The Slice: His 21st birthday went straight down the tubes

Now it can be told.

Years ago, when he was not quite 10, fifth-grader Kevin Rumberger was among those taking a sex education class at his Mead grade school. It was around this time that he had dinner at a mall with his mom.

“Kevin started choking,” said Janie Rumberger. “After gasping and struggling for air with tears running down his face, he said, ‘Wow, I must have swallowed that thing down my fallopian tube.’ ”

Realizing her son was OK, Janie laughed. She reminded young Kevin that “fallopian tube” did not mean “airway.” And she found herself thinking “Slice item.”

But Kevin begged her not to tell anyone what he said. So his mom agreed to keep silent until he turned 21.

Well, guess what birthday Kevin celebrated last week? That’s right.

He’s now studying to be a paramedic. And he probably has his tubes straight by now.

Slice answers: I heard from a lot of readers with beefs about their medical insurance. By far the dominant theme was frustration about not being able to get someone to listen – really listen – when there were paperwork complications or confusion about coverage.

Five for Flag Day: 1. Perfume/cologne overkill can be especially noxious on hot days. 2. Can you read a serious book at the beach? 3. When you hear the Beach Boys’ “In My Room,” what room comes to mind? 4. Don’t give your Social Security number to strangers over the phone. 5. Many readers remember watching “Ed Sullivan,” “Bonanza” and Disney’s “Wonderful World of Color” on Sunday nights.

Today’s Slice question: Are some of those who lack enthusiasm for the MLK street-naming proposal reluctant to speak up for fear of being lumped in with knuckledraggers?