tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53935218022167129112011-04-22T01:32:41.709-04:00You're so vain. I bet you think this blog is about you, don't you?Mairnoreply@blogger.comBlogger651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-62757667181150718182008-03-23T09:48:00.001-04:002008-03-23T09:49:44.905-04:00

We're moving!

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-75617485110450512132008-03-19T16:34:00.000-04:002008-03-19T16:35:24.430-04:00

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-85231412684228312792008-03-19T16:33:00.000-04:002008-03-19T16:34:12.747-04:00

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-35792114280313681342008-03-19T16:32:00.000-04:002008-03-19T16:33:19.328-04:00

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-32343643588170198852008-03-14T09:36:00.000-04:002008-03-14T09:37:47.175-04:00

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-77204022350718317262008-03-12T21:53:00.001-04:002008-03-12T22:11:33.374-04:00

It's(boogie-woogie-oogie)

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-22930307023748581692008-03-12T21:47:00.000-04:002008-03-12T21:48:15.543-04:00

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-38070858638680158052008-03-12T21:40:00.000-04:002008-03-12T21:41:08.461-04:00

Guess CHZBGR N PDSE didn't fit. At the Trader Joe's in Columbia, Md.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-87067524077207740812008-03-10T08:45:00.003-04:002008-03-10T08:48:14.176-04:00

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-78571972810125212522008-03-04T07:56:00.001-05:002008-03-04T07:58:59.113-05:00

I don't know what you're talking about, okay? I'm not Mimi. Not.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-67316801198877083302008-03-02T20:10:00.005-05:002008-03-02T20:19:37.404-05:00

Thanks to the little carets, we know the driver is saying these deer are affectionate, four-legged even-toed creatures --- that Elks Care. It's not a warning about the Elk Scare.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-66530798307303904702008-02-26T18:08:00.000-05:002008-02-26T18:16:29.017-05:00

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-14176849180907081022008-02-25T10:19:00.002-05:002008-02-25T10:31:23.027-05:00

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-10127446088652699892008-02-24T11:58:00.000-05:002008-02-24T12:23:12.140-05:00

All But Me? ...... or All Bite Me?(Thanks, Justine!)

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-81238210236096802212008-02-23T19:57:00.002-05:002008-02-23T19:58:12.899-05:00

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-11946047604948536922008-02-23T11:59:00.000-05:002008-02-23T20:04:32.605-05:00

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-44084909207469110762008-02-11T10:17:00.001-05:002008-02-23T20:00:22.223-05:00

I rode in it and can confirm its high RPMness. As can my neck.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-71020765493755864122008-02-06T17:28:00.000-05:002008-02-06T17:30:21.185-05:00

License plates in the news! I love when this happens. But nowhere is the craze for a unique plate more intense than in the United Arab Emirates, the oil-rich Persian Gulf nation that holds the world record for the six most expensive plates. Here, it's all about how low you can go -- with people battling it out at auctions to win the chance to show off license plates with the lowest digit. The

Mairnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-67335145198740485262008-02-05T16:33:00.001-05:002008-02-05T16:35:54.394-05:00

From Justine the Pessimist, who says, No, You Can't.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-19158974989866197722008-02-05T13:56:00.000-05:002008-02-05T13:59:40.124-05:00

BUSY DAY - Slow down!EZ2GAS - On a Prius. I want to see a "100 BRL" plate on one.PX DMINI - On a Mini. Someone remind me what this means.UPNRUN - Coffee first!And my favorite:3-4 TIME.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-91616676485443949942008-02-04T00:05:00.001-05:002008-02-04T00:10:51.537-05:00

Don't have a cow, mini cooper ...

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-48209133716993631922008-02-04T00:01:00.000-05:002008-02-04T00:05:24.195-05:00

You lex, we all lex!

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-68262668657176865322008-01-30T13:37:00.001-05:002008-01-30T13:37:42.356-05:00

ET SPNCH

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-83328007731113646682008-01-30T09:13:00.000-05:002008-01-30T09:16:23.294-05:00

but this one on Biddle Street in Mount Vernon just thru me for a loop:

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-78559644327705439892008-01-27T17:11:00.001-05:002008-01-27T17:12:01.275-05:00

From Maryann, who has a secret library fascination herself:

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-84133773334385735902008-01-18T08:12:00.001-05:002008-01-18T08:14:05.861-05:00

From Justine, who points out that Vermonters must still use AOL.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-81305058140392549632008-01-09T16:49:00.001-05:002008-01-16T08:53:07.400-05:00

From pal Kim at Kim's Notebook:Should this guy even be out on the road? Better yet, should he be my best friend?

Mairnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-18910183337697742312008-01-09T16:48:00.001-05:002008-01-14T18:29:10.550-05:00

From internets-friend Whiskeymarie:She lives in the Midwest;can you tell?

Mairnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-90972014524005691042008-01-09T13:59:00.000-05:002008-01-09T14:08:38.830-05:00

Trips to Virginia are like hitting the lottery in terms of license plates. I'd rather have the money, but I'll take what I can get.I particularly enjoyed:DRS ORDSFR8LINER - on a giant Suburban.XTRUCKR - on a beat-up 1980s Buick.HILBILL - Clinton supporters or redneck extraordinaire?CASHPOR - The day after Christmas, no less.UHLOHA - And Mele Kalikimakuh.HUMMBLE - On a Hummer H3, somewhat

Mairnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-10755046065290229542007-12-31T11:52:00.001-05:002007-12-31T11:53:57.983-05:00

Mairnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-39888074524286347692007-12-26T14:21:00.000-05:002007-12-26T14:25:26.184-05:00

Any ideas on this one? In one of the many big-box parking lots in White Marsh.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-68730937059406271732007-12-26T14:18:00.001-05:002007-12-26T14:21:37.492-05:00

On the NJ turnpike:And on a green Ford minivan in Baltimore:

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-12079100944514193192007-12-17T14:18:00.000-05:002007-12-17T14:19:40.670-05:00

Sleuth and dear friend MP in Richmond, Va., spotted this one this weekend:VHICKL It was parked right in front of a newsroom, where, ostensibly, wordsmiths are employed.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-46854286624139345002007-12-13T18:50:00.000-05:002007-12-13T23:49:29.557-05:00

Jwer sent me an e-mail with these spottings:- PQQDLES on the MD plates of some generic luxury sedan or other- BALTO on some giant burgundy pimptacular Cadillac coupe. Like, from the 70's. Parked on the block of Cathedral right south of the Meyerhoff.Anyway, presumably the second is relatively easy to spot in the area ... seriously, that car was like 20' long.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-47816287306565483182007-12-10T12:14:00.000-05:002007-12-10T12:17:49.826-05:00

That's good enough for me, on the NJ turnpike.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-19565759433305607132007-12-10T12:00:00.000-05:002007-12-10T12:09:20.900-05:00

Spotted several weekends apart. These folks should meet up:(please excuse the sadly outdated NYS plates in the vanity plate generator.)

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-11930922888335001252007-12-10T11:55:00.000-05:002007-12-10T12:18:52.925-05:00

This one is straightforward:This one is not:And then there was the truck with Virginia plates that readwith an unidentified image in the corner. I tailed it for a long time through the rain on Interstate 95 in Cecil County. Was it an owl? A cat? Oh, a horse. Right.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-35267297397947514702007-12-08T22:45:00.001-05:002007-12-08T22:45:46.328-05:00

Yessssss. Seen in the Whole Foods garage at Harbor East.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-1731855122522402772007-12-01T13:20:00.000-05:002007-12-01T17:20:27.777-05:00

or perhaps this driver, spotted on northbound Interstate 95, is just headed back from the temple.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-5956895437480877052007-12-01T13:13:00.001-05:002007-12-01T13:20:47.311-05:00

So I practiced some extremely unsafe driving practices this week with a disappointingly low yield of quality images, so we'll have to rely on a vanity plate generator.oh, and a HANDICAPPED plate that readI say, "!"

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-59204942418344945362007-12-01T13:02:00.000-05:002007-12-01T13:13:06.180-05:00

So a retired New York police officer has filed a federal complaint to keep his GETOSAMA plates.See the plates and a follow-up at Newsday, which reveals that the Nassau County branch of the New York Civil Liberties Union has already defended a similar ban on MPEACHW.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-22623761563781616982007-12-01T12:51:00.000-05:002007-12-01T13:24:20.044-05:00

or perhaps enjoying underground spaces?I got cut off as I was tailing this one for the shot, but it was okay, because that license plate was

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-38860804497724883472007-11-29T14:08:00.000-05:002007-11-29T14:09:58.746-05:00

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-81059238965881585972007-11-27T17:41:00.000-05:002007-11-27T17:46:51.607-05:00

**BREAKING NEWS *** Lil Kim seen in Bel Air, Maryland, two summers ago *** BREAKING *** Rapper is much less rich than previously estimated *** MUST CREDIT PAT, BOYFRIEND OF NANCY *** BREAKING ***

Mairnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-49572459548700603402007-11-26T02:10:00.000-05:002007-11-26T02:23:19.204-05:00

Vanity plates at their best are witty, clever and clear.Vanity plates at their worst are offensive and rude, according to these pages, dredged up through public information requests and archived for your viewing pleasure at The Smoking Gun. Lists of banned plates, complaints and more.Here's another link to a few defenses. The motor vehicle operator at page 16 is wise to start with a compliment

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-40288284699576908402007-11-26T01:58:00.000-05:002007-11-26T02:10:32.040-05:00

andAlong the New Jersey Turnpike? Maybe so.More choice finds from my travels along the bedeviled I-95 corridor this turkey-consuming weekend, coming up.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-62138315881301080872007-11-26T01:46:00.000-05:002007-12-01T13:31:35.331-05:00

Seen in White Marsh parking lots ...Don't quite get these ... welcoming any and all assistance.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-30676818988984318412007-11-26T01:38:00.001-05:002007-11-26T01:51:50.942-05:00

You might remember her from the 80s sitcom 227 ... or you might not. But look foron the streets of Baltimore. Spotted on Mount Royal Avenue.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-45010291848396063562007-11-21T23:10:00.001-05:002007-12-01T13:31:57.617-05:00

seen in The Sun's rear parking lot! Midnight Sun is my witness!It'son a boxy Honda Element.Vanity plates, I am happy to be Stuck with You.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-22656817935415209992007-11-14T15:46:00.000-05:002007-11-14T15:16:41.151-05:00

Justine sent this from her iPhone (JEALOUS), and the following e-mail conversation ensued.Me: 'Reading, 'riting, 'rithmatic?Justine: I was thinking more like he's a tiger in bed.Me: Or that's the noise the engine makes?Justine: Or maybe his name is Roland Roger Ridickerous IV.One will never know.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-80371990238890730412007-11-14T08:26:00.000-05:002007-11-14T08:30:15.975-05:00

The unsurprising news (can we call it "news"?) that Virginia has the most vanity plates was announced last week. (Story tip courtesy of Erin. Thanks!) 1 in 10 drivers there has a personalized plate. Guess why? Because they're so damn cheap there! Let's consider all variables when doing such studies next time.A road trip through Virginia this weekend, from Maryland to South Carolina, netted a few

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-37087720250599214872007-11-08T15:58:00.001-05:002007-11-08T15:58:57.858-05:00

OBX27959seen on the northbound New Jersey Turnpike, near the IKEA.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-46233770966799468122007-11-08T15:49:00.000-05:002007-11-08T15:56:26.858-05:00

Steve put up a few more observed plates in his Flickr stream, including D8 ME (no, thanks), HUG EVR1, (again, I'll pass) and [Heart]4U ALL (is there something in the water?!).But I like this one best. Steve says: "Taken outside of a diner full of white-hairs in Bakersfield, CA."It's so forceful! Yes, YOU BE FLO! You tell 'em! Ow-OW!

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-45726889079300700752007-11-06T13:40:00.001-05:002007-11-06T13:40:31.091-05:00

from my I-95 trip from Charm City to NYC:XRAY 2 --- does this guy have an MRI in his other car?and REAL DRPersonally, I'd rather see a board certification or something. 

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-77221706491215622172007-11-05T17:59:00.000-05:002007-11-05T18:05:42.728-05:00

Homegirl Whiskeymarie, who lives in the Midwest, sent along this plate.D&D knows no geographical boundaries.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-59502500103805940922007-11-01T23:28:00.001-04:002007-12-01T14:41:55.517-05:00

Allied to what?and1 4MUBA.Any insight on the latter would be appreciated. Thank you and good night.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-54743799743200143352007-11-01T22:13:00.000-04:002007-11-01T22:24:59.898-04:00

This Flickr photo set from my blogging friend Steve includes off-beat bumper stickers ("Tree-hugging dirt-worshipper" on a Prius), funny-lookin' cars (a Lincoln Navigator covered in spray-painted hearts) and a handful of very excellent license plates, all spotted since he moved out to L.A. from the Midwest.Only in L.A.:Why L.A., and not D.C., we shall never know:But this is the one he e-mailed me

Mairnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-89853994618355111712007-10-31T10:20:00.000-04:002007-10-31T10:22:15.183-04:00

Blogging friend Lara at Red Red Whine reminds me of the bright green Honda Del Sol she spotted with the plate: RIBBIT.I love personified animals. Even if the personification is really more of carified.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-30515865730344726502007-10-29T13:53:00.000-04:002007-10-29T13:57:45.928-04:00

No vanity plates in England + crazed soccer hooligans = 57,000 pounds at auction for the plate WE57 HAM.That beat the previous record of 36,000 pounds for AR53 NAL."The atmosphere in the auction room was electric -- it was like a cup final," said Damian Lawson, Marketing Manager for Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency Personalized Registrations.Yes. I'm sure.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-28932819812515611602007-10-29T13:37:00.000-04:002007-10-29T13:43:31.763-04:00

OWNZORZI love it when Internet-speak makes it onto license plates.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-21273533431806955912007-10-29T00:48:00.001-04:002007-10-29T00:52:08.079-04:00

On a red Honda Accord sedan. Spotted near the Rite Aid on Cathedral St. on the edge of Mount Vernon.

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-13363683743862192072007-10-23T13:52:00.001-04:002007-10-23T13:52:58.576-04:00

Is it an organ recipient, or Second Life fanatic?

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-24600333605387870592007-09-18T00:32:00.000-04:002007-09-18T00:34:59.178-04:00

Would a plate by any other name smell as sweet?

... dancing monkey ...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15180480883852576577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-39615718437184553512007-09-13T15:33:00.000-04:002007-09-13T15:36:06.251-04:00

Bloggy friend Don't Call Me Ma'am, who writes at Grumpy Frump, sent me this the other day."I'm such an idiot. I saw this license plate the other day and couldn't figure it out ... it was driving me crazy!ILMHI SF (with a 49ers frame)So, I share it with my husband, who says, "Wow. That's a tough one."I say, "I'm sure it's 'something something San Francisco,' " which then causes me to hum "I Left

Mairnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393521802216712911.post-75409476219209120662007-09-11T14:51:00.000-04:002007-09-11T14:52:50.635-04:00

ILV2JAMAnd I live to eat it.

Mairnoreply@blogger.com1