The Slice: Nights sure are getting shorter

So you’re tired of saying the same old thing when someone notes that the days sure are getting longer.

OK, here are some new and improved responses.

1. “But this is the last year that’s going to happen.”

2. “Yes, my cat can always sense when the planet is getting tipsy.”

3. “Prove it.”

4. “So who are you blaming – liberals or conservatives?”

5. “I thought that was only in Idaho.”

“The Think System: So Peggy Miller’s friend, Sherry, was about to pay the cashier at a fast-food place in Spokane Valley. She handed over her debit card.

The cashier asked to see her driver’s license also.

Sherry looked but could not find it.

So here’s what the cashier did. She momentarily turned her back to the customer. Then when she whirled back around, she was holding the debit card between her hands. They were pressed together prayer-style.

“OK,” said the cashier. “What is your name?”

Sherry answered correctly and was allowed to use the card to pay.

“Wisdom of the ages: More than a few of the Slice readers who were teenagers back when the drinking age was 18 in quite a few states now say they think that’s too young. Funny how that happens.

“Slice answers: Readers said law enforcement officers, soldiers, Realtors and doctors can sometimes have a tough time switching into “off duty” mode.

One grade school teacher said she has a hard time remembering that she is not at work when she sees children misbehaving in places such as grocery stores. “I always want to give them THE LOOK,” she said.

Waitress Julie Schroeder said that long after she has clocked out, it is not uncommon for her to feel a jolt of alarm – sometimes at about 2 a.m. – upon remembering, “I forgot to get him his Diet Pepsi!”

“Re: special lifestyle dictates determined by your street’s name: “I’d be in trouble if there was a special rule, as we live on Broad Court,” wrote Ron Vevoda.

“Following up: Thanks for the suggestions about what to write for my guest column in a grade-school newspaper. In the end, I elected to tell about how learning the state capitals paid off in an unexpected way.

By the way, if you want to find out if someone knows his or her capitals, ask that person to name the capitals of South Carolina and West Virginia.

“Today’s Slice question: Who around here has attended annual town festivals in the greatest number of Inland Northwest communities?