Dog Days

Hot and humid summer weather is vacationing in South Jersey with a vengeance. At least the U.S. Congress is on vacation, so perhaps nationally we'll get a brief respite from hot air and bad behavior until they return in September.

Have seen online buzz from a half-dozen sources, including Billboard, that Bob Dylan has recorded a Xmas album featuring new and traditional tunes. This could be one his most baffling career moves since releasing Self Portrait back in the 1970s.

Spent time Sunday afternoon in Atlantic City at Trump's Taj Mahal (an exercise in bad decorative taste) to take advantage of free tix to Cirque Dreams Pandemonia. Do not confuse this company's efforts with the productions created by Cirque du Soleil.

Featuring a Eurasian cast of nearly two dozen jugglers, acrobats, spinners, twirlers, tricksters flippers, contortionists. drummers, and balancers it was 75 minutes of nonstop music, movement, and flashing lights that elicited many "ooh aahs" from the audience. All performers were top of the line, but the female Asian coterie of spinners, cyclists, acrobats and contortionists were amazing.

On the way back from Atlantic City, we stopped for dinner at the Phoenix Diner on Highway 30 in Absecon, N.J. This landmark eatery had an ambitious and extensive menu. Prices a bit above average, portions average, service mediocre.

Another experience last weekend was visiting the Buck Hotel in Feasterville, Pa. This legendary and historic local landmark was completely demolished in 2001. My companion worked there as a server in the 1980s and was shocked by the monstrous size of the new building.

The formal dining room is fairly pricey, but the Tavern offers pub grub at competitive prices. On weekends live bands alternate with DJs and local AM radio legend Jerry Blavat spins tunes Thursday evenings. Because we had dinner elsewhere, am unable to offer comments regarding food quality or quantity, only the prices.