The Slice Some Know What War Means

It’s not always true.

But often you can tell that a veteran saw combat by how little he talks about his war years.

We’re not suggesting that couples should stay home: But a recent Pennsylvania State University study indicates increased church-going does little to help troubled marriages.

Happy ending: Worley, Idaho’s Kristin Largent lost her beloved wedding-present watch during an evening out in downtown Spokane. She assumed it was gone for good.

But early the next morning, Ralph McGowen discovered it by a doorway when he arrived his cafe. And when Largent’s husband, Larry, showed up at the restaurant during a long-shot search, well, it was smiles all around.

Readers said that if the Inland Northwest were a separate state, its motto would be: “Land of Shining Lakes and Mountains,” “SeaCal,” “Yes You Can if You are an Inland Northwestian,” “Just Leave Us Alone,” “No Whiners,” “This Time We’ll Get it White,” “State of Speeders,” “Come See How the Other Half Lives,” “The Fast-Food State,” “Spokavegas,” “The State that Refuses to Grow and Change,” “I’m the Only One Here,” “No, It’s Not a Joke,” “Vote NO and You Get it Anyway,” “All You Can Eat,” “Prosperity Through Apathy” and “The Only Place You Will See Rolling, Amber Waves of Grain Touching Those Magestic Purple Mountains Amid the Fruited Plains.”

Several readers suggested mottoes having to do with drivers running red lights. One was in Latin.

Tom Boyd offered “Dressing Up is a Clean Baseball Cap.”

But we’re declaring Jonathan Swanstrom the winner for “Quality of Life Through Cooperation.”

Let’s vote: “The issue that I wish was on the ballot is whether people should be allowed to wear sweat pants and/or tank tops in public.” - Laurel Messinger, Cheney

Another reader said he wants to see a Spokane referendum on legalized prostitution.

Overheard at Starbucks: “Just think, Bob, only 11 days till Christmas blend.” - from Mike Williams

Today’s Slice question: How do you plan to wish Washington state a happy birthday today?

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing

MEMO: The Slice appears Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; fax (509) 459-5098.