Inlander 11/18/2021 by The Inlander

NOVEMBER 18-24, 2021 | PLAYING TO WIN SINCE 1993

THE

GAME REAPER

How I learned to stop worrying and love dying in video games BY DANIEL WALTERS

PAGE 14

ARE THE KIDS OK? 8

A MEAN MUSICAL 27

SEASONAL WINE GUIDE 30

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INSIDE VOL. 29, NO. 6 | COVER ILLUSTRATION: CHRIS HULSIZER

COMMENT NEWS COVER STORY CULTURE

5 8 14 27

FOOD SCREEN MUSIC EVENTS

30 33 35 36

I SAW YOU GREEN ZONE ADVICE GODDESS BULLETIN BOARD

38 42 46 47

EDITOR’S NOTE

ven those skeptical of VIDEO GAMES and their influence have to admit that they’ve moved far beyond simple entertainment. Whether your introduction to gaming was via the rudimentary movements of Pong, the miraculous (at the time) Atari explosion, the massive graphic leap forward with Nintendo or the array of interactive systems that have arrived the past 20 years, there’s no denying the best video games are a combination of incredible art, vivid storytelling, heart-stopping action and engaging mental gymnastics. Senior investigative reporter Daniel Walters turns his discerning eye inward in this week’s cover story (page 14), exploring life lessons learned during his decades holding a controller — lessons often not revealed until the task hit him with those dreaded words: Game Over. Also this week, Samantha Wohlfeil checks in on our kids mental health (page 8), Dena Ogden discusses whether the Mean Girls musical coming to Spokane can live up to the movie (page 27), and LeAnn Bjerken explores an array of perfect wines for the holidays, whether for sipping at home or giving as gifts (page 30). — DAN NAILEN, editor

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10 - 11 am Thursday, November 25

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COMMENT STAFF DIRECTORY PHONE: 509-325-0634 Ted S. McGregor Jr. (tedm@inlander.com) PUBLISHER

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE VIDEO GAME OF ALL TIME?

ANGELA LALONDE: Katamari Forever. Rolling up items, including worlds, to reach certain goals, can be exciting or calming depending on your mood.

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Every week, we ask our followers on social media to share their thoughts.

ALEX COX: The Witcher 3. An immersive storytelling masterpiece that throws the very worst (and the best) of humanity right in your face. It’s bloody, beautiful and inspiring. I suppose the original Mass Effect trilogy would be a close second for similar reasons.

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WALE LAKERU: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo are craftsmen of the highest order when it comes to level design. They essentially took that, and multiplied it by 50 with this new iteration of Hyrule. Coupled with outstanding AI, great battle mechanics, a beautiful soundtrack, tight controls, and clever dungeons. It just takes the cake for me, personally. MADISON MCELROY: Superliminal comes to mind. The mechanics are so interesting and visually it’s so fun (and challenging). Plus, the narrative throughout always gets me emotional at the end. Very thoughtful game. DEREK DOBELL: World of Warcraft and the Diablo series — kind of owe it all to Blizzard. KEVIN KELLY: Metal Gear Solid 2 is the Citizen Kane of video games TED HILL: Asteroids Deluxe. With the shield instead of the earlier “hyperspace” that always got you killed

SOCIAL

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BRANDON WARREN: Kingdom Hearts and the EA Sports NHL series. MADISON ANDRUS: Zelda Breath of the Wild. No explanation needed. DAVE NORDBY: Pong really rocked it. I am too busy reading books to expand my mind than to play video games! TIMOTHY BROWN: Metroid Prime or Resident Evil 4 n

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 5

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6 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Mount Spokane overlooks a community full of things to be thankful for.

Saying Grace

Even in trying times, myriad reasons to count our blessings BY INGA LAURENT

“W

ith one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them, too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.” —Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address In the spirit of counting my many blessings, I express my deep gratitude to the Wampanoag and all the sacred caretakers. Enduring near annihilation to persist in continuing to nurture all life, including mine, into being. Only through you could I have existed, able to experience the Earth and her beauty. The touchable moments, memories so sharp they remain despite the years grief has spent trying to whittle and wear away. The Fox Theater’s copper, rose gold, pewter spiked stars and sunbeams and the folks who thought they ought to save it. Thrum of instrument or the light patter of rain, drumming the beat of life going on. Time immemorial and the grand arc of our human story. Transitions with their ethos, hous-

ing, Hearth and yummy New Leaf Bakery kitchen. Phonthip Thai’s tasty goodness. Ted Lasso, including his biscuits. Steadfast people. Sturdy tire tread during snowy days. Tea and spilling it with friends. Tiffany Harms. “Humans can accomplish anything” are the literal words and factual feelings I have (actually said) after successfully merging onto the highway when drivers effectively dance in coordination, choreographing an entrance for oncoming traffic. Hands and feeling them in my own or on a shoulder, the hardness of some and the softness of others. Being held. Being hopeful. The Hestons. Learning to ask for and receive help. Humility. The heart. Haikus fill it up, with endless word arrangement, counting syllables. Still holding out for some reconciliation. Heat. A turkey wrap from Huckleberry’s pressed warm like a panini.

Andiamo (my favorite Italian word) and the plethora of memories simply saying it conjures. Appetites and mouth burning on a gooey, cheesy pizza fresh from DiNardi’s oven, reminding me of growing up in Brooklyn. Anne of Green Gables and the copious tears spent in crying and communing over one dashing Gilbert Blythe. Pure Affection. Ancestors. Laughter, especially when from those type-A law students finally letting go. Adieu, perhaps the most beautiful version of the word goodbye. Alo, ah-oui Ayiti Cherie — land of writer Roxanne Gay, my mistem (the Salish word for father) and the world’s first Black republic. Admiration and awe. Astronomy, the study of the up above, gazing at a skʷ əkʷusn̓t (star) and the light it projects back some 5,000 years old. The amassing of time as it flies by at warp speed.

Seeing behind the mask — a full face only speculated upon from concocted configuration of a cheek. NASA. Nerdery. Nose, Emma and her book Baby Speaks Salish. New notebooks. Narratives. Normative visions about how the law should be, not how it is. And Netflix for lazy days. Add in some some nibbles and nom noms, which are better when shared. Good neighbors and The Good Place. Spokane’s Native Project, treating folks with the dignity long overdue. “Nothing can destroy a government more quickly than its failures to observe its own laws, or worse, its disregard of the charter of its own existence,” a quote from Mapp v. Ohio — words struggling to find a foothold in the present. Now and trying to live in it, grounded in the power of the moment and deep breathing, inhalation only possible because of our multitudinous trees. Kicking and crunching through Finch Arboretum’s sk̓aʔáy (autumn) leaves, surrounded by brilliant bursts of golden and burgundy branches bobbing out from between mossy evergreens in a picturesque reminder of a moment of Zen. A kiss. Keeping it real. Tiger King’s resurrection. King’s lasting legacy of Beloved Community. The Kalispel Charitable Foundation’s generosity still sustaining our health and welfare. Knee-deep in connection with friend Julie Watts only pausing for a second and some fizzy, cold, old-fashioned, syrupy Roy Rogers brought over by an even sweeter Lucky You Lounge server. Internet sensation Khanbane Lame’s tick-tocking ingenuity. In poetry, Rapi Kaur’s Milk and Honey. Kremas — a Haitian Christmas drink, Konpa — our dance, and Kreyol — our mother tongue. A kitten, cleaning herself then nestling into the crook of a bent knee with one paw perched atop my bronze skin. Snuggling in soft blankies, reading in a comfy old T-shirt, while the ̌xiyátnxʷ (sun) splays across my toes on a late-fall afternoon. Sleep and waking sated. Rise and shine. Tap shoes. Scuff. Shuffle. Toe. Heel. Salsa, bachata and merengue, oh my! Seeing behind the mask — a full face only speculated upon from concocted configuration of a cheek, brow and hairline, musing about how close I landed. The sea. A season for all things. Savoring the beauty of the first diamondy frost. Spitfires — women warriors. Swearing in friends as a new judge or the Eastern District’s first woman U.S. attorney. Sovereignty, treaty rights and full autonomy soon coming. Spoken words and staying true to your promises. The Salish School of Spokane’s Word Book at the library and the thrill of approaching the “Star attraction” shelves (feel free to file this as a cross- reference to previous mention of nerdery). Spending my days with writers from here like Vestal, Francovich, Shields and Walter(s), and there like Silko, Harjo, Erdrich & Orange. For these and countless other blessings, Limlimtx (thanks). n Inga N. Laurent is a local legal educator and a Fulbright scholar. She is deeply curious about the world and its constructs and delights in uncovering common points of connection that unite our shared but unique human experiences.

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 7

HEALTH

RISING ABOVE As our youth mental health crisis worsens, a unique Spokane outpatient program offers hope BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL Shylar Thompson is back in school after help from an intensive mental health program.

ong before a pandemic struck, before she started high school largely from behind a computer screen, and before she broke up with her boyfriend, Shylar Thompson never really had things easy. The now-15-year-old sophomore at East Valley High says both her parents struggled with addiction, so she and her sisters bounced around, spending time in foster care, then with their mom for a while, until ultimately they landed with their grandma. “I’ve always had a hard life,” Thompson says. Thompson dealt with traumatizing experiences throughout childhood. By January 2021, as pandemic hospitalizations soared, stressors were piling up in Thompson’s personal life, including difficulty with school and struggling to reconnect with parents back in the picture. That’s when she says she hit the lowest point in her depression. “I’ve kind of been, like, always suicidal. I have been since I was in fourth grade,” Thompson says from the couch inside her favorite coffee shop in Otis Orchards. “It just progressively was getting to a point where I felt like I couldn’t take it anymore.” Her older sister found her in her room as she was about to attempt suicide. Thompson says her sister stayed up talking with her all night, then drove her to the Providence Sacred Heart emergency room in the morning.

8 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

After staying there for about two weeks, she was able to get admitted for inpatient services at nearby Inland Northwest Behavioral Health hospital and start working to address her mental health struggles. But Thompson says it was several months later when she got into Providence’s intensive outpatient program RISE that she really felt able to connect with peers going through similar experiences and learn skills to move forward with a hopeful outlook. After seven weeks of treatment, she graduated from the program in October. “It really helped me because they were just letting me know it’s OK to not have it easy,” Thompson says. “It’s gonna get worse before it gets better. You can’t just magically be happy. You have to work on yourself.” Throughout the pandemic, mental and behavioral health experts have been closely watching for an increase in crises among people like Thompson, whose already tumultuous home lives could be exacerbated by things like school shutdowns and isolation from support systems. Increases in depression and anxiety have been seen in young people over the last decade or more, with stresses from things like the climate crisis looming large, says Dr. Erik Loraas, a child and adolescent psychiatrist who works with the RISE program at Providence Holy Family hospital. But the pandemic is also taking a toll. “In some ways, that’s what we’re really seeing is a lot

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

of despair for a whole host of reasons,” Loraas says. “The trend was already there, and this [pandemic] added fuel to the fire.” From February to March 2021, suspected suicide attempt ER visits were up nearly 51 percent nationally among girls ages 12 to 17 compared with the same time in 2019. The increase among boys was smaller, at 3.7 percent. Though the impacts of the pandemic won’t be fully understood for years, behavioral health experts have been working on new resources in recent years. One resource that launched just before the pandemic was RISE, which provides nine to 22.5 hours of intensive outpatient therapy per week, enabling patients to essentially get years of therapy in weeks, explains Kristin Reiter, RISE program director and a licensed independent clinical social worker. “The progress they can make in six to eight weeks, it’s amazing,” Reiter says. That stands out against other adolescent outpatient programs offered regionally, she says. It may ultimately serve as a model for success as program graduates praise the help they get there.

PANDEMIC PRESSURES

On March 26, 2021, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency regarding child mental and behavioral health. ...continued on page 10

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 9

9th ANNUAL

Spokane String Quartet

December 10–22, 2021 KROC CENTER, COEUR D’ALENE

WITH PIANIST ARCHIE CHEN

NEWS | HEALTH “RISING ABOVE,” CONTINUED... By that time, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital had seen a dramatic increase in adolescent behavioral health needs, with a 73 percent increase in admissions to its inpatient psychiatric unit for kids in 2020 over 2019. Hospitals on the west side of the state had a sharp uptick in admissions for youth suicide attempts and saw many new diagnoses of depression and anxiety. As families have struggled with the pandemic, so have adolescents, Loraas explains. “Kids who were once kind of riding that fine line are now in crisis,” Loraas says. “There’s uncertainty about what the future is. … What does the individual do in the face of something this large?”

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10 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox SAFETY NOTICE: STATE OF WASHINGTON MASK REQUIREMENT IN EFFECT. PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION OR NEGATIVE COVID TEST REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO THEATER.

w w w. s p o k a n e s t r i n g q u a r t e t . o r g

Dr. Erik Loraas encourages families go to a trusted doctor.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

In a self-reported survey conducted with Washington students in March, nearly 58 percent of high schoolers in grades 9 through 12 said they felt depressed or sad most days over the past year. About 13 percent reported planning suicide during the previous 12 months. While not a perfect comparison to the COVID-focused survey questions, high schoolers around the state were asked similar questions for the 2018 Healthy Youth Survey. At that time, 40 to 41 percent of 10th and 12th graders surveyed reported feeling sad or hopeless for at least two weeks in the past year, while 18 percent said they had made a suicide plan in the past year. “How can we remove whatever barriers there are, perceived or actual, to get kids the service they need?” asks Sara Schumacher, director of outpatient services for Inland Northwest Behavioral Health and former director of Excelsior. Inland Northwest Behavioral Health was designed to keep ERs from filling up and to get people the help they need sooner. The hospital offers inpatient and outpatient services for youths and adults. When someone has to wait to get treatment at the behavioral health center, Schumacher says she and other hospital systems try to get them into faster alternatives elsewhere. Hospital spokesman Dan Barth, who has been the behavioral health lead for Spokane County’s pandemic response, says that a lot of people don’t realize they can walk right into Inland Northwest Behavioral Health for themself or their child without going to Sacred Heart first. “The grand irony is more often than not, they get referred to our hospital, and could’ve saved themselves eight hours and an ER bill,” Barth says. What’s more, anyone who shows up seeking help will be referred to proper care with a safety plan put in place, even if they don’t need Inland Northwest Behavioral Health’s services, Barth says. That safety planning is free. “That’s part of the game-changer shift in accessing mental health care that our hospital presents to the community,” Barth says. Other youth resources in the community are offered by Frontier Behavioral Health, Excelsior and mental health counselors who work through local public schools, on top of therapists and primary care providers who can point families in the direction of programs such as RISE.

RISE OFFERS UNIQUE INTENSITY

For Thompson, it took awhile to find the right fit for treatment. In previous groups, she says she felt like other teens weren’t taking things seriously or made triggering jokes. At RISE, she says she found other people who’d been through similar experiences, who she felt really cared. “If you really take things seriously,” Thompson says, “and you just really take it in for yourself, that’s just what matters the most.” Many of the teens who enter RISE have already gone through some other form of treatment. Sometimes they’ve talked to a family doctor or a therapist, or they’ve been referred from another mental health treatment program in the area as they work on “step down” strategies to get back to a more normal routine, Loraas says. Teens meet from about 9:30 am to 2:50 pm, two to five days a week, and then return home each evening to apply the skills they’ve learned, often in the very environment that’s created some of the stress in their lives. For teens needing the highest amount of care, the program is considered a partial hospitalization. Participants meet individually with a therapist and medication prescriber at least once a week and attend daylong intensive outpatient group therapy. Four different group sessions each day focus on everything from art therapy and yoga to learning how to snap the body out of the anxious “fight or flight” mode. Thompson says one of the skills she appreciated learning the most was “paced breathing,” where you focus on breathing in and out slowly while drawing a box on your leg or tracing your hand. That skill has helped her get through moments of anger when dealing with family, she says. “I’m not gonna lie, skills are really, really hard when you need them the most,” Thompson says. “But, like, once you just really start doing them, it really helps.” RISE program director Reiter says she’s worked at other intensive outpatient programs in the area that last a year or more, with a few hours of therapy per week. But the intensity at RISE seems helpful, she says. A few times per week, staff and teens gather to celebrate someone who is graduating from the program. “It’s a big deal when someone graduates,” Reiter says. “It’s good for us as therapists as well to see that what we’re doing makes a difference. … I haven’t worked anywhere where I’ve seen this type of progress. The clients speak to it themselves.” While the waiting list for RISE has at times been around 100 young people long, now, for the first time since the program started in 2018, there’s no waitlist at RISE for teens or adults. “That’s huge for us,” Reiter says. “Now we’re able to get people in faster and when they need it.” Part of the reason RISE staff think there’s been a reduction in the waitlist is a hesitancy among some parents and teens to agree to time out of school now that in-person classes are back. Reiter says Providence staff are in the process of figuring YOU’RE out afternoon and evening hours that could work NOT ALONE better for teens in that For help, you can call the 24/7 suicide situation, and they expect hotline at 1-800-273-8255, Frontier’s to offer that option start24/7 crisis hotline at 1-877-266-1818, ing in early 2022. or the WA Listens stress hotline Once Thompson got during the day at 833-681-0211. into the program in September, she says she was able to start important therapy and set up the next steps so she could return to school full time by the end of October. She wouldn’t say she’s fully better after graduating the program, but Thompson says RISE did encourage her to think differently about her situation and motivated her to speak out and help others. She’s already referred another friend to the program. “So many people are going through so much, but a lot of people just need to know they aren’t alone and, like, really take that in,” Thompson says. “If there wasn’t hard days, we wouldn’t enjoy the good days. I’m still here.” n samanthaw@inlander.com

Celebrating a sacred heritage. Throughout the month of November, Northern Quest is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month with dining options featuring a nod to customary cuisine and Pacific Northwest ingredients, a Native-inspired spa pedicure, on-site educational displays, and more. Share in the celebration as Native Americans from various tribes join together in traditional song and dance on Saturday, November 20 from 2-4pm in the lobby by Windfall.

NORTHERNQUEST.COM 877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 11

NEWS | PUBLIC SAFETY

Crisis Response Fire commissioners in one rural Spokane County district won’t follow vaccine mandates, blaming personnel shortage BY WILSON CRISCIONE

or Spokane County Fire District 2 Commissioner David Degon, Washington’s vaccine mandate creates a stark choice. In the all-volunteer fire department south of Spokane already light on medical responders, what happens if the only firefighter who can respond to an emergency is unvaccinated? “Do we not respond and let somebody die?” Degon says. “Or do we respond?” That’s why Degon and the district’s two other fire commissioners, Steven Braughn and Steven Primmer, decided not to fully abide by the vaccine mandate. An unvaccinated medical responder may sometimes provide patient care, they say. “We as commissioners decided we will follow it as best as possible, but if we need to go forward without someone being vaccinated, we will do that,” Degon says. But many of those unvaccinated firefighters could be responding to help the patients most likely to be infected or killed by COVID-19. Nearly half of the department’s medical calls are to Palouse Country Assisted Living, which provides long-term care for seniors. Long-term care facilities have been ravaged by the virus throughout the pandemic, with COVID deaths related to those facilities accounting for 35 percent of COVID deaths in Washington. Palouse Country Assisted Living did not respond to multiple Inlander messages seeking comment. Eric Olson, fire district chief for District 2, strongly disagreed with the commissioners’ decision not to always follow Gov. Jay Inslee’s vaccine mandate. But he was overruled. “I said the mandate from the governor is a legal mandate,” Olson says. “And we need to be enforcing it.” Still, the situation illustrates the unique challenges the vaccine mandate has presented to rural fire departments already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. These fire departments typically contain only dozens of volunteer firefighters to cover wide, sparsely populated areas, and not all of them are trained for medical calls. So in a fire district like District 2, just a few firefighters choosing to be unvaccinated can be a heavy blow to the emergency response. “Definitely, the mandate has made it very difficult for small departments like ours,” Olson says.

nslee’s vaccine mandate covers any firefighter who responds to medical calls as part of their official duties. That includes EMTs, paramedics and volunteer firefighters who perform medical services. But the mandate has sparked pushback among a small percentage of firefighters, whether they’re in a rural fire department or an urban one.

12 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

only one or two medical responders available in total. “If it’s down to two people, and one is vaccinated and one is not, the unvaccinated one is probably still going to go on the call,” Degon says. Olson has told the commissioners he doesn’t agree with that plan. “I do have a differing view from the commissioners about how we should be executing operations under the mandate. And I continue to hold that view,” Olson says. “I made it explicitly clear with them that I did not see an avenue through this mandate to allow unvaccinated responders to assist with patient care.” But ultimately, Olson says, he still respects where the commissioners are coming from. “We both want the same thing for our community — as fast as possible EMS response to all emergencies,” Olson says. “Where we differ is in how much latitude we have to accomplish that for our citizens.”

mall fire departments were already struggling with recruitment before the pandemic. And now, they’re trying to recruit volunteers to be on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis in addition to being ready to go out to a raging wildfire. Olson’s volunteer firefighters were among the first to respond to the fire a year ago that destroyed the small town of Malden, for example. Some rural fire districts strain under the vaccine mandate. SPOKANE COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 2 PHOTO “We’re taking someone who’s an accountant, and when the tones go off, they have half a night of In Spokane, about one-sixth of the department sleep and they’re going to respond to an emergency, or requested vaccine exemptions, though some withdrew something they’ve never seen before,” Olson says. those requests. A group of state workers and emergency In neighboring Fire District 12, Chief Josh Evans says responders even sued Inslee, Spokane Fire Chief Brian he’s seen a 25 percent decrease in volunteer firefighters Schaeffer and others, arguing that the mandate violated on the roster — down to 21 from 28 three years ago. their civil rights. A federal judge in Spokane rejected their Evans calls the vaccine mandate an “undue necessity bid to halt the mandate. that we shouldn’t have to be dealing with.” In Fire District 2, the total roster is 23 volunteer fireStill, his district and other fire districts in Spokane say fighters, Olson says. Fifteen of those respond to medical they’re following the governor’s mandate. Sometimes that calls, and of those, four have chosen to be unvaccinated. means assigning unvaccinated responders to traffic conNone of them have sought an exemption, and they didn’t trol. Other times, it may mean fewer firefighters available explain why to Olson. to provide lifesaving measures. “The real problem is when we don’t have the ability “That’s going to hurt the general public,” Evans says. to respond with vaccinated responders, what should happen in those instances? Obviously we want to have vaccinated individuals in contact with patients when we do have patients,” Olson says. The fire commissioners, however, are willing to be more flexible. Degon says it’s not because they’re against the vaccine. Degon himself is vaccinated. But he calls the mandate “BS.” When reached by the Inlander, Mike Faulk, communications director for Inslee’s office, Bill Dennstaedt, deputy chief at Spokane County Fire says the governor’s office has not encountered this issue District 3 west of District 2, says they have had a lack of before now. If the state were to receive a complaint, Faulk personnel on emergency calls too, but are “following the says it would be worked out with the fire district, the state mandate the best we can.” health department, the state Department of Labor and Other fire districts, however, have had minimal issues. Industries, and other local health authorities. Jack Cates, fire chief of Fire District 9 farther north in “The fire district of course could reach out proacSpokane County, says it’s worked out fine, given a few tively to the state as well if they are not sure or anticipate adjustments. this course will not be in compliance with the law,” Faulk From a broader perspective, he says no longer dealwrites in an email. ing with COVID-19 would be the best thing for all fire Degon says it’s impractical for the fire department departments. And vaccines can help with that. to actually follow the mandate. Being 40 minutes from “The best thing we can do,” Cates says, “is do what Spokane, firefighters in District 2 often can’t rely on an we can to move past the pandemic. And I think we all American Medical Response ambulance, he says. They know what that is.” n require two responders on every call. But in the middle wilsonc@inlander.com of the night or during workday hours, there might be

“We both want the same thing for our community — as fast as possible EMS response to all emergencies.”

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 13

WHATEVER KILLS YOU MAKES YOU

Stronger

DEREK HARRISON PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

14 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

How video games conquered the sting of death — and taught me the secret of failure BY DANIEL WALTERS

oday, watching other people play video games is a multimillion-dollar industry. But I was an early adopter: I’d sit on my neighbor Adam’s bed as he’d play Nintendo for hours, riveted by the drama unfolding before me. He’d hit the jump button, and I would twitch at the same time — my own body rising ever so slightly in time with Mario or Diddy Kong, as if I could will them across the yawning chasm, over the flying turtles or under the giant bees, through sheer force of hope. But sometimes — the dark times — hope wouldn’t be enough. Whether you’re a hedgehog, a plumber or a bandicoot, death comes for us all. In Adam’s case it came in the form of a swinging axe in Super Ghouls n’ Ghosts. No more lives. No more continues. Game over, man. Adam’s mouth twisted into a contortion of unfathomable agony. I’m not going to print all the words that came from that mouth in these moments. 1994 was a different time, and we are both better people now. Let’s just say he thought the game was “bull.” It was “shit.” And — this was the gravest insult an elementary schooler could utter — it was “cheap.” A controller would be thrown. A pillow would be punched. A mother’s voice would be heard through the door: “If I hear one more outburst like that, I’m taking away your Nintendo time!” I could tell she was judging him. But I offered no such condemnation. I fathomed his agony. I myself had already died a thousand deaths. Tens of thousands by now. I’ve been killed by mine-cart accidents, turtle-shell ricochets and GoldenEye slaps. I’ve been assassinated in Assassin’s Creed and starved in Don’t Starve. I’ve ended up dead in Dead Cells, Dead Space, Dead Island and Left 4 Dead. Video game deaths are fictional, obviously: But the failure, the thing death is a metaphor for, that’s real. When you lose in a video game, you actually did fail. All these death-filled games didn’t turn me into some twisted killer — not yet anyway — but they did shape me in profound ways. As I’ve aged, video games have taught me a slew of contradictory lessons about failure and success,

ranging from nihilism to narcissism to existentialism to something almost like enlightenment. It’s not whether you win or lose that’s important, it turns out. It’s how the game plays you.

WHAT DO YOU WANT ON YOUR TOMBSTONE?

The first time I can remember dying was on a road trip to Oregon. Oregon Trail was one of the first games I ever played. Dad copied the game onto a floppy disk from a school district computer and installed it on our Macintosh. It seemed so simple, Oregon Trail. You name your wagon party (Adam preferred names like “Poop,” while I, far more sentimental, chose the names of my own family members), pack your wagon with provisions (bullets, bullets, and more bullets), and set out for America’s wild frontier. And at first it couldn’t be better — I’d kill whole herds of buffalo, stopping only briefly to travel a couple miles forward in my wagon. But then Oregon Trail hit me with a hell of a blow. The message is nasty, brutish and short: “Diana has dysentery.” What had I done? My mom was such a nice lady, but I just had to go and put her in this game, and now she has something called dysentery?! I’d failed somehow, but I didn’t know why, or how to stop it from happening again. Had I shot too many buffalo? Was this the buffalo’s revenge? All I could do is hold my breath, hoping each tick forward of the wagon didn’t bring more misfortune. No such luck. Cholera gets my sister. My brother has typhoid. I try to ford the Green River, but the wagon tips over into the rapids. I lose two oxen and most of my buffalo meat. Dad dies of a broken leg. I try to cross one last river, and get one final message.“You have drowned.” With that, all that’s left of the Walters family is a couple of lonely tombstones scattered along future route I-84. For those my age, the experience was so iconic, that some researchers have nicknamed an entire swath of Millennials the “Oregon Trail Generation.” ...continued on next page

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 15

“WHATEVER KILLS YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER,” CONTINUED... It feels exactly right. One moment our generation was heading toward our manifest destiny, the next an economic crash overturned the wagon, our oxen are dead, our job prospects washed away, and we’re drowning in student loan debt. Some of my peers accept it, slapping “Dysentery Happens” stickers on the back of their covered wagons. Some revolt against the very premise, launching Occupy Oregon Trail protests and Save The Buffalo awareness campaigns and writing think pieces about how “Oregon Trailness” itself is a manifestation of the hegemonic colonialism endemic to a cultural substructure subsumed by toxic masculinity. Some get to Oregon only to light it on fire. But I refused to do any of that. My family didn’t raise me to be a quitter, and I didn’t want their Oregon Trail deaths to be in vain. As a child, I just kept restarting. I kept holding my breath. Maybe this cruel game was all about dumb luck. But I was willing to be dumb enough to think I could still get lucky.

RESTORE, RESTART, QUIT

I am Prince Alexander of Daventry, and I’ve stumbled into a trap in the labyrinthian catacombs of the Green Isles: The doors lock, gears begin to whir, the ceiling slowly begins to inch down. I’m squished like a bug. Next thing I know, I’m at the gates of the underworld, and one of the game’s iconic “RESTORE, RESTART, QUIT” death screens pops up. “Alexander never was much good at SQUASH!” the game’s narrator says with a bit too much glee.

I’m in fifth grade, hanging out at my church friend CJ’s house, and we’re trading seats while playing King’s Quest VI: To Heir Is Human. These old point-and-click adventure games delight in death, striking players down for crimes as minor as eating a custard pie or crossing a rickety bridge too many times. Stupidity in these games is punished mercilessly, but intelligence and creativity are rewarded eagerly. Every time CJ and I solve a King’s Quest puzzle, we hear a little triumphal chime, a soundtrack to an epiphany. Even hearing it now, 25 years later in a YouTube walkthrough video, it’s a Pavlovian hit of dopamine, the glory of success infused with the thrill of possibilities that had just been opened up. I bought the game myself. The future of the Green Isles was too important to have to work around CJ’s schedule. Soon I’ve reached the catacombs, my pack filled with everything from magical artifacts like the “Mirror of Truth” to junk like a red scarf and an ordinary brick. Anything could be a clue, I knew. Anything could save my life. As the ceiling trap descends, I shove the brick into gears in the wall. The gears snap, the ceiling halts, and the doors open. The game throws a vicious minotaur at me. I counter with a red scarf. I wave the scarf in the air, and the minotaur sees red. As he charges, I pull away the scarf at the last moment, and the beast rushes straight into the flames of his own sacrificial pit. Eventually, I scam my way into the underworld itself. I bribe my way across the River Styx with catacomb

coins, pass through the underworld gates — alive, this time — and face off against Death himself. I throw down the gauntlet, and the Lord of the Dead responds with an impossible challenge: make him cry. Death is a bit of an unfeeling asshole, not a weepy type. But nothing, I figure, triggers tears like a clear reflection of a person’s true self. So I pull out the Mirror of Truth and dare Death into taking a good hard look. He stares into the swirling horror of who he is and what he’s become, and the mirror cracks under the strain. “And Death sheds a single, gray tear,” the narrator says.

“I could not just beat death, I could reduce it to tears.

To a nerdy kid like me, the moral was clear: With that overactive brain under my messy mop of hair, I could not just beat death, I could reduce it to tears. Who needed popularity? I was clever, and that was so much better. I attend Tessera, a gifted program where we all sit criss-cross-applesauce to talk about how tough it was to be so much smarter than everyone else. I get 4 on the AP Euro test without really studying, mostly by reverseengineering the psychology of every question. I decimate a high school debate opponent so thoroughly that she starts crying. I almost feel bad for her, but she should have known what happens if someone tries to go up against the Mirror of Truth. ...continued on page 18

Even if our family survived long enough to get to Oregon, we’d only have learned that all the good homestead spots have been taken, there’s nowhere to park our covered wagon, and the donuts are overpriced and overrated. DEREK HARRISON PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

16 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

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HOME OF THE S P O K A N E SYM P H O N Y

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“WHATEVER KILLS YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER,” CONTINUED... But cleverness can’t solve every puzzle. My most persuasive essay writing can’t stop a friend from transferring schools. I think up elaborate schemes to convince crushes to fall for me, but they strangely seem to prefer my tall Swedish friend with the dreamy eyes. I learn that a smart-ass one liner can make the rest of Mr. Gannon’s class burst into laughter, but it can also get your scrawny little stomach suckerpunched on the soccer field. And then I get to Whitworth College, and I realize that I’m not that smart — not really, not compared to the perfect-hair perfectionists with tiny gel-pen handwriting, not compared to the bow-tied brats raised on a diet of Latin roots, not even compared to some of the longboarding bros who cut class for a round of Ultimate. My 4th Grade Linwood Spelling Bee ribbon has started to fray with age. “You didn’t even outsmart the minotaur on your own, did you?” the narrator inside my head taunts. “You found the solution on the King’s Quest Geocities page.” I look in the mirror and don’t know which truth is more crushing: That intelligence isn’t the secret to success, or that I’m lucky it’s not.

THE MEAT GRINDER

If the god of my adolescence was cleverness, the god of my twenties was tenacity. I am Meat Boy, an adorable little anthropomorphic meat cube, trying to leap my way through the depths of Hell. Think Super Mario Bros but harder and, well, meatier. Like Humble Bundle or Dark Souls, Super Meat Boy is one of those games that revels in being fiendishly difficult. Blessedly, death just warps you instantly back to the starting line, ready for another adventure. So once more I leap into the fray, once more into the breach, dear boy, and once more death comes quickly. I try again. I die again. Try, try, try again. Meat Boy after Meat Boy, charred in flames, shish-kebabed on spikes. Try until my hands are raw and wrists are sore and eyes are red. Try until I see the level when I close my eyes, until its rhythms leave deep grooves etched into my soul. Try until the boundary between man and Meat Boy dissolves — his thoughts, my thoughts; his will, my will — until Meat Boy is all I’ve ever known or need to know. And then, almost without expecting it, I reach the level’s end. Bash your head against the wall long enough, and you don’t just make dents, you change your brain. It’s why brutally hard video games can be so addictive. It’s math: The thrill of any given victory is directly proportional to the sum total of the agony of your defeats. For a young journalist,

that’s a seductive lesson: Persistence is your trump card. Call a hundred potential sources — all you need is to convince one to talk. You fail many times, but you only lose if you click “quit.” But that lesson can be a trap too: It’s why I spent two years failing a hundred times to win one woman’s love, because I told myself I’d never give up. You can spend a lifetime trying to pick a locked door before you realize it’s the ceiling that’s crushing you. I’d assumed back in college that I wouldn’t play video games after I graduated — I’d be too busy getting married and having kids and raising a family of my own. But when none of those things happened, I returned again and again to worlds where failure was never permanent, where every challenge, no matter how tricky, was possible to overcome. A video game achievement is a tiny one, a silly one, but it’s still an achievement, right? I beat one more Super Meat Boy level, and the game’s instant replay feature shows what a feat I had accomplished: I witness all hundred — maybe a thousand — of my attempts at that level unfold simultaneously, hordes of Meat Boys leaping toward their doom, bisected by saw blades, blown to bits by missiles, dissolved into pools of acid. But one — just one — pulls off every jump and dash perfectly, bouncing off the walls, dodging the lasers and the buzzsaws, soaring past the showers of gore, to finally reach the end. He did it! I did it. It’s 2 am. I’ve forgotten to eat dinner or shower or shave. Emptied Beef Top Ramen bowls are stacked up haphazardly beside me at my bedroom computer desk. In a metaphorical sense, beating a Super Meat Boy level is a symbol of what great things we can accomplish when we refuse to give in. But in an actual, literal, sense? The great thing you accomplished was beating a Super Meat Boy level.

A single triumph, the ancient proverb states, stands atop the corpses of a thousand failed Meat Boys.

THERE IS NO ESCAPE

It’s 2020. The real world is a mess — a plague, riots, politics. Inside, at least, the brutal world of my video games is comforting. I am Zagreus, son of Hades, god of the Greek underworld. And I’m running away from home. I slip out the door of the House of Hades and start my perilous journey out of Hell. A handful of battles later, I face my ex-girlfriend, the Fury sister Megaera, and she swiftly destroys what little health I have remaining. As my vision fades, “THERE IS NO ESCAPE” unfurls across the screen. When I wake up, the river Styx has washed me right back to daddy’s doorstep. “Don’t be sad!” the god Hypnos says when greeting me. “Pretty much everybody dies sometimes!” It’s a message to the player, says Greg Kasavin, Hades’ lead writer. I didn’t screw up. Losing is all part of the game. “That was our explicit goal,” he tells the Inlander, “trying to alleviate the sting of failure.” Every time I die in Hades, I’m rewarded. Death lets you spend the keys and gems you gathered on your last run, permanently unlocking new weapons and new strengths: Golden fleece meets golden parachute.

“That was our explicit goal. Trying to alleviate the sting of failure.

It’s a perfect match for the game’s theme. What is the purpose of myth — or even religion — but to grapple with the “cheap” and “bullshit” problems of death and failure? If you don’t triumph in this life, perhaps you will triumph in the next. The meek inherit the earth. You suffer, but never in vain. “All of our games have been concerned with this moment of failure,” Kasavin says. “It takes a lot of life experience to turn failure around and understand that that is the source of learning.” It’s appropriate, then, that when you meet Sisyphus — punished to eternal drudgery by the Greek gods — he doesn’t act tortured. He’s found a sort of zen, a sort of peace that passes all understanding, amid his boulder-rolls-up-boulder-rolls-down cycle of failure. Hell, for months, the game worked the same way. You’d get to the surface, only to be unceremoniously sent back to the start, being told that, oops, Zagreus had died by, say, stepping on a farming implement. That changes in September of 2020, when the completed version is finally released. So once more, I dodge the gorgons’ stares and the Hydra’s flames and the minotaur’s axe, and once more, I face down my disapproving father. Once more, I defeat him. But this time, Zagreus does escape. As he trudges through the snow on the surface, a gorgeous song, one I’ve never heard before, starts playing. He approaches a cliff, and we see the Grecian sunrise for the first time, stretching over the Mediterranean. And my eyes start to well up. ...continued on next page

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I’d spent six months in lockdown, cut off from my coworkers, cut off from my friends, cut off from family. Six months I’d been toiling in this COVID underworld, chained to this boulder, no hope of reaching the surface. All the angst I’d been using video games to block out began rushing in. Then — spoiler warning for a year-old game and a 2,500-year-old myth — Zagreus meets his birth mother, Persephone, for the first time. She’s waiting on the surface in her beautifully tended garden. I hadn’t seen my own mom or her garden in person for months and months and months. And she still cares for you, and still loves you, and is happy to see you. I’m shedding tears — not happy tears, or sad tears, but closer to a desperate form of hope. I can be a bit of an unfeeling asshole, but nothing triggers tears like a clear reflection of a person’s true self, their needs. Zagreus starts to cough. Because, of course, victory is not that simple. Because of course, death comes in more than one variant. Of course, you wake up back in the House of Hades. “Hades was not lying when he said there’s no escape,” Kasavin says. But this time, the climb up seems easier, because I know who’s waiting at the end. Success means just a few more moments of conversation with someone you love, and that’s enough. Yet here’s the final piece of brilliance: That’s your reward for losing, too. Each time you’re defeated, you’re given more story. The game’s narrative unfolds in the moments after you’ve died. You wander the halls of the House of Hades, and chat up the other residents, like the hero Achilles (“the pain of death is but another obstacle”) and your father, Hades (“Stupid boy”). You can even pet, pet, pet Cerberus, the family dog.

Bit by bit, after each failed run, the characters begin to mature. You patch things up with Meg, eventually sharing a hard-won glass of ambrosia together. Zagreus becomes a bit less of a smartass, but a bit more compassionate. Even Hades’ cruelty begins to wane with time. I can almost hear the King’s Quest chime ring out as my own epiphany clicks into place: There is no escape. We may succeed in brief moments, but for the most part, it’s fail, fail, fail, fail, fail, until the final Game Over. But those failures are where life’s complexity and richness and true beauty comes from. I’ve never grown closer with anyone by bragging about all the achievements I’ve unlocked. Sharing failures and fears, angst and weakness — that’s the stuff that intimacy is made of. All we really need is to have a home to return to, a community waiting down the river, and someone to share that glass of ambrosia with, to rant with about our bouts with dysentery and fights with minotaurs; to laugh with about the Meat Boys we matched with on Tinder; to commiserate with about the boulders we’re still stuck rolling. “The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart,” French philosopher Albert Camus once wrote. “One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” He’s almost right. But it’s not the single-player struggle that’s the key: It’s the multiplayer. It’s the co-op. It’s about watching each other play, rooting for every jump, and supporting each other’s anguish when we fail. Sometimes it’s about picking up a friend’s thrown controller and encouraging them to try, try again. Other times, it’s about turning off the game entirely, and proposing a radical alternative: “Let’s ride bikes!” n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

20 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Daniel Walters, born and raised in Spokane, is the Inlander’s Senior Investigative Reporter, though sometimes that means investigating which TV shows and video games are good or not. He’s written essays on a slew of cultural phenomena, including about how Millennials are desperate to be liked, how Facebook’s laughing emoji is rage-inducing, and how the most brilliant part of the Fast and Furious franchise is how stupid it is. He never got past the Nazi drill tank level of Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb, no matter how many times he tried.

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Downtown Spokane for the Holidays DowntownSpokane.org

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owntown Spokane knows how to launch the holiday season in style. This year it all kicks off at 3:30 pm on Saturday, November 20, with the Lilac Festival’s first-ever 2021 DESTINATION SPOKANE PARADE. The parade starts on Washington Street at the southeast corner of Riverfront Park, turns west down Riverside Avenue, then loops back east along Main Avenue before heading west again on Spokane Falls Boulevard toward City Hall. That long parade

route through the festively decorated streets of downtown Spokane will give spectators plenty of opportunities to see the action. This inaugural event will capture some of the same energy as the annual Spokane Lilac Festival and Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in May, but with an exciting, seasonally appropriate holiday flair. That means, in addition to marching bands, floats and appearances from community organizations, SANTA CLAUS will be making his grand entrance. Once his sleigh

is parked and his reindeer are fed, he’ll head into River Park Square, where his arrival will commemorate the annual LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE in the mall’s atrium. Santa will remain there to field all sorts of gift requests — right up until Christmas Eve, of course, when he’s got to get back to the North Pole. While you’re downtown, be sure to stop in at your favorite local retailers and restaurants to see how they’re ringing in this holiday season! 

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Downtown Spokane for the Holidays

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lothes shopping can be notoriously difficult, but downtown Spokane’s boutiques make it easy and fun to find the right style, size and look — whether it’s for yourself or a special someone. ECHO (1033 W. 1st Ave., echoconsignment.com) has long been a popular destination for styleconscious shoppers who want to enhance their wardrobe without spending a fortune. “People shop at Echo to find quality, one-

of-a-kind clothing and accessories that are carefully curated for an effortless shopping experience,” says owner Suzy Gage. “You can find a mix of contemporary and classic brands in excellent condition for a fraction of the retail price.” And it’s not just for women. ECHO ANNEX, located conveniently next door to the main store, features a great selection of menswear. VELVET HAMMER (707 W. Main Ave., vel-

CUES vethammerboutique.com) puts an emphasis on what’s chic and unique in contemporary women’s fashion. If you’re having trouble choosing from the incredible, hand-picked range of tops, bottoms, dresses and accessories on offer, they’ll be happy to help you zero in on the look that’s right for you or your giftee. As its name suggests, trendsetting is what CUES (108 N. Washington St., cuesclothing.com) is all about. Looking for an outfit to elevate a night on the town? Or maybe you’re hunting for the perfect casual sweater that will take the edge off the cold weather? Cues has you covered with fashion-forward clothing from premium brands like Le Superbe, Catherine Gee and Citizens of Humanity. 

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Park With Ease

arking in downtown Spokane is more plentiful and more affordable than you might think. There are approximately 37,000 total parking spots in the downtown area, with about 3,200 of them located on‑street. Two-hour spaces operated by the City of Spokane are just $1.20 per hour, and that hourly rate falls to just 40 cents for all-day spaces. And if you’re short on change, the Passport Parking Mobile Pay app for iOS and Android offers convenient contactless payments as well as handy expiration reminders. Plus there are a number of ways to get your fees comped. Every Sunday is a Free Park‑ ing Day, as are holidays Check out the latest in Downtown Spokane like Thanksgiving and in next week’s edition of CITY SIDEWALKS Christmas. Outside of inside the Inlander. Find out about the those times, many of your latest fun at Riverfront Park, where to shop favorite retailers can offer vintage and even throw an axe or two. you EasyPark validation whenever you make a minimum purchase. Want ECHO an extra insider tip? The Grand Hotel’s parking garage often ANNEX has available spaces that other shoppers have overlooked. 

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NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 25

Downtown Spokane for the Holidays

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ew things cap off a day of gift buying and retail therapy like a relaxed, casual meal. And in downtown Spokane, you can be sure that there are tons of convenient options not far from wherever your holiday shopping takes you. Should you find yourself on the north side of downtown, DAVID’S PIZZA (803 W. Mallon St., davidspizza.com) across from the Spokane Arena is a perfect spot for tables both large and small. Share a classic pepperoni pizza with a group, or venture into more exotic territory with The Elvis, which features spicy Thai peanut sauce, seasoned chicken and sweet peppers. HERITAGE BAR & KITCHEN (122 S. Monroe St., heritagebarandkitchen.com) is close to downtown’s Entertainment District. Happy hour at this popular gastropub runs every day from 4-6 pm and offers discounts on everything from appetizers to the many craft beers on tap. The food menu changes with some regularity, but you can bank on a selection of hearty, inspired comfort food like smash burgers, wraps and decadent desserts. For more daily specials, check out Heritage’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Right at the front of River Park Square, you’ll find COSMIC COWBOY GRILL (822 W. Main Ave., cosmiccowboy.com), named for latter-day troubadours like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Like those genre-defying musicians, Cosmic Cowboy’s menu is a place where meat dishes exist in harmony with vegetarian options. With convenient to-go service and quick prep, it’s an ideal place to sate your post-shopping appetite. 

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26 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

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THEATER

MAKING FETCH HAPPEN Get in, losers, we’re going to catch the Broadway version of Mean Girls

You do not want to land in the Plastics’ burn book. JOAN MARCUS PHOTO

BY DENA OGDEN

n the opening number of the Tony-nominated Mean Girls, lead character, high school outsider and brilliant social commentator Damien asks the existential question, “How far would you go to be popular and hot?” It’s a fair question. The good news is, if you live in the greater Spokane region, you won’t have to go far, just to the First Interstate Center for the Performing Arts where the show opens on Tuesday. While it’s the first time in the Inland Northwest for Mean Girls, you may have heard about its splashy Broadway debut back in 2018, and its 12 Tony nominations, including Best Musical, Best Actress and Best Book by Tina Fey. The original Broadway cast also had an extensive tour of appearances on morning shows and various other TV spots, so if you’re inclined, you can still catch plenty of snippets

and performances of some of the bigger numbers online (highly recommended). Mean Girls is based on the beloved 2004 film of the same name, also written by Tina Fey. It stars Lindsey Lohan and Rachel McAdams, and features so many quotables lines and iconic moments that a viewing can sometimes feel like opening a time capsule back to the mid-aughts and all their camisole-filled glory. Still, the plot for both the film and the musical is evergreen; Cady (pronounced “Katie”) Heron, a newcomer to high school, is enchanted by the allure of the popular clique called The Plastics, and its leader, Regina George. Cady has to make tough decisions about being nice and having true friends, or gaining popularity and admiration through vindictive means. It’s a tale as old as time, or at

least, the construct of high school. No discussion of Mean Girls would be complete without a nod to Queen Bees & Wannabees, the 2002 self-help and parenting book by Rosalind Wiseman that inspired Fey to write the original film. It discusses the ins and out of teen-girl dynamics. If you aren’t currently, or have never been, a teen girl, the inner workings of “girl world” can be complicated. While some of the themes feel exaggerated for the sake of the film and the musical, both are still chock-full of relatable moments and gems. There’s a strong predator/prey metaphor that runs through the musical in a far more obvious way than the film, but last time I checked, musical theater isn’t supposed to be subtle, so it works. ...continued on next page

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 27

CULTURE | THEATER

Directed by: Troy Nickerson

PERFORMANCES Thursday-Saturday | 7:30pm Sundays | 5:00pm Tickets | $30 Overnight Room Packages Available

TICKETS & INFORMATION call 8 6 6 .8 3 5 .3 0 2 5 or visit C DACH R IS TMA S.CO M

Cady (Danielle Wade, left) and Aaron Samuels (Adante Carter) find chemistry in the classroom.

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“MAKING FETCH HAPPEN,” CONTINUED...

A Perfect Round Jumping Jackalope Axe Throwing 226 W Riverside

Because Spokane is downtown explore downtown at downtownspokane.org

28 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

And though I’m writing to you from the perspective of someone who is the exact target demographic for this musical (a fan of the movie, musical theater enjoyer, and who is without significant biases against the film-to-stage pipeline although I kinda get why some people have them), I’m not the only person who will enjoy this musical. It takes the plot, characters, humor, and general fetch-ness of the film and ratchets up the energy, introduces catchy and emotionally driven songs, and delivers dazzling choreography and pink-tinged sets. If this all sounds appealing, then I have good news: As of our publishing date, tickets are still on sale. Plus, the soundtrack is also available through the Spokane County Library District, as well as on multiple streaming platforms, so you can check out the music in advance and be in the know like all the cool people. The limit does not exist for how catchy some of the songs are. In the meantime, for those who are as stoked as I am that this show is coming to town, or for those who need even more convincing, I’m offering up my personal list of songs and film elements that I’m most excited to see onstage. If anyone needs me before the show opens, I’ll just be over here, going over this list and selecting my best pink outfit.  Janice & Damian — Cady’s first friends at her new school. The two of them set the tone for the musical much like they set the tone for Cady’s early days of high school.  “Apex Predator” (Act I) — Janice warning Cady about Regina’s duplicity and power, over multiple crescendos and slow-motion choreog-

raphy? And with jungle cat metaphors in every verse, and the rhyming of “my new exotic pet” with “reproductive threat”? Yes, please.  “Someone Gets Hurt” (Act I) — Under the guise of garnering sympathy for Cady, Regina seduces the boy that they both happen to like, with powerhouse vocal pyrotechnics and slow gyrations. This is the future Gretchen Wieners saw coming when she warned Cady, “Ex-boyfriends are off-limits to friends. That’s just, like, the rules of feminism.”  “World Burn” (Act II) — Remember that scene in the film where the girls go wild and the fire alarm MORE EVENTS goes off, and Visit Inlander.com for Regina George complete listings of stands still on a local events. stage and just... watches? Now, picture that, but with passionate, full-diaphragm singing and orchestral rumbles.  “I See Stars” (Act II) — The final number. Without giving too much away, it’s the kind of triumphant, satisfying song that will probably give you goosebumps and maybe even those sneaky tears that you don’t expect, but surprise — there they are, coming at you like a bus. It’s that good. n Mean Girls • Tue-Wed, Nov. 23-24 at 7:30 pm; Fri-Sat, Nov. 26-27 at 2 pm & 7:30 pm; Sun, Nov. 28 at 1 pm & 6:30 pm • $39-$100 • First Interstate Center for the Arts • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd • broadwayspokane.com • 800-438-9705

CULTURE | DIGEST

THE BUZZ BIN

Aisha Harrison’s sculpture Ancestor I is part of WSU’s Black Lives Matter show.

SHELLY HANKS/WSU PHOTO

WHAT MATTERS MOST Two exhibits at WSU’s art museum share Black artists’ experiences with our often messy democracy BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

t should be easy to write about the two current exhibitions at Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, Alison Saar’s Mirror, Mirror and the Black Lives Matter Artist Grant Exhibition. Both are powerful — artistically, emotionally, historically — and I can speak about them as an art teacher, artist or arts writer. For example, who is Alison Saar? The teacher in me knows context is important. Saar is a nationally known artist whose nearly lifesize prints and mixed-media sculptures in Mirror, Mirror explore recurring themes: history, race, gender, identity, mythologies. The pieces are extraordinarily beautiful, even as they deal with ugly things. Cotton Eater connects Greek mythology of the lotus eaters to how generation-upon-generations of Black Americans have been “fed” false promises. White Guise Print paradoxically references Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which helped sway public opinion against slavery, but also the cotton industry, and by extension White American prosperity at the expense of Black culture and countless Black lives. Saar is the daughter of Betye Saar, one of the first Black female artists to gain national visibility in the 1970s. The elder Saar’s work opened my eyes to how art education in western civilization has been historically focused on male artists, specifically White men. That’s changing, albeit slowly, as traditional power structures are challenged, abandoned and reformed. Some bemoan that as rewriting history. To me it’s reframing history, adding contextual footnotes like: The work of White male artists comprises most of art history’s canon in western civilization because few women and even fewer people of color were allowed to make and exhibit work. It’s also important that, moving forward, all narratives are included, key among them the panoply of Black experiences, unfiltered, which the BLM exhibition illustrates. There is beauty in Myron Curry’s glowing, backlit painting of Amanda Gorman, the second Black woman

and the youngest poet ever to read at a U.S. presidential inauguration (and who nonetheless reported that a security guard followed her home one day, telling her she looked “suspicious”). There is fear and loss, such as Jackie Schaubel’s mixed-media painting honoring Trayvon Martin (shot because a neighborhood watchperson allegedly mistook the boy’s candy for a gun). You can sense a mother’s anguish in Jasmin Iona Brown’s photographs of her son (in light of the statistics that show a Black boy is six times more likely to be shot by law enforcement than a White boy). There is horror in Rene Westbrook’s 16-panel painting of lynchings, shootings, the Klan and other brutalities. The figures are rendered in black against a white background with bits of red: blood spatter, the American flag, the Confederate flag. Although inspired by George Floyd’s 2020 death at the hands of a White police officer, the threat of White supremacy is more pervasive (like when hordes of mostly White, automatic weapon-toting “very fine people” showed up at BLM events last year — supposedly to help maintain peace). Alongside horror, there is also hope. Lady Liberty by Tracy Poindexter-Canton shows a Black woman wearing a T-shirt reading “Black Queen,” her arm draped around the Statue of Liberty. Together they arise from a fiery sea. As your eye travels upward, you notice Liberty’s torch bursts beyond the picture frame and turns into butterflies. The two exhibitions remind us it’s a messy business, this democracy of ours, whose epic story is still being written and whose power comes from the people. All the people. n Black Lives Matter Artist Grant Exhibition runs through Dec. 18, and Mirror, Mirror: The Prints of Alison Saar runs through March 12. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Rd., Pullman. Visit museum.wsu.edu.

DIGITAL ICING With the arrival of the Seattle Kraken, I took the plunge and bought NHL 22 for PlayStation 5. And wouldn’t you know it, in “Be a Pro” mode you can start your create-a-player’s fledgling career playing for the Spokane Chiefs. While the game’s fast-paced action can feel a touch wonky at times since puck control and shooting are all done with the right stick rather than buttons, it was still quite delightful trying to lead the Chiefs to a Memorial Cup. There are enough other modes (Ultimate Team, Franchise, etc.) and styles of play from simulation to arcade-with-mascots to make the game a worthy plunge for longtime or newbie puck-heads. (SETH SOMMERFELD) TIME TO HELP Artists in Spokane have no greater advocate than Karen Mobley. She served as arts director for the City of Spokane (aka leader of the Spokane Arts Commission) from 1997-2012; continues to consult with groups like Spokane Arts, ArtsWA and the Spokane Public Facilities District; and somehow still finds time to work on her own artwork, too. Oh, and did I mention she published a book of poetry in 2020? Spokane Arts’ lifetime achievement award is even named after her, for Pete’s sake! The woman is the real deal. Like so many artists, Mobley is self-employed, which made a recent breast-cancer diagnosis all the more distressing. While she has a long battle ahead, the community is rallying to help her with health care costs. You can help, too, by donating to a fund to help her through. Visit gofundme.com and search for “Help Karen Mobley with Sick Leave.” (DAN NAILEN) THIS WEEK’S PLAYLIST Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online Nov 19: ADELE, 30. Get your tissues ready, as vocal powerhouse Adele returns with more emotionally devastating odes on her first new album in six years. Brian Wilson, At My Piano. Let Brian Wilson function as your in-home piano bar, as he reimagines classic Beach Boys songs as calm compositions for solo piano. ANGEL HAZE, Girl with the Gun. The sharp-tongued biracial rapper delivers more blunt over thumping beats on her first studio set since 2015. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 29

WINE

HOLIDAY Pairing and Sharing

This Liberty Lake Wine Cellars selection could make a great gift. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Local wineries share their top picks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and more BY LEANN BJERKEN

hether you’re hosting, tasting or toasting, holiday celebrations are an apt opportunity to enjoy good wine. For those still looking for the perfect pairing for that Thanksgiving turkey, or a fancy bottle to share with friends as the clock strikes midnight, check out the following spirited suggestions from five local wineries.

LIBERTY LAKE WINE CELLARS

23110 E. Knox Ave., libertylakewinecellars.com Liberty Lake Wine Cellars is kicking off the holiday season with the release of two new wines during the Spokane Winery Association’s Holiday Wine Festival tour, happening the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 19-21 (details at spokanewineries.com). “Those will include our 2018 carménère ($40) and 2018 malbec ($36), both of which have won a number of awards,” says Sarah Lathrop, who co-owns the winery with husband Mark. While nearly all of Liberty Lake’s wines complement the holidays and make great gifts, the Lathrops recommend the winery’s 2019 Tahija dry riesling ($17), and its 2018 The Golden Ticket ($40) for Thanksgiving meals.

30 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

“The Golden Ticket is a Bordeaux-style red blend,” Lathrop says. “It pairs well with food in general, and the gold label is very festive, too.” The winery is also offering a Thanksgiving hostess gift pack ($20) with themed plates, napkins, candles, a bottle of the Tahija dry riesling and a corkscrew. “Both our Tahija chardonnay ($22) and our 2018 The Golden Ticket ($40) are often purchased for gifts, and are both great for drinking with food or on their own at a party,” Lathrop says. She adds that the winery’s 2018 syrah reserve ($44) is a nice, fancy choice for holiday toasts and New Year’s celebrations. Liberty Lake Cellars’ wines range in price from $17 to $45 per bottle, with wine club members receiving a discount. Wines are currently sold at its tasting room, and shipping of online orders is available to some states.

LATAH CREEK WINERY

13030 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley, latahcreek.com For a warmer take on wine, consider a visit to Latah Creek Winery’s tasting room for a cup of hot, spiced sangria. “We serve mulled sangria in our tasting room during

the holidays, and it’s our wine-of-the-month for November,” says winemaker Natalie Conway-Barnes, daughter of owners Mike and Ellena Conway. “It’s also available as a gift basket ($29) that includes a bottle of our sangria and mulled spices, with instructions for making your own batch.” While the winery regularly posts pairing suggestions and recipes on its website and social media pages, Conway-Barnes recommends Latah’s chardonnay ($14) or tempranillo ($18) for Thanksgiving dinner. “We also make a cranberry-horseradish sauce that pairs well with our Huckleberry d’Latah,” she says. “It’s funny — most people don’t think they’d taste well together — but they really do.” Although Latah Creek doesn’t produce sparkling wines, Conway-Barnes says its orange moscato ($16) gives off just enough bubbles for holiday and New Year’s toasts. “It’s a nice sweet wine, and while it’s not sparkling, it does have a bit of extra CO2 that gives it some added lightness,” she says. Latah Creek’s wines can be purchased online, at its tasting room and in limited quantities at local grocers. ...continued on page 32

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NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 31

2 6 Y E A R S O F C E L E B R AT I N G O U R C U LT U R A L D I V E R S I T Y

FOOD | WINE

V I R T U A L

“HOLIDAY PAIRING AND SHARING,” CONTINUED...

Spokane 2021

MARYHILL WINERY

50 VIDEO PERFORMANCES Including

Multi-Cultural Performances; Celtic, Asian, Indian, Irish, Bulgarian, Croatian along with Bluegrass, Singer-songwriters, stories and songs for kids of all ages & more. CHECK OUT

www.spokanefolkfestival.org for details on the Virtual Festival

32 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

1303 W. Summit Pkwy., maryhillwinery.com Craig Leuthold, owner of Goldendale-based Maryhill Winery, says its most holiday-esque wine is the vintage port ($40) made in the traditional style as a blend of four different Portuguese grape varietals. “It comes from Avery Vineyard in the Columbia River Gorge,” Leuthold says. “It has a lovely residual sweetness, making it an excellent dessert wine.” For Maryhill wines to pair with Thanksgiving or Christmas meals, Leuthold says two of its white wines, the chenin blanc ($28) and albariño ($25), are both light, citrusy choices. For those who prefer red wines, he suggests Maryhill’s cinsaut ($52), which is also light in style with a fruit-forward taste. When it comes to gifts and holiday sharing, Leuthold’s favorite is Maryhill’s Clifton Hill’s cabernet sauvignon ($54), a wine he calls “elegant, full bodied, with robust flavors and a silky finish.” For New Year’s celebratory sipping, Maryhill offers two sparkling wines, a rosé ($29) and the Blanc de Blancs ($36), both produced by Treveri Cellars and sold at Maryhill’s tasting rooms. Although Maryhill wines can be found in many area grocery stores, Leuthold says selections there tend to be limited, so your best bet is to purchase in person during a visit to the Spokane tasting room in Kendall Yards, or online.

COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS

3890 N. Schreiber Way, cdacellars.com Next time you’re in Coeur d’Alene, consider a visit to Coeur d’Alene Cellars. Owner Kimber Gates says the winery makes its own special holiday wine called Tipsy ($32). A red blend with broad appeal, the Tipsy bottle features a leaning snowman on the label. “It doesn’t require much aging, so it’s ready to drink,” Gates says. “It’s a crowd-pleaser; a lot of people really enjoy it.” Coeur d’Alene Cellars offers an annual 50 percent-off case sale for its wine club members on Friday, Nov. 19, an ideal time to buy in bulk ahead of the rush. For holiday meals, Gates recommends pairing a bottle of the winery’s mourvèdre ($30) with turkey, and its Opulence blend ($44) with prime rib or lamb.

“The mourvèdre is more fall-esque, and pairs better with birds,” she says. “Opulence is a bit fancier, and goes excellent with red meats.” For social gatherings, Gates says the winery’s No. 6 red blend ($30) can be found in a twist-top bottle, which makes for easy opening. If you’re looking for something special, Gates says wine collectors might appreciate a bottle from one of the winery’s small batch, exclusive bottlings ($36-$38). “These are wines that we don’t make every year, so they’re only available in limited quantities,” she says. Coeur d’Alene Cellars’ wines are available for purchase at its tasting room and online.

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS

4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane Valley, arborcrest.com While wine pairings will vary according to the holiday being celebrated and the menu chosen, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars owner Kristina van Loben Sels suggests pairing turkey with Arbor Crest’s pinot gris ($22) or its Conner Lee Vineyard chardonnay ($22). “These two white wines are aged in barrels, so they have a creamy finish, are a bit less acidic and offer a broader mouth feel,” van Loben Sels says. To serve with darker meats such as prime rib or duck, she recommends rich, layered, red wines like Arbor Crest’s Dionysus ($51), Farrington malbec ($45), cabernet franc ($32) and cabernet sauvignon ($28). “With heavier meats you want a wine with tannins that cut through the fat and proteins,” she says. If you’re bringing wine along to holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving or otherwise, van Loben says it’s a good idea to ask staff at your favorite winery what wine they’d ENTRÉE Get the scoop on local suggest for a food news with our weekly hostess gift. Entrée newsletter. Sign up She personally at Inlander.com/newsletter. recommends bringing a bottle of red wine such as a merlot or cabernet sauvignon because “typically, these wines are most versatile for food pairing.” While some Arbor Crest wines are available in many local stores, the largest selection can be found at the winery’s tasting room. n

REVIEW

ALL IN THE

FAMILY In King Richard, Will Smith delivers his best performance in recent memory as Serena and Venus Williams’ dad BY CHASE HUTCHINSON

film that is as much a caring and comprehensive portrait of a family as it is a look at the exclusive world of tennis, King Richard gives us the best performance Will Smith has done in recent memory as he completely vanishes into the nuances of his character. Smith plays Richard, the flawed yet resolute patriarch of the Williams family. Yes, this is the real-life Williams family that would raise two of the greatest tennis players of all time: Venus and Serena. It is a film that transcends the trappings of sports biopics by giving life to the relationships within the family. The film focuses on the early years of their careers as Richard works with a passionate fervor to get them a shot. He has a printed plan that outlines how his two daughters will become the best of their generation, yet every coach Richard approaches brushes him off. It is these repeated rejections, usually by White coaches, that reveal one of the film’s central points about the many barriers to entry in tennis. It is humorous to see so many pass up on working with two players we the audience know will come to define the sport for decades. Yet pass them up they do. In his fully embodied performance, Smith captures a quiet disappointment in his eyes and tone at each rejection. It makes it all the more complex when he proceeds to recommit to preparing for the next person to give his daughters a chance. Richard trains his daughters during the day himself and then works a night shift as a security guard, doing everything he can to keep the dream alive. By grit and determination, he manages to blaze a trail to greatness for his daughters. ...continued on next page

Will Smith’s era as a fashion icon is far from over.

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 33

IC LANTERN THEATER MAG FRI, NOV 19TH - THU, NOV 25TH

TICKETS: $9

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SCREEN | REVIEW “ALL IN THE FAMILY,” CONTINUED... It is that central cinematic conversation about what it takes to achieve greatness where the film really finds a narrative sweet spot. Along the journey, Richard is frequently controlling in how he centers himself as being the one who knows best. These moments elicit earned chuckles, such as when he keeps interrupting another coach’s practice to interject his own advice. Even with the laughs, there is a deeper sense of discomfort at seeing Richard often overstep into making decisions for his daughters as opposed to with them. He clearly loves KING RICHARD them, making it all the more painful to see when he lets them down. Rated PG-13 Thankfully, the film is adept Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green Starring Will Smith, Saniyya Sidney, and ensures the occasionally overbearing nature of Richard doesn’t Demi Singleton similarly overshadow the rest of the characters. Both Saniyya Sidney as Venus and Demi Singleton as Serena make the most of their scenes, bringing a clear passion for the sport in how hard they train, as well as a youthful joy like when they sing together with their sisters. However, it is Aunjanue Ellis as Oracene “Brandy” Williams who steals every scene she is in. In key moments where the matriarch speaks up against Richard, she brings a resolute disposition in pointing out where he falls short as a father and husband. It is her role in holding things together that makes the title King Richard a frequently ironic one. All of this is a testament to Reinaldo Marcus Green’s confident direction, recalling his debut feature Monsters and Men with how he can navigate an interlocking story without any character getting lost in the shuffle. The result is a film that shows a deep care to the patriarch, with the profound pain he had to endure as a Black man in America, while also frankly showing the family struggles. The direction shows the darkness lurking beneath his genial exterior, with Smith’s performance revealing just how tenuous the family’s dreams truly are. n

ALSO OPENING GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE

Who ya gonna call when ghosts are suddenly unleashed on your tiny Oklahoma town and you’re the grandkids of OG Ghostbuster Egon? Paul Rudd! Oh, also the surviving Ghostbusters too. And the kids are sure to strap on a proton pack of their own. (SS) Rated PG-13.

HIVE

A woman launches a business and new future for herself in a patriarchal small town when her husband goes missing during the war in Kosovo. At the Magic Lantern. (DN) Not rated

INDIA SWEETS AND SPICES

Sophia Ali stars as a young Indian American woman who strains against her upper-class New Jersey family after a year away at college in this coming-of-age comedy. (DN) Rated PG-13

Chef’s Caleb Smith & Chad White busy creating our new fall menu for your lunch & wine experience at Arbor Crest Join us at the Cliff House Estate daily from 12-4:30pm for our new fall menu creations. Our Mediterranean inspired menu is full of new and existing dishes like Kashmiri Sweet Fries and Charred Cod Gyro. Try our Marsala Spiced Carrot Cake or Pomegranate Molasses Cookies with Cinnamon ice cream for dessert. Ask your server for wine pairing suggestions! Open Year-Round 12-5pm Daily

34 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

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POP

STARS:

hat constitutes a miss for a pop star these days? The music industry is built in such a wildly unbalanced way that the biggest names are essentially too big to fail. Even if the public isn’t demanding an artist’s current batch of tunes, they’ll still be placed in enough commercials, move enough presale merch and have a loyal enough hive of stans for any problems to feel like only a minor speed bump. That said, if you told me before the year started that Lorde and Billie Eilish would release new albums in 2021, and neither would capture the pop zeitgeist as much as an actor from the Disney+ High School Musical reboot (Oliva Rodrigo) or Doja Cat, I would’ve been beyond stupefied. The idea that their albums wouldn’t fully connect with audiences was hard to fathom. That’s because up to this point, both Eilish and Lorde possessed the same musical superpower that distanced themselves from their contemporaries: relatability. It’s a quality that has to just come naturally and that when faked can seem like the most off-putting quality imaginable. Hitting the scene as teens in the age of bedroom music creation meant both got to be relatively unfiltered young women, rather than brands built by corporate machines. They got to be artistically unkempt kids, which is exactly what other messy teens connect with authentically. But their appeal wasn’t only limited to young female pop consumers. Lorde’s “Royals” got some play on hip-hop radio stations (which was odd since it’s a mild critique of bling culture). The approval rating of her Pure Heroine and Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? among typically close-minded old rock dudes was off the charts. Why was that?

eople like to make the case that lyrics don’t actually matter in modern music, that they generally go in one ear and out the other. You can know only the wrong words to “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” but it still resonates. But even if people aren’t registering the actual words, they’re subconsciously taking them in. And it seems like commercial success may have been an artistic tipping point that’s caused both Lorde and Eilish to veer into territory divergent from their previously unparalleled relatability. One of Lorde’s great strengths was how she managed to convey a young woman’s perspective on Pure Heroine and Melodrama essentially without employing any gendered songwriting. Apart from putting on makeup on “Green Light” and asking to be called

THEY’RE E NOT JUST LIKE US Examining the relatability disconnect on Billie Eilish’s and Lorde’s new albums BY SETH SOMMERFELD

queen bee on “Royals,” there simply isn’t language that excluded any listener from putting themselves in her lyrical angst. The daydreaming tone that permeated Lorde’s work never felt disconnected from a universal experience. That’s simply not the case on her new Solar Power. The album opening “The Path” literally has lines about “teen millionaire having nightmares from the camera flash” and not taking calls “if it’s the label or the radio.” Not exactly relatable. Lorde was a millionaire when writing Melodrama, but she never let it seep in. Solar Power is an album that radiates (seemingly unintended) bougie aloofness, where being “Stoned at the Nail Salon” is treated as something folks can identify with rather than a niche thrill for the comfortable class. The album has an overarching escaping-to-an-island theme that pops up repeatedly on songs like “Leader of a New Regime,” but the tone misses its mark, seeming more like a brag than bringing listeners along for the escapism (the pandemic timing doesn’t help the contextualization, as us normies in lockdown couldn’t jet off to isles). The relatability void extends to the music backing the sung word. While Pure Heroine felt like a kid trying to escape the confines of her room through urgent electronic simplicity, and Melodrama felt as frantic, pulsating and blissfully blurry as a drunken late night on a dance floor, the chilled-out acoustic guitar-driven Solar Power often feels like a throw-away afternoon beachside jam devoid of earworm melodies.

Noted crown-wearers: Billie Eilish (left) and Lorde

ilish wrote from a more distinctly feminine perspective on her breakthrough When We All Fall Asleep..., but she tapped into an extremely universal sense of alienation. At the same time, she was clearly a kid screwing around and doing weird things for fun rather than commercial viability. Heck, that debut LP starts with a track of her and her brother goofing around about taking out her Invisalign to sing and features a track that could’ve been a killer single turned wonky with a bunch of samples from The Office (“My Strange Addiction”). Her new Happier Than Ever, on the other hand, feels like a streamlined major label product, which makes for a strange fit considering much of the album dwells on how the music industry exploits young women (“Your Power,” “Goldwing,” etc.). It’s a valid topic for Eilish to explore, but it’s not shocking the masses don’t find those specifics nearly as relatable (the superstar perspective on “NDA” doesn’t help). A couple tunes like “My Future” still capture the youthful dreamer vibe, but much of the album feels distant from the common listener. Similar to Lorde, there’s also a musical dropoff on the new album. The stylistic dexterity Eilish and her producer brother, Finneas, displayed on When We All Fall Asleep... was frankly astounding: the chest-rattling bass thump of “Bad Guy,” the knife-sharpening hook of “You Should See Me in a Crown,” piano ballads (“Listen Before I Go”), depressed teen hymnals (“When the Party’s Over”). Compare that to Happier, which… mostly just sounds like uninspired generic versions of the prior record while also attempting to sound more “grown up”? It has all the hallmarks of famed sophomore-slump albums where artists use up the best ideas they’ve been cobbling together for years on their debut, only to have a relatively empty cupboard of ideas for round two. Maybe relatability just has a shelf life for pop stars. It’s easier to be musically approachable when “writing what you know” is teenage daydreams rather than the pressure under the public microscope. Neither superstar is going to be too rattled by the fact that they’re not dominating the musical narrative this year. Still, one can hope for a little more dreamy stargazing and a little less looking at stardom in the future. n

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 35

FOOD BRAIN FOOD

Beloved culinary TV personality Alton Brown is comin’ to town, bringing “occasional aromas” and a warning that audience members should volunteer to participate at their own risk. Brown’s lively, two-and-a-half hour culinary variety show offers a mix of comedy, music, unusual and science-y cooking demonstrations, and (probably) lots of messy results. If you do feel brave enough to want to be invited on stage as one of Brown’s helpful kitchen assistants, make sure to head to altonbrownlive.com to take a pre-screening quiz to test how much you actually know about cooking and Brown’s Good Eats series on the Food Network, because he’s getting serious about just who gets to help out this time. — CHEY SCOTT Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats • Tue, Nov. 23 at 7:30 pm • $45-$125 • All ages • Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • foxtheaterspokane.org • 509-624-1200

GET LISTED!

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36 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

MUSIC AS IN “TO SWING”

It’s like some fever dream in retrospect. Seemingly out of nowhere, Americans in the mid-’90s filled dancefloors and the music charts with music from horn-laden bands wearing zoot suits. Weird, right? But also pretty undeniably fun compared to a lot of genres that had a brief moment in the sun around the same time. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy were one of the leaders of the so-called “swing revival,” thanks to their appearance in the movie Swingers and catchy blend of jazz, swing and Dixieland sounds on songs like “Go Daddy-O” and “You & Me & the Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby).” Their meteoric rise led to an appearance in the 1999 Super Bowl halftime show and a major-label deal, and they’ve parlayed that burst of popularity into a lengthy career and plenty of energetic live shows, no doubt including their appearance Friday in the Inland Northwest. — DAN NAILEN Big Bad Voodoo Daddy • Fri, Nov. 19 at 7:30 pm • $39/$49/$69 • Northern Quest Resort & Casino • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • northernquest.com • 877-871-6772

COMMUNITY SLEIGHIN’ IT

After putting the annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on hiatus for two years in a row now, Spokane’s Lilac Festival Association is doing things a little differently with its first-ever, holiday-themed parade to kick off the season in style. With traditional parade floats, local marching bands and community organizations walking the downtown route, the parade will have a similar feel to its springtime version. One special parade VIP, however, makes the event even more special. Santa Claus himself is partaking, and at the parade route’s end near River Park Square, he’ll hop out of his sleigh to oversee the lighting of the mall’s iconic, 50-foot-tall Christmas tree. For a parade route map to scope out the best viewing spots, head to the Lilac Festival’s website. — CHEY SCOTT Destination Spokane Holiday Parade • Sat, Nov. 20 at 3:30 pm • Free • Downtown Spokane • spokanelilacfestival.org

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COMEDY HAIL THE PHAROAH

Comedian Jay Pharoah has a way with voices, which helped make him the go-to guy during his Saturday Night Live years for impressions of everyone from Barack Obama to Kanye West to Denzel Washington. But he’s also lent his skills to an array of animated shows, including Bojack Horseman and Family Guy, and showcased some dramatic acting chops on shows like Showtime’s White Famous. As a standup, he’s been hitting stages for years with a combination of characters and one-liners, and he’s slated for three shows in Spokane sure to be among some of the best stand-up gigs of the year. — DAN NAILEN Jay Pharoah • Sat, Nov. 20 at 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm; Sun, Nov. 21 at 7:30 pm • $25-$40 • Spokane Comedy Club • 315 W. Sprague Ave. • spokanecomedyclub.com • 509-318-9998

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CULTURE BLESSED EVENT

Native American Heritage Month concludes with a blessed event in North Idaho: the annual Coeur d’Alene Winter Blessing inside the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel. Experience Coeur d’Alene tribal culture and share in the celebration of the seasons, including traditional storytelling and dancers in full regalia. Try the frybread with huckleberry jam and be part of an age-old tradition of giving and sharing. This event kicks off the tribe’s annual giveaway, which will provide 20 families and 10 nonprofits a monetary gift from the tribe (nominations can be submitted at 937themountain.com). Reservations are recommended due to limited seating at this free event. — CARRIE SCOZZARO Coeur d’Alene Tribe Winter Blessing • Sun, Nov. 21 at 5 pm • Free • All ages • Coeur d’Alene Casino • 37914 S. Nukwalqw St., Worley • cdacasino.com/ event • 800-523-2464

Spokane’s Independent Rock Station NOVEMBER 18, 2021 INLANDER 37

CHEERS DEION AT MCDONALD’S I’ve had that $100 bill in my wallet for weeks & I didn’t want to spend it, but that’s all I was down to & I wanted to make sure my son was happy. Thank you again so much for your kindness

I SAW YOU CONTRA DANCER FROM PORTLAND Not exchanging numbers last week was foolish on my part. I really liked our connection, our waltz, and your great swing. Please come back for another Wednesday dance. Or contact me at this old email....nokes49@yahoo.com. WINCO GOOD MAN Early in week of Nov. 8… you were loaded with groceries checking out, and I commented to you that you got your workout for the day. You said that you were shopping for a mom who was disabled and a child disabled. Having been through that myself with tgwo parents, my heart goes out to you. I sooo wanted to help you bag those groceries, but didn’t want to overstep into your space. If you ever have time, I’d buy you a coffee! Good man! POCKETTOAST J- Thank you for putting my embarrassment at ease when I remarked upon my shame for eating sooo much food. Can’t help myself when I eat there, I become a monster. The PocketToast was eaten within minutes of driving down the road. I’ll be back for more next week.

SOUND OFF

LADY AT SPEEDY SHOP AT AIRWAY HEIGHTS This goes out to the older lady that works at the Speedy Shop in Airway Heights. YOU are awsome!! You always have a smile on your face, a skip in your step and are always eager to help everyone. It must suck to have to fill propane a hundred times a night, but you do it with a smile!! I love that you always greet our kids and dog like they were your own. I have gone into get gas many a time and have had the worst day ever, but you always have me cracking up and feeling better before I walk out!! I have seen you dig change out of your purse and give it to people that don’t have enough or give it to someone who needs air or gas. This world needs more people like you!! Thank you for all you do, and thank you for the advice, the smiles, the great attitude you have, thank you for the change you have spared many a time. Just... thank you!! You’re a wonderful lady !!!! And the best cashier I have ever met!!! THE ONLY PERSON WHO KNEW ME Cheers to you and your life of happiness! You are the most kind and deserving person, and may every day bring you more love and joy! No other person can stand so resolute and righteous! You are all that is good and true in this world, and this is me making sure the world knows it! Thank you, forgive me, and regardless of what may come to pass, know you will always hold the spot in my heart where forever is defined. RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS Dutch Bros., E. 931 Francis, 14 NOV 21-SUN, about 7:10 a.m. Lady in SUV ahead of me bought my coffee. It was my birthday, so your random kindness was extra

special and meaningful. Did you know Saturday the 13th was World Kindness Day? You shared your spirit of kindness and generosity through this past weekend,and I won’t forget. Thank you, and I pray for blessings for you as well.

“

changes for the betterment of mankind in the Inlander. Whether it is Vaxing or be kinder to your fellow traveler in life’s journey or gun control OR a raft of other issues — to include thanking God Almighty that Trump isn’t president any

I really liked our connection, our waltz, and your great swing. Please come back for another Wednesday dance.

JEERS SHERIFF OZZIE Don’t bitch about Ozzie looking for officers in other states, blame LIBERAL POLICIES! Cops can’t even do their jobs anymore. SO when someone robs, tries to stab you, etc., call a counselor. DISCOMPASSIONATE CARE FOR LOKI LOKI I cannot believe the discompassion I and Loki have received from Hunter and the emergency vet. Loki is my life. Glad you got your flipping pay check. My life is now empty. GREENSPACE In the frenzy to build during this mass immigration to this area I read little of retaining any greenspace. I see areas like the acreage where the performing arts building is to be built in SV when not too long ago it was greenspace-grass, a few juniper and a stand of young ponderosa pine fading away. We all remember, well some do, from high school learning about photosynthesis how plants take in carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. So that land in SV having had the vegetation bulldozed off is no longer giving off oxygen but by the time that land is covered with buildings and pavement, it will be emitting carbon dioxide instead of oxygen along with waste and be a user

1. Visit Inlander.com/isawyou by 3 pm Monday. 2. Pick a category (I Saw You, You Saw Me, Cheers or Jeers). 3. Provide basic info: your name and email (so we know you’re real). 4. To connect via I Saw You, provide a non-identifying email to be included with your submission — like “petals327@yahoo.com,” not “j.smith@comcast.net.”

38 INLANDER NOVEMBER 18, 2021

of natural resources. This example has become pretty much the norm not only here but in other areas as well. The area around the new Ridgeline High School near Liberty Lake is also destined to go from greenspace to “development.”

Since carbon dioxide is one of the culprits in the “greenhouse effect,” our response to this seems to make little sense. The aliens watching us from afar are certainly scratching their antennas and thinking what the hell are they doing. RE: RE: TRASH QUEEN … for your info, the original post is directed at a trash human being who lived with, used, abused and broke every trust that was given to them. They lived a double life and lied to not only myself, but the doosh canoe that continues to believe their lies. This post is more of a warning to others that might cross paths with this horrible human being… An abuser of myself and kids… so jeers once again to these low life’s and their miserable existence. Eff DRB. HOMELESS IN MOTORHOME You parked in front of my house. I felt sad for you, could tell you were living in that beatup motorhome with the broken-out windows. I was a bit worried that you were planning on staying there. You got out to walk your dog, who you let poop in my yard. Then when you got back in your rig, you dumped all your trash out in front of my house before you left. Human pigs with no thought for others. Glad you left, don’t come back. TIME TO FACE FACTS Each week there are heartfelt pleas for all kinds of behavior

”

longer (and hasn’t been for some time, so get OVER IT). The ones first off that READ the Inlander probably don’t need to be reminded (well, sometimes) to do all these things and the majority of those that these pieces are written for NEVER read the Inlander so you’re wasting your time and limited space that could be used for other things. It’s time to look in the mirror and face the facts that there are people that will NEVER get it! Never be kind, giving, get COVID shots, etc. without mandates/laws, and even then it is iffy! That is the way it has been since Christ’s time, and the way it will be until this whole mess implodes. Do you know WHO can make a difference though? It’s how YOU act each day. It’s called lead by example. The rest of world can NOT be changed by some paragraph in a weekly rag in Spokane, WA. It, of course, sounds wonderful, but it just isn’t going to happen. Sorry. Time to move on. Nothing to see here. n

THIS WEEK'S ANSWERS D A M E

A G A S

A W M A N

L A I N E

M U R P H Y S L A W

O J O S

S U M O

A L A N

N A T I O N A L B B K I N G

D U I N O N S E D T I E P R L Y E A O C U B

O B L A D I

D O U G

S C B O I U A R S O E S R S E A

G E S R A T S A T H E R K A I E S A T S P E L H A R L E B B Y B R S B O T E R I B E N D N E S T R A R C H A U L A G T E N E

A C I D

D A N A

S I G N

D R O O L S O V E R

T O W E L

V E N D S

K E R I

E Z E K

NOTE: I Saw You/Cheers & Jeers is for adults 18 or older. The Inlander reserves the right to edit or reject any posting at any time at its sole discretion and assumes no responsibility for the content.

EVENTS | CALENDAR

BENEFIT

THANKS FOR THE WALK DOG WALK Join the community for the 13th Annual Thanksgiving Day Dog Walk to benefit the operation of the SpokAnimal Dog Park at High Bridge. Bring your wellbehaved dog, enjoy coffee and goodies with fellow dog-lovers and head out on a one- or two-mile morning stroll. T-shirts available for purchase. Nov. 25, 9-11 am. $10 suggested donation. High Bridge Park, Riverside Ave. and A St. spokanimal.org/events (509-534-8133) ANNUAL PALOUSE TURKEY LEG FUNDRAISER Support the Palouse Library at this annual event that funds new books and programming. Enjoy free coffee and a donut and spend a morning with loved ones and neighbors. Donations can be mailed directly to the Palouse Library (PO BOX 168, Palouse, WA 99161) or dropped in the book drop. Nov. 25, 8 am. Palouse, Wash. whitcolib. org (509-878-1513) BRRC TURKEY TROT The annual Bloomsday Road Runners Club’s Turkey Trot collects food and cash for Second Harvest Food Bank. Runners/walkers have the option of 2-, 3- or 5-mile routes. No registration or entry fee, but participants must sign waiver. Please no pets on the course. Includes prizes, cider and a pre-feast opportunity to burn calories. Nov. 25, 9-10:30 am. Manito Park, 1800 S. Grand Blvd. (206-290-1100)

COMEDY

SHAPEL LACEY Since recently moving to LA and securing representation, Shapel has opened for Henry Rollins at the 2019 Sonic Temple Music Festival and performed at Comedy Central’s festival Clusterfest. Nov. 18, 7 pm. $20-$28. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com COMING SOON... Go behind the scenes as the BDT players improvise the making of a movie based on audience suggestions. Fridays in November at 7:30 pm. $8. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com JAY PHAROAH The six-season SNL alum is well known for his impressions of President Barack Obama, Jay Z, Denzel Washington, Kanye West and many others. Nov. 19-20 at 7:30 and 10:30 pm, Nov. 21 at 7:30 pm. $20-$40. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com/events/47560 SAFARI Blue Door’s version of “Whose Line,” a fast-paced improv show with a few twists and turns added. Saturdays from 7:30-9 pm. $8. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland. bluedoortheatre.com

COMMUNITY

LOUIS COMFORT TIFFANY: TREASURES FROM THE DRIEHAUS COLLECTION A celebration of the artistry and craftsmanship of the Tiffany artworks from Chicago’s distinguished Richard H. Driehaus Collection, highlighting masterworks never before presented in a comprehensive exhibition. Open Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Feb. 13. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931) MAC HOLIDAY KICK-OFF CELEBRATION Offering festive lights and outdoor activities, including a vintage Crescent Department Store holiday window display, scavenger hunt and

Campbell House holiday video. Meet the Campbell’s cook Hulda and get one of her sugar cookies. The museum is also open for shopping. Nov. 18, 4-6 pm. Free. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931) POINSETTIA OPEN HOUSE The SCC Greenery hosts its annual event during which second-year greenhouse students showcase and sell 20 varieties of poinsettia. Nov. 18-19 from 10 am-5 pm. Free admission. Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. scc.spokane. edu (509-533-8167) RESALE TRAIL Visit local vintage and consignment boutiques across Spokane for a chance to win prizes. 15 local boutiques and shops are participating this year, grab a passport at any location to get a stamp when you visit between Nov. 12-27. More info at instagram.com/ garland_resale THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE Join the MAC each 3rd Thursday for discounted access, plus live music, gallery cruising, periodic public lectures, workshops, artist demonstrations, exhibit openings and receptions. Nov. 18, 5-8 pm. $6 (members free). Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org CUSTER’S 45TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW The show features 300 professional artists and crafters from across the Northwest displaying and selling their fine art, handmade crafts and specialty foods across over 78,000 square feet of exhibit space. Nov. 19, 10 am-8 pm, Nov. 20, 9 am-6 pm and Nov. 21, 10 am-4 pm. $7; kids 12 and under free. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. custershows.com (509-477-1766) LGBTQ+ SENIORS OF THE INW All LGBTQ+ seniors are invited to join weekly Zoom meetings, Fridays at 4 pm. “Senior” is roughly ages 50+. If interested in this socialization opportunity, email to Nancy at NancyTAvery@comcast.net requesting to be added to the email list for the Zoom link. 4-5 pm. Free. facebook.com/SpokaneLGBTSeniors TRIVIA: SHERLOCK HOLMES Test your ability to observe and deduce award-winning television, covering every episode of the BBC series starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Registration required. Nov. 19, 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. Online at scld.org DESTINATION SPOKANE HOLIDAY PARADE The Spokane Lilac Festival is back for its 84th year, and after a two-year hiatus, it’s starting early and opening the holidays with a parade and fireworks downtown to welcome Santa. Nov. 20, 3:30 pm. Free. Downtown Spokane. facebook.com/spknlilacfestival EVERGREEN RAILROAD MODELERS OPEN HOUSE See the club’s model train setup, with over 800 feet of HO track and more. Nov. 20, 5-9 pm. Free. Evergreen Model Railroad Club, 18213 E. Appleway Ave. (509-939-5845) FRIENDS OF THE MORAN PRAIRIE LIBRARY BOOK & PUZZLE SALE A donated book and puzzle sale. All proceeds support purchases and activities at the library. Nov. 20, 10 am-3 pm. Free admission. Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St. (509-435-5639) NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PERFORMANCES Enjoy traditional Native American dance and drumming performances by members of various plateau tribes near Windfall. Other

events at Northern Quest all month include dining specials at all restaurants, educational displays and specials at La Rive Spa. Nov. 20 from 2-4 pm. Free entry. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com NOVEMBER OPEN HOUSE: TURKEYS & STEPPE HABITATS Be part of the November fun at the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center: Play games, meet animals and learn about the awesome research being done in steppe habitats. Walk-ins welcome. Nov. 20, 10 am-2 pm. $5 suggestion donation. West Valley Outdoor Learning Center, 8706 E. Upriver Drive. olc.wvsd.org TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE North Idaho Pride Alliance welcomes the public to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance. TDoR brings people together in communities around the world to remember the victims of anti-transgender prejudice and violence. Hear stories of hope and share in the conviction to create a safer and more inclusive community for all. The program will include memorializing those who have died, original songs and speeches. A soup luncheon and socializing will follow. Nov. 20, 1-3 pm. Free. Human Rights Education Institute, 414 W. Fort Grounds Dr. nipridealliance. com (208-352-3518) WINTER WONDERLAND To celebrate the holidays, the Wonder Building hosts an inaugural market Saturdays, Nov. 20-Dec. 18, from 10 am-2 pm with activities for the family including live music, movies, arts & gifts, Christmas trees, complimentary hot cocoa and more. Free. The Wonder Building, 835 N. Post St. fb.me/e/1T4pVlbVM WINTER BLESSING Winter Blessing returns with traditional storytelling, dancers and frybread with huckleberry jam. The annual event is centered around celebrating the season, honoring traditions and giving thousands to charities and deserving individuals. Nov. 21, 5 pm. Free. Coeur d’Alene Casino, 37914 S. Nukwalqw. cdacasino.com AMERICAN DEMOCRACY’S INDIGENOUS ROOTS & FUTURE Join storyteller Fern Renville as she shares stories both mythic and personal that reframe and highlight the history, present, and future of Indigenous female power and leadership in America. Nov. 23, 6:30 pm. Free. Onlien at humanities.org WINTER MARKET AT THE PAVILION Riverfront’s second annual market hosts 35 local vendors and artisans offering handmade items, prepared food, gifts and more. Wednesdays from 3-7 pm through Dec. 22. Pavilion at Riverfront, 574 N. Howard. riverfrontspokane.com NORTHWEST WINTERFEST A holiday cultural celebration featuring dozens of authentically-crafted lighted holiday lantern displays. Nov. 26-Jan. 2, open daily from 5-9 pm. $12-$18. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. northwestwinterfest.com

FOOD

THANKSGIVING SIDES TO IMPRESS This class takes side dishes to a new level with summer squash casserole, butternut squash with pecans, the new green bean casserole and more. Nov. 18, 6-8 pm. $69. Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. campusce.net/ spokane/course/course.aspx?c=1100 (509-279-6144)

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EVENTS | CALENDAR

Dear Holiday Elves,

holiday season? If so, Does your spirit need a lift this ful gift giving by adopting ning mea in consider joining us 3rd Annual Giving Tree a house or an individual for the lts with developmental adu and th you ing event support in our community. Last ices serv disabilities in residential NAC is committed to this year was a huge success and e! com to project for years

choose a house website is below where you can Information to the Giving Tree this without you!! support in 2021! We couldn’ t do

go to www.nwautism.org

and follow the Giving Tree

link

friends – for help in our community of partners and We are reaching out to you – and dropped off at ed rapp unw be to are . All items getting a gift under every tree pped and delivered wra be can ember 10th so they Nor thwest Autism Center by Dec zon, you may ship Ama ugh thro (s) hase purc r you r in time for Christmas. If you orde to the correct ered deliv is it that see and we will the gift(s) directly to our address Blvd., Suite 14, Falls e kan est Autism Center, 528 E. Spo house and individual: Nor thw Spokane, WA 99202. p—the money is n if you don’t have time to sho Consider making a cash donatio hase gifts that may purc to used are s and the fund used exclusively for this project r donations are tax you er large ticket items. Rememb not have been adopted or are deductible.

itional information your friends and family. For add Please feel free to share this with 509-328-1582 call or .org tism wau ngtree@n or questions please contact givi