I don't think it's so much the geographic area or the architecture that's inspiring. It's mostly the license plates. First of all, I like the colors. The red, white and blue that blend together behind a mountainous skyline. It's almost a postcard. Then, it's got dual slogans because we have so much to say--'Famous Potatoes' and 'Scenic Idaho.'
The whole package really stands out on your car. I think Idaho must have one of the most identifiable plates out there. Although when you're driving an Idaho car out of state, people will stare. I remember when I had Idaho plates living in New Hampshire. I got a lot of looks. I would get comments at the gas station like, "I went through Idaho once, and it's anything but 'scenic'." And, "Yea, I spent a week in Idaho one afternoon."
"Haha," I would say and then point out their ridiculous license plate. It boldly states, "New Hampshire--Live Free or Die." Isn't that a little harsh, Cliff? C'mon we're all patriots in this country. Should you really be threatening the rest of us when your state is the size of pizza? Chill out yankee doodle. We're with you.
My point is, the plates in Boise have something extra. I've noticed an abundance of personalized plates that are inspiring rather than self-serving. Plates like, "drembig" and "gr8at2d" and "nvrgvup" (although I was thinking "nvrgvup" is inspiring with one exception. If you're trying to give up a smoking habit, I bet this statement is more like a kick in the pants, but I'm sure this is not intentional by the plate's creator). These plates are everywhere, which I think is a sign of the good people in Boise and another reason why I like it here.
If you had a yearbook for me to sign, I would write:
Ryan bro, nvrgvup on your coolnes. let's hang out this summer. call me. your rad. have a rad summer/ rad.
matt
Posted by: Matthew Van Horn at September 17, 2003 12:03 AM