On the final Monday morning of this year’s penultimate month, I boarded a train in my sleepy suburban town. One hour later it deposited me in Jefferson Station, smack in the heart of The City Of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. After exiting the station, I walked one block north on 10th Street, entering Chinatown, one of my favorite Philadelphia neighborhoods. My mission — to wander around the city, photographing well-adorned vehicles that cross my path — seemed to be off to an auspicious start, for I soon spotted a magnificently decorated truck, one belonging to the Rosenberger’s dairy company. Whipping out my phone, I took the truck’s picture, figuring there was a good chance it would be the best-looking vehicle I’d see all day.
Well, as it turned out, things slowed down considerably after that. I saw only eight more commendable wheeled objects during the two and a half hours I spent pounding the streets, at least five or six fewer conveyances than I was expecting. What’s more, a look into my blog’s archives two days later showed me that Rosenberger’s, and another top-tier truck I encountered that Monday, had made previous appearances in Art On Wheels installments. My policy is to exclude previously presented vehicles, so those two are outta here. Ouch! . . . their loss pains me. One day I may need to rethink said policy. In any event, I’ve given some thought to the seven remaining transports, and have chosen the five I favor most. Their photos reside on this page.
Which of the five do you like best? My top picks are Freda Deli Meats (see above) and Office Basics (see below). Freda’s bold colors are balanced carefully. They reach out and grab you, but don’t slap you too hard upside your head or upside any other part of your body. Hell, you’d have grounds for a lawsuit otherwise. And I’m impressed by the asymmetry of the Freda canvas, its righthand portion extending a couple of feet below the rest of the design. That’s a sophisticated touch you don’t see too often on vehicle art.
As for Office Basics, I find myself almost mesmerized by its stoic presence. Its artwork proves that perfectly positioned concise shapes, and a limited palette, are all that’s needed sometimes. I have a hard time choosing between Office Basics and Freda. However, if some motherf*cker were holding a gun to my head and ordering me to make a decision, or else, Office Basics it would be. Sorry, Freda, that’s life.
I’ll say a bit more before being on my way, starting with this: My visit to Philadelphia took me far and wide. By no means was I only in Chinatown. According to my phone’s Health app, I totaled six miles of walking. And I did so with just a couple of brief pauses, so focused was I on trying to locate art that sits above wheels. I tell you, I am extremely thankful that I’m still able to carry on like this, seeing that I’m distressingly close to being old as dirt. My Art On Wheels ventures, and other long walks I indulge in, help to keep my spirits up and fulfill my need for adventure.
Finally, I’ll add that I’m amazed by the unpredictable nature of the Art On Wheels expeditions. I never know what I’ll find around the next corner or on the block straight ahead of me. These jaunts are treasure hunts. They are fun games, and a healthy way in which to spend some hours. I now have done my Art On Wheels thing 14 times, and haven’t begun to tire of it in the least.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
I think I’m partial to the Falcons truck. I love yellow vehicles — in fact I own one myself. And that bold touch of red behind the right front wheel is eye-catching!
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I hadn’t noticed the red area. You’re right — it’s cool!
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I vote for the Freda truck. As you observed, it has the most artful use of colours. Falcons would be my second choice.
I hope you do more of these Art on Wheels posts, Neil!
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Hi Audrey. I plan to continue the Art On Wheels series. Definitely. I have fun doing it.
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I like Freda’s. Red is my favourite colour but I’m also partial to deli meats and cheeses, so it’s probably much more about the subject rather than the decorating. 😊
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Freda clearly is right up your alley.
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Thank you, Neil, for your gallery of interesting art on wheels, and your effort to photograph in your lengthy walk!
Joanna
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Hey there, Joanna. The Art On Wheels expeditions get me off the living room sofa, which is another reason why I like them.
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That is the best reason, Neil!
Joanna
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They’re all lovely, I think the front end of Holiday Lights gives it an edge over the others. Freda is great art but as a vegan I’m put off by the content. What a great series this is, both the idea and the execution!
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Hi, and thanks. The more I look at Holiday Lights, the more I like it. But I still like Office Basics and Freda the most. Take care. See ya!
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The tour bus is really elaborate and reflects the holiday season beautifully. I also like the Office Basics design because it’s all business with few frills.
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Hi. I’d be curious to know the sites the Holiday Lights bus goes to. Probably it goes to many of the same places as regular tour buses, with some seasonally related sites thrown in.
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What a great idea! Walking around cities such as Philadelphia is a pleasure (I visited back in 2022). I too favour the Office Basics truck.
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Howdy, Sheree. As you know, Philadelphia is an excellent city in many ways. I never get tired of Philly. I moved to Philly in the mid-1970s, and lived there for about 30 years. And I’ve lived near the city for the last 20 years.
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Wholly understandable
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I like the Office Basics one. This is a very intriguing post! Now I’d love to visit Philadelphia. The tour bus is very cool as well. Your blog gives me wanderlust, lol! 🌍😃
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I’m a big fan of Philadelphia. It is really good in a bunch of ways. It has old, historic areas. Beautiful architecture and beautiful parks. A zillion restaurants. A good arts scene.
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The Freda truck is quite something; you never see trucks like this in Scotland! What a treat! Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for adding your thoughts. I appreciate it.
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Great idea for a post. Stella truck is my favourite
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Hi Jim. That truck puts me in the mood to have a beer, which is what it’s supposed to do!
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Freda was my favorite. I do remember you had more choices on your former blog.
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Hi Joyce. You know, I’m not aware of Freda products. Don’t think I’ve ever noticed them in stores. Have you?
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I think I’d vote for Freda!
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Hi, Andrea. So far, Freda is the favorite among the voters.
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A very cool pastime, mate. It’s great that you’re spotlighting a form of artistry that many people take for granted, or simply ignore. Having worked in marketing, I can appreciate the time and effort that goes into these four-wheeled (or more) canvases.
Great photos, too.
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Hi there, Richard. I get a kick from Art On Wheels treks. I don’t do them too often though, because I don’t want to get tired of them.
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They are all wonderful, especially the Holiday Light Tour bus as it lets you immerse yourself in festive cheer. I would love to board the bus and embark on a journey to the city’s most festive locations, where the twinkling lights and joyful atmosphere would warm my heart. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I should take a ride on that bus!
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It would be so much fun xx
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I love your enthusiasm for adventure, and what a cool way to share your adventures with others. My vote is split between Stella and Freda. Stella made me thirsty (and I’m not even a beer drinker), while Freda’s colors sure do pop. Please keep up this tradition!
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Hi, and thanks very much. I don’t know who this is, though. You’re listed as Anonymous.
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Freda is my favorite, if only because it’s feels like more of a business you’d associate with Philadelphia. I like your comments on the artwork as well (and I’m typically a symmetry fan – go figure). Finally, using “penultimate” to kick off this post had me knowing I was in for a good read. Great word!
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The funny thing about Freda is that I don’t recall ever seeing their products in stores. Maybe I’ve never looked closely enough, or just don’t remember. Anyway, I just looked at their website. They are based in New Jersey.
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Trolley tours takes the cake for me!
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All aboard!
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I’d choose the same two, but in reversed order.
Hope to read many more of these art on wheels posts…..they’re fun!
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Thanks. I have a good time doing the Art On Wheels projects.
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As a former graphic designer, I do love good vehicle graphics. Even if you didn’t find as many as you were looking for, it sounds like you had an enjoyable day.
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Hi there. I always have a good time when I walk around Philadelphia. It’s big and vibrant and interesting.
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My favorites are the city buses with huge pictures of lawyers. Unfortunately, I rarely have a supply of rotten tomatoes with me.
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Hi, Sam. Maybe one of those buses will make an appearance in the next edition of Art On Wheels.
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The Office Basics for me…but the Stella Artois made me remember this….
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It’s great. I’d never seen it before.
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Glad you liked it.
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If it weren’t for you, I probably wouldn’t even notice this sort of artwork. They are pretty impressive.
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A good number of well-decorated vehicles can always be found in Philly and its suburbs.
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It’s the Stella Artois for me; purely for its alcoholic promise.
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Sláinte!
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Sláinte mhaith ‘s go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo arís!
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Stella, for sure.
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Stella has gotten a bunch of votes, including from the commenter right before you (Paddy Tobin).
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I like the Holiday Lights because ’tis the season.
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Hi. It’s a good-looking bus. I like the way they incorporated a Christmas tree into the design.
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I’m “wheely” glad you never seem to “tire” of it. (You know I always have to “steer” my comments to puns.)
Debra
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You are, by far, the best punster I know.
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i would go for Stella over Freda mainly because I drink beer but don’t eat meat! I also like the way the Christmas tree incorporates the wheel arch of the tour bus.
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Hi Anabel. I’ve seen some fabulous beer trucks during the fourteen Art On Wheels expeditions. And I definitely am going to have a beer with dinner tonight!
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hmmm. I think I like the Freda. I’m a sucker for bright colors.
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You’re not alone — Freda has gotten a lot of votes.
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Freda Deli Meats is my favorite pick because of its bold colors that would brighten any gloomy street. Due to your Art On Wheels posts, I look out for well-adorned vehicles whenever I’m out among traffic 🙂
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Afternoon, Rosaliene. So far, Freda has gotten more first-place votes than the other vehicles. It probably will hold on to that lead.
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Yeah!
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This is the first time I’ve accompanied you on one of your art on wheels excursions. I don’t think I’ve heard of anyone photographing trucks before, which makes your idea unique. My top pick would be the Freda truck.
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Hi, Pete. Freda has been getting a lot of votes. It’s a fine-looking vehicle.
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Freda looks pretty good! 👍 if you don’t know, commercial trucks all over the USA are becoming more spiffed up with unique shapes and lighting. Freda would have tough competition outside of Philly.
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Hi AOC. I wouldn’t mind doing an Art On Wheels project in another big city. I’m sure I’d see lots of beautifully decorated vehicles there. One of these days I hope to do that.
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ahn Stella Artois for me; I like the clean, enticing design, Cheers Neil 🙂
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I’ll have a beer with dinner tonight. Not a Stella, though. It will be Graffiti Highway IPA, from the Troegs brewery. That brewery is in the state of Pennsylvania, which is where I live. Troegs makes a bunch of good beers.
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sounds a great title: Graffiti Highway 🙂
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The Stella one is my favourite. I’m getting thirsty…
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Cheers!
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The Freda is my favorite. I wouldn’t be surprised if my decision wasn’t influenced by it being the Christmas season. The combination of red and green was immediately appealing.
It hadn’t occurred to me before, but your forays into the city, and your approach to things there, is somewhat like mine when I head out into nature. You, too, are like the bear who went over the mountain. You go out to see what you can see — and you always find something!
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Morning. You’re right. Philadelphia is big and varied and often beautiful. I love to wander around and see what I will see.
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I vote for the Freda Dell Meats. That one got my attention. So colorful. I know, you thought I would go for the beer one, lol.
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Hi. Freda has gotten a lot of votes. I doubt if another vehicle will overtake it.
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I share your proclivities, Neil. Freda’s truck sports some nice colors, but the blue and white of Office Basics is classy and stylish. “Stoic presence” describes it very well.
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We think alike!
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Another vote for Freda, here. That truck provided a design challenge. You don’t (or at least I don’t) often see box trucks with that low street level access side door.
The Falcons van – all I can see is the missing piece of plastic side trim exposing red paint under what is probably a wrap.
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Hi. Freda is outdistancing the rest of the field. I hereby proclaim Freda to be the winner!
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I don’t eat much deli food anymore, but I grew up on Lebanon bologna, made in Lebanon, PA. Freda’s truck brings back memories! And because Gene once worked at R&R Deli (as you may know), he was well-versed in the “intricacies” of lunchmeat—which may be best left unsaid. But the truck is a cut above. Love this series!
—Cindy
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Hi Cindy. Yeah, it’s best that we don’t know too much about what goes into lunch meats. Or into a lot of other foods, for that matter.
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Neil, this is a colourful display even if not as many as you would have liked! Freda is a gifted one indeed but as it’s the season I’ll go with the first one. That snowman does make me smile! You’ve got me looking out at lorries here in England and seriously they are all so boring! Mostly dirty white, or other dull colours! Annika
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Hi Annika. There are loads of boring ones in the States too. But, fortunately, there are enough good-looking vehicles for me to create Art On Wheels stories!
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Freda does it for me!
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Freda has left its opponents in the dust.
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This kind of ties into your post. I caught a clip of someone stealing a truck that was hooked up to a coffee wagon ‘Matt’s Coffee’. He tried out running the cops. Very inconspicuous. Rolled it and then was taken in for an evaluation. Hung a blue ribbon on him for dumb shit of the year.
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Man, that guy is a real dope.
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I like the holiday light tours bus, but probably because I’m a big fan of holiday lights!
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Evening, Ann. That bus has gotten quite a few votes. I’m curious to know how much they charge for a tour.
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I enjoy your walking trips around Philadelphia, Neil. It’s always entertaining to see what you come across. I agree about the “Office Basics” truck, but having worked for a similar company for 18 years who had blue trucks, I’m going with Freda. Lol Love the colors! Thanks for taking me along!
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The votes for Freda keep piling up!
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Lol
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I do like the crisp simplicity of office basics but Freda really grabs me. There’s something about that door that almost disappears in the sandwich. Another great Art on Wheels!
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Freda is unstoppable! — that truck has far more votes than any of the other vehicles.
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I like the picture with the banner “holiday lights..”.
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Hi, and thanks for adding your thoughts. I appreciate it a lot.
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All your posts are interesting and cheerful. I have been away, otherwise I would have responded sooner. We don’t have such colourful paintings on working trucks over here.
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Hello there. I’m looking forward to my next Art On Wheels expedition, whenever that might be.
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They’re just all wonderful fun. I am usually so busy trying not to get hit by one that I miss the upside of giant trucks. So thanks for highlighting the esthetics of the genre. Walk on!
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Hi. Is this Fran? — you’re listed as Anonymous. Right, we have to be on our toes when walking around a city (or anywhere, for that matter), because there are a lot of careless drivers out there.
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I love your trucks. Ours are so boring. Enjoy each one. Cheers, Muriel
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Hi Muriel. Enjoy the weekend. See ya!
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I object to you not including the two pretty ones from the previous year because now I want to see them! A handy link, at least? But barring that, the first one for me. I want to ride that trolley and get the light tour. 🙂
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Howdy, Betsy. Rosenberger’s can be found here:
And the other one (White Claw) is here:
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Thank you. And I’m going to give it to the White Claw truck. 🙂
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I think my favorite is simply the excuse to get off the couch. I find it hard to get excited about the art trucks though, as it’s really just advertising. I have an ad blocking program that claims to have blocked nearly 9 million ads over the last 3 years. While ads are more pervasive on-line than on-street, they’re still just ads, and even with ad blocking I’m tired of them. (And get off my lawn, dammit!)
But if I had to pick the most eye catching one, it’d be the Freda truck.
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Hi Dave. I understand what you mean. I don’t like online ads, and TV ads annoy me too. But looking for well-decorated vehicles is fun for me.
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