Plates

About three dozen Towson State University students were left angry and temporarily without transportation when agents from the state Motor Vehicle Administration showed up at their off-campus apartment complex and confiscated license plates last week.The students were told they were violating a little-enforced, 3-year-old law requiring full-time, out-of-state students to obtain nonresident permits.The students had received an earlier warning about the law, but the action left them, parents and college officials irate.

Pam Erisman cannot drive anywhere without being asked: "Are you Cal Ripken's wife?"The reason for the question is obvious. The front and rear bumpers of her 1995 Nissan Altima bear the license plates "CAL 8."Adding to the confusion is that, like Kelly Ripken, Ms. Erisman, 26, is an attractive blonde who adores the 35-year-old Orioles shortstop. But Ms. Erisman lacks two things that Mrs. Ripken has: height (Ms. Erisman stands 5 feet 9 inches, about three inches shorter than Mrs. Ripken) and the wedding ring.

INDIANAPOLIS -- From one point of view, it's a grave robbery. From the other, it's a nice way to honor men who did great things in the days of yore. But then, Baltimore and Indianapolis probably never saw eye to eye on matters concerning a certain pro football team. Baltimore's nightmares of Mayflower trucks slinking off in the snow became the Colts' journey to "the friendly heart of the Midwest." Or so the team's media guide says. So perhaps it's no surprise that Indiana's plan to celebrate its football team by auctioning commemorative license plates has turned into another reason for old Baltimore Colts to be offended.

Maryland sports fans can already buy license plates that show off their interest as hunters, bowlers and runners. But can those plates affect their cars' performance? Enter the Cal Ripken Jr. Hall of Fame license plate, which went on sale yesterday. Baseball Hall of Fame induction July 29, 1:30 p.m., Cooperstown, N.Y., ESPN Classic

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - This fall, Arkansas began selling specialty license plates decorated with a crayon-like drawing of two children and the words "Choose Life." It was the latest in a string of coordinated victories for a Florida-based organization, Choose Life Inc., whose Web site says its license plate campaign allows drivers to "speak up for the unborn." Supporters say the plates are intended to encourage women facing crisis pregnancies to choose adoption over abortion; critics call the plates a subversive message and an inappropriate use of government-sponsored space.

KKT. Those, of course, are the well-known initials of Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the Democratic candidate for governor. So what are they doing on the license plate of that recently registered Maryland car that just cruised by? Could this be a blatant attempt by the lieutenant governor to take advantage of her high position in the state government? Some kind of subliminal campaign tactic? Dare we utter the word "Plategate?" Actually, it's just a coincidence for the folks in the state Motor Vehicle Administration.

MIAMI -- Do a childlike drawing of two smiling tots and the words "choose life" turn Florida's license plate into a provocative bumper sticker?Can specialty plates saying "legalize marijuana" or "prayer in school" be far behind?Those questions may be on the mind of Gov. Lawton Chiles this week as he considers signing a bill that opponents argue would make Florida the first state to let drivers express their anti-abortion sentiments on a license plate."This is clearly a message that advances a political agenda," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, a south Florida Democrat and abortion-rights supporter.

Bringing a little spice to the table traditionally has meant choosing a colorful tablecloth and centerpiece of flowers or kicking up the menu's seasonings a notch or two. But the tables have turned. And the flashy new stars are fashion plates. From the runways in Paris, Milan and New York, apparel styles are coming to a table near you. Dishes have emerged as one of the home's hottest fashion accessories. Think of them as the main course of a wardrobe for the table. Besides punchy colors that mime our most up-to-date attire, there are upbeat patterns such as stripes, polka dots, paisleys and retro-look geometrics that might as easily adorn shirts or skirts.

Food, friends and family. Putting them all together during the holidays can be a recipe for conflict. Some people just can't resist voicing unwanted opinions and advice on loved ones' weight and eating habits. Others are subtle saboteurs who wave too many temptations under the noses of people who are trying not to gain extra pounds during this season. It's a sticky situation for many who find themselves on the defensive about what is - or isn't - on their plates. And food fights can spoil what should be a happy occasion.

What are proud Baltimoreans to do when there's no space left on their cars' bumpers among all those "Believe" and "I City Life" stickers? Now they can make a more permanent statement by making their vehicles "rolling billboards" for the city with Live Baltimore's new "I City Life" license plates. Unveiled last week, the new vanity plates go beyond ephemeral displays of civic pride such as bumper stickers or T-shirts - but could also make a more permanent dent in your wallet. Unlike the ubiquitous "I City Life" bumper stickers, offered free to city ambassadors who support Live Baltimore and to passers-by at city events, the license plates are a fund-raising tool.