There are several websites devoted to the graffiti "artists" who bombed subway trains prior to the city's crackdown on quality-of-life offenses. I remember the spray-painted walls and windows -- only rarely was a figure drawing clear or a scribbled word legible. But I was always ingrigued at how seriously the tagging crews took their craft.

The vandals quoted at one particular site I found tonight were as serious as they come: proud of their various signatures, murals, and other creations -- stuff they did some 20 years ago. From 1981 forward, his stomping ground was the F train and he spoke fondly of his many creations.

During that same time period I rode the F train almost every day. I never noticed anything memorable (or readable) amid the grime and scribble. What good is it to write your name on every subway wall if the only one who recognize/remember it is you?

Well, at least he has fond memories.