Testing, Schmesting - Tell Me That Part About ‘Young’ Again

Reader Eleanor T. Howes of Hayden disagrees with my stand that drug testing in the work place is an invasion of privacy. (So does a slender majority of the Editorial Board, by the way.) In a letter, she sez employers “have the right to expect full service from their employees.” Then, she added a personal note: “Young man, you are a big boy now. The word is urinate.” I used the word “pee” in an editorial (although I was taught better at home). But that’s not the issue here. She called me “young man.” And, at age 50, it doesn’t get much better than that.

You’re going to need a bigger screen

Did the “Jaws” of death that bit Quint in half 25 years ago really look that phony? Mrs. Potatohead had nightmares for days the first time around … Why Ask Why: How come one of the longest streets in anti-guvment North Idaho is named Government Way? … Hot Potatoes’ definition of “aiming to please”: The Idaho Transportation Department’s decision to reconstruct I-90 between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. … The answer is secondhand smoke, if your only other choices are sitting next to cell phone users or people who ask: Didja run Bloomsday? … If, as Spokane Prosecutor Steve Tucker sez, there isn’t an aggravating circumstance to string up a Spokane serial killer, then we’re on the other side of the Looking Glass, pal … French Fries on the Side, or “Mothers Who Don’t Get Nearly Enough Credit”: 1, Elian’s (from the media); 2, Jesus’ (from Protestants); 3, Earth (from conservatives); 4, Housewives (from liberals); and 5, Mine (from me).

Didn’t you use to criticize River Park Square?

Spokane developer John Stone said - what? That he needs $1.3 million from the urban renewal district to make his 73-acre Riverstone project in Coeur d’Alene profitable? Why does Stone’s plea for, ahem, corporate welfare strike me as ironic? … Has anyone noticed that Bill Bradley still hasn’t endorsed Alphamale Wannabe Gore? … Quotable Quote: “I pledge to you personally that we will construct and operate our facility in an exemplary manner, ever mindful of the importance of the ground water resources” - Burlington Northern Santa Fe exec Matt Rose, pledging to protect the region’s aquifer. (Hey, Mr. & Mrs. Friends of the Aquifer, hold down the laughter) … This edition of Hot Potatoes was brought to you by the No. 45,523. Or, the people who finished the Bloomsday course this year. Or, the number of people who didn’t have better things to do Sunday.