Something Like This Could Take Years

A caller from Coeur d’Alene said he has begun a “Death watch,” in anticipation of the last outdoor Christmas lights disappearing. He’s got a long wait ahead of him.

Slice answer: When will “Inland Northwest” totally vanquish “Inland Empire”?

“Never,” wrote Bonnie Rae, echoing the sentiments of several readers. Her card went on to say: “`Inland Northwest’ is a silly affectation invented in very recent times by transplants from other states who didn’t know any better. Nobody but The Spokesman-Review actually uses the phrase and nobody else takes it seriously.”

Kid stuff: “My 4-year-old requested a hot dog for lunch and when I reached for the bag of buns, he said `No, I don’t want a sponge.”’ - Debbie Becker, Northport

Divide and conquer: Cheney’s Lore Banks reports that a friend of hers who has always had problems balancing a check book has come up with a solution. She opened four accounts at four different banks. The first account is for household bills. The second is for business-related checks. The third is for groceries, eating out, et cetera. “And the fourth bank account is for if she messes up on all the other three,” wrote Banks.

Restroom graffiti: “Back in five minutes…Godot.” - seen by Patrick Treadway

Generation gap: A preschooler visiting a Spokane convalescent center encountered an elderly woman with a cane. He asked: “Do you take care of sheep with that?”

Roadkill Highway: “On Highway 395 between Spokane and Deer Park, I’ve personally buried six deer in the last four years.” - Spark J. Settle

Thought for the day: “Management is a system of controls which prevent the employees from accidentally causing profits to increase.” - Scott Adams

Today’s Slice question: Is it true that, in Spokane, you can tell all you need to know about a person by looking at his or her shoes?