AP1888 — the six characters on my auto license plates — are often read as a statement about Adventist heritage. Yes, Arthur Patrick is known to breathe "the fetid air and gritty" of history. Yes, 1888 is arguably the most-recognised Adventist date, since 1844. So, I often have to explain the plates were a gift from a generous businessman. He simply asked for my initials plus as many 8 digits as were available, because his Chinese clients link the number 8 with good fortune.