Dear Diver,

What’s up with no-name bands that claim allegiance to a major music mecca? Does it really matter that Johnny and the Doorknobs are from Austin or Cry Me a River is Nashville-based? Are these bands really worth checking out or should I stick with local fare?

– Mac, Hermosa

Well, Mac,

The way I see it, the more of these performers come to Durango, the better. I mean, come on. What is Durango anyway? A little town on the way to a bunch of other little towns. We’re lucky to have the music scenesters stop by for something other than getting a tire fixed. All those acts that stop by also eat here, drink here, stay here, spend money here. So in a roundabout way, by supporting the non-local acts, you’re also supporting the local economy. That’s a good thing. I gotta tell you, the last visiting musical act I saw had me dancing so hard I think I left a butt cheek on the floor at the Abbey. Can’t wait for the cleaning bill for THAT … just sayin’.

– Sincerely, Dancin’ Diver

Dear Diver,

Now that marijuana’s gone mainstream (and is practically legal) is it still cool? Back when it was outlawed and people weren’t using it for “health,” it had more of a dark and mysterious edge. What’s the next drug of choice for us renegade users?

– Deeply anonymous in Durango  

Dear Anonymous:

If you can remember when smoking pot was something you got away with as opposed to something you were expected to do, then yes it’s still cool. If you’re a young punk looking for entitlement to smoke it, then yes it’s still cool. If you’ve smoked it, eaten it in a brownie, had it as ice cream or cookies, then yes it’s still cool. If you’ve gotten a whiff walking by a dispensary, then yes it’s still cool.

Now, where were we?

Oh! The next cool edgy drug for renegades? I forget….

– ‘Ere,  Diver

Dear Diver,

I’ve been invited to a wedding by someone I don’t particularly like. Should I go and enjoy their open bar and prime rib? Or should I stay home and stew and hope this special someone gets a clue?

– Always the bridesmaid, via e-mail

Oh honey:

This is the perfect opportunity for you to have the time of your life and leave that loser in your au-jus covered dust. I’d go. I’d take a really hot guy,

– Sincerely, Diver