The Slice: Maybe it could fill potholes

A Slice reader noted that Microsoft reportedly is working on a project called “Albany.”

He referred to it as an “online productivity suite.”

And he wondered what sort of product or service might appropriately be named “Spokane.”

I’ll send a coveted reporter’s notebook to the reader submitting the best idea.

My thought? It could be a good name for a beach chair, antiperspirant or relaxed-fit line of apparel.

“Getting high: Some of the best views of Spokane are from upper-floor hospital rooms.

““Just wondering” hat trick: Every once in a great while, a baseball player comes down with a form of brain-lock that prevents him from making even the simplest of throws. Well, does that ever happen to anyone when it comes to signing his or her own name?

How many S-R readers besides Deborah Chan moved to Spokane on the exact same day as the date on one of the old front pages the newspaper has been reprinting recently?

What group in our area most consistently views itself in terms of heroic (if unappreciated) martyrdom?

“There’s a right way and a wrong way: A Spokane parent who shall remain anonymous reports that not all boys intuitively understand how to wear a jock-strap and protective cup.

“Slice answers: Responding readers were divided in the matter of whether Spokane deserves its reputation as a city of bad tippers. Several callers loudly agreed it does.

But John Okert wrote, “The Spokane population knows what good service is and tips accordingly.”

Dave Fyhr, who has worked in restaurants in various capacities, said he always leaves a tip. “But that tip will run from 10 percent to 15 percent to 20 percent to two cents.”

And in the matter of being attracted to celebrities you suspect are not the most admirable people, a friend mentioned actress Scarlett Johansson.

Don, she may or may not be nuts. But here’s the clarifying good news: In either case, she’s too young for you.

“Slice reader Kay Anderson wants to know: Has anyone in Spokane been pulled over for suspected drunk driving when he or she was just avoiding potholes?

“Nobody asked me: But here are three things I would love to hear Spokane TV weather people say on the air.

1. “It probably won’t be sunny and 80. Try to cope.”

2. “If your mood is entirely determined by the weather, get some therapy.”

3. “If you are seriously blaming me for iffy conditions, you apparently know even less about science than our weekend anchor team.”

“Today’s Slice question: What made you decide to replace your turf lawn with landscaping that does not require watering?