“It was like the good gone times when we still believed in summer hotels and the philosophies of popular songs.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Something seems different this summer. Maybe it’s the fact that this is the first summer I’ve spent working downtown in New York City since our headquarters moved to the financial district in January. Or perhaps it’s that we haven’t really had any scorching summer days yet… you know, the ones that make the subway platform feel like a 110 degree sauna. Or more likely, it’s the fact that I haven’t been to a baseball game this season. As long as I can remember, I’ve always associated the start of summer with an anticipated trip to the baseball stadium.

Though I haven’t frequented Shea or Yankee Stadium yet, I did get a quick baseball fix (and you can, too) from this issue’s baseball stadium tour article. In this feature, SMOKE writer Paul Gutierrez revisits the historical landmarks of yesteryear, as well as the modern day fields of today. Sit next to Gutierrez and the “bleacher creatures” (as he affectionately calls those who make it a habit of sitting in the cheap seats) while he describes the role of Astroturf, then and now, and where we will be sitting in the future.

When we decided to feature the legendary rock band Aerosmith on this issue’s cover, I knew that both Steven Tyler and Joe Perry smoke cigars, but I was not aware of the extent to which their dedication reached. Learn about their favorites, along with unique cigar storage ideas that can only come from this rocking duo. As today’s music industry overflows with one-hit wonders and boy bands of the week, it’s satisfying to feature a group that spans decades, as well as generations. Music writer Gene Santoro tours with them on page 68.

For those readers out there who frequent Las Vegas, our article entitled “Vegas’ Violent Visionary” profiles infamous gangster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, and guarantees to entertain. Step back in time as penman Earl B. Wilson weaves a tale of innocence lost, cold-blooded murder, lost love, and a dream called the Flamingo that transformed a dusty town into the gambling capital of the world.

And if you’re yearning for the beach, or long for those lazy days by the pool, don’t miss our bikini-clad beauties on page 80. We decided to shoot this year’s bathing suit pictorial on the streets of New York City just outside our new offices. That day, Wall-Streeters forgot about the volatile market, at least for a brief moment in time, while we took over the Street for “A Bare Market.”

Enjoy the issue!

Alyson Boxman Levine
Editor-in-Chief