auto accessories

[cellio]

This morning I parked next to a VW bug with the license plate "BUGGY 9". This inspired several thoughts: (1) Don't you want "BUG" rather than "BUGGY"? (2) If we assume that's true and you settled for what was available, then there are probably at least 20 cars in PA with "BUG" or "BUGGY" on their plates, which would surprise me. (3) Do you really want a license plate that anyone connected to the software world will read as negative? (4) If I had that type of car and were inclined toward vanity plates, I think I'd try for "FEATURE".

Bumper sticker spotted recently by a friend: "Who would Jesus bomb?".

Today's mail brought a copy of "Driver" magazine from VW, which is mostly a vehicle for selling over-priced accessories for VWs. I did note in passing a bit about their high-quality roadside assistance. Ahem. The magazine included an email address and a request for "your stories", but I'll bet they won't print mine. :-)

A while back a family member gave me a "solar-powered vent fan" for my car. In theory, you fit it into your window somehow and it vents your car during those hot summer days so it's not so painful to get into the car after it's been sitting out in the sun. Interesting, except that installation is not straightforward and the instructions contain the caution that you should remove the device when driving because it impedes visibility. That's not a winning combination. (Fortunately, I can usually get a spot in the shade at work and I have a garage at home, so the absence of such a device does not significantly affect me.)

Comments

[geekosaur]

If nothing else, I'd expect "buggy" plates to be popular with undergrads around here :)

[cellio]

True. :-) But how many undergrads have cars? (I haven't been paying attention. This was certainly rare when I was an undergrad, but that was a while ago.)

[geekosaur]

Quite a few, judging from their regular complaints about parking (since undergrads are pretty much at the bottom of the totem pole with respect to parking spaces on campus).

Solar powered vent fan

[ealdthryth.livejournal.com]

I have one of those. It's a big help in the south in the summer. I try to find shade but it isn't always possible. The downside to the one I have is that it is designed for square windows frames. The window frame on the truck slopes toward the front of the truck. This leaves a gap but it still works. We can't use it in the Subaru because there are no window frames. I put it on the passenger side window. It doesn't seem to be that much in the way if I accidentally leave it in.

Re: Solar powered vent fan

[cellio]

This one is designed for square windows too.

It doesn't seem to be that much in the way if I accidentally leave it in.

Thanks; that's useful to know. If our company moves down the street next year (uncomfirmed) I'll no longer be parking under a bridge, so this will be more important. :-)

[msmemory.livejournal.com]

Someone in my area does have a VW New Bug with the plate "FEATURE."

[magid.livejournal.com]

Sweet!

[dr-zrfq.livejournal.com]

Someone in my area does have a VW New Bug with the plate "FEATURE."

I may know the person who has the Virginia plate that says this. I have a dim recollection of someone I know in the computerbiz saying they had put it on their shiny-new Neubug because, VW's protestations notwithstanding, the new vehicle JUST WASN'T a Bug.

Vent fan

[patsmor.livejournal.com]

I put mine on the back window, rather than the front. And I got the most energy -efficient window-shield I could find for the front.

Re: Vent fan

[cellio]

Window shields are important, yes.

Re: Vent fan

[patsmor.livejournal.com]

Especially when so many days between April and October are 90+ ;-)

[anukul.livejournal.com]

if you read the "9" as the german "nein", I believe you'll be able to pick out which of your co-workers the car belongs to.

[cellio]

<lightbulb>

Aha! That's great!