The Slice It’s Officially The Dead Of Winter - Let’s Have Parties

Here’s how to stave off the midwinter blues.

Some civic-minded organization should sponsor a series of big dollar-a-head parties at which the invitees would be everyone who moved to this area in a certain year. You know, one party could be for people who moved here in 1979, another would be open to everyone who arrived during 1991, and so on.

We suspect it might be interesting to share perspectives with those who have lived here the same amount of time. Just think … conversations in which everyone has similar points of reference.

These heretofore overlooked affinity groups probably have more in common than people attending class reunions. And nobody would have to travel far to get here.

The series of get-togethers could conclude with the biggest bash, a party at the Arena for still-here adults who were born and reared in the Spokane area. Doormen could require those attempting to enter to identify “The Crescent” and sing the Boyle Fuel jingle.

There ought to be a local rock band named: Der Bingle.

Worst driver’s seat: Coeur d’Alene’s Patricia Schneider nominated the one in Peter Schneider’s van. She said it consists of little more than springs.

Reader challenge: Come up with a real-world Principle for the Workplace. (No fair stealing from “Dilbert.”)

We’ll send some Post-It Notes to the reader submitting the best office axiom in writing by 5 p.m. Monday.

Quote of the day: “Wine is not a binge beverage.” - a spokeswoman for the Wine Institute, in The Wall Street Journal

If you are the right age, the sweetest words in the English language are: “Hope you’re in my class next year.”

Warm-up questions: Which two divided-by-the-state-line households that regularly call each other (one in area code 509, the other in area code 208) are closest in terms of distance? Compared with the rest of the nation, how would you rate this area’s prevalence of public displays of affection? Do tip cups annoy you? How do you react to football players praying in the end zone? Who is Spokane’s sexiest grandmother?

Today’s Slice question: Would it be possible for you to become outrageously successful in your chosen career while still living here?

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing

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. Hibernating grizzly bears are dreaming not far away.