The Slice: Rugged or lazy? You decide

Perhaps there is another explanation.

But it’s hard to escape the conclusion that a fair number of people around here regard it as a status symbol to drive around with snow piled high on the roof of their vehicles.

On some subconscious level, they must believe this makes them look rugged or unflappable. You know, sort of like modern cowboys who aren’t fazed by the weather and just keep on keepin’ on. Or something.

Of course, laziness or apathy come to mind as other possibilities. And, to be fair, you could argue that meticulously brushing every speck of snow off your car or truck is either pointless or anal rententive.

Still, the snow-capped look sure seems like it is intended to send a subliminal signal – one that says either “I’m rough and ready” or “My other car gets to park in the garage.”

You decide.

•Thanks for the icicle photos: It has been a bumper crop.

•Just wondering: How many people at First Night said, “Happy New Year – in jail!”

•Which of the following movie titles sums up your feelings about studded tires right now: A) “Apocalypse Now.” B) “Sometimes a Great Notion.” C) “Do The Right Thing.” D) “As Good as It Gets.” E) “Grand Canyon.” F) “Town Without Pity.” G) “Reality Bites.” H) “Planet of the Apes.” I) “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” J) “Alive.” K) “The Unforgiven.” L) “Grindhouse.” M) “Rough Night in Jericho.” N) “The Asphalt Jungle.” O) “Notorious.” P) Other.

•Long-range forecast: Slush, slush and more slush.

•Jen Etter wonders: “What is an appropriate gift for neighbors who have been generously clearing sidewalks/driveways with their snowblowers?”

Well, a homemade pie or offer of babysitting or lawn-mowing could be nice. But I’d like to hear readers’ suggestions.

•Last week in Spokane: OK, University of Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt is from the South. But she has been around, especially during wintertime. So when she says she has never seen so much snow, it counts for something.

•Feedback: A reader responding to a Slice column posted on www.spokesman.com noted that dealing with snowy shoes and boots isn’t the only issue. Dogs’ feet have to be de-snowed when they come in, including between the toes.

•Warm-up question: What local social service program could still make good use of donated coats and other warm clothes?

•Today’s Slice question: What are the five stages of dealing with snow?