The Slice: But leave your singlet at home

Not long ago, I read a newspaper story about how a movie called “The Big Lebowski” has achieved cult status.

Apparently fans of that aggressively quirky 1998 film hold conventions, watch repeated screenings, recite favorite lines, et cetera. You know the drill.

Anyway, I found myself thinking that it would be fun if the same could be said of one of the arguably forgettable movies shot in Spokane over the years.

Then I remembered. That already happened, in a qualified way, with 1985’s “Vision Quest.” High school wrestlers and hardcore Madonna fans were into it big-time.

So maybe former “Vision Quest” cultists should be invited to gather in Spokane next year to celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary.

The program could include appearances by the movie’s stars, an early-Madonna impersonation contest, a talk by the Spokane-reared author on whose book the movie is based, a wrestling tournament, a film-locations tour, a panel discussion on the advisability of having a sexy artist move into a home with an easily aroused teenage boy and, well, you get the idea.

“Late summer tip: “A few years ago, when my daughter was just beyond the toddler stage, we spent a week at Priest Lake,” wrote Mike Almond. “I spent a good portion of that week in beach sandals in a few inches of water, holding her hand as she splashed and played.

“I learned first-hand that water at that depth acts like a magnifying lens for the sun’s rays. I came away with one of the more painful (and strange looking) sunburns on the tops of my feet.”

“Rejected themes for the upcoming Spokane County Interstate Fair: “Pig Out in the Fairgrounds.” “What’s that Smell?” “Lots o’ Livestock Puns.” “Fairfest.” “Spendy But Fun.” “Meat Comes From Animals.” “Sweatin’ With the TV News Anchors.”

“Rejected new names for the upcoming Pig Out in the Park: “All You Can Eat.” “Made Glorious Summer.” “Pigfest.” “Man, I’ve Really Gotta Floss.” “Something To Do Over Labor Day.” “Trough Expo.” “Sweatin’ With the TV News Anchors.”

“Slice answers: “The surest way to know that you are not being listened to on the phone is when, through the receiver, you hear the volume go up on their TV,” wrote Jim Monday.

Other readers suggested that the sound of typing is a clue that the person on the other end of the phone conversation isn’t giving you his or her full attention. Of course, if that person is writing down what you are saying that might qualify as an exception.

“The movie Janice Hall can watch over and over: “The Princess Bride.”

“Wheat country update: The campaign signs in fields are easier to read now that this summer’s crop has been cut. That’s not an improvement.

“Today’s Slice question: Ever realized you made a mistake at work and literally sat bolt-upright in bed?