American land-based versions of "Boaty McBoatface"?

 

A few years ago, Britain's Natural Environment Research Council announced a competition to name a new research vessel.  Given the sense of humor of the British public, it was perhaps not surprising that the winner - by a very large margin - was "Boaty McBoatface".  Horrified at such unseemly (and un-bureaucratic) levity, the Council stiffly announced that the ship would be christened David Attenborough, but in recognition of public opinion, one of its remotely controlled submersible vehicles would be named according to the popular poll.  Wikipedia notes:  "Observers of contemporary culture coined the term 'McBoatfacing', defined as 'making the critical mistake of letting the internet decide things'."

One suspects the Ohio Turnpike Commission might have had that example in mind when they announced the winners of their second annual "Name-a-snowplow" competition.

Eight of the snow plows clearing the Ohio Turnpike this winter now have a bit of unique character.

The Ohio Turnpike Commission on Friday announced the eight winners in its second annual Name-a-Snowplow contest. Here they are:

• Ctrl-Salt-Delete by Nicole G.
• Blizzard Wizard by Jacqueline F.
• Plow Chicka Plow Wow by Joshua K.
• You’re Killin’ Me Squalls by Linda V.
• The Big LePlowski by Matthew S.
• The Blizzard of Oz by Annette B.
• Ohio Thaw Enforcement by Jonathan H.
• Clearopathtra by Samantha S.

There's more at the link.  Those who submitted the winning names will receive a $100 gift card.

Good on the Turnpike Authority for letting the public join in the fun, and for selecting amusing names that will make people smile.  There's all too little of that from ponderous public authorities these days.

Peter