Outrage
Originally Posted by MSFITOY
Let me guess..."Kerry/Edwards" bumper sticker?
So yeah, you're probably right, since the MINI is the "anti-SUV", it was more likely a Kerry/Edwards sticker, just based on vehicle choice alone.
Unless, of course they were Ralph Nader fans.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 241
Likes: 2
From: SF,CA
Aside from others in non-MINI cars, out here on the California freeways, I have even had a biker give me a "thumbs up" and a big smile when he saw me tooling along with the top down in my MINI. I guess it was because I was singing along to a song on my radio, happily enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. 
Some posters on this forum just don't get that, and never will. How sad for them.
Some posters on this forum just don't get that, and never will. How sad for them.
i really dont care who's driving the MINI's in the other lane, i still give a toot from my air horns, a wave and a smile. and a flash of the lights when i get a flash from the other driver.
i passed 4 Minis yesterday ( 3 were MC's, suprising around here, i never see MC's.)
#1 - CR MCC - older lady, maybey mid 40's. i gave the typical wave with one hand on the steering wheel and a toot of my horn. i got a wierd look and she looked at me the entire time i passed her, like a flipped her off or something...
#2 - AB/W MC - older fella, didnt see him too well. i tooted my fine air horns and got a nice smile as he passed.
#3 - CR MCS - didnt see the driver, was behind the car. He got off the ramp i passed on the freeway, i blow the horns as i go by and i see a hand come out the widow and wave, what a nice gesture!
#4 - HB? MC- it was blue looking, i dont know any of the blues, lol, thats why i got CR!! anyways, i got a wave out the window as i passed on the street, i gave a wave back and , of course, a freindly toot of my air horns, it always makes people smile!
i passed 4 Minis yesterday ( 3 were MC's, suprising around here, i never see MC's.)
#1 - CR MCC - older lady, maybey mid 40's. i gave the typical wave with one hand on the steering wheel and a toot of my horn. i got a wierd look and she looked at me the entire time i passed her, like a flipped her off or something...
#2 - AB/W MC - older fella, didnt see him too well. i tooted my fine air horns and got a nice smile as he passed.
#3 - CR MCS - didnt see the driver, was behind the car. He got off the ramp i passed on the freeway, i blow the horns as i go by and i see a hand come out the widow and wave, what a nice gesture!
#4 - HB? MC- it was blue looking, i dont know any of the blues, lol, thats why i got CR!! anyways, i got a wave out the window as i passed on the street, i gave a wave back and , of course, a freindly toot of my air horns, it always makes people smile!
Turbius Maximus
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 0
From: Infinity and beyond
Originally Posted by kaelaria
I don't know how you derived 'bad attitude' from simply not wanting to wave to other drivers. Way off-base.
Sooner or later you would get sick of it and want to be left alone. Then we can all give you the rolling eyes for not 'taking the time'.
no biggie...that's why I didn't put your name...cause it wasnt' an attack on YOU just didn't like the idea
funny thing is...I wave to everyone...mini owners or not...ESPECIALLY when I am in the Stoopid mobile (pink mini) lemme tell ya...everyone's looking...so I smile and wave...LOL....why not...it's fun...and making people smile feels good...funny how when you open up to others in a positive way it makes YOU feel good...(me shurgs) I dunno
Originally Posted by MiniMelSF
2005 Chili Red MCSC
JCW CAI, JCW catback exhaust, Alta 15% pulley (Webb Motorsports #618), Alta oil catch can and JCW strut brace
JCW CAI, JCW catback exhaust, Alta 15% pulley (Webb Motorsports #618), Alta oil catch can and JCW strut brace
Mel - how'd you get a JCW strut brace? Imported from out of the country? Last I heard, they were still being held up by MINIUSA...
</off-topic>
EDIT: Nevermind, found your thread on it. :smile:
Last edited by Edge; Aug 26, 2005 at 12:14 PM. Reason: Answered my own question.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
My wife said she was pulling out of the mall and two young ladies in an Orange Convert STOOD UP and waved at her! Made 3 women happy that morning.
Now, on the other side ...
Do the math ...
There's about 122K MINIs sold in US (see http://www.gbmini.net/sales.shtml). Now of that number how many actually are "enthusiasts"? Maybe 2% of the population? What are the odds of you running into those 2%? Go to a local car club meet and they will, most likely, be all part of the 2%. Drive around the general populace, and its doubtful you will encounter any of them. For many its just a nice car for around town. That's life whether or not we enthusiasts understand it
I really do not understand why some "enthusiasts" get so bent out of shape when the other MINI driver doesn't wave. Ever stop thing that MAYBE, they had a really bad day? Maybe their mother died or their dog (my dogs dies, don't come near me).
... Dissing them in some Interent forum is pointless because they don't read them, probably don't know they exist, and could care less what you thought..
Most MINI drivers I've seen have been very considerate ... but everyone is different. So when that driver goes by you and doesn't wave .... instead of getting mad ... maybe think your luckier than them because ...
Their mother just died and they could care less what you think of them because "they" didn't wave at you.
I always wave but really don't expect anyone else to cause maybe, just maybe, they got more to worry about than me.
Now, on the other side ...
Do the math ...
There's about 122K MINIs sold in US (see http://www.gbmini.net/sales.shtml). Now of that number how many actually are "enthusiasts"? Maybe 2% of the population? What are the odds of you running into those 2%? Go to a local car club meet and they will, most likely, be all part of the 2%. Drive around the general populace, and its doubtful you will encounter any of them. For many its just a nice car for around town. That's life whether or not we enthusiasts understand it
I really do not understand why some "enthusiasts" get so bent out of shape when the other MINI driver doesn't wave. Ever stop thing that MAYBE, they had a really bad day? Maybe their mother died or their dog (my dogs dies, don't come near me).
... Dissing them in some Interent forum is pointless because they don't read them, probably don't know they exist, and could care less what you thought..
Most MINI drivers I've seen have been very considerate ... but everyone is different. So when that driver goes by you and doesn't wave .... instead of getting mad ... maybe think your luckier than them because ...
Their mother just died and they could care less what you think of them because "they" didn't wave at you.
I always wave but really don't expect anyone else to cause maybe, just maybe, they got more to worry about than me.
Turbius Maximus
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 0
From: Infinity and beyond
Bravo...well said....
Originally Posted by Strife
Pfft, the "I don't care" attitude is, IMO, one of the major social problems of the 21st century, especially in big cities. I remember one time driving along with a friend, being lost in the city and he rolled down his window to ask someone where this street was and nobody would even look at him. "Do you know where suchandsuch street is? Hey, do you know... excuse me, do you... hello?"
Big cities are empathy killers. The people I know who live their whole lives in the city tend to also be the most apathetic. This is probably why cities full of apathetic people also tend to be the most crime ridden (coughDCcoughBaltimorecough).
So I say to you, wave, and be happy, lest the plague of not caring overwhelm you as well!
Why, the MINI driver who waves to you is practically doing you a favor, as if to remind you that in this big mess of people, all of them complete strangers, you two have at least this much in common. A gentle reminder that even the strangest of strangers may have some common thread, if you get to know them. Car ownership is just a lot more obvious to start with.
So there.
Big cities are empathy killers. The people I know who live their whole lives in the city tend to also be the most apathetic. This is probably why cities full of apathetic people also tend to be the most crime ridden (coughDCcoughBaltimorecough).
So I say to you, wave, and be happy, lest the plague of not caring overwhelm you as well!
Why, the MINI driver who waves to you is practically doing you a favor, as if to remind you that in this big mess of people, all of them complete strangers, you two have at least this much in common. A gentle reminder that even the strangest of strangers may have some common thread, if you get to know them. Car ownership is just a lot more obvious to start with.
So there.
Turbius Maximus
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 0
From: Infinity and beyond
Originally Posted by chows4us
Their mother just died and they could care less what you think of them because "they" didn't wave at you.
I always wave but really don't expect anyone else to cause maybe, just maybe, they got more to worry about than me.
I always wave but really don't expect anyone else to cause maybe, just maybe, they got more to worry about than me.
in the words of Johnny the Homicidal Maniac:
"hmmm... yes, but keep in mind; it's possible that I'm quite horrendously insane. That's the *$%# of it; you know, the old thing about the crazy person who never knows they're crazy. It could just be an imperceptible shifting of accepted realities. It's all really interesting."
6th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 0
From: Sword Mountain
Originally Posted by kaelaria
Yeah and you know what - sometimes you just don't want to - and you certainly never need to.
How about if every single person you ever pass in a day says 'Hi!' to you - and you have to say Hi back...everyone you see, all day. Sooner or later you would get sick of it and want to be left alone. Then we can all give you the rolling eyes for not 'taking the time'.
The point is - people have every right NOT to do anything back - it's not a crime, it's not even impolite. Personally I think it's very dorkish and self-centered that people actually get MAD at someone for not doing something back. It's a car, people. Driving in the street, in traffic. That's it.
How about if every single person you ever pass in a day says 'Hi!' to you - and you have to say Hi back...everyone you see, all day. Sooner or later you would get sick of it and want to be left alone. Then we can all give you the rolling eyes for not 'taking the time'.
The point is - people have every right NOT to do anything back - it's not a crime, it's not even impolite. Personally I think it's very dorkish and self-centered that people actually get MAD at someone for not doing something back. It's a car, people. Driving in the street, in traffic. That's it.
But, I have had some people make rude gestures back, or mean faces -- go beyond ignoring to being sort of hostile. I, like I said in my post, I think it is sad when people can't even acknowledge someone being friendly in this world. I smile at everyone when I am walking down the street. If I make eye contact with someone I will smile, maybe say hello or nod. It makes my day to get a smile back. If not fine, but I think we could all be nicer to each other.
MINIs help with that I have noticed.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City, MD
Originally Posted by kaelaria
The point is - people have every right NOT to do anything back - it's not a crime, it's not even impolite.
Instead I was friendly and three people had a positive experience. They also had something fun to tell someone at home about what happened on the usually hellish commute.
A little friendliness goes a really long way.
MTFBWY,
--Will
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Tuls
and if either of these are the case...wouldn't it be nice if you were them and someone out there who you don't even know said, "hey, nice to see you!" just casue of a car....I dunno...
"
"
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,300
Likes: 0
From: Madison, Wisconsin
OK, some people might not be in a good mood and not wave back. Some people will wave back. I'm an older geezer, and a week ago I gave a modest wave to a couple younger folks in a MINI going the other way. They immediately broke into huge smiles and damn near fell out of their car waving back. I thought it was pretty cool that they obviously enjoyed their car and seeing another like it. So, why is it necessary to label them dorks. Is someone else's pure joy so hard too take?
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 0
From: Left Coast
Originally Posted by Red_5
Hello, my name is Will and I am a MINI nerd!
I have two MINI stories to tell you. No, not short stories, but actual MINI Cooper stories and both of these happened while I was motoring. That’s right, I now say motoring.
Wednesday. Commute home. 4:05 PM at the intersection of Gude Drive and Rockville Pike. The afternoon was beautiful and I had the windows down and the sunroof open. I have a nice smile on my face. I was waiting about ten cars back in the left lane for the light to go green. The lane next to me – the left turn only lane – was empty. A big four door Lincoln with tinted windows enters that lane and rolls to a stop next to me. The passenger side window rolls down and the driver calls to me.
“Hey there! How long you owned dat Cooper my man? How ya liken dat Cooper?” He shouted over the traffic noise.
“Lovin it,” I shouted back!
“When I was in Germany my bros and I had one. Can you imagine me at six feet four and two-fifty pounds in dat Cooper and with two guys my same build? We were US Rangers and we ran dat Cooper up N down that Autobahn.” He laughed. “Damn, I miss dat car,” he said as the lights for our lanes turned green. “You enjoy dat Cooper my man. Dat’s one sweet car,” he said as he drove off. I smiled even bigger.
Thursday. Commute home. 4:15 PM at the intersection of Norbeck and Bel Pre Roads. Again, the afternoon was beautiful and I had the MINI opened up. And again I was sitting a few cars back while waiting for the light to turn green with a smile on my face. A well worn (the polite way of saying beat up) old model sedan pulls up next to me. The older gent called out to me.
“Hello there! So how long have you owned that Cooper?” the older gent said.
“Five weeks today,” I replied.
“It looks like you just pulled off the lot it’s so clean,” he said admiringly as he looked Red 5 over.
“I’ve washed this MINI five times already and waxed it once.”
“I can tell you love that Cooper. That’s good. Take care of your car and it will last ya. Ya know, back thirty years ago or so no one in this country wanted them Coopers. Now that BMW makes em they are good sellers and all you Cooper drivers are friendly folks.”
“Thanks. Hard not to smile driving the MINI,” I said and he smiled back.
“Do you feel safe in it?” he asked.
“I sure do. It feels a lot more solid than the other cars I owned, and I have airbags all around me.”
“Well let’s hope no one ever hits you and makes them airbags go off my friend!”
“Amen to that! And you too!”
The light turned green and we drove off. Again, I smiled even bigger.
MTFBWY,
--Will
I have two MINI stories to tell you. No, not short stories, but actual MINI Cooper stories and both of these happened while I was motoring. That’s right, I now say motoring.
Wednesday. Commute home. 4:05 PM at the intersection of Gude Drive and Rockville Pike. The afternoon was beautiful and I had the windows down and the sunroof open. I have a nice smile on my face. I was waiting about ten cars back in the left lane for the light to go green. The lane next to me – the left turn only lane – was empty. A big four door Lincoln with tinted windows enters that lane and rolls to a stop next to me. The passenger side window rolls down and the driver calls to me.
“Hey there! How long you owned dat Cooper my man? How ya liken dat Cooper?” He shouted over the traffic noise.
“Lovin it,” I shouted back!
“When I was in Germany my bros and I had one. Can you imagine me at six feet four and two-fifty pounds in dat Cooper and with two guys my same build? We were US Rangers and we ran dat Cooper up N down that Autobahn.” He laughed. “Damn, I miss dat car,” he said as the lights for our lanes turned green. “You enjoy dat Cooper my man. Dat’s one sweet car,” he said as he drove off. I smiled even bigger.
Thursday. Commute home. 4:15 PM at the intersection of Norbeck and Bel Pre Roads. Again, the afternoon was beautiful and I had the MINI opened up. And again I was sitting a few cars back while waiting for the light to turn green with a smile on my face. A well worn (the polite way of saying beat up) old model sedan pulls up next to me. The older gent called out to me.
“Hello there! So how long have you owned that Cooper?” the older gent said.
“Five weeks today,” I replied.
“It looks like you just pulled off the lot it’s so clean,” he said admiringly as he looked Red 5 over.
“I’ve washed this MINI five times already and waxed it once.”
“I can tell you love that Cooper. That’s good. Take care of your car and it will last ya. Ya know, back thirty years ago or so no one in this country wanted them Coopers. Now that BMW makes em they are good sellers and all you Cooper drivers are friendly folks.”
“Thanks. Hard not to smile driving the MINI,” I said and he smiled back.
“Do you feel safe in it?” he asked.
“I sure do. It feels a lot more solid than the other cars I owned, and I have airbags all around me.”
“Well let’s hope no one ever hits you and makes them airbags go off my friend!”
“Amen to that! And you too!”
The light turned green and we drove off. Again, I smiled even bigger.
MTFBWY,
--Will
Here's another:
I was motoring to my favorite grocery store (family run and in the same location since the early 50s) and a couple in a 1960-something Chevy convertible (top down) stops next to me.
The man in the passenger seat calls over, "Hey, mister. How do you like that car?"
"It's quite effective in town." I said.
"Sure is nice looking." He turns and nods at his driver. She twists her face away and gazes across the street. "So what's your gas mileage?"
"I get about 22 miles per gallon." I said.
"Izzat all?" He said. With a shrug he turns to her again.
Not even looking at him she said, "Tollya." And floors it when the lights change.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC- Annapolis MD
I am an Happy Person ..
and the MINI is the perfect car for me because it makes me feel happier even when I am blue.
I don't consider myself a dork because I wave at other MINI drivers. I think they (mini drivers) are happy like I am, and when you are happy you are generally kind to others. If some waves at you, politely you wave back, end of the story: there is commitment here.
My MINI is part of my life... it takes me to work, to do errands .. we have fun together on rallies and at SOLO races/classes, thanks to my MINI I have meet new people and a few friends who I enjoy seeing on a regular basis. I am planning another vacation ( after the Dragon) around a MINI event overseas where I will meet more new people....
of course it's just a car ... but are the drivers that make it special.
MD STREGA2
PS: political stickers should not go on MINIs
PPSS: btw was there a LIMO/MINI at the last Republican Convention???
I don't consider myself a dork because I wave at other MINI drivers. I think they (mini drivers) are happy like I am, and when you are happy you are generally kind to others. If some waves at you, politely you wave back, end of the story: there is commitment here.
My MINI is part of my life... it takes me to work, to do errands .. we have fun together on rallies and at SOLO races/classes, thanks to my MINI I have meet new people and a few friends who I enjoy seeing on a regular basis. I am planning another vacation ( after the Dragon) around a MINI event overseas where I will meet more new people....
of course it's just a car ... but are the drivers that make it special.
MD STREGA2
PS: political stickers should not go on MINIs
PPSS: btw was there a LIMO/MINI at the last Republican Convention???
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Manassas, Va
I know, I know, it's my fault!
Originally Posted by JNT
This morning I was driving along 11th St SE in DC, when I saw a dark silver MCS in front of me, a few car lengths ahead. I did a nifty little zig-zag and wound up alongside him at a light. I waved and waved. The middle-aged man inside looked briefly at me and then returned his gaze straight ahead. I waved again. He lowered his window and looked at me. "Can I help you?" he said.
The light changed.
"Happy motoring," I growled as I took off.
He also had a political bumper sticker on the back. That should have been a dead giveaway. Not the political message, which I will not repeat here, but the mere fact that he had a bumper sticker at all reveals him as the sort of person who buys a MINI because he thinks it's "sensible" in the city. He doesn't really love the car. People like this should be held down and have their MINI keys taken away from them.
James (STELLA)
The light changed.
"Happy motoring," I growled as I took off.
He also had a political bumper sticker on the back. That should have been a dead giveaway. Not the political message, which I will not repeat here, but the mere fact that he had a bumper sticker at all reveals him as the sort of person who buys a MINI because he thinks it's "sensible" in the city. He doesn't really love the car. People like this should be held down and have their MINI keys taken away from them.
James (STELLA)
Turbius Maximus
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 0
From: Infinity and beyond
I totally understand...sorry...I forget to say that...I get it...I was just saying to all of US....since we are obviously not them....let's keep waving...who cares...maybe we will infect them with happyness....
ok this is getting very barney the purple dino...
FUN FUN YUMMY YUM FUN FUN YUM YUM!!
CIAO!!
ok this is getting very barney the purple dino...
FUN FUN YUMMY YUM FUN FUN YUM YUM!!
CIAO!!
Originally Posted by chows4us
Probably. I'm just trying to get the point across that not everyone might be in a good mood because maybe something bad just happened to them whereas normally, they would wave too!
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by binkysmini
So I find myself waving or nodding to the guy in the SRT or EVO or even some of the kids in the souped up Hondas. Because they love the whole experience as much as I do. The ones who only have their car for transportation or for status (aforementioned Pcars, etc) will never respond. Or get it.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC- Annapolis MD
Originally Posted by J-Didi
Yep. Its all about enthusiasm. Whether you're in a MINI, on a motorbike, or in a elevator. Some people are enjoying the "ride" and some are just trying to hang on...
Many Americans (US) like Europe because "people are so friendly and relaxed..." but the same people live in a street in DC and don't even know who lives next door to them...
HELLOOOOO try to smile and say "HI" next time you meet someone on the street and repeat a few times... after a bit it comes natural and you feel a bit lighter ...
NO I am not into "warm feelings and other new politcally correct New Age stuff ' I am out there to have FUN and with my Little One the fun is guaranteed.
Driving a MINI puts a :smile: on you face
Driving a MINI C puts :smile: :smile: on you face !!!
MD STREGA2
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Originally Posted by kaelaria
Yeah and you know what - sometimes you just don't want to - and you certainly never need to.
How about if every single person you ever pass in a day says 'Hi!' to you - and you have to say Hi back...everyone you see, all day. Sooner or later you would get sick of it and want to be left alone. Then we can all give you the rolling eyes for not 'taking the time'.
The point is - people have every right NOT to do anything back - it's not a crime, it's not even impolite. Personally I think it's very dorkish and self-centered that people actually get MAD at someone for not doing something back. It's a car, people. Driving in the street, in traffic. That's it.
How about if every single person you ever pass in a day says 'Hi!' to you - and you have to say Hi back...everyone you see, all day. Sooner or later you would get sick of it and want to be left alone. Then we can all give you the rolling eyes for not 'taking the time'.
The point is - people have every right NOT to do anything back - it's not a crime, it's not even impolite. Personally I think it's very dorkish and self-centered that people actually get MAD at someone for not doing something back. It's a car, people. Driving in the street, in traffic. That's it.
Very much like someone telling you nice car or I like your hair, a simple thank you is the right thing to do. But some people are stuck up and others are not..
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Originally Posted by r13ater
WOW... Every person that ways at me or greets me with a hello in passing by or says have a nice day when I step out of the elevator... I always respond to them. It is the polite thing to do. But I guess some people have manners and some dont.
BINGO! That is it, in a nutshell. I've found that the majority of MINI folk are thoughtful, considerate, and very polite. Those that aren't, fortunately, seem to be in the minority. :smile: Clover
6th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 0
From: Sword Mountain
[QUOTE=r13ater]WOW... Every person that ways at me or greets me with a hello in passing by or says have a nice day when I step out of the elevator... I always respond to them. It is the polite thing to do. But I guess some people have manners and some dont.
QUOTE]
Yes, that is exactly what they used to call it - manners. Even if you are having a bad day, or something horrible has happened, it used to be basic manners to respond -- even if it is a very brief response -- politely.
QUOTE]
Yes, that is exactly what they used to call it - manners. Even if you are having a bad day, or something horrible has happened, it used to be basic manners to respond -- even if it is a very brief response -- politely.
Hmmmm
maybe it's time to wedge some of those DC Metro MINI "I-want-to-become-a member" cards on the windscreen, doorjambs of cars we spy in metro areas. On my block alone there are three MINIs that aren't DCMETROMINI members, then there is that person two blocks away that has TWO MINIs!
Seriously, I'm always looking out for my fellow motorist - if i see the head nod from the adjoining car, I'll roll-down the window and chat them up - if not I'll motor in and wonder why in the heck did they buy this car. :-)
Seriously, I'm always looking out for my fellow motorist - if i see the head nod from the adjoining car, I'll roll-down the window and chat them up - if not I'll motor in and wonder why in the heck did they buy this car. :-)
6th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 0
From: Sword Mountain
Originally Posted by krut
maybe it's time to wedge some of those DC Metro MINI "I-want-to-become-a member" cards on the windscreen, doorjambs of cars we spy in metro areas. On my block alone there are three MINIs that aren't DCMETROMINI members, then there is that person two blocks away that has TWO MINIs!
