New License Plates For Alabama

Many of you will be familiar with USA license plates. They differ from state to state, some having slogans, others adopting particular colours, and so on. Well, I've just read that the state of Alabama is soon to release a new option for its car owners. (Well, it will be released in Jan '09, but that's not long away. Sorry to depress you all, but we are rapidly sprinting closer to the festive season. Before we know it, it'll be time to pull those crackers, just to be once again disappointed by their rubbish contents!)

The new number plates will have the rather affectionate "Sweet Home Alabama" slogan on them, which will replace the previous "Stars Fell On Alabama". Hmm, I think I prefer the one that's about to be usurped. Doesn't the stars-themed one have more of a charm to it? "Sweet Home Alabama"? That's the name of a film, for a start. (And not a very good one!)

According to Gov. Bob Riley, the new plates will represent the importance of Alabama's tourist industry. Well, I agree that number plates are a great way of presenting messages, but when did they become pieces of artwork? The new "Sweet Home Alabama" plates will feature a colourful beach scene with a flurry of soft, fluffy-looking clouds and a sunset.

AND, after all that effort, it seems the plates will only be available for a limited time of 5 years, before another design will come in. I say, bring back "Stars Fell On Alabama"!