They may be Giants…but they do much more than simply play football. A Taste of the NFL charity event was held at the Stadium Club at Giants Stadium on Monday night. Fans and players (current and former) mingled amid a sprawling array of food sampling stations from premium metropolitan restaurants.

Across New Jersey this week, the music of rock, punk, and pop helped us roll back the clock while our teenage sons and daughters celebrated their coming of age.

At about 3:30 Sunday afternoon, Bruce Springsteen fans across New Jersey were digging out their rain ponchos as fierce thunderstorms smashed down on the Garden State. But by the time Bruce took the stage at Giants Stadium that evening, the rain had ceased and a cool breeze prevailed. Even the weather gods know who’s the boss.

Used to be you needed a long memory to think of Asbury Park as a happening town. But look at all the renovation of classic Asbury places like Convention Hall and Paramount Theater, plus the restaurant scene, chic shopping, and like always, the beach. You see why it’s cool again. Or is it hot? Get both this weekend with the 20th annual Asbury Park Jazz Festival. Performers and schedule here.