The Slice Nine Years Will Learn Ya The Ropes

We’re tired of the debate.

So we’ve decided to issue a ruling.

You’re no longer a newcomer after you’ve been here 10 years.

Next case.

Enough already: With affixing “palooza” to the names of events.

She got tired of seeing her mailboxes bashed: So Pat Geaudreau, who lives in a rural area outside Spokane, figured out how to deter vandals. The solution? One word: concrete.

Talking to a classroom of school kids: “I accepted an invitation to talk about ‘Writing your first book,’ but I was a little apprehensive because my 9-year-old grandson was in the class,” wrote Spokane’s Betty Zachow. “I wasn’t sure whether it was cool to have one’s grandmother come to class or not.

“All went well and, as the session ended, the teacher asked the kids to line up and thank me, individually, for having come. Every little boy shook my hand. Every little girl gave me a hug. But Kenny hung back to the end of the line.

“Knowing that it can’t be comfortable to shake hands with one’s grandmother and you certainly don’t kiss her in public, both his teacher and I waited to see what his greeting would be.

“He waited until all the other students were out the door, then walloped me soundly on the shoulder and drawled ‘See ya!’ and he was gone.”

Slice answers: The first round of responses to our question about the best piece of advice to give a prospective homebuyer was dominated by one repeated answer. “Get a Realtor.”

Yes, real estate professionals were among those saying that. But there’s nothing wrong with believing in your profession.

Other suggestions included checking for termites and researching a planned unit development thoroughly before buying so you don’t wind up dealing with a bankrupt builder.

Coming soon: Results of The Slice’s Business Card Contest.

Today’s Slice question: What percentage of Spokane area parents would be embarrassed if one of their children went to the community colleges - even if that’s what the kid wanted and either SCC or SFCC offered the perfect program for that particular student’s needs?

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: The Slice appears Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; fax (509) 459-5098. There are men who watch Monday night football on TV but feel cheapened by it.