We wonder what the world would be like if we awoke in 2007 and these events were taking place:

- Mayor "Cut'n'cover" Nickels suddenly has a major stroke of genius and decides that the tunnel was not the best or cheapest idea and began leading the bandwagon for an inexpensive, soaring, beautiful bridge across the downtown waterfront. The elegant structure would bring thousands of tourists to town to see it and marvel at the forward thinking of our city and its visionary leader - even the developers and the downtown business cadre loved this inexpensive replacement. Taxpayers were excited at the mere $2 billion price tag.

- An unusual development is announced for the High Point neighborhood - a four-story commercial development with a grocery store on every level. Albertsons will be in the new structure along with Safeway, QFC and, of course, Trader Joe's.

- Microsoft Corp. decides to build a satellite campus in Top Hat with office space, employee fitness facilities, and a trendy nightclub called Melinda. The news recharges hopes of forming a new city of North Highline, but it also invigorates the desires of both Seattle and Burien to annex the unincorporated area.

Residents of West Seattle and Ballard form a partnership to build a freight-only monorail along the downtown waterfront. Mayor "TooExpensive" Nickels enthusiastically supports the move.

- The Southwest Seattle Historical Society plans a new exhibit, in collaboration with the Nordic Heritage Museum, showing that famed Norwegian explorer Leif Erikson also sailed to the West Coast of America, where he explored Elliott Bay and Shilshole Bay. The Sons of Norway lodge follows up with a new West Seattle chapter.

If only . . .

Jack Mayne