Many years ago, I went over to the downtown library and planted myself next to the phone books from other U.S. cities.

I went through quite a few, looking for people whose last name was "Spokane."

When I had a decent harvest, I went back to the paper and called these people. I wanted to know how they pronounced their last name. (As I recall, it ended up being a split decision.)

But here's my question today: What is it like having a last name that can be pronounced in more than one way?

I wouldn't know.

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