Bob Dylan picked up by a cop in NJ

From a few weeks back, but this story has sort of slipped under the radar.  If you live in the former home of a legendary rock songwriter, that disheveled old guy in your backyard is probably Bob Dylan.

Jersey bans Brazilians? (updated 3/26/09)

Looks like it will become more difficult to get a popular cosmetic hair removal procedure performed in the Garden State.

Update 3/26/09: It appears that the crisis has been averted.

Movie: The Wrestler

Saw The Wrestler Friday night, and think it’s really very good.  Check Mick Foley’s review in Slate.  I didn’t realize that it takes place in Central New Jersey and that I’d be familiar with some of the locations, particularly Asbury Park.  Well-acted, well-paced, doesn’t make any obvious wrong-moves, and has several memorable scenes.  4 out of 5 stars (outstanding, merits repeat viewing).

When good pols go bad….

A city council member from Jersey City, NJ, arrested for urinating from a balcony onto the crowd below at the 9:30 Club, a DC music venue.  From the New York Daily News.

Travel: Jersey Shore (Central)

I was able to get up to the Jersey Shore a couple times this summer, and have a couple recommendations.

On Broadway in Point Pleasant Beach, the Shore Point Motel is a nice place to stay. A basic motel that’s clean, family run, easy to deal with, walkable to the beach, has a nice pool, and small refrigerators in the rooms. 

Also in Point Pleasant Beach, Red’s Lobster Pot has a few full service tables inside, but most people order at the counter and sit at picnic tables on the large, covered deck. While most opt for steamed lobster with drawn butter and corn, the lobster quesadilla is also great.

Freedman’s Bakery, at 803 Main Street in Belmar, has great baked goods, some of the best coffee I can remember, and wonderful breakfast choices. Pick up a pork roll, egg and cheese on a hard roll and take it to the beach.

Ocean Grove is a great place to walk around, see Victorian architecture, and go to the beach.

Here’s an old Seaside Heights promotional video that was posted on YouTube: