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The Slice: Yes, the Red Wagon is real, and it’s spectacular
Those who encouraged relatives or friends in other parts of the country to move to the Spokane area sometimes find themselves being asked to explain a few things after the newcomers settle here.
So today The Slice presents a handy guide for residents requested to interpret local life. The following Q-and-A does not cover every issue, but it might help you frame your thinking as you field queries.
Q: You said Spokane has a four-seasons climate. What happened to winter?
A: I don’t know.
Q: My image of the Northwest and the way people vote in parts of the Spokane area seem at odds. What gives?
A: Good question.
Q: I thought you said there were some good jobs here?
A: Did I?
Q: Is “Nice marmot” some kind of secret password?
A: Sort of.
Q: Does the pope help GU recruit basketball players?
A: Not that I know of.
Q: I hear people talk about downtown Spokane as if it is this abandoned, scary place. Have they never traveled?
A: Apparently not.
Q: Have you ever watched the public-forum part of City Council meetings on Channel 5?
A: Avert your eyes.
Q: Do you know this Stephanie Vigil on the TV news?
A: Not biblically.
Q: How about the novelist Jess Walter?
A: I have begged his brother to get some therapy.
Q: Why do certain people call the newspaper The Socialist-Review?
A: They fundamentally misunderstand the aims of the paper’s owners.
Q: Do people in Spokane miss AAA baseball?
A: Maybe a few old guys. But mostly families going to Indians games now care less about the players and who wins or loses than they do about the weather on game night and the price of hot dogs.
Q: Why do some young people seem to resent any mention of Expo ’74?
A: It is an uncomfortable reminder that there’s a big difference talking about Spokane’s future and actually doing something about it.
Q: What does it mean to “Coug it”?
A: It refers to being aware that tomorrow is another day.
Today’s Slice question: What were the circumstances of your first time flying in an airplane?