Send short, interesting missives to current@hudsonreporter.com. Or write Current, 1400 Washington St., Box 3069, Hoboken, NJ. Long, earnest letters on serious matters should go to the long, earnest journalistic side of the office.
Get off our elk
Our organization is troubled by a photograph published in the Current on March 8 showing three revelers from the St. Patrick’s Day parade mounted atop our Elk statue. Not only was this a dangerous thing to do (the revelers could’ve fallen off the Elk and been seriously hurt), it also shows a blantant disrespect for our charitable mission.
For over 100 years now the Hoboken Elks has benefited the lives of people in our community. Among other things the Elks helps handicapped children, sponsors athletic activities and scholarships for local youth, raises awareness in the fight against drugs and comforts our nation’s veterans in their time of need. Because we care deeply about these causes, we resent having our symbol mocked publicly like this.
Perhaps the Hoboken Reporter could have thought twice before publishing a photograph of the revelers on the Elk, especially since the caption “WHOA! Three St. Pat’s revelers topped off a fun-filled day by climbing upon the sculpture outside the Elks’ Lodge on Washington Street,” gives the impression that the Reporter condones such careless and immature acts. – John Bredin, Exalted Ruler and member of the Hoboken Elks
Publishing a picture of people doing stupid things does not mean we condone stupid things. Publishing a picture of people doing stupid things might make stupid people doing stupid things feel stupid, and then they might not do any more stupid things.
Ferry fantasies
I totally agree that riding the ferry into Manhattan makes you feel like you’re in a Woody Allen movie (“Buses, ferries and my mom’s Jeep Wrangler,” May 10). I think the experience more than makes up for the extra ten-minutes of travel time. – Veronica
We totally agree. And if you’re heading to midtown, it’s even quicker than the PATH or a car.
Erudite audience
I tried to read Den of Thieves, James Stewart’s best-seller about the Ivan Boesky, Michael Milken insider-trading scandal that nearly destroyed Wall Street in the ’80s. (The book JoAnne Steglitz was reading in “Buses, ferries and my mom’s Jeep Wrangler,” May 10). But I could never get into it. Is it good once you get into it? – Gerald C., Hoboken
According to JoAnne Steglitz – who couldn’t tell you the difference between leveraged buyout or a hostile takeover if a .22 caliber pistol was pointed at her brow – the book is riveting. You should try reading it again.
PMS
You know what’s a great movie to watch when you have PMS? Beaches with Bette Midler. I cry every time I see it. – Kimmi G., Weehawken
Thanks for the tip. That’s like saying a tall glass of lemonade will quench your thirst on a hot summer day.
What are those called?
What are those bugs called that congregate under logs? They’re kind of brownish-grey and they curl into a ball when you touch them. – J
Excuse me, but what are you doing picking up logs and touching bugs? Anyway, our resident ichthyologist is vacationing in Texas, where he catches specimens on his windshield. We think the creatures to which you are referring are pill bugs or sow bugs, but we’re not sure if “sow” is the right spelling.