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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

The Slice: That place closed ages ago

Here’s my guess about why you have trouble cleaning out your basement.

You always discover items purchased at Spokane stores that no longer exist. Then, by the time you have finished telling stories prompted by these finds, it’s time for lunch.

Reader challenge: Who are these guys?

(Be among those providing the correct answer and you might win the first coveted reporter’s notebook of 2016.)

Scott Hayward, Jess Wade, Steve Grayson, Joe Lightcloud, Chad Gates, Clint Reno, Toby Kwimper, Deke Rivers, Walter Gulick, Vince Everett, Dr. John Carpenter, Mike Edwards, Pacer Burton, Tulsa McLean, Johnny Tyronne, Rusty Wells and Lucky Jackson.

Depends on how you define “intolerable”: My friend Martin Wells sent me a press release from North Dakota State University. The headline says it all: “Study Dispels Myth of Intolerable Flatulence from Eating Pulses.”

Pulses are part of the legume family. Think lentils.

Friday’s Slice column had suggested that lentils, among their other attributes, are a valuable source of natural gas.

Feedback: Peggy Cantrell, of Spokane Valley, wrote to note that not all dogs like snow. “I have a white toy poodle that refuses to step out the door until I shovel the snow down to the grass so she can do her business.”

Well, Peggy, maybe that means she holds snow in high regard.

For the record: Apparently, the Empire State Building in downtown Spokane is back to being called the Empire State Building.

Thanks to Una Zeck for pointing this out.

Of course, here at The Slice, we never stopped calling it the Empire State Building.

Warm-up question: Do you own a gun?

Today’s Slice question: When you are at home and watching TV, how do you react to someone asking a question about the program or just talking about the show in general?

A) Depends on what I’m watching. B) I sigh and make a big production of hitting “pause” and then saying “What?” in a pained way. C) I just reply, “I don’t know.” D) I get annoyed when other people do it, but I expect total patience when our roles are reversed. E) If the on-screen actors have heavy British accents and my fellow viewer simply cannot understand anything being said, I try to accept my role as translator with equanimity. F) I suggest that perhaps someone on Twitter might have the answer. G) Other.

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. Recently expired passports can still be used as official I.D. in at least one situation.

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