Bert

Celia, You would be an appetizer, similar to Chinese spare ribs. The bear would start with you and then move on. I don't know if Laura would have time to get away, especially with the other bears waiting outside for takeout.

Craig, I'll have to check out your setup at the next M&G. The ProClip looks interesting, maybe for my wife (navigator) and her cell phone. http://www.proclipusa.com/brodit-vehicle-mount/mini-cooper-2007-2013/proclip-angled-mount-854046-13369.aspx I have tried a number of mounts for my cell phones over the years and actually like the Craven Speed mount on the left of the steering wheel. We south paws have to be able to dial or text as we are shifting.

All you Dragon Veterans out there. My wife and I are doing the DC to Charlotte leg, Charlotte Motorspeedway to the Dragon and then head home. Since we won't get to the Dragon until mid-day and then take at least 2 runs (out and back) do you have any recommendations for a place to stay that night? :idea: I know about Fontana Village but I was thinking maybe someplace part of the way home... maybe 100 miles north of the Dragon. Some place interesting or with something to do or see. AAHGA (Any and All Help is Greatly Appreciated!)

For those with the USB and 3.5mm mini-stereo jack in their MINIs -- Yesterday I found another option while I was at Best Buy. Kenwood makes an iPod/iPhone adapter cable that works very well and the video works too since the 3.5mm plug has the extra 4th connection point where the Kensignton cable's 3.5mm only has 3 connection points and the plug has a 90 degree angle (when using the Kenwood cable album covers appear on the Mini Connected screen), it is $29.99 : http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Kenwood---A/V-Cable-for-Apple%26%23174%3B-iPod%26%23174%3B-and-iPhone%26%23174%3B---Black/1989213.p?id=1218304517532&skuId=1989213 The Kenwood cable has a thick pvc insulation (the braiding on the Kensington cable is nicer and more flexible) but it is also much longer than the Kensington cable. Well... the Kenwood cable is over 6' long, except for the USB lead, which is 3' shorter than the 3.5mm stereo plug lead so you have to also buy a 3' USB cable extension for around $14.99 if you want the lengths to matchup and run it behind the dash, as I hope to do this weekend. Still, you would think that MINI or BMW would come up with a better option instead of us paying $45.00 (on top of all of my other tries and research, probably close to $100 before buying this new cable).

I heard from Deb (Giggles) at the MINI of MoCo M&G that she didn't have a room and called 2 or 3 weeks before MOTD and got one since they had a last minute cancellation. Will, I wouldn't count on that happening all the time but I would think that you probably will get a single in time.

Yep, inspected once in MD, unless sold again, but emissions every 2 years or so. No more dyno too, they just port in to data connector and run the program. It does speed things up a LOT. VA and inspections... this is one of those things, plus person property tax, plus... that you have to add in when considering whether to live in VA or MD. Everyone always says that it is too expensive to live in MD over VA, add everything up and it is pretty close. Washingtonian does a comparison every year or so and it is pretty even. (Not to hijack the thread.)

Rich and Jessica, It was a pleasure meeting you both. I think that you get the award for traveling the farthest yesterday. That shows spirit! :congrats:

True, do a cost comparison first, but if you are going to paint it that opens up the possibility of many different options (types of wraps and price points). Heck, you could even do it in canvas or burlap but I would recommend something with a backing to protect the original dash. Oh the possibilities!

Great job. Can't wait to check it out in person.

Yep, the oxygen sensor goes on your finger, not your toes. They keep the toes available for tickling, counting... this little piggy went to market..., and a toe tag. So, paint those lower digits up!

Congrats! :congrats: Our rescue will be 3 months old in 2 weeks. He has just started trying to sneak shoes away, if you leave them within reach. Let the fun begin!

This might take a little more time but you could wrap it and then paint the wrap. That way you could remove it. Just a thought.

This came up on an earlier thread but I wanted to raise it here. If you want to wash your MINI before going to MINI of MoCo on Saturday, there are 2 Flagship Car Washes pretty close to the dealership and both locations are just off Rockville Pike on the east side of the Pike. They both have the standard car wash but they also offer 6 to 8 self wash bays with industrial vacuums before each bay. You have to use a change machine to purchase tokens but I might by able to buy a few extra tokens from any DC or NoVA people that have extras that they aren't going to use. http://www.flagshipcarwash.com (check out the addresses) Depending on where you are coming from here are the 2: North Bethesda - the closer one is south of the dealership behind Bagel City, diagonally across from Hudson Trail Outfitters. Rockville - the other is north of the dealership, past downtown Rockville (city center), just past the Giant. Full Disclosure: Yes, I know the owner but I am not getting a commission.

There is more shade in the funeral home parking lot too. Then, a telephone pole would provide more shade than the MoCo MINI lot. There are a bunch of spaces to fit us all, people on Rockville Pike will not know what to make of it.

Okay, I might be up for the fish thing... the piranha treatment. Sorry for the spaz-out yesterday. :embarrassed: I'll stay calm.

If your are going in on Tuesday when is Tigger going to Uncle Dales? Are you going to be able to join us on Saturday at MoCo MINI?

Dropped. The work day is almost over and is getting better since California is already leaving for the day. What a Monday.

Craig, No apologies necessary and no offense taken. You did not use those terms. I just don't like the terms as you have stated your dislike for murdered out. This is an open discussion, as long as we follow the stated club rules and posting guidelines, but it just gets to me sometimes. Really, "its me, not you." I have to apologize for being too serious sometimes. Today is one of those times. It is a Monday, the conference calls have been back to back, non-stop (scanning the DCMM site during the boring parts), I'm working and the family is at the beach :banghead:, and it is HOT and HUMID out there. I'd rather be elsewhere right now. I'll be quiet now.

You are going to get me on my soapbox if you keep up with the "Man up", "Real Men" comments. You might as well start using "Grow a pair" too. Really? Can we start using "Be a Lady", "A real woman...", etc.? I don't think that will go over too well around here either. We can start using one of your favorites.... "Murdered out." Come on, these are just more examples of verbal peer pressure (no I'm not going to say bullying... we are not even close to that). I'm not saying that we can't have conversations and poke at each other but certain phrases and terms are not appreciated by we sensitive men. You don't want me on my soapbox... oh wait... :embarassed:

See you tomorrow at the C3M event?

Not the back, back lot, but yes in front of the hardware store behind the Fiat 500. I did see 2 other MINIs too, one must have been yours.

Hey... don't start with the "real man" stuff on the guys here. I don't know about Brian but personally, as for the women in my life, I grew up with 3 older sisters and my mom (all 4 still in my life) and I now have 2 daughters (teenagers) and my wife. I work with a larger percentage of women than men at work. I am even very comfortable wearing pink and purple shirts, even to work (you tend to get more compliments from women too). I know that I am blessed but I don't need the extra pampering or to hang out with this great group of women getting pampered too. I was even telling me oldest daughter, while walking around the Katie's Cars & Coffee this morning (a good time), that I like that MINIs attract more women into the clubs. It is not just a guys car club, and that you women know much more than I about the MINIs and I value and can learn from your knowledge and experience. BUT I am still not going to attend the MINIs Manis and Pedis.

:hahaha: John, "all classics leak a little-that's how we know we have oil in them!" I love it. That reminded me of a VERY OLD joke as to why the British auto industry stop putting radios in their cars in the 70's... because they couldn't find a way for the radios to leak oil too. (I said it was an old joke, not a great one.) I love the classics and can't wait to see Monty again.

It's not just the stash, its the total package. As my daughters would say... you've got swag, or is it just the car? Enjoy the compliment and glad to hear that Sarah thought it was fun too. It is going to be one of those fun stories you get to tell.

So, what did Sarah think of the note? That type of thing doesn't always go over well.