Rita: Lolita, I won’t interfere in your fantasies, but I am going to ask our musical friends to tell me something they’d like to share with a stranger about Boston. Hopefully none of them with bring up Lolita’s good name. Chuck, you’re first. CHUCK U. ROSINA (WMBR/ WMFO): Boston is a unique place. There are the obvious things that bring tourists here, like American history, higher education and Fenway Park. But what would not be obvious to typical tourists (but IS obvious to Noise readers) is that we have a thriving rock scene... in fact, a thriving music scene in all genres! Also, we have one of the most amazing radio dials in the country (dare I say the world). Even without a direct Pacifica affiliate, there’s nearly a dozen non-commercial stations to choose from, thanks largely to those institutions of higher learning. Radio for the community, the students, and the people at large, not for the sponsors. Yay, Boston! *** TJ WELCH (the Welch Boys): Beware of the King of Dorchester, Mark Doherty, especially if he is on a bender. *** RAY MASON (Ray Mason Band/ Lonesome Brothers): That, in the ’60s, two of the most inspiring 45’s ever released came from the Boston area. “Bright Lit Blue Skies” by the Ramrods and “Why Do I Cry” by the Remains were highly influential to a teenager from Holyoke locked in his room listening to records through a Magnavox pullout stereo. And they still are! *** SAMMY MIAMI (HoundStone): Do not under any circumstances wear a Yankees or Giants jersey. If you’re thinking about driving—don’t. And when you run out of gas looking for a place to park and get hit in the face with a snowball, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Welcome to Beantown! *** DIANE ANDRONICA (CCTV): Boston is one of the coolest cities I’ve ever been in. There are so many creative and fun things happening here, like the Honk Fest, Lantern Parade, Wake Up the Earth, and the Boston Marathon. It’s a world-class city with many small town qualities. It’s easy to get around by public transit or bicycle and every year there are parties that the whole city and surrounding areas enjoy like First Night, and July 4th on the Esplanade. The colleges keep the city young and it never ages. Professional sports teams are extremely loved. *** SHADY (The Crushing Low): Boston is cold for six months a year—yet we all rally around our sports teams. The warmth you experience at a packed Fenway Park, even on a cold October night, overshadows any outside temperature. *** MIKE PATTERSON (The Sprained Ankles): Come back in June. *** SHAUN WOLF WORTIS (Gato Malo/ Annual Mardi Gras Ball): That unlike most great cities in the nation, Boston does not have a distinctive and original sandwich. I think a visiting stranger might be surprised by this. New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, Cleveland, Charlotte, even Louisville, all have original and distinctive sandwiches. Boston does not. Oh, sure there’s the lobster roll—but, come on, that’s a Maine innovation and anyway how many sub shop or restaurants in Boston actually even carry the lobster roll? You can’t claim a regional sandwich if you can’t find said sandwich, I always say. We need a sandwich! Lolita: I knew something would come out about my past. It was never a secret that Shaun and softball commissioner, RONNIE BROADFOOT, made a sandwich with me many times, and although it tasted really good, they always wanted to keep it a secret. How is Boston supposed to have it’s own sandwich if you keep it a secret? Rita: I always thought that your secret sandwich had too much mayo. On a more serious note, here’s something everyone in Massachusetts should know… the Registry of Motor Vehicles is no longer mailing license renewal notices. When the Noise doesn’t send out subscription renewal reminders, it’s the Noise that suffers. But with the RMV, you will suffer when you get ticketed for forgetting to renew. And that ticket money goes back to the State government that runs the RMV. This is the kind of thing we need to remind our elected officials (public servants) to correct. Lolita: You mean, I can subscribe to the Noise?