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The Slice: Eat it, just eat it

What goes through your mind when an acquaintance wanting to try someplace new asks you to recommend a Spokane-area restaurant?

A) Eager anticipation of turning that person on to a place you really enjoy. B) The searing memory of a former friend who later described the eatery you endorsed as “insipid” and “banal.” C) Recognition that you need to conduct an in-depth interview with the person before making your recommendation. D) The instant impulse to have them talk to S-R food editor Adriana Janovich instead of you.

E) Some of the 99 things that can go wrong. F) A desire to confess that you have not eaten out since 1991. G) An attempt to narrow down your Top 25 list. H) The happy thought that maybe you can steer a little business toward a restaurant that deserves it. I) Other.

Marmot Lodge feedback from David Haugen: “Dear Grand Exalted Poobah for Life: In the absence of minutes, newsletters and historical records, and with the officers presumably hibernating, I was especially delighted to read your summary of the Marmot Lodge’s 2015 activities (Jan. 12). While you would have no way of knowing, I have been a loyal member of the lodge since its inception. You will be pleased to learn that during 2015, I have supported the lodge’s mission in the following ways:

“I have encouraged some people.

“I have disagreed – civilly, of course – with some people.

“I have stopped and helped some people out (not necessarily the same people).

“I have greeted fellow lodge members (this is speculation on my part, as without name badges, it is difficult). Are there name badges?

“I have prepared soups and casseroles containing lentils.

“Finally, I wish you well in 2016. E Pluribus Marmot!”

Same to you, Brother Haugen. Keep up the good work.

Try not to think about: Your suspicion that you have slow leaks in three of your winter tires (that threaten to get dramatically worse with no warning) and the fact that you have to drive your spouse/significant other to the airport this weekend before the crack of dawn.

Complete this sentence: What the Spokane area needs are more “Beware of (fill in the blank)” signs.

Today’s Slice question (for those with an artificial joint, a steel rod in one leg, titanium discs in their skulls or whatever): What’s the best/worst thing about having a metallic body part?

Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. This summer marks the 50th anniversary of Moses Lake’s Larson Air Force Base closing.

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