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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Water Cooler

All the news, entertainment, games and social media to get you through your day

News >  Family

Water Cooler: Getting organized for the new school year

Life is about to get a lot busier with the new school year just around the corner. Staying organized from the get-go will make for an easier transition out of summer break mode and will set your young learner up for success throughout the year. Here are some tips.
A&E >  Books

Water Cooler: Exploring contemporary science fiction

Since these unprecedented times aren’t going anywhere fast, it’s still a great time for some escapist fiction. It may be an even better time for these stories now as the Inland Northwest has seen some cooler, breezier days offering the first hints of fall.
A&E >  Food

Water Cooler: A beginner’s guide to wine and food pairings

You’ve probably heard that white wine goes with fish and chicken, and red wine goes with steak, but it doesn’t stop there. There is a deep world of information when it comes to wine pairing, so here’s a quick guide to the science behind it.
News >  Family

Tips for preparing for the new school year

It’s hard to believe, but it is almost time to head back to school. After a summer of relaxation and fun, it’s always a bit nerve-wracking to get back to the hustle and bustle of the school year. Add a pandemic to that, and returning to school feels even more stressful. Here are a few ways you and your family can be prepared for the first day of class.
A&E >  Books

Water Cooler: Escape reality with science fiction

Need a break from reality? You’re not alone. Here is some escapist reading full of imagination and fantasy that will easily transport you from this world to another. “Stranger In A Strange Land,” by Robert A. Heinlein (1961) – We can imagine what it would be like to travel to another planet, but ...
News >  Health

Water Cooler: What happens if you stop brushing your teeth?

When you’re dead tired and just want to flop into bed, it’s tempting to skip brushing your teeth for the night. Skipping it occasionally will likely not have much of an affect on your oral health, but do it often enough and that habit will catch up with you more quickly than you might expect.
News >  Technology

Water Cooler: Demystify computers by learning about their basic parts

For generations that didn’t grow up with computers, they can often seem overwhelming to approach. But don’t be too intimidated. Even the generations that grew up with computers don’t always have much knowledge on how these machines work or what their various parts do. Here is a quick guide to help demystify the basic components and functions of a personal computer.