Succumb to the Whalen!

Posted on by Ian C.

At the recent MINIsOnTop event, a Whalen Shift Knob was raffled, raising over $800 for Make A Wish. The custom shift knob commemorated the event with the date “June 19, 2004” as well as the MINIsOnTop/Autoroad logo featured on the MINIsOnTop web site, decals, Tshirts, etc.
After losing out on the raffle, then checking out Shoe’s shift knob, I decided it was time for GBMINI to get one. After obtaining special permission I had a shift knob made with the MINIsOnTop logo combined with GBMINI:


There has always been a lot of “mystique” about the Whalen Shift Knob, with comments that it makes shifting easier, or even (presumably jokingly) increasing horsepower! I had assumed that all this was a joke and the Whalen Shift Knob is simply a cool MINI accessory.
So I was shocked to discover, driving home tonight, that gear shifts actually do seem somehow easier! I cannot decide what the difference is – is shifting actually smoother, or does the Whalen simply fit the hand better and give a more comfortable control?
Curious and surprising, but rather pleasing.

Independence Day Celebrations!

Posted on by Ian C.

Tomorrow is July 4 – Independence Day in USA, celebrating “kicking out the Brits” in 1776 (but we came back!)
When we first arrived in America in 1996, we knew very little about Independence Day or any other traditions; while touring Manchester By The Sea, someone told us about the “Red White & Blue” Independence Day breakfast – we went, and we now try to go every year … for breakfast you are served pancakes, sausage and bacon, with (red) strawberries, (white) cream and (blue) blueberries! It is a popular event, with live music and in a great location:

 

Later in the day we went to the “Horribles” parade in Gloucester – the traditional Gloucester Independence Day parade; lots of music, lots of costumes and lots of floats: