The Slice: They’re happy when they’re hobbled

It must be true that Spokane is home to active lifestyles.

I have a few acquaintances who always seem to be limping when I see them after a weekend.

If they aren’t, I just assume they didn’t have any fun.

•Objects may appear closer: A reader who asked that I not print his name told about being at a stoplight and seeing in his outside mirror a striking female bike-rider pull up next to his car. He said he was momentarily mesmerized by a cleavage vista.

Was he wrong to look? Should the cyclist think about wearing a different sort of top?

The Slice reports. You decide.

•Picking a Latin motto: “As a pastor of a local church, the obvious choice would be Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone), but my current favorite is Nec Aspera Terrent (Be not terrified by adversity),” wrote Gary Nock. “In marriage, my long-standing motto is Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati (When all else fails, play dead).”

English professor Hank Steiner suggested one for EWU: Aut disce aut discede (Learn or leave).

Now it is almost certain that some Slice readers are going to want to critique these translations. But here’s my suggestion: Emoveo on.

•Just wondering: Is it ever not hockey season?

•It’s not like I went to the race track all that often: But I still miss Playfair.

It was fun to walk up to a betting window and say, “Two dollars on Spectacular Bud to win.”

•You weren’t alone: If the headline in Friday’s People column playfully declaring Debra Winger “old” at 53 made you consider harrumphing.

I happen to know that 53 is the new 47.

•Slice answers: Several readers said the easiest way to help low-income families with their winter heating expenses is to simply designate donations to Project Share on your utility bill. Power companies on both sides of the state line take part.

Also, in Spokane County, no-cost help with home weatherization is available through the Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs. Call 744-3370 for details. There is a waiting list.

•Survey says: It’s amazing how often readers will note that they delivered the newspaper long ago. My preliminary analysis suggests that former carriers tend to be good-natured and unusually attractive.

•Warm-up question: So where do you think this Ted and Aria thing is headed in “Sally Forth”?

•Today’s Slice question: What seemingly innocuous subject has to be avoided at gatherings of your extended family?