It’s Not So Much the Misspelling -- It’s the Prinsipal of the Thing

The misspelled pavement signs in Thursday’s column reminded Ed Schlossman of the time he saw a crew attempting to paint names on the reserved parking spots at a school in the Valley.

“I noticed one interesting spelling being put down,” he said. “As I checked into the office, I remarked to the school secretary that the painter was just putting the ‘s’ in ‘Principal.’ She took off out the door as if she were running the 100-yard dash. I’m sure the painter got a lesson in spelling.” Possibly in front of a blackboard.

Name Game (auto division): In Boston, Kim Airs of West Hollywood wondered if a passerby interpreted the nameplate on a vehicle as an invitation (see photo).

Speaking of car damage: The police blotter in the Seal Beach Sun reported that a man “was reportedly acting suspiciously by driving in the area slowly. The caller was concerned because her children were playing outside.

“The driver was advised and he explained that he had washed his vehicle and had been driving around trying to get the water off.” Hope the poor guy didn’t get any unsightly water spots on his paint job when he stopped to talk to officers.

One place where I’d be hesitant to drive: In Holbrook, Ariz., Kathryn Blackmun found a less-than-inviting street name (see photo).

Not that it’s on a dangerous curve or anything like that. “Supposedly,” she said, “ it’s named after the Bucket of Blood Saloon, which was pretty rowdy and violent.”

Such a deal: Edward Marks of Cypress chanced upon a wine display that proved, once again, it’s always better to order in bulk (see accompanying).

Easter parade: “One of the highlights of my daughter’s spring break trip to San Francisco was encountering a nicely dressed man walking down the street with his baby bunny on a leash,” said Bonnie Sloane.

“The gentleman chatted with my daughter and informed her that the bunny was ‘acting strange.’ When she told him that perhaps the bunny didn’t like being on a leash, he responded: ‘Oh no, it’s the full moon that’s weirding him out.’

“He added that the bunny’s ‘strange’ behavior included making amorous advances on his owner, at which point my daughter made a hasty exit.”

Mondegreen of the Day: Don MacAdam of Cerritos figures he was about 5 when he returned from church and told his grandmother, “We sang that song about Uncle Andy.” “You sang a hymn about my brother Andrew?” she said. “Just what hymn was that?” He replied, “Oh, you know, ‘And He walks with me, And He talks with me, And He tells me I am his own ...’ ” Good old Uncle And He.

miscelLAny: Could this be sedate Orange County? A sign at Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim says: “Due to the proximity of the homes across La Palma Ave., YOUR COOPERATION is needed to limit excessive noise and profanity.” (I guess a little profanity they’ll put up with.)

Steve Harvey can be reached at (800) LATIMES, Ext. 77083, by mail at Metro, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A. 90012, and by e-mail at steve.harvey@latimes.com.