The Slice: How about ringing in ‘07 with Ralph?

If you might conceivably give birth in the first few minutes of 2007, I have a request.

Be thinking of a couple of sane baby names. Please.

You could have a chance to demonstrate some local leadership. And what better way to get the new year off to a fine start than by naming the area’s first 2007 newborn something that can be easily spelled and pronounced? You know, a real name.

“How to demonstrate that you haven’t really been paying attention: Refer to the upcoming national competition here as “the ice show.”

“You know, 2007 might be better for me: What two people postponed lunch the most times in 2006?

“Living large: Those of us who are tireless in our pursuit of excellent sell-by dates on milk have had one foot in next year for weeks now.

“Was it my imagination: Or did a certain Spokane TV news woman accidentally say on Monday night that “James Taylor” had died, not James Brown?

“In case you wondered: Some of you might remember back to December of 2000, when The Slice listed “10 reasons Spokane should consider hosting an annual bowl game at Albi Stadium matching two winless college football teams.”

Reason No. 5: “Could be seen as an affirmation of the importance of academics.”

Well, this year’s Sterling Savings Last Chance Bowl could have pitted 0-12 Duke against 0-12 Florida International.

“Just wondering: More than a few movies include memorable New Year’s Eve scenes. “Forrest Gump,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “The Apartment,” “Holiday Inn” and “Radio Days” come to mind. But what is your favorite New Year’s Eve scene in a film?

“Something Slice reader Patricia Garvin overheard: It was just before the big holiday and a dad was talking to his young son in a store aisle.

“Because it’s Christmas,” the father said. “We don’t have fireworks on Christmas.”

“Warm-up question: You know how squeezing mustard, ketchup or chocolate syrup from plastic containers sometimes produces a loud noise that, for lack of a better description, sounds a bit indelicate?

Well, does everyone think it is amusing to say “Excuse me” when this happens?

“Today’s Slice question: Unlike in the world of sports, you can’t call a time-out in real life.

The clock keeps running.

The year 2006 is quickly ticking away. And no intentional foul or incomplete pass will delay the inevitable.

But if you could call a time-out, what big play would you draw up that might — when real life resumed — turn the year into an undisputed triumph for you?