The Slice: But you can’t leave spouse at curb

A Slice reader noted the similarity between Christmas trees and spouses.

“Both look incredibly good when you first see them and it isn’t until you make a commitment (both financially and emotionally) and get them home that you begin to notice the flaws. The only thing you can do is try to turn the bad side toward the wall.”

•Getting in touch with the real Northwest: My colleague Dan Hansen noticed something interesting in a public relations brochure presenting the case that the University of Washington is at the center of the universe.

On page 10 of this glossy celebration, there is a startling acknowledgement that not all of Washington hugs Puget Sound.

That’s where the following appeared: “The Spokane metropolitan area is the business and innovation hub of the Inner Northwest region.”

Yes, Inner.

Not Inland, Inner.

Now I suspect the person who wrote that didn’t give this word choice a second’s thought. Chances are, he or she probably regards Spokane as an irrelevant backwater and has no idea that over here we say “Inland.”

No matter.

But you know, sometimes accidents are the keys to invention. Maybe we really are living in the Inner Northwest.

Consider the second and third definitions of that word in Webster’s New World dictionary:

“Of the mind or spirit (inner peace).”

“More intimate, central, or secret (inner emotions).”

Perhaps that really does describe us.

Forget about geography. I’m talking state of mind here.

We might not have some of the things the Seattle area has to offer. Still, a case could be made that, here in the Inner Northwest, we know a little about spirit and intimacy.

And, come to think of it, referring to Seattle as the Outer Northwest somehow seems fitting.

•First request: “How about doing a list of favorite Christmas movies,” wrote Pam Pierson. “My favorite is ‘The Bishop’s Wife,’ which I bet would be at the top of very few people’s lists. Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young. It isn’t Christmas until I watch it.”

•Second request: “Enough about the best holiday lights displays,” wrote Dave Jackson. “How about finding out who has the best extension cord mess.”

•Warm-up question: Katie Couric or Campbell Brown?

•Today’s Slice question: Which is most ridiculous, singers who pretend to be thugs, singers who pretend to be cowboys or singers who pretend to care about the planet more than you?