The Slice: Sorry Pepsi, but Coke is it

We’re about to find out how Spokane copes with change. Yes, this will be a true test. If you aren’t seated, you might want to sit down.

For years, they’ve been serving Pepsi at the Spokane Arena and other city facilities.

But starting in mid-September, it will be Coke.

“Slice mailbag: Here’s a note from reader Dean Bethmann.

“Dear Sliceman,

“In the past week did you, like me, receive a credit card application in the mail that urged you to visit their web site, www.sendmethecard.com?

“And did you, like me, look at that web address and think, ‘Send meth? Are they crazy?’ ”

“Running the bases: The virtual extinction of drive-in theaters has been exhaustively chronicled for the last 25 years.

Reasonable people can disagree about the importance of this loss to popular culture. But one thing is clear.

The gradual disappearance of drive-ins has been a blow to would-be liars.

Here’s the thing. It’s true that there was a fair amount of amorous activity in cars parked beneath the big outdoor screens. No one disputes that.

But it is also a fact that more than a few young people (boys mostly) stretched the truth when describing just how steamy things got during the second feature.

I’m sure exaggeration is alive and well in 2005. Chances are, more than a few young guys engage in what might charitably be described as wishful thinking when reporting that they hooked up with Ms. Right.

Still, there was something about the drive-in. As a setting, it lent a certain plausibility to tales from the front seat.

You know, back in those mythical days when the summers were really hot.

“Coping with cold water: “I find that when I emerge, sputtering, from the water, it helps to remark, ‘Oooh, that’s brisk, baby.” — Naomi Hoit, 17

“Re: Tuesday’s Slice: “Dear City Boy Paul,

“The 6-year-old who wanted to know if she could still flush the toilet without electricity was asking a very pertinent question,” wrote Annie Zeck, former country dweller.

“Those of us who have lived in all-electric houses in rural areas with septic systems know that when the electricity goes, you have one flush left in the toilet.

“Keeping old gallon milk jugs full of water for these emergencies is a necessity.”

“One opinion about the quality of restaurant iced tea: “Uniformly awful, with fast-food places the worst of the worst.” — Bonnie Meyer

“Today’s Slice question for men: What happened when, after years and years, you shaved off your mustache?

“Today’s Slice question for women: In what situation do you find yourself sounding most like your mother?

“Today’s Slice question for kids: Do you ever literally find yourself getting tired of rolling your eyes in response to your parents’ antics?