The Slice: Crafting a new attitude

Crafts fair season has arrived.

So, guys, let me ask you something. Does your unhappy demeanor while accompanying your wife or significant other to a crafts sale make casual onlookers suspect they might be witnessing a hostage situation?

Yes? Well, is that who you really want to be – the Grumbling Guy?

I have been that person, and I’m not proud of it. No sir, I am not.

You can rest assured that I would take my own advice and adjust my attitude, if attending a crafts fair were in my future. Sadly, I’m pretty sure I have another commitment that weekend that will prevent me from attending.

But the rest of you guys need to cheer up.

Just wondering: To what extent does rooting for GU men’s basketball express a yearning to connect with an athletic program prominent on the national stage, here in a city without major league professional sports?

For the real estate flier: A reader suggested that a reliably high volume of Halloween trick-or-treaters might be something certain Spokane homeowners could tout when selling their houses. What else might someone note?

A) Proximity to emergency rooms. B) An abundance of crows. C) Sidewalk mostly not buckled by tree roots. D) Malamutes next door. E) Backyard perfect for an ice rink. F) Courteous squirrels. G) Other.

True or false: In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Mr. Potter said to George Bailey, “And Happy Thanksgiving to you, in jail!”

Annual reminder for young, single adults far from their families: If your boss approaches and asks if you have plans for Thanksgiving, be careful. It might sound like you are about to receive a heartwarming invitation. Chances are, though, he or she is poised to say you’re going to have to work on the holiday.

Now I’m not suggesting you lie. That would be wrong.

But I can tell you, from experience, that “No, I don’t have any plans” isn’t the answer you want to give.

Warm-up questions: Ever met anyone who believed Bing Crosby wrote “White Christmas”? Ever played tackle football in deep snow? To what extent is your opinion of your home county shaped by the way residents vote?

Today’s Slice question: If the person saying grace at Thanksgiving refers to the election results in a bitterly partisan way, will you offer a prayerful rebuttal?

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. In the spirit of Britain’s Guy Fawkes Night (today), what foiled plot could Spokane celebrate, perhaps on First Night?