Internet world often overpopulated with unreliable information

This might come as a shock to some who worship the Internet.

But not all information encountered online is reliable.

The other day, I happened onto a Web site that said the population of Spokane, Wash., is 11,265.

•Multiple choice: Why are you thinking of switching to a different dry cleaner?

A) Looking for lower prices.

B) You would like to patronize a place in a more convenient location.

C) The employees smoke.

D) You requested that the zipper be replaced on a certain garment. You were told it would take a few weeks. You said that’s fine.

The fact that the employee in question was part of a seemingly endless parade of new counter clerks made you feel less than confident. But you reminded yourself that the last time you had something altered, it went fine.

A month goes by. Six weeks. You ask about the status of the garment. You are told that they are using someone new for their alterations and that’s probably why it is taking so long. Apparently the garment is not listed in the computer, but you are assured that it will show up.

A few more weeks go by. You make a telephone inquiry. A woman at the cleaners tells you she will look into it and call you back. She never calls.

You inquire in person. The woman who was supposed to call you back says she was unable to reach the alterations people. She offers to try again while you are there. And, wonder of wonders, she reaches them on her first try. The alterations people report that they don’t have the garment.

The woman suggests that perhaps the mistake is yours and that maybe the garment was never really dropped off in the first place. After all, the garment is not listed in the computer. So how can the fact that it’s missing be the fault of the cleaners?

E) Other.

•Slice answer (finding happiness in Spokane): “I moved from Lewiston to Spokane in 1985 and after two years decided to move to Seattle, and that’s when it happened,” wrote Gay Waldman.

“I met Brent Hoogner while ice skating at Riverfront Park’s Ice Palace. He also, after living here for two years, had decided to move back to Lincoln, Neb., or to Seattle.

“We stayed, developed our careers here, have a beautiful daughter, and have been happily married and living in Spokane ever since.”

•Today’s Slice question: You know those advertisements in the Journal of Business, the ones touting the completion of commercial construction projects and featuring a group photo including some combination of business owners, architects, building contractors and real estate agents?

Well, are there ever hard feelings about who gets to be in the picture and who doesn’t?