The Slice: Look who’s coming to dinner

There are two big problems with pet doors.

Your cat can make a big entrance just minutes after getting sprayed by a skunk.

And the snacks-seeking skunk can come in, too.

What you would say to someone who lives here and insists on calling Spokane a cow town: “Moove.” – George Iranon

Lining up against future pros: I can’t really do justice to the list of Slice readers who competed in high school against opponents who would go on to become professional athletes. Lots of people can make this claim, of course.

For instance, there’s everyone who played against Lewis and Clark’s Gail Cogdill, Mead’s Jason Hanson, Cheney’s Steve Emtman, University’s Angie Bjorklund, Mead’s Stacy Clinesmith, Gonzaga Prep’s John Stockton, Shadle Park’s Mark Rypien, North Central’s Ryne Sandberg, Northwest Christian’s Jeremy Affeldt, Coeur d’Alene’s John Friesz, et cetera.

And a roster of readers shared accounts of facing future pros elsewhere. Howie Stalwick told of swinging at a curveball from future big league hurler Floyd Bannister that bounced several feet in front of home plate.

Tom Gordon recalled striking out against future major league pitcher Todd Stottlemyre.

And so on.

But it wasn’t all just tales of futility. Bill Mahaney, who grew up near Boston, told of pitching and winning a game against a rival high school team that had future major leaguer Wilbur Wood on the mound.

Place names that could have been names of eccentric characters in old TV westerns: Bigelow Gulch, Peone Prairie, Otis Orchards, Polly Judd Park, Ruby Ridge, Rutter Parkway.

Your turn.

Spokane celebrities: Several readers disputed my assertion that there’s really no such thing. They nominated a number of individuals who, in their minds, would qualify.

Hmmm. I’m quite sure that all of those named could walk the streets unmolested. And do I have to explain the two big reasons why Bing Crosby does not count? But hey, I said “feel free to disagree” so it would be bad form to insist on having the last word.

Today’s Slice question: What’s the difference between you and a 1943 B-17 pilot?