Last night as I was writing up my previous "Tales of the Weird But True" post, an equally odd event occurred. Namely...
I'm sitting @ the computer typing away about the strange event that had occurred just hours prior, when, from outside I hear a crashing sound. It sounded a lot like someone plowing into the wooden cabinetry that makes up the back wall of the car port. "How on earth could someone manage to do that?" I thought. I soon forgot about it so I could get my epic tome posted at a normal hour, since I had to get up at 5am the next day.
A few minutes later I hear the rumble and chain-drag of what sounded like a tow-truck. "Tow-truck?" I thought. Alas my curiousity had been piqued! I got up and peeked out my curtain like nosey Mrs. Kravitz. "WHAT THE?!" I thought! It wasn't a two truck at all!
It turns out- someone did manage to plow into the car port! What I saw from my awkward vantage point: A broken windshield, deployed front airbags, a flat tire, and a variety of leaking fluids. There was an older gentleman looking confused and holding his eye. And many many on-lookers. And no tow truck. I'm guessing that the dragging sound was from them trying to back the car out a bit to assess the damage.
So, how bizarre is that?! I have no idea how you manage to floor it into a stationary object while driving in straight line! I'm no expert but from the amount of damage, the driver had to be going at least 15-20 miles per hour directly into a solid, stationary object! Fortunately the whole thing occurred 2 carports away from mine and all the glass and liquids and onlookers- went the opposite way.
And no photos. :(
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tales of the Weird But True #2: The Runaway Cavalier
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Tales of the Weird But True #1: The Case of the Missing Plates
Today I went to the gym. As I walked through the parking lot I noticed a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a Red Honda Civic, messing around with his T-Mobile Sidekick. I thought that was kind of interesting. I continued walking up toward the gym and in the next row, I saw another guy, crouched in front of a blue, Ford Mustang GT. I was on the opposite end of the car so I couldn't see what he was doing. Still, I thought to myself, "Hmmph. Someone's getting their plate jacked".
As I continued walking up to the gym facility I pondered if I should mention that to someone. My internal reply, "What? You see two black guys in a parking lot and automatically think 'they must be stealing something'? That's called "profiling"." I felt guilty that I automatically type-cast two black guys with white tank tops and black doo-rags as "suspicious", and proceeded with my workout.
Ninety minutes later I was leaving the gym. I walked past the same Blue Mustang GT. Guess what? NO PLATES!!! "Sunuva..." I screamed. "Damn!!... black!!...". Talk about a quandry! On the one-hand, you've got damn, thievin' ass bastards! And I knew it! On the other hand, man was I tired. I Alas, my previous shrug meant I was now morally obligated to report it.
I flag down the ever-present Parking Gestapo and tell him the short version. He calls it in to the real police. A few minutes later, not one, but two cruisers roll up. Meanwhile, everyone inside the gym (built with an entire wall of plate glass facing the parking lot, btw) is watching the drama unfold. I tell my story to Officer A. Officer B shouts from his cruiser, "where's the blue car?" I point, he goes. Officer A takes a statement, funky little spiral-bound notepad in hand (I didn't know anyone still uses those). Officer B finds the car and lights up the ol' red-and-blues. The crowd goes wild!
I continued to give Officer A as many details as I can:
What'd the car look like?
Red, older Honda Civic. Fading paint job.
Anything special about it? Wheels? Anything?
Not really.
What'd the first guy look like?
He was crouched down on the other side of the car so I don't know his exact height. But, kinda like me. Black, same height, same build.
What was he wearing?
White tank top on and a black doo-rag.
What's the second guy look like?
He was sitting inside the car so I don't know his exact height either, but... well... kinda like me. Same height, same build. Black guy.
What was he wearing?
A white tank top on and a black doo-rag.
Twins, huh?
Yeah basically.
(And then, the clincher...)
Why didn't you tell someone earlier?
Well, you know- you can't just assume that two black guys loitering in the parking lot are stealing stuff.
Officer A laughs and says, "yes, I certainly know what you mean".
So, like many police stories, it ended with an unknown victim, a clean getaway, and me- with a business card. In case I think of anything else.
Of course, it could have been one of those guys' car and they just went to, um.... wash the plates? Couldn't it?
Monday, May 28, 2007
Lookie What I Got! M7 Strut Tower Brace
Way back at AMVIV, (wow- that seems soo long ago!) I acquired the ever popular M7 Strut Tower Brace. I didn't get it installed at the time because our good friends from Detroit Tuned were astute enough to point out a cracked strut mount thingy! A quick replacement (and a few sledge-wacks later) and... voila!
(Strut Tower "Caps" compliments of "Monty")
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Lookie What I Got! MINI Motion Watch
Acquired through a game of chance...Seriously though, not being one to typically wear a watch, I still cannot explain exactly how a few months back I awoke one day- with a watch fetish? So of course I need a "Saturday/Motoring Watch" to round out the collection. What better candidate than the (now) classic MINI Motion Watch.
From the MotoringFile review: "One of the main principles that the watch's design is centered on is the ability for clear and easy reading in every circumstance, even while motoring. The digital readout of the watch actually turns 90 degrees to give you a more straightforward view while your hands are on the wheels..."
Now, I'm no expert, but coming in as the most expensive watch I have ever owned, frankly, the watch doesn't leave as much of an impression as the dent in my wallet. Honestly, I thought the width on the numbers would be a lot bigger. I thought the numbers would rotate automatically. It's not that "clear and easy" to read. I'd prefer black over "charcoal"- (it's a lot more green in these photos and sometimes when the light hits it at a funky angle).
It's got three display modes for the time, stopwatch, and alarm. Frequent flyers and schizophrenics can set times for two different timezones. I'm sure I forgot something cool. Fortunately I located an old yet highly detailed Motoring File review of this very product so I'll spare you the rest of the details since I couldn't do any better. (damn you- Gabe!)
Nevertheless, a nice addition to my MINI schwag collection and watch managerie. And now, the pics!
a closer look...
the back (MINI logo, "water resistant up to 30 meters; All stainless steel; Made in China.")...
one must admit- it's a really unique design...
here it is with the time in "horizontal mode"...
here it is with the time in "vertical mode"...
here it is with the time in "small horizontal mode"...
here it is with the stopwatch in "vertical mode"...
MINI Motion Watch - $165 @ outmotoring.comMINImotionUSA.com (discontinued products other than the watch)
Outmotoring.com (Part No. 99 00 0 005 329)
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Feliz Cinco de MINI!!
Brecht MINI in Escondido had a neat little event for the area MINIacs, "Cinco de MINI @ Brecht". It was a full-on Cinco De Mayo Fest! (I got some great video footage, but too bad I left my still-camera in the car, so you'll have to use your imagination!)
The on-site taqueria dude broke it down with good ol fashioned downtown street-cart style chicken, carne asada, and bean tacos! Yuummm!! (my friend said, "I never heard of bean tacos" to which I had to reply, "you need to get out more!")...
I discovered that mock-margaritas are no fun- even w/o the Tequila I still don't like them!...
What's a Cinco de Mayo with out Ballet Folklorico and Mariachis?!...
The parts desk had all their MINI schwag on the counters for everyone to drool on (yes, I did get another hat)...
Time to play.... Beat The Pinata!!...
The Brecht SCCA car was prominently displayed...
They had several 2006s on the lot and even a few 2007s too! Well, they've got one less because the neighbor of one of the WCMers bought one that day (which, of course, makes Mr. Brecht very pleased!)...
After the food and festivities, WCM lead a short run through some twisties... It was so much fun, most of the group of 43 MINIs headed back to Brecht via the switchbacks. Me? I had to head off to the freeway and get back home...
Overall it was very much fun and I am glad Brecht sponsored such a great event! I should write them a letter and thank them! (Yeah- I think I'll do just that!).
Whenever get the video edited I'll try and post it back on this entry!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Ouch! Cracked Strut Mount!
While at AMVIV it was discovered that my poor MINI has fallen victim to the much discussed "Cracked Strut Mount and Strut Tower Mushroom". No- not a delectible Mediterranean dish fried over an open-flame, but a plague like design "issue" in the front-end suspension. (You can read the never ending thread on NAM here, here, and here- yeah- i told you!)
One thing I noticed in my research however, is a lack of photos of the fairly obvious symptoms. Fortunately, I have a digital camera!*
Here is my other (passenger-side) strut tower, with mushroom syndrome. Note where the VIN is- that should be flat. But it is not.
Here is where the plot thickens- a severe example of a cracked strut mount ("shock mount"/"bearing something or other").
Here is that same shot with the crack marked off. Ouch!
The MINI is in the shop as I write this- getting the strut mount issues repaired. Now, how do I convince them to take a 4x4 and a sledge hammer to pound the mushroom'd tower, flat? more news as it develops- now back to you in the studio!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Live from Amsterdam, it's...
Our friends at White Roof Radio and MotoringFile did a pretty good job and creating a buzz over the weekend, with their teaser announcement of "something big" to be let loose on Monday. Guessing and rumors and speculation ensued.
So of course, the first thing I did this morning (well, not the "first") was download a special episode of White Roof Radio, and my guess was confirmed as correct! Da boyz have managed to secure a deal as the official Podcast of MINI United 2007?!?! Wh-wha what?!? Can you say "jealous as all heck!"
Okay, so *if* you have no idea what I'm talking about, you must check these links:
White Roof Radio | MotoringFile | MINI United 2007
I'll be tuning in and being all excited and jealous at the same time. Anyone wanna sponsor me a trip? I'll follow you around with a camcorder and camera , schlep your luggage, and pimp your goodies, where a green hat- whatever! I'm serious! Hey- Just puttin' it out there...
Sunday, April 22, 2007
MINI Marketing
The MINI Marketing team (a.k.a. whomever they've hired this time 'round) always manages to keep the brand fresh and "hip" with their just-say-no approach to standard marketing techniques.
A Russian website has a few of my favorites, along with what i presume to be "user-created-content"- all in one place! I'd love to say more about the site, only, I don't know what the site is saying!
See more at: ddesign.nnm.ru/reklama_mini
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Fireballed Racing SeminarBQ!
Last week I went to Fireball Tim/Fireballed Racing's First Annual "SeminarBQ/Car Show" (Get it? A Seminar and BBQ!)
I had a lot of fun, met some new friends (and old ones) got to see some really nice cars, (I mean really nice!) I learned a few things too! And of course, took plenty of photos!
The Fireballed! Studio Shop
Fireball Tim, The Legend- in the flesh!
There were many classic and exotic cars including this Spyder-something-or-other
One of FBT's Limited Edition MINIs
The line for the grub! (ed. note: apparently they had twice the attendance as expected!)
Click here for more photos!*(The official flyer):
FIREBALLED! STUDIO SHOP
18900 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, Ca. 90504
310 921 6000
*I'm currently editing the video as well! Stay tuned!
Lookie What I Got!: Escort Passport 8500 X50
Not like I need it (grin), but Uncle Sam saw fit to give me a tax refund suitable of a new toy/gadget (or two?). The Escort Passport 8500 X50 has been on my list for awhile. The "out of the box" experience:
The back of the box
The fancy "leather" case. (Actually, it's pretty nice.)
Ooooh...
Ahhhh....
The device
The money-shot
"The Passport 8500 X50's new "V-Tuned" radar receiver provides extreme detection range on all police radar; conventional and "instant-on" radar, including the new POP mode radar threat, X-Band, and up to 50% more range than the original Passport 8500 on the all-important K and Ka bands. Digital signal processing (DSP) provides maximum range, with minimum false alarms." --www.escortradar.com
Features
- 360-degree radar and laser detection
- Advanced digital signal processing
- AutoSensitivity mode automatically reduces false alarms
- EZ-Programming allows instant customization
- Selectable POP mode radar detection
- 3 High-resolution meter modes
- Ultra-bright matrix display with 280 LEDs
- Brilliant blue or high-intensity red display
- Multiple high-performance laser sensors
- Built-in earphone jack
- Mute & AutoMute
- Completely immune to the VG-2 "detector-detector"
- One year limited warranty
- 2 year extended service plan available
- Free 30 day test drive (applies to factory direct orders only)
Friday, April 13, 2007
Maisto MINI Model
Looking for something completely unrelated, I ventured into the local hobby shop and found this!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Car Electronic Device Hard Wire
Gee... now why would I need to know this info?!?! *wink*
Thanks Molly! :b:
Saturday, March 31, 2007
AMVIV Photos!
Well it only took the greater portion of a week to trudge through all my photos from AMVIV and cull them down to my best, say.... 200?
Enjoy the full-length (200+ photo) gallery here !
:b:
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
AMVIV IV: A Brief Recap
For those playing along... We got back from "A MINI Vacation in Vegas" on Sunday afternoon, with minimal traffic. That's what you get when you're already on the road by 8am!
I took about 400 photos this time around as well as about 2 hours of video. I hope to have everything edited and posted in the next couple days but in the meantime, here's a brief recap of AMVIV from my perspective!
For the record, this year's event was totally awesome. Last I heard there were about 450 and
about 600 people. There were twice as many vendors as last year and a little something for everyone- well except for ladies' t-shirts in small. The product I noticed "flying off the shelf" the most was the M7 Strut Brace. Even with 4-5 vendors all selling them, I think they each sold out of them! Heck even *I* bought one! I didn't get it installed though due to some minor suspension issues I wasn't aware of. :(
The North American MINI Cooper Challenge race was fun to watch despite a pretty significant fender-bender in the first race. Even more fun to watch were the Bikini All Stars from MAV TV! (raaar...)
I didn't do any of the runs this year. One reason involved the installation of an ALTA 15% Pulley! (Yeah baby!). Other reasons involved me not getting up at 8am every day while on "vacation". The Boot-n-Bonnet Show was spectacular this year as well. Many of my favorite MINIs were back, along with a lot of really really nice ones I'd never seen before. I didn't win anything but I wasn't trying. It was great meeting new people and people I "know" from NAM but never met in real life. Ironically, many of the folks I know "IRL" ("in real life" that is)- I didn't get to spend much time with.
The Strip Cruise had about 260 cars involved this year. An awesome sight to behold. So much so someone felt a couple rounds from a BB gun into some cars was warranted.
This year marked the first time DB, Todd, and Gabe from WhiteRoofRadio were all in the same 
room. Their MCing of the banquet was well done and I hope they recorded it and just post the whole thing as an episode.
Overall, not a bad extended weekend, and worth every penny. I'll have more detailed recounts of particular events as the days and editing of photos and video progresses!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Unauthorized use of a vehicle
Police log 03/16/07
Friday, March 16, 2007 6:07 AM MST
A 16-year-old boy was arrested after joyriding in a friend's car Wednesday morning.
According to Flagstaff police reports, an officer was called to the area of Butler and Foxhill at about 8:23 a.m. on a call of a speeding, reckless driver. A witness said he saw a gray Mini Cooper nearly flip as it made a turn onto Amberwood, then said he was passed again by the car near
Butler and Foxhill. He said the car, which was traveling at about 100 mph and smelled of burning clutch, was full of juveniles and probably heading toward Sinagua High School. The officer found the car at the Sinagua parking lot, and contacted the daughter of the registered owner, who said she had given a friend her keys right before classes started so he could retrieve a calculator he'd left in the vehicle. She said she told the friend not to drive the car and he said he wouldn't, reports stated.When the assistant principal went to pull the boy from class, he was not there, and the officer found that the car was no longer in the lot. The officer searched the area for it and spotted it driving east on Butler, about to turn into the school lot. The officer stopped the car, identified the driver, and arrested him.
The boy was referred to juvenile authorities for unauthorized use of a vehicle and released to his father.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Lookie What I Got! Honeycomb Supercharger Scoop Insert
I know when I've been one-upped. Sometimes I don't care- especially when *I* benefit from it too! Take for example, when ImagoX (NAM) one-upped my Intake Screen with his more aesthetic Honeycomb version (gotta love it any time you can deface Dodge RAM parts)!
Friday, March 09, 2007
New MINI Clubman?! Caught on tape!
As mentioned previously on BUSHFINGERMINI, I'm not personally a big fan of the upcoming MINI Clubman. I'm sure it'll do well though. Regardless, today I found this footage of the new MINI model, "caught on tape" on the streets of Geneva (shortly after the official announcement at the Geneva Auto Convention.
Pretty rougish. "Guerrilla" if you will. Unpolished. In fact a bit too unpolished for such excellent shots from all camera angles. Hmmm... Viral-esque perhaps? Is that even a word? Anyway, it ist he first video of the Clubman I've seen so far. So here's the clip! :B:
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
FS: Brand New H-Sport "Sport" (27mm) Front Sway Bar (and OEM Rear Sway Bar, too!)
As the title states, this is a brand spankin' new H-Sport "Sport" (27mm) Front Sway Bar for '02 and up MINI Cooper. Hardly even breathed on, this was taken out of box only to take these photos.
Two-position adjustable, w/ Bushings, Zerk Fittings, 1/2 tube of 'loob'
Retail price: $176.00
Shipped: $100 + plus shipping (O.B.O.)
http://www.h-sport.com/cgi-bin/EDCstore.pl?user_action=detail&catalogno=22800F
Click here for larger photos
Also for sale,
OEM MCS Rear Sway Bar w/ bushings. (great as an MC upgrade or MCS replacement!) Less than ~5000 miles of use- practically new!
Retail: ???
Shipped: $50 plus shipping (O.B.O.) Click here for larger photos
I accept: Paypal, M.O., Checks*, well-hidden cash
*delivered upon clearance
