The Slice: A little casual conversation

We all know that many people here would have to depart from their norm and get really dressed up to rise to the level of casual.

But why is that?

Well, take your pick.

A.) Relaxed attire is a tribute to our mining/timber/ranching heritage. B.) A lot of people here are slobs. C.) Spokane is not a wealthy community and T-shirts are affordable. D.) It connotes a delightful lack of pretense. E.) Dressing down shows that you haven’t sold out to the man. F.) It all has something to do with NASCAR and country music. G.) We take our fashion cues from the citizens who appear before the City Council. H.) Wearing a sweatshirt and jeans is almost like camping. I.) Fear of being called a “dandy” or “fop.” J.) Some of us enjoy bugging the people who are bugged by ultra-casual clothes. K.) Because dressing like an adult would require growing up. L.) To any real westerner, a necktie is a metaphorical noose. M.) Some of us desperately want others to notice our bodies. N.) We don’t know any better.

O.) Not trying to impress you, pal. P.) We prefer to be judged on the content of our character. Q.) Dressing like a homeless person is a political statement. R.) Secret desire to hear people whisper, “Mmmm, he’s a rebel.” S.) It’s in keeping with our delusional “outlaw” self-image. T.) T-shirts and jeans are a ploy to trick people into assuming we are creative nonconformists. U.) Ours is a conflicted region that votes Republican and yet does not trust the establishment. V.) Don’t want your boss to think you are on your way to a job interview. W.) It turns out real life isn’t much like a prom. X.) Dressing up would indicate that we have, in fact, failed to keep on rockin’. Y.) We prefer comfortable affectations to starchy ones. Z.) Other.

“Here’s your chance to steer the conversation: I’m planning to spend part of Friday with some Hayden Lake second-graders. What questions should I ask them?

“They go way back: Mike Pounds and his boss at Glacier Mountain Floral Suppliers, Alan Lesher, both celebrated birthdays Tuesday.

The coincidences don’t end there.

They were both born at Sacred Heart in 1963. And their moms were roommates at the hospital.

“Channel-surfing: 1. Remember that “Curb Appeal” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” are two entirely different shows.

2. Don’t be suckered in by “Viewer discretion advised.”

3. The “Star Wars” hype-a-thon is almost over. Next up: A different music awards show every night.

4. If you haven’t been watching TV in the last 10 days or so, you’ve missed multiple opportunities to hear “Spokane” mispronounced on national shows.

“Slice answers (bad bosses): Several readers said all liars are cowards and all cowards are liars.

“Today’s Slice question: What advice would you give to a 50-year-old man who hasn’t owned a bicycle in decades but is now thinking of buying one?