The Slice: Steak your claim to area’s worst outdoor grill

My backyard grill looks like a B-17 engine that has taken flak, leaked oil and caught fire.

It’s not pretty, but it gets the job done.

And I’ll bet others around here have high-mileage barbecue units that repeatedly prove newer isn’t always better.

So here’s the deal. Send me a snapshot of your much-used grill. (Include at least one member of your family in the photo.) And if your picture winds up appearing in The Slice, I’ll buy you a couple of steaks or something else you might like to char.

Remember, I’m looking for grills with character. Gleaming, pristine $5,000 setups don’t have a chance in this contest.

I’ll accept either standard snapshots or e-mailed photos. Good luck.

“Today’s the big day: Yes, it’s time for the unveiling of the Inland Northwest Blood Center’s 16th annual summer T-shirt.

The shirts are presented to blood donors from now until Labor Day, to encourage giving and help avoid summer shortages.

This year’s design was based on an idea submitted by INBC volunteer Grace Makovsky.

How many blood donors have all 15 previous shirts?

“Slice answers: Deer Park’s Judy Warren said that her little stuffed animal, Kit Fox, has logged at least 75,000 air miles. He also has backpacked, boated and ridden rickety trains all over the world.

Mead’s Jackie Swaney has a stuffed friend, Raymond W. Bear, who has traveled far and wide. “My 38-year-old daughter, Brooke, is an R.N., and Raymond has accompanied her to Guatemala twice on nursing missions. Based on reports of his behavior, he probably won’t be asked to return.”

And Lindsey Kiehn’s stuffed dog, Spot, has been to some 20 countries on four continents.

Nominations for “best candy bowl” included Vandervert Auto, the Oakesdale Town Hall, Spokane Hardware in Coeur d’Alene and banker Leigh Hanson’s desk.

Chuck Boos has a cat named Thor who can stretch out to 19.5 inches (not including tail) on hot days.

David Bray admitted that the ‘60s instrumental “Classical Gas” makes him drive faster.

Several readers said Galaxy Grind has the coolest espresso punch cards.

Joey Flores sent photographic evidence that the mother of all lilac bushes is on the Seagle farm near the Spokane Indian Reservation.

And a reader named Amy said she knows from experience that there is no such thing as a “quick question.”

“Warm-up question: Shouldn’t local TV news set the bar higher for what constitutes “Breaking News”?

“Today’s Slice question: Ever played a musical instrument on a mountaintop?