The Slice: Can you hee-hee-r me now?

A reader shared an observation that made me think about where the Old West meets the New.

He saw a young woman on horseback talking on a cell phone.

At least in that scenario, one of the parties involved would have enough sense to not run into someone.

I’m speaking, of course, of the horse.

“Joe Kramarz wonders: Have others noticed a scarcity of yellow jackets this summer?

“We have a winner: The challenge was to sing the opening to a classic oldie by Chicago.

Saturday in the park

I think it was the Fourth of July

I’m declaring North Idaho’s Joe Fleck to be the winner. Though, I have to admit, Rob Golden’s spirited version was awfully good.

Thanks to all who entered.

“Mailing-list mysteries: Fran Rogers has never driven an automobile. And she does not own a car. “So why do I keep getting letters from car insurance companies informing me that my car insurance is about to expire?”

Lynn Aus of St. Maries said we trigger these mailings when we return warranty cards after purchasing telephones and toasters.

Maybe. But I’m not sure how that explains my receiving requests for money from national political candidates I am unlikely to support.

My leading suspects are publications that sell their subscription lists.

“Thanks to all who shared memories of favorite soft drinks: I hadn’t thought about those little bottles of Squirt in ages.

“Feedback: Several readers noted that they did not enjoy The Slice’s unofficial square dancing glossary.

“I was offended by this column,” wrote Ann Edwards.

“Square dancers are the best people in the world,” wrote Claudia Amsbury.

I don’t doubt it. Every reader writing to express displeasure did so in a civil manner.

“Custom billing proposed: Laurie Dretke wrote to say that she does not read all of the newspaper and would henceforth prefer to pay for just that portion of the S-R that she does read.

“Oh, and by the way,” she added. “You still haven’t put my dog in the newspaper. I’d pay more for that, of course.”

Hmmm. Well, the thing is, Laurie, you never really know what is going to be in the next day’s paper. Maybe there will be a picture of your dog.

Though, as tomorrow is Food day and there is no Slice on Wednesday, that seems pretty unlikely.

“Today’s Slice question: Who has the least interest in the upcoming Olympics?