I wouldn't mind the blue shell as much if it worked more like it first did in Mario Kart 64.
I agree on that, MK64 had the best blue shell. Since it was indestructible you could also hold it behind you and block an unlimited number of shells.
One nice thing about the blue shell is that only one can appear at a time. If you get one when you're close to the front of the pack, try to get into first without using it. It will be your insurance that no blue shells shall appear, and you can use it if somebody passes you near the end. Just be sure not to accidentally use it when you're in first.. unless you're wondering what it would be like to self-destruct.
edit: on topic, I still am searching for this game. Haven't seen it in a store in months.
I see some all of the time at Best Buy. Try checking their website to see if they have any in stock, and you can even use the in-store pickup feature to see if stores near you have any copies.
It's not about saving time, dude, it's about showing familiarity.
I'm sure that would make sense to most people but it isn't something which I understand. I know it's been going on forever and pretty much everybody has a nickname, but it just seems weird that someone can shorten somebody's name just because they've met before.
Besides, if one were to be familiar with me then they'd likely know I don't like having my name shortened. Though I suppose I shouldn't care what anyone calls me, so long as it isn't something along the lines of "you twat!"
I'm going to start calling you Mop it up.
You wouldn't be the first. I'd guess that Mop it up is pronounced as "mee-yoo".