Blog Plug: Motoring Alliance*

It's been awhile since I've shamelessly promoted another MINI related website- not that there aren't plenty to go around, but simply because once you're deep enough  inside the MINI bubble, you forget that not everyone knows everything that's going on.  Sorry for that.

For example, a few days ago the latest MINI forum to come online, MotoringAlliance.com opened up to the public. Forged by seasoned forum pros and Mini/MINI diehards, I look forward to seeing how this online community develops.   (Bonus: They've also got a Facebook group too!)

*(And yes, for those sticklers, you're right- Motoring Alliance is not a blog, but an online forum. Whatever).


Do you have an independent, MINI-related blog or website you'd like to link up with BushingferMINI? Click Here!

Trucks are highy over-rated

A post on my favorite MINI-related Forum sheds more light on the MINI Cooper's utilitarian prowess:

^^^ 61" TV ^^^

^^^the TV stand that goes with it. ^^^

Lucky for them no one sneezed, or it might have been all over!!

Enjoy the thread and resulting comments on NorthAmericanMotoring.com

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way Home...

I was reading an interesting post on NAM this morning (IB4TL!). I had a similar incident recently but I didn't think much of until I read the post. Borrowing from the OP's text:

"I am sitting at a stop light (on an abandoned airstrip with no current traffic laws ) and a brand new (looking) Nissan 350z pulls up next to me. Funky goldish color, dealer/paper plates, big shiny rims, aero kit, Nismo stickers, the works.

...The dude driving quickly looks over at me and then turns to say something funny to the cute girl sitting in the passenger seat who starts laughing a little...

While he is running his pie hole, I am casually and non chalantly pretending I don't see what's coming up on my right, about 1/4 mile behind us.

....As soon as the traffic light turns yellow for the crossing traffic (uh... old abandon airport equipment ), he starts reving his big V8. "I knew it" I yelled to myself in my MINI. The Meat Head in the Nissan wants to show off for his chick and pick on the little guy...

I politely turn down my stereo and increased my revs, acknowleding the invite to an unsanctioned contest of speed.

The light goes green; he punches it through the intersection, I pause for a moment before letting the clutch out and ease through the intersection "granny style". A police cruiser "appears out of nowhere" (), lights up the red and blues, weaves through a few cars, and pulls over the Nissan before he reaches the next light.

I *really really* wanted to roll down my window and give him a thumbs up as I passed. I mean, really! Alas, my faith in karmic justice would not allow it. (Does posting it on my blog count?)

I love my MINI, and my MINI knows his place. (It may have been a different story had I not satisfied my need for speed earlier that day, on the twisty backroads of North San Diego County.)

See you on the twisties!

You Know What The Best Part Is?

(lifted from the forum)...


I was on a cruise for the past week in Hawaii, and of course I brought all my MINI t-shirts with me. One day this elderly guy walks up to me, "You work for MINI?"

I say "Nope, just an obsessed enthusiast"

He says "I just got a MINI Cooper --pauses for effect and says "S" with a smile--Convertible. You know the best part about it?"

I say "Hmm, no?"

"I got it for FREE! My son bought it for me"
"You know I can get more than 200 HP with that JCW thing???"

I say "Yep! Congratulations! Are you on NAM---or any MINI forums?"

"Naww, I don't have time for that crap, I just love to drive. I don't want to talk about my car. I have better things to do with my time!"

He walks me over to his wife and smiles to her, "Meet Richard, he owns a MINI."

"Oooh that's nice! Did you know WE have a MINI Cooper Convertible??"
She leans close to me and gives me this sly smile
"It's an S"
Expecting me to be wowed, I say "Yes, that's a nice car"
She says "Do you know what the best thing about it is??"
"Uhm, that you got it for free???
"Yep!"

LOL, I was cracking up.



(i did not write this. i was not on a cruise. i just thought it was funny enough to share. i'm pretty sure "richard" doesn't mind.)