This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
The Slice: Perhaps you didn’t realize they could talk
![](https://thumb.spokesman.com/uO6q6eDqVn9RLDznlEJuDvMVKgE=/600x0/media.spokesman.com/graphics/2018/07/sr-loader.png)
Today, Groundhog Day, seems like the perfect occasion to interview a Spokane marmot about this rodenty occasion and other topics.
So here’s a transcript of The Slice’s interview with a local marmot named Cuthbert. As always, you won’t believe what he had to say.
The Slice: So let’s get right to it. Are marmots jealous of groundhogs?
Cuthbert: Would you be jealous of an animal that had “hog” in its name? Please.
The Slice: Should marmots have a piece of the action when it comes to predicting the weather?
Cuthbert: We rely on Tom Sherry.
The Slice: What about a deal where groundhogs predict the weather for the East and marmots issue the winter forecast for the West?
Cuthbert: You mean like the Hellmann’s/Best Foods mayo thing?
The Slice: Sort of. Yeah.
Cuthbert: No, thanks.
The Slice: I just read in the New York Times that marmots don’t really like socializing. Is that true?
Cuthbert: What we don’t like is being around a bunch of loud drunks. Have you ever been in the company of groundhogs in a social setting? Everything’s a toga party with those guys. “Woo-hoo!” Spare me.
The Slice: But getting back to today’s special designation on the calendar. Wouldn’t you like to see Spokane become the Punxsutawney of the West?
Cuthbert: Ahahahahahaha. Are you high, man? The Punxsutawney of the West! Yeah, get Visit Spokane on the phone. They’ll really go for that slogan.
The Slice: Did you see the Bill Murray movie?
Cuthbert: “Lost in Translation”?
The Slice: No. Never mind. But don’t you like the sound of Feb. 2 being Marmot Day?
Cuthbert: Every day is Marmot Day.
The Slice: Do you like being called a Rockchuck?
Cuthbert: No. That sounds like one of Jethro Bodine’s Hollywood names. You know, like Dash Riprock or Beef Jerky.
The Slice: So why did the marmot cross the road?
Cuthbert: To get away from an interviewer?
The Slice: Thanks for your time.
Cuthbert: I’m going back to bed for six weeks.
Today’s Slice question: Can you name two ways Spokane has changed for the better in the last 30 years?
Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. Not being able to use chopsticks doesn’t make you a bad person.