Bloglander

A chilly wind showed up to knock around the balloons set out for the Fountain Cafe’s opening day in Riverfront Park. But the sun also made an appearance, as if reminding us that there’s plenty of summer ahead for lunches and after-work drinks in the park.

Construction began last fall for the cafe, which has all-outdoor patio seating right next to the Rotary Fountain. Earlier this year we wrote about the plans and extensive menu, which includes salads and healthy wraps along with traditional concession stand favorites like chili dogs and ice cream.

Take note of the beverage list, too — there’s wine and beer, including No-Li on tap. 

HERE

Local smokers: we suggest you light up no closer than 25 feet from business doors — or else you might find yourself slapped with a $50 ticket. (SR)

One Spokane neighborhood has gone from safe to super-sketchy since 2013 began. (KREM)

An Airway Heights Corrections Center counselor is in hot water after engaging in sexual activity with an inmate. (KXLY)

THERE

Jason Collins, an NBA player, comes out of the closet. He is the first active player in major US sports to do so. (SR)

Investigators find female DNA on Boston bombs. (LA Times)

Pot activists in Idaho see their kids taken away to foster care?! (SR)

A homemade lightsaber scares the crap out of Seattle cops. (KHQ)

WE FEEL YOUR PAIN, GUYS

If you don’t already want a beer after work, this will change your mind. A couple of weeks ago — it was actually the day No-Li got federal approval for “Spokane Style” beer — The Inlander stopped by the brewhouse on Trent Avenue to talk with No-Li Brewmaster and Owner Mark Irvin.

That lucky beer-holding hand to the right of the frame during the interview belongs to Arts & Culture Editor Mike Bookey, who also wrote this companion feature about No-Li for this week’s beer issue. Videographer Nathan Brand filmed and edited these videos from their visit.

First, here’s a short feature on how the brewery got started and how it’s grown. “Nothing makes you happier than watching somebody you don’t know walk up to the bar and order a pint of your beer,” Irvin says.

And here, for the beer nerds, Irvin tastes and describes five of No-Li’s flagship beers. This is what you should memorize for the next time someone from out of town sees a No-Li tap handle and asks you about it. (Or you can just tell them to try it and see.)

HERE

South Hillies who were initially skeptical about the relocation of Jefferson Elementary actually think it's kinda cool now. (SR)

The most high-brow crime to ever hit Spokane: yes, folks, we've got an fine art criminal on our hands! (KXLY)

Super glue: a crook's best friend? What'll they think of next? (KXLY)

We advise you against wearing a short skirt today. (SR)

THERE

A Washington judge makes stoners statewide giddy when he demands that cops return weed that was taken from a man during a traffic stop. (KXLY)

Tebow! Out! (NYT)

Apparently we missed what earned last night's Mad Men an A grade… (AV Club)

As per usual, President Obama continues to be awesome AND hilarious at last night's White House Correspondents' Dinner. "I'm not the strapping young Muslim socialist I used to be." BAHAHAHA!

Almost 5 years and still going strong. You are my husband, my best friend
and my loml. I can't even put into words how I feel when you love on me,
like you do. I know it gets hectic sometimes, but I truly am thankful and
grateful for you putting so much effort into us. I really love how at the
end of each day, worn and tired, you are still wanting to just spend time
with me. Whether it's just to talk, hold me, or (game) lol, you are always
there, ready to put so much more into us. I'm the most blessed woman in
this world. I personally promise to commit to you, my life, forever! Love
you always, miss marci

whose name is close to Mad Lion, who always has a smile, I see you
sometimes at The Falls and we sit, chat for a while. You always say to
me, "I look to see who saw me but nobody ever does." But cheer up cheer up
because now you are seen, even if you weren't told in AP style. Happy
birthday!

To the best administrative professional staff in Spokane County - Cindy,
Deb, Diane, Elizabeth, Sydney and Teri. The work you do is appreciated
every day but especially on this day! From your favorite colleagues

D from the HT Like every other man I have been looking for a good woman and
like every other man I haven't appreciated it when I have it. You are a
good woman. I know you are taken, but I wanted to let you know you have a
secret admirer. I appreciate you. You are sweet, sexy as hell, funny and
honest. I hope knowing you are appreciated will bring a smile to your
pretty little face and make your days a little better. Your secret admirer

for only having these four categories and not a new one I would
call "Oatmeal" and under "Oatmeal" people could write in all kinds of stuff
related to oatmeal. Here is an example: "I saw you at the STA station and
you were wearing a sweater the color of oatmeal made with love by my
grandmother, God bless her soul." Or "Yes, I am the 'post-viking Aragorn
looking dude with hair the color of cooling oatmeal' you saw struggling
with a toddler at Target. Not my toddler, some little monster trying to
take my cart. Little jerk" or "Jeers to all the people who order oatmeal at
the Starbucks I work at and who bitch about how watery it is, hey, it's
like wait 30 seconds and it congeals for chrissakes, or put your stupid
fruit in it and brown sugar and WAIT, I just follow the corporate
directions, man, stop drinking haterade with your mocha and oatmeal. It
will thicken. Probably not as much as your skull" or even "Cheers to my lil
pumkin oatmeal, we've made it 7 months and are just as in love as when we
first met when your pitbull killed my pomeranian who was really annoying
anyway". C'mon Inlander, give us an Oatmeal category!

To the dismally ill-informed reader who proclaimed that "Teenagers don't
read anything": as an 18-year-old university student, I was outraged by
your ignorant and ageist commentary. I do spend a good deal of my time
reading both for education and for enjoyment, and I am by no means an
anomaly. We are not, as you so tactfully put it, "increasingly stupid." It
might serve you well to be reminded that each generation has its own
ignoramuses, and before you go again announcing yourself as one, you might
consider easing away from sweeping, ill-founded generalizations.