The Slice: An ‘A’ for effort, an ‘F’ for execution

So one STA driver says he has been completing his route right on schedule lately.

And another bus driver says to him, sure, that’s easy if you don’t bother to pick up passengers.

Some traditions are easier to explain than others: Jan Robison was on the phone with a customer service rep in India. The subject of Groundhog Day came up.

That third-tier holiday is imprinted on Robison’s mind because she was born Feb. 3, the day after.

“I had to live with my mother telling people that she made sure she didn’t have me that day (Groundhog Day) because she was afraid that I would see my shadow and go back in for six weeks,” she wrote. “Funny, Mom.”

Anyway, the guy in India asked if Americans get dressed up in costumes for Groundhog Day. That made Robison chuckle.

Then she wondered. “What sort of costumes would people wear?”

The Slice’s phone line is open.

Speaking of rodentia: OK, The Slice is about to give film trivia a rest. But before doing so, here’s one more question.

In what movie is an animal that’s clearly a ferret referred to as a marmot?

What teachers say isn’t always what kids hear: The Slice was told about a Spokane Valley kindergartner who knows a lot about the world of Superman and his archenemies, but not so much about the reasons for Monday’s holiday.

After a short lesson on the life of Martin Luther King Jr., this boy was heard to say that he and his classmates had been learning about Lex Luthor.

Slice answers: When Hank Greer hears coaches and athletes credit God for a victory, questions occur to him.

“Do you blame God when you lose? Does this mean members of the other team aren’t as good or strong in their faith as you? If God helped you win, what happened in the games you lost?”

Steve Heaps and others said it seems like any self-respecting deity would have more important things to do.

But several Slice readers said they find those postgame testimonials uplifting. “Love it,” said one.

Today’s Slice question: Would you rather deal with someone who is in-your-face hostile or someone who is passive-aggressive?