The Slice: Today’s kids may need reality check

Slice reader Helen Fitzsimmons has noted something alarming. Little kids no longer seem to be fascinated by bulldozers, cranes and such.

Her theory? If it’s not a video game, they can’t relate to it.

That’s so depressing, it just might be true. Let’s move on.

“Reader challenge: Rewrite a line from Bruce Springsteen’s classic rock anthem, “Born to Run.”

Original 1975 New Jersey version: “The highway’s jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive.”

Revised 2004 Inland Northwest version: “The highway’s jammed with ….”

“Now boarding: Deirdre Schmid-Grieshaber is a big fan of the Lilac City. But she agreed that, when in airports in other cities, you can find the gate for the Spokane-bound flight by following the people who look as if they are dressed for yard work or cleaning the garage.

She calls it the “Spokane Factor.”

“Second Chances (annual reminder): You still have a week to come up with a few Second Half of the Year Resolutions.

If you didn’t stick with your Jan. 1 plans for self-improvement, you can consider the first six months of 2004 a warm-up. And next Thursday, you can award yourself a do-over.

Good luck.

“Slice answers: Several readers cited the inescapability of garish tattoos as their favorite warning sign of the apocalypse.

But Barry Morris mentioned stunningly loud car stereos. “If there were a car-theft ring out there willing to target these clowns, I’d be rooting for the thieves all the way,” he wrote.

“Slice Summer Contest No. 1: Who will submit the snapshot showing a wading pool occupied by the greatest number of kids and dogs?

The winner will receive a prize.

“A trend The Slice would like to see: Giving newborns Old West-sounding names such as Hiram, Seth, Silas, Hortence, Winnifred, Asa and Gideon.

“Agree or disagree: A lot of people around here never got the message that staring at strangers gets weird after about four seconds.

“Just wondering (for baby boomers): Were you left with emotional scars because your parents didn’t attend every one of your Little League games?

“You can tell Hoopfest is in full swing when: About 75 percent of downtown’s paved surface is coated with a sticky glaze resulting from spilled drinks, fudgesicle drippings and baked spit.

“Key questions about long car trips: Who in your extended family had/has the most horrific ideas about reducing bathroom stops? Did anyone in your family snore like a ripsaw? Are kids who have their own seats missing out by not having to defend territory on a bench seat? What was the farthest your family backtracked to retrieve a blanky or stuffed animal left at a rest area?

“Today’s Slice question (you must be 21 to answer): What were the circumstances surrounding the one cold beer you savored more than any other?