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

The Slice Sta Offers Practice Field For The Big-City Walkers

In at least one respect, the STA Plaza is an unqualified success.

Its presence has provided downtown Spokane pedestrians with some sorely needed practice at walking in crowds.

You might recall The Slice has noted that this is one area in which Inland Northwest residents do not excel. And the reason is obvious - not enough practice.

But for those fortunate enough to regularly find themselves strolling past the bus station, that’s changing. Thanks to the congested clusters of people getting on or off buses, pedestrians simply trying to slip by now have the pleasure of getting in a nice little urban-walking workout.

And you know what? We’re seeing improvement. No kidding. People who, in the past, might have been intimidated by coming upon a section of sidewalk clogged with a solid wall of mass transit humanity are now boldly plunging ahead. And like talented broken-field runners, they’re finding daylight and wending their way through.

Thanks, STA!

But people who work downtown shouldn’t have all the advantages. If you are planning a trip to a major city and don’t want to stumble and stutter-step like a complete rube when you get there, c’mon down and put in a few midday laps around the Plaza. In no time at all, you’ll be muttering “Scuse me” and violating strangers’ personal space like a true throng-tested city sardine.

Celebrating the time-honored Spokane-Hawaii theme: Lilac Festival pins are on sale. You can get one at many Spokane supermarkets. Or call 326-3339 for a list of other locations. The pins cost $2. The theme is “Lilac Luau.”

One phrase we don’t hear often enough: “Tumped over.”

If A.E. Geyer dropped leaflets on Spokane, they would feature: The Lord’s Prayer.

Just wondering: Don’t you just want to smack people who think violence is the answer?

Editor’s note: Though we have enjoyed them almost as much as adventures in vomiting and the “I got bombed by a gull” stories, we are declaring a moratorium on tales of pets stealing food. But thanks to all who called or wrote.

Today’s Slice question: If you had one at-bat against the Mariners’ Randy Johnson, what would happen?

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing

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

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