car, filling the tank with gas and hitting the Atlantic City Expressway in droves, because there’s no more popular shore point than historic Atlantic City. The Boss again:
“Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty, and meet me tonight in Atlantic City.”
Atlantic City is the shore, it’s the Boardwalk – the one with a capital “B.” It’s shops, amusements and games of chance. It’s historic. Atlantic City street names were appropriated by “Monopoly,” which remains one of the most popular board games ever. (Below, the first page of Charles Darrow's patent submission for the game, granted in 1935.)
Atlantic City certainly lives up to its “Do AC” slogan. Pull through Ventnor or Brigantine, onto Atlantic Ave, into “America’s Favorite Playground,” and you’re instantly greeted by emporiums and casinos. A couple of blocks in the distance, the Boardwalk attracts beachgoers, bicyclists and beach tag checkers. This town doesn’t mess around when it comes to the tourist experience. Natural gas and petroleum help ensure that A.C. brings the heat year-round.
Energy Rolls Out the Red Carpet
Atlantic City is known as a destination for those who enjoy casino gaming and an exciting party atmosphere. The luxurious carpeting of the massive casino halls compliment the streams of well-dressed people decked out in sequins-studded attire. Petroleum and natural gas help give the atmosphere that je ne sais quoi the city has reflected for more than a century.
Walk into any major resort and you’ll find vibrant colors and designs lining the floors, inviting some level of self-indulgence. The eye-catching carpets are typically woven using nylon fibers, a petroleum polymer. And you can’t walk these halls without finding yourself among a sea of sequins. From little black dresses to Michael Jackson-esque blazers, these vinyl bedazzlers make you feel like you just stepped onto a movie set. The glitz of those tiny vinyl jewels is provided by ethylene from natural gas.
Know When to Hold ‘Em
Casinos, like those in the Borgata and Caesars, offer a slew of card and dice games, as well as slots, to entice potential players. You name it, they’ve got it. Petroleum and natural gas make it so everyone has a seat at the table.
The table games offer a fun and exciting time. As you check your cards on that initial hand, take a second to feel the texture. The smooth, sleek, surface you feel is made possible by the natural gas and petroleum-infused plastic playing cards that are required in NJ casinos.
Jet Around Town
Many think of Atlantic City only in gaming terms. But if find yourself on the beaches in late summer and you might catch the Annual Atlantic City Airshow. Acts like the Blue Angels and Navy Thunderbirds roar through the sky as villas filled with families, organizations and prominent community leaders enjoy the event. They don’t hold back when it comes to the theatrics. The Navy Thunderbirds burn approximately 800 gallons of jet fuel per flight, performing stunts that will make you hold your breath.
Maybe you’re an amusement ride junkie. Steel Pier on the Boardwalk offers a slew of rides that are sure to satisfy the thrill seeker. All those flashing signs, rides and attractions are powered by electricity. There’s a good chance the ride you’re on is powered by natural gas, considering it’s the leading fuel for generating New Jersey’s electricity.
South Jersey is an affordable weekend getaway just hours from many of the major metropolises on the East Coast. Natural gas and oil help ensure Atlantic City doesn’t disappoint.
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.