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.
Beer goggles
Hey Hal, I was just wondering: If Boston is such a party town, why do the bars all close at 1 a.m. (Hal Wastes His Wages, May 17)?
Hal responds: That’s one of the many ironies of repressive, Puritanical New England. Though most people are just out to enjoy themselves, there is still an outspoken minority that actually believes in legislating morality through “Blue Laws.”
What’s even more annoying is the fact that the bars close at different times in different areas. For instance, in the town of Cambridge they close at 1 a.m., but in downtown Boston they’re open until 2. Since greater Boston is a patchwork of different little municipalities, you really have to keep on your toes and know where you’re drinking and at what time.
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 staff 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. If anyone knows, write in.
Dork dreams
Once again, I totally disagree with JoAnne Steglitz and her review of Bands On The Run (“Current View,” May 17). I think Flickerstick, those alcoholics from Texas, are just plain awful. Not that I really liked The Josh Dodes Band either. My favorite group is Soul Cracker. I hope they win everything. – Kerri, Hoboken
JS responds: You’ve got to be kidding. You actually like those dorks. I think it’s best if we simply agree to disagree.
More on Massachusetts
Er, uh, er, uh, did Hal bump into Ted Kennedy or Kitty Dukakis on his recent trip? – Anonymous
Not that we know of.