The Slice: She’ll make amends with practice

Admitting that you have a problem is the first step toward recovery.

A colleague’s third-grader wrote a note reminding herself to “studdy spelling.”

Slice answer: Jim Hogan of Newman Lake was among those who reported that, in terms of latitude, Spokane is north of at least parts of the Canadian provinces Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

Flat maps make that seem improbable. But you can look it up. That’s what Jim did.

For the record: Every time the Slice mentions “Free” signs on items placed out by the curb, I hear from readers who say that the more effective tactic is to use a “$25” sign and then wait for someone to steal the thing you are discarding.

Clarification: Jeff Sandler is as sentimental as the next dad. But when he valued at $20,000 the Gonzaga sweatshirt his daughter gave him (Monday’s Slice), he was actually engaging in a bit of tuition humor.

Speaking of which, The Slice also heard from Jan House: “$20k for a Gonzaga sweatshirt? Try $280k for Georgetown car window stickers from two of our children!”

Pronunciation tip: When calling to tell me to go back to Vermont (re: Friday’s Slice), remember to put the accent on the second syllable. It’s “Go back to Ver-MONT,” not “Go back to VER-mont.”

Slice answers: Lots of readers said publications such as The S-R definitely contribute to the heartbreaking problem of dog and cat overpopulation by accepting pets-for-sale advertising.

Feedback: Mary Ann West scoffed at the idea that West Side drivers are more polite than those in Eastern Washington.

Today’s Slice question: When packing a lunch for a family member, what do you include to show that person how you feel?