Robbery Suspect May Wish He Could Eat His Own Words

Police investigators always appreciate a good tip -- especially when it comes from the suspect himself.

After the robbery of a Westside Subway eatery was captured on surveillance video, L.A. police officers noticed a man who resembled the gunman. They detained him, at which point he asked, “Is this about the Subway?” He then confessed.

The Thin Blue Line, an LAPD publication, congratulated the officers “for outsmarting ‘em again (although in this case that’s not saying much).”

Short stuff: Paula Van Gelder noticed a parking spot reserved for diminutive physicians (see photo).

Spell-check fallout: Today’s cautionary tales (see accompanying) include apparent attempts to say:

* “Distributed,” in a real estate flier sent by James Sievern of Big Bear City.

* “Camaraderie,” spotted by Frances Cunningham of Downey in a Lynwood city publication.

* And “views” -- I think -- in another flier contributed by Emily Ates of Torrance. The proofreader of that last typo-filled ad must have really had the blues after it appeared. Maybe he was a “shcool” dropout.

State of need: I read an Associated Press dispatch about New Jersey’s attempt to improve its image by coming up with a new motto. The public was invited to send in suggestions, and those included:

* “New Jersey -- You Got a Problem With That?”

* “NJ: How You Doin’?”

* “Most of Our Elected Officials Have Not Been Indicted.”

There were also some more positive (if grammatically questionable) ones, such as: “Born to Fun.” The eventual winner is not expected to be one of the aforementioned entries.

Anyway, it got me thinking. California could use an inspiring slogan.

So I appeal to you readers for some catchy phrases. Then we can choose five finalists and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger can call a special election for us to vote on them.

Traveler -- heel! Dan Fink of L.A. says that some friends of his returned from a trip overseas. “While waiting for their baggage in Terminal 4 (Tom Bradley International Terminal) at LAX,” Fink said, “a very cute beagle was sniffing the bags for contraband. My friend’s sister, who loves dogs, reached over to pet the beagle. The customs inspector barked, ‘Don’t touch the federal agent!’ ”

miscelLAny: A kinky cleaning lady? Joya Light of West L.A. received a flier from a housekeeper who promised a spick-and-”spank” job.