The Slice: The Slice: ‘Forget it, it’s Spokane’ strikes chord

The Slice asked if it is possible to understand Spokane without having been in a bowling league.

Donna McKereghan had an answer.

“No one can really understand Spokane,” she wrote.

Period.

“Our only explanation is ‘This is Spokane,’ and once you’ve lived here long enough you know what it means, even though it is inexplicable. ‘Yeah, I know but this is SPOKANE!’ (volume indicates fuller explanation).”

I’m sure we all grasp what she’s saying.

And whether or not you agree with the exasperated connotation of that expression, you have to admit it makes for a convenient, all-purpose answer. In fact, I’m surprised more readers haven’t said that to me over the years. The ending of one of my favorite movies, “Chinatown,” offers a perfect model.

Just imagine.

Today’s Slice question: Why do people act the way they do here?

Answer: “Forget it, Paul. It’s Spokane.”

Of course, that might suggest an acceptance of diminished expectations or lack of pride. And who wants that?

No, I think we’re still searching for the answers. That’s a healthy thing.

After all, a lot of fine people do countless good things here.

But next time you see a Slice question about a quirky Spokane behavior that just is what it is, feel free to call me and do your best “Chinatown” impression.

“1-Adam 12, see the fowl: Often when animals show up in law enforcement paperwork, it isn’t a happy story. But once in a while, everything turns out OK.

Here is an officer’s report from earlier this week that appeared in the Washington State University Police Department activity log.

“Report of two mallard ducks near the Bookie entrance. I arrived and located two ducks that were sitting next to the SW steps. People were not harassing the ducks and they did not seem to be causing a problem, other than the fact that they were there and it was unusual. No action taken.”

Gee whiz. You try to transfer to WSU from the University of Oregon and someone calls the cops.

Oh, well. Hats off to all the Cougs who left the birds alone.

“Looking ahead to Saturday: Remember, if the marmot sees its shadow, it means 30 more inches of winter.

“Today’s Slice question: Downtown Spokane is at a lower elevation than some of the surrounding area. So do downtown workers who pack a lunch at slightly higher altitudes experience messy pressure changes when opening tightly sealed food or beverage containers?