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VICTOR PAUL ALVAREZ
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Holding the Line
The sign behind the bar reads: "Nick–A-Nee's: Best Jukebox, 2012." At the time it was an honor. Today it's a relic. The Phoenix dropped the "Best Jukebox" category this year. There just aren't many true jukeboxes left in the state.
Geology Dept.
Rhode Islanders are fond of saying "only in Rhode Island," even when it's not true. This isn't the only state teeming with corruption, long-toothed palookas, or landmarks that "used to be" something else.
Cheap thrills
Rhode Island has a lot going against it. The state ranks last or close to last in most economic indicators. Taxes are high and jobs are scarce. Our most prominent cultural export may be Pauly D.
It is Saturday night at the Lincoln Bar & Grille in East Providence and Big Bill is in firm command of the room. He's the kind of guy known in these parts as "funny as a bastard." Flirts with the women. Zings the men.
Saddle Up
There used to be more dive bars in this city. The Safari Lounge, the One Up, Splinter's. I got to thinking about this over a short glass of bourbon at one of the city's last dives — Muldowney's Pub on Empire Street.
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