National Harbor - News, Events, Updates, Questions and Developments Etc. (Deale: celebrity, recruit)

[UrbanScholar]

I was on Facebook this morning and say that MGM will be opening their dealer school on May 9, 2016 in cooperation with with Prince George's Community College. The thing that I found interesting was the number of people that were slamming MGM/PGCC for charging for the courses. Although I see their point on a basic level I disagree with those complaints for a couple of reasons. 1. The fees associated with the courses are going to PGCC for use of their facilities, resources etc. Slamming MGM is misdirected; 2. this is an investment in yourself, the skills they learn there can be transferred to any casino or gambling facility in the country and 3 Most training/education that leads a certification or degree has a cost to it. The doom and gloom of how its unfair to Maryland residents or people living in Prince George's is a little exaggerated. Okay I am done with my lunchtime vent. Below you will find the link with more information.

Prince George's Community College :: Hit the Career Jackpot

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

I was on Facebook this morning and say that MGM will be opening their dealer school on May 9, 2016 in cooperation with with Prince George's Community College. The thing that I found interesting was the number of people that were slamming MGM/PGCC for charging for the courses. Although I see their point on a basic level I disagree with those complaints for a couple of reasons. 1. The fees associated with the courses are going to PGCC for use of their facilities, resources etc. Slamming MGM is misdirected; 2. this is an investment in yourself, the skills they learn there can be transferred to any casino or gambling facility in the country and 3 Most training/education that leads a certification or degree has a cost to it. The doom and gloom of how its unfair to Maryland residents or people living in Prince George's is a little exaggerated. Okay I am done with my lunchtime vent. Below you will find the link with more information.

Prince George's Community College :: Hit the Career Jackpot

I agree. Any skill that requires certification isn't free. We pay for any other certificate, certification, or degree. This is no different. Hell, you even have to pay to go to a plumbing or electrician program. Come on people. It's a trade. You have to pay to learn the skills that you can't learn on the street on on You Tube. lol And even if you did, you'd have to get certified by an association. Guess what? It's not free!

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

I agree. Any skill that requires certification isn't free. We pay for any other certificate, certification, or degree. This is no different. Hell, you even have to pay to go to a plumbing or electrician program. Come on people. It's a trade. You have to pay to learn the skills that you can't learn on the street on on You Tube. lol And even if you did, you'd have to get certified by an association. Guess what? It's not free!

True. Its going to be interesting how this plays out. The good thing is that this is an indicator that they are on schedule with their build. 3 months of dealer school and then a selection process of say 2 months including background checks (worst case scenario). Puts them in the October timeframe.

[Sampg1]

MGM National Harbor Local Development Council Meeting
Date 4/27/2016 at 7:00pm
Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex
7007 Bock Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744

Local Development Council

LDC Proposed Spending Plan

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by Sampg1

MGM National Harbor Local Development Council Meeting
Date 4/27/2016 at 7:00pm
Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex
7007 Bock Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744

Local Development Council

LDC Proposed Spending Plan

Thanks for sharing. Its interesting that there doesn't appear to be no residents from Oxon Hill on the LDC

[halfamazing]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

You still have haters out there though that keep singing the tune about MGM and all the social ills it will bring (reading the comments section). I just chalk it up to regional jealousy. "How could any good thing come out of PG?" They wanted National Harbor to end up like BLVD at the CAP or Landover Mall. When it didn't, they aren't so happy about it. 11 million visitors annually says that their views are in the minority. They say they will NEVER visit NH. Based on what? Afraid they will enjoy it themselves? And now they are hoping MGM creates an environment to where they can say, "I told you so." No telling what they will start saying when even that proves them wrong.

I do know this, you wouldn't hear all this talk if National Harbor was on the west side of the Potomac.

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

Agreed. One thing that is consistent and true about human nature, people are always looking for ways to denigrate the success of other people and other things. I could write a book on the things I can't stand about DC and NOVA but I can also acknowledge their success.

I am going to try to explain a view point and hopefully you can better understand the dynamics surrounding all the negativity. I have been consulting nightclubs domestically and just started doing so internationally. And as of recently, I have been having to assess the demographic and regional landscapes to help determine identities. It has nothing to do with stats or numbers- just purely psychological and social dynamics. I am not a numbers guy at all. There is a lot involved in nightlife just as there is for gaming. This is why Las Vegas Clubs are so tremendous but Miami is not trying to replicate Las Vegas because they are two different dynamics. Miami is more local culture whereas Las Vegas is touristy. But there is a social aspect to it that many "numbers" people don't really understand.

#1 There is a horrible disconnect between DMV rooters and those that could care less about the region. Neither of the two takes the time to understand why one really thrives and or dislikes this area. Both rather impose their own personal biases and persuade the other. If you don't like it here, "you are not educated or affluent enough". If you thrive and love the DMV, you are a "tight wad". Nobody understands each other and neither do they want to.

#2 The national harbor already has both good and bad reviews. Therefore, the way that people internalize the landscape of the NH usually aligns with the rest of their social likes/dislikes. Just even in the above article stating the NH "bringing new life" in the DC area's long life story somewhat applies that there was something missing or that it was almost dead. Las Vegas would never create such an article and label it "bringing new life" unless, it was a known fact. Similar to when Obama was to take office, DC was to all of a sudden become "hip and cool" according to all types of articles. Why? Wasn't it hip and cool before? Why the need for such articles? DC is its own gal and should accept its uniqueness- no matter if others hate on it. You get the point. But on a side note, many DC thrivers will secretly hunt down each DC editorial and thread buff the comments section. You will see them under every comment that doesn’t' agree with the article trying to persuade that person- instead of EXPLAINING why the things are in DC. Just do a search and put the names together and you will see what I mean.

#3 The NH will continue to attract those that like and thrive around the DMV as a whole but will do little to somewhat nothing for those that don't get along with the area. There is a reason to which I will address below.

#4 The NH is a one stop shop to many of those that need more stimulation and the perfect social setting for others that don't want or need a lot of auxiliary activities. The latter fits many of those in the immediate DMV area that just want a good restaurant, walkable area, historic landmarks, and that's it- mostly the educated and affluent. But that isn't enough to lure the labor/creative art class who want more than that. Sure, the MGM/NH will succeed but only to the above unique DMV culture that appreciate what the DMV has to offer. It won't necessarily turn Las Vegas/LA or NYers or make the labor class into weekly return customers. It won't bring in spring breakers, Memorial Day Wknd warriors, or the young hip and cool crowd. These folk want stimulation galore within a short distance and don't have to figure out how to get there or waste an entire day on public transportation. Therefore, they want a means to great attractions beyond the immediate area for a balance of young and old entertainment.

To think that "Local Motors and IT contracting firms is going add value is the thinking of those that don't understand social dynamics. So, the mere mention of IT firms and Local Motors is already a put off to many. That is exactly what the non-thrivers want to get away from...

Atlantic City failed because it was a one stop shop and the immediate area was not cultivated into a destination point with lots of entertainment. There was no other source of energy to feed off from. Pageants, boxing shows, and restaurants will add little value for those that want to go beyond the NH/MGM grounds and not have to get stuck in traffic. It needs to pick up on the already existing and cultivated energy. Everything feeds off of each other organically. NH is 8 years old and is nothing more than just a residential community with a Ferris wheel and restaurants in its back yard. That can be a good thing for the LOCAL affluent community.

Steve Wynn said this about Atlantic City in that he pleaded with the NJ government to take control of AC and build around it. They didn't listen and he bailed to Las Vegas. In the speech below he states: @6:30 mark

"Gaming industry was an effect, not a cause. We spent 200 million or more on A STREET WHERE PEOPLE SPENT 50 OR 60 MILLION. We spent that money on rooms, attractions, entertainment, that had little to do with gaming. But it brought people that were interested in EXPERIENTIAL MOMENTS WHO ALSO FOUND TIME TO GAMBLE. The focus on non-gaming entertainment resulted in more money than all casinos on Freemont Street combined. We broke the Las Vegas ceiling of $500 million with $700 million gaming and $900 million of non-gaming revenue".

Steve also talks about the psychological impact of silly volcano sculptures, lighting, and all sorts of ideas that did not have a cash register attached to them. He also talks about building a grand hotel in boston and mentions ALL THOSE COLLEGES, ALL THOSE KIDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. So tell me, how are the kids going to be able to make it out the NH and back home? Better yet, what is there going to be for them?

But again, DMV has its own culture and will continue to texturize itself accordingly. It doesn't want Las Vegas or NY. It wants to be the GOVERNMENT TOWN suburbs that it is and will always be. People that live here ultimately conform and follow suit. MGM Grand with represent DMV culture. If you are aware what DMV culture is, you already know what is to come regardless of boxing shows or world America pageants- PERIOD.

Now you know!!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3v8no8VvA0

[halfamazing]

Again from Steve. This is the insight of a mind that wants to bring attraction and entertainment beyond a one stop shop. He wants spectacular and a grand experience:

“It’s always been that the noncasino story was the story. It was never the slot machines — they’ve been everywhere for centuries,” Wynn said. “The machines have no power unto themselves. A roulette table is a roulette table anywhere on Earth.”

“You got to give people something they’re willing to get on an airplane and submit to a body search for,” he said. “That ain’t a slot machine, friends, and it sure as hell ain’t a baccarat table.”

Wynn also shared some of his thinking on the casino he recently won approval to build near Boston. He spoke of the rare opportunity he has there — unless Massachusetts voters decide to ban casinos in November — to build a “grand hotel” experience.

“I want all the people in Boston, when they walk through the door, to know they’re not in Kansas anymore,” Wynn said.​

[Dmvwhatup]

MGM National Harbor Casino's Expansive Restaurant Lineup Will Include a Food Hall - Eater DC

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by Dmvwhatup

MGM National Harbor Casino's Expansive Restaurant Lineup Will Include a Food Hall - Eater DC

Thanks for sharing. So I guess Food Hall is the new term for Food Court huh

[the resident09]

Originally Posted by Dmvwhatup

MGM National Harbor Casino's Expansive Restaurant Lineup Will Include a Food Hall - Eater DC

I just saw this, the "food hall" concept is nice. What I am still questioning however is I swore that I heard there would be up to six or more "upscale" restaurants and now all I hear about is the three from the celebrity chefs. Are there going to be three more upscale restaurants in addition to the ones from Samuelsson, Andres, and Voltaggio brothers?