Wolf Camera closes in C.L.

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Photo - courtesy, McHenry County Blog

Heading over to Wolf Camera in Crystal Lake today or next week? Maybe to buy a new camera? Or pick up some film? Or photos?

McHenry County Blog reports that this store has closed. Your pictures will be in Vernon Hills for pick up (or call 847.918.0400). Their tasteful sign includes, "Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and memories."


That was a good store, staffed with professional, knowledgeable people. Unfortunately, today buyers do not reward that. They might go to this store and "shop", then buy their camera at Best Buy or online. Result? Another one bites the dust!

Are customers still willing to pay for quality service? No.

The only thing I saved from my 18 years in the life insurance business was a slogan on an 8 1/2 x 11 card from Northwestern Mutual. "In the beginning there is price; in the end, there is cost." This is true, whether you are buying life insurance, cars, cameras or anything else.

I bought my Rollei many years ago at Schiller's in St. Louis, a professional photographer's store. Got good advice and, while I paid a little more, I got value.

I bought my Nikon 35mm camera at a professional photographer's shop on Broadway in Denver, right next to Carl Swanson's gun shop (did business there, too, and also at David Ferretta's music store, also on Broadway). Paid a little more for quality service and advice; it was worth it.

Please vote - every day (until June 29)

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Jeep is running a contest, and a friend in Columbia, S.C. needs your vote.

Jeep's contest is its "6th Man" Contest, recognizing six men and women. Steven Diaz is Director of Strategic Outreach for Professional and Vet Peer Counseling Services, Hidden Wounds, of Columbia.

Check out Hidden Wounds at www.hiddenwounds.org

For the contest, go to this page in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeep/app_339188606141882

It's a little tricky. Play the video for Steven Diaz, then click OK to close the video (Note: that "OK" is not your vote!) Then zero in on the small circle under Steven's picture and click there. That's your vote.

You can vote every day until Friday. Please do. Hidden Wounds is in line for a $20,000 donation from Jeep. Hidden Wounds is doing incredible work with returning veterans.

Thanks!

CFI - want a taste?

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CFI - Continuous Flow Intersection... Good or bad? Improvement or disaster?

I don't know what it cost for McHenry County officials to make a fast trip to Colorado to inspect the CFI in Loveland, which is about 50 miles north of the Broncos' stadium in Denver. I'll bet it wasn't cheap; I wonder who paid for that trip.

Loveland's CFI is at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Nickel Drive. Check out this article on a local resident's blog, complete with diagrams.

Author Perry Peterson's comments are worth noting here:

"A continuous flow intersection is never logical to the uninitiated."

"Besides local drivers doing the wrong thing at the wrong place in the intersection it's quite normal to see out-of-state cars really fouling up the traffic flow causing potential hazards."

The Loveland intersection is on what is obviously a busy commercial corner. The confusion of drivers who are trying to figure how to get into a store on the corner needs to be added to the mix and seriously considered by planners. Toss in responding emergency vehicles, too.

Post park rules

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Should the City of Woodstock post the special rules applicable in the Park in the Square, so that visitors can know the laws before a cop swoops down on them?

The Park in the Square has several rules that are more restrictive than for the other parks in Woodstock.

City Ordinance 6.2B.2 reads

"It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in any of the following activities in the park in the Square:


"A. Playing ball, riding skateboards, riding bicycles, serving or gliding frisbees or other similar sailing or gliding devices.
"B. For any group of persons to congregate in the park in the Square in such a manner that free access along paved sidewalks is restricted, prohibited or blocked.
"C. To ride any bicycle, skateboard or other devices on any adjacent sidewalk to the park in the Square. (Ord. 1365, 4-20-1977)"

When the Ordinance reads "...unlawful for any person...", does that mean a father and son playing catch on the grass in the Park on the Square? Or is the law just applied to a teenager or other young adult? Kids or young adults with a Frisbee or a paper airplane are violators and are subject to a citation and a $100 fine, plus court costs.

If two or three are standing on the sidewalk that runs through the Park in the Square and talking, must someone be attempting to pass for "free access" to be restricted, prohibited or blocked? Or is the fact that they are standing there (no one passing by) enough for a cop to cite them?

I commend the Woodstock Police Department for keeping down crime and rowdiness in the Park on the Square and throughout Woodstock. But is this ordinance enforced only again kids and transitional youth, or is it evenly applied across all ages and socio-economic groups?

How about on Saturday mornings, when the Farmers Market is operating?
Should the City post signs at entrances to the Park in the Square to inform all of these special rules?

What about dogs and other animals? Isn't there a sign at entrances to the Park in the Square that no dogs are allowed? Although the sign is there, I don't find an ordinance forbidding them. In addition, the sign at the south entrance (across from the Opera House) has been defaced. Does the presence of a sign (alone) constitute a law? I would say that it does not. So, is it unenforceable? People seem to have dogs in the Park in the Square all the time.

Square patrol

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Back on May 1 the Woodstock Police Department issued a press release about increased enforcement around the Woodstock Square. It read,

"The Woodstock Police Department is conducting special enforcement operations in the Square and downtown area of the City. While the Officers are enforcing all laws, particular attention continues to be focused on disruptive behavior that takes away from the public’s enjoyment of the Park in the Square and the downtown business district of Woodstock. Special enforcement operations will focus on violators who are in possession of open alcoholic beverages, minors smoking, groups blocking public sidewalks, individuals that are disorderly in their conduct and other violations pertaining to the downtown area.

"The goal of the special enforcement effort is to ensure the safety of the public and to re-educate the public on local laws that have been put in place to preserve the Woodstock Square.

"Recent arrests have been made for public consumption of alcohol, disorderly conduct, minors in possession of tobacco, blocking public sidewalks and a number of traffic violations.

"Any citizen that has noted any problems in the Square area is urged to call the Woodstock Police Department at 815-338-2131."

Do you visit the Square or the Park in the Square late in the afternoon or in the evening? What is it like? Do you feel safe there? Is it enjoyable to be there? Do you take your kids there?

What about walking around the Square and on the streets adjacent to the Square? Any problems?

What Bike Should Women Ride?

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This is probably the most commonly-asked question about women and motorcycles on the web. What is the best motorcycle for a woman? Especially a woman who is just starting to ride. What is, hands down, the best beginner bike?

The answer isn't as simple as most people would believe. Many people would automatically plop you down on either a Honda Rebel or something similar, and tell you that this is it. Others would suggest the standard XL 883 Low (Harley-Davidson Sportster). The truth is: it depends on your riding style.

Well, if you've never ridden a motorcycle before, how are you supposed to know what your riding style is? The answer is that you have to sit down on several bikes, try out the feel of each one, and use the process of elimination. That said, I can supply you with some basic guidance, warnings, and questions to ask yourself while going through your bike-finding process.

The first thing to consider is that you should probably get your M-class first by taking a motorcycle class. This opens up your possibilities for experimenting exponentially. Lots of dealerships allow you to take bikes for a test ride - as long as you have your M-class.

So, you have your M-class in-hand. What next? Most people will tell you that how tall you are and how generally "big" you are will dictate what kind of motorcycle you should start looking for. My response is: phooey. Anyone can ride any bike. I've seen 5'4", 90 lb women ride baggers without any problems. Also keep in mind that ANY bike can be tailored to you specifically - lowering, new seat, etc - and what you should look for is a bike that has the right feel for you and that you think you can customize for your own personal enjoyment.

Let's look at some common "beginners bikes." The afore-mentioned XL 883 L. Many women decide to go with this bike as their first bike. Really, Sportsters are common ladies' bikes. But do you want to know a little secret? Sportsters are two things:

1) Top heavy
2) A larger engine strapped onto a smaller frame.

What does this mean? When you go to take a curve or a turn, you may not feel as comfortable on a Sportster as you'd feel on a bike with a lower center of gravity, because of that top heavy design. Also, with the weight-to-engine ratio being what it is... when you open up the throttle, that Sportster MOVES. It lurches forward, if you're not prepared for it, and if you're not ready for it or comfortable on a bike, it can be startling and a little dangerous. Now... if this is your riding style, and you like to go fast and can get comfortable with the top-heaviness, then I say go for it. But keep in mind your riding style. If you are more into cruising, maybe you'll want to consider a bike with a lower center of gravity.

That leads us to the Honda Rebel. The main thing I have to say about this bike is that, unless you are very short, you will probably outgrow this bike quickly. If you buy it new, you'll definitely suffer the depreciation in value associated with trading it up or selling it for a bigger bike. If you just so happen to be tall, like me, you also will not find this a comfortable ride. The handlebars will be forever hitting your knees when you're turning slow-speed, and you'll sort of feel like a clown on one of those miniature tricycles. My suggestion? If you must have a smaller bike with less power in order to get comfortable, get one used. Ride it until you're comfortable on it. Then sell it for however much you paid for it.

So what else is there?

I'm personally a fan of bikes with a lower center of gravity, and larger frames. Most people will tell you not to consider larger bikes for your first bike, but the truth is, larger bikes are more stable, and less jumpy. Take a look at the Dyna line from Harley or the Shadow line from Honda, just as two examples. All of these are mid-level cruiser bikes that you can not only be comfortable learning on, but also grow into and have the bike grow with you. They are easily customizable as you get more advanced in your riding skills. The bikes may be larger than Sportsters and Rebels, but ultimately, the lower centers of gravity and expandability of these bikes will make them much more valuable in the long-run and extremely easy to handle when you are just starting out. The size of the bike doesn't matter once you get out on the road and just ride.

Once you get comfortable, you should be able to ride just about any bike you want. If you discover you love zipping around the back roads as fast as you can go, then definitely take a look at the Sportster models. More into cruising and touring? That Dyna will grow with you, or prepare you for the larger Softails. But keep in mind that as a beginner, your main goal should be comfort and safety as you let your skills grow, and finding the best starter bike for you is going to take time and lots of test rides to discover your personal riding style. Enjoy the ride!

Calling Lady Riders and Lady WRITERS!

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Hi ladies!

November is going to be an interesting month for me, as I'll be participating in the increasingly popular National Novel Writing Month. Because of this, I won't have much time for updating this website with inspired articles about women who ride - although, I AM writing my novel about a woman who rides a motorcycle, so you can expect a few excerpts here and there - and thus I am asking you, dear readers, if you would help me out. What I'd like is writings from you... about ANYTHING motorcycle-related! Those that are selected will have their story or article published right here on LadyRiderOnline.com for the viewership of our 1,000 regular monthly readers. You will be given full credit for your work. All of your work should include a tag stating it is Copyright (C) 2007 (your name goes here).

I really do mean everything. If you have a story about something exciting you saw while on a motorcycle trip, share it! Want to tell the story about how you first started riding? Tell it! Do you know how to adjust a clutch? Write a step-by-step article, with pictures, and submit it!

Updates may be more or less frequent this month, just depending on how many submissions I receive. Please send your submissions to ladyrideronline@mac.com - thanks everyone and I hope you are riding safe!

Harley-Davidson Museum

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Just for the record: it's presently March 27th and it's snowing outside here in Northern Illinois. I personally feel that this is a crime against humanity. Anyone else agree with me?

Another area receiving their dose of dreadful weather is Milwaukee, Wisconsin: home of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, site of the upcoming 105th Anniversary Celebration, as well as host to the brand-new, soon-to-be-opened Harley-Davidson Museum. Fortunately, it appears that much of the exterior Museum was completed before this round of snow hit, and its opening hopefully will not be delayed by Mother Nature's fury.

One of the exhibits will be of particular interest to female riders, featuring a woman by the name of Vivian Bales. She has quite a unique story for a woman of the 1920's, detailed by Tina Albinger, a public relations contact for the Museum:

"[Vivian Bales] rode across the country in the 1920s and chronicled her experiences for Harley-Davidson's magazine, The Enthusiast. Vivian was an avid motorcycle rider and purchased her first Harley at the age of 17 with money saved from teaching dance class. She bought the motorcycle without knowing how to ride, so she had a friend teach her the basics but most of her riding skill was self-taught. At only 5-feet, 2-inches, she 'always wanted to do something that most girls wouldn't do.' So, she decided to write to The Enthusiast magazine editor, telling him of her desire to drive solo from Albany, Georgia to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and write about her experience for the magazine."

Items featured in the exhibit will include a scrapbook of her cross-country adventure, a book of autographs from well-wishers she met during her journey, and mail from fans in countries as far away as Japan and Africa.

Other exhibits and features of the museum will include a section dedicated to Elvis, who evidently purchased the 1956 Harley on display shortly before becoming an American Legend himself; private rooms that can be rented for special events such as weddings or corporate meetings; and even a plaza where you can leave your own mark by purchasing and customizing a stainless steel rivet that will become part of the Museum itself!

There is still not any specific information on when exactly the Museum will open, and no Grand Opening plans have been revealed either, but interested parties can keep an eye out at their website - www.h-dmuseum.com - to see how things are developing.

Well, that's it for now - keep warm and ride safe!

Back to Basics

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Well, it's been a few years.
My Sportster has sat in her garage gathering dust, I'm sorry to say.
To explain... I started law school in the fall of 2008 and everything else has taken a back seat since then. I have gone on my occasional joy ride when I haven't been too busy, but sadly I just have not had the time to dedicate to riding or motorcycles that I would like.
This saddens me in a lot of ways, as I always feel such a sense of empowerment and adventure and positivity when I ride. I've replaced that with a lot of negative things in my life. Work. Stress. I've handed my life over to people and things that could care less about adventure and exploration and instead focus on the bottom line and seeing exactly how much blood they can draw from you until you finally cry out that it's enough.
That's not to say I don't understand. Progress and hard work and stress make the world go round. Not all stress is bad. But, there comes a point at which it gets to be soul-crushing. There comes a point where you need to break free from the people trying to control you and to take control of yourself and your life again. And that means that the very things that drew me away from riding are now driving me back to it full-force.
I know at this point the hard work I put into this blog a few years ago is mostly moot; I hope some of the information at least has been helpful, lying out here in the ether, collecting cyber-dust. I'm hoping it can be helpful again.
In a few weeks, my husband and I are going to Sturgis - after the rally, to avoid the crowds. In the interim, in order to save my own sanity and to reconnect with riding and prepare myself for the trip, I think I'm going to start writing here again. This blog might become a little more personal in many ways, but I'd still like to provide useful information for anyone who needs it. My husband and I are brainstorming a series of articles to start out with. So here's hoping!

Sturgis Pictures

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Here are some pictures from my trip to Sturgis with my husband. They have been keeping me going as we approach fall and the close of riding season...
The trip up was a little bit eerie to someone who comes from a place where you can't gaze in any given direction without seeing a building. The windmills against the backdrop of so much empty space looked kind of alien.
We kept passing all of the crazy signs from Wall Drug. Sadly we did not visit but they were fun to look at. Also, a dinosaur.
This is me on Day 1 of our stay - we went to Mount Rushmore. Clearly I am windblown.
This is the view looking across the mountains from the Rushmore parking lot. I know for people who live around there it must be easy to forget but to me, the views are all breathtaking and gorgeous!
This is the entry plaza leading up to Mount Rushmore.
After entering, this is what you see - a walkway leading up to the sculptures themselves.
My one focused shot of the most photographed and replicated structure on Earth.
If you look at all of the pillars in the plaza before the structure, each one is labeled with a state and has a flag flying above it, giving all of the above information.
The same day, we went to Crazy Horse. Talk about inspiring. My favorite quote from the sculptor: "When the legends die, the dreams end. And when the dreams end, there is no more greatness." -Korczak Ziolkowski
Here is what Crazy Horse is supposed to look like when it is completed. This was very inspiring.
On Day 2: Sturgis itself! The vendors were all closing down and there was not a glut of bikes as I imagine there usually is, but it was cool to walk around, pick up some bargains post-rally, and window shop.
A cool mural.
Not a good shot but as you can see, Sturgis clearly thinks it is the Hollywood of motorcycles.

This is where we had a nummy burger for lunch.
And saw some spiffy memorabilia. Our third and final day... Custer National Park.
Can you see the buffalo? Yeah I thought it was small too. Then it stood up and we rode away as fast as we could. I was afraid it would take the sound of our pipes as a sign of aggression... fortunately it just rolled around in the dirt a bit and went back to sleep.
And then I got stuck in a crevice.
Which would you rather ride? Bike? Wild burrow? They were a riot, they will eat anything. I really hope the Cheetos we gave them did not cause any bad side effects...
Yes, the buffalo really were that close to the road and yes, that really did make me very nervous.
Um... buffalo crossing. Just FYI... I don't endorse getting this close to buffalo. Everyone we spoke to really liked telling us horror stories about how a friend of a friend got gored by one. So Yeah. Be careful.
Of everything we did, though, I think Custer National Park was my favorite, with Crazy Horse being a close second. All-in-all, a good trip!

International Female Ride Day!

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I know right now the mere thought of riding is probably torture, at least if you are in this neck of the woods and wondering when we're going to get the next surprise blast of snow, but eventually it's going to get warm again and why not celebrate with thousands of other ladies around the world during International Female Ride Day!

The date is May 2nd, which is a Friday, and the tradition was started by the creator of http://www.motoress.com - another online magazine for women who love riding based out of Canada.

I'll be celebrating by having a little ride from Woodstock Harley-Davidson (the Illinois one, not the New York one), probably to a nice little bar or restaurant in the area - open to suggestions! If anyone cares to join, shoot me a message, either on MySpace or via email ( ladyrideronline@mac.com ). It'll probably be around 6:30 or so.

Anyways, sunny days are ahead, just keep your spirits up til then and ride safe!

Harley-Davidson encourages women to grab the handlebars on Friday, May 2, for International Female Ride Day

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MILWAUKEE (April 28, 2008) -
Over the past decade, women have increasingly embraced the sport of motorcycling – seeking the freedom and empowerment associated with riding solo on the open road. Today, in celebration of the growing presence of women in the sport, Harley-Davidson is participating in International Female Ride Day and encouraging female riders around the world to allocate time to hit the open road.

International Female Ride Day is devoted to women riders of all ages and experience levels--spotlighting their passion for and involvement in the sport of motorcycling. The event celebrates women of all ages who take life by the handlebars by encouraging them to ride, no matter what type or style of motorcycle. This is the first year the Motor Company will be involved with this event, started last year by Vicki Gray of MOTORESS.

"The growth in the number of female riders over the past two decades is exciting, from 4 percent in 1990 to 12 percent today,” said Leslie Prevish, Women’s Outreach Manager for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Our participation in the event is our way of embracing and acknowledging women motorcyclists worldwide.”

Harley-Davidson Motor Company will celebrate International Female Ride Day by providing special parking for all female riders, gathering an employee ride in Milwaukee and hosting a Garage Party in the afternoon for female employees interested in motorcycles.

The Harley-Davidson Garage Party is a women’s only event held at dealerships nationwide to help women learn more about motorcycling and to meet others who are interested in riding. Attendees experience activities that are both entertaining and educational with topics including a review of the basic motorcycle controls, how to customize a motorcycle’s style and ergonomics, how to pick up a motorcycle and how to gear up for a ride.

For more information about women rider activities or Garage Parties, visit your local dealership or log onto www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

Grayslake Officials Cancel Bike Show Event Due To Public Safety Concerns

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The following press release was issued by the Village of Grayslake in Illinois on Friday evening regarding an event held by Austin's Saloon that was to receive an anticipated 40,000 attendees from around the country.

"Based upon law enforcement information obtained today, Grayslake officials have cancelled the permit for the Ironhorse Bike Show event that was to be held Sunday, May 4th at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Based upon the information obtained, the Grayslake Police Department became concerned about circumstances which threaten the health and public safety of those attending the event and the people of Grayslake. In light of this new information, Grayslake officials felt that adequate protection could not be maintained and the cancelling of the permit for the event was in the best interests of the health and safety of the public."

Comments, questions, and concerns can be directed to Mayor Timothy Perry, 847-223-8515.

This Weekend: Detailing

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This Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, I shall be detailing my pretty little Sportster as part of getting her back on her proverbial feet (tires?). I'll post the details when I'm finished - it's actually quite an involved process for those wishing to do it the right way, and with their own two hands. Really, detailing your motorcycle is an extremely relaxing exercise; it's almost meditative, and it's a wonderful way to bond with your ride.

Hope the weekdays are short and the weekends are long and you get to ride a million miles in between! Ride safe.

Detailing Your Motorcycle

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Wow - what a week! It's definitely been a tough one for me, and I've had a great deal on my mind lately between work and school starting again. My usual escape is retreating into a book, internet surfing, or just curling up and getting some much-needed sleep, but this past weekend I decided to detail my motorcycle.
Detailing your motorcycle is actually an excellent way to bond with your bike. First of all, the process is almost meditative. Taking a systematic approach and paying careful attentionto whatyou are doing is not only beneficial for your bike - preserving all of that shiny paint and chrome - but it can also be extremely relaxing, giving you a chance to either get your mind off of whatever is bothering you, or else take out your frustration on any particularly stubborn bug stains (my windshield has a bug magnet on it, seriously).
The products pictured are ones I purchased at my local motorcycle shop; I don't necessarily endorse them, though if I experienced a problem using a product, I will note it. If you have a particular favorite, please share with the rest of us in the comments!

As a general note, I'd like to make one suggestion before you get started: either set aside a couple of hours for the task, or else break it up into a multi-segment project. As long as you do not leave any product residue onyour bike, you are safe breaking the process up across a few different sessions or even days, just depending on your availability and energy. The reason I mention this is because somehow, I always pick the hottest, most humid day of the year to detail my bike, and half-way through I end up exhausted and wishing I could wait until later to finish up. Sadly my schedule doesn't really allow for it, but if yours does, it might be worth it.
Step 1: General wash and rinseYour first step is to get all of the grit and grime off of your bike that could cause scuffs and scratches if not removed before you start waxing. You can find any good spray-on, rinse-off wash at your local motorcycle or auto supply shop; the one pictured actually worked extremely well and was an all-purpose cleaner, so it was safe for all of the bike's surfaces. Please keep an eye on this when selecting your own cleaner: if it's not safe for leather, you will have to remove any fork bags, saddle bags, and your seat before you begin washing, and you will need to treat those items separately as part of your cleaning process.
I would also like to note that now is the time to decide how you are going to approach your washing and detailing job: front to back? Back to front? Kick-stand side or pipes side first? Pick one and stick to it; it will make your life easier later when we get to waxing.
General cleaners like this one are meant to be sprayed on and then rinsed off with a hose. I sadly don't have access to a spout, so I just use abucket. Graceful, I know. Be VERY careful at this stage if you use a rag and water to rinse the cleanser off of your bike: first of all, make sure you get it all off, otherwise it may cause perma-nent clouding if left to sit. Second of all, debris caught in a rag will scratch your paint job and your chrome if it's not rinsed out right away. Don't worry if there is a bit of streaking at this stage after you've rinsed the cleanser off, though - you will be going back over the bike with a detailing cleaner-wax later, so you can fix that as you go.
Also remember on a hot day that you should be very careful that the cleanser does not dry on your motorcycle as you move from segment to segment - spray on and rinse off fairly quickly toprevent this.
Step 2: Get thee in the shade!
Don't do the remaining steps in direct sunlight and heat. Move your motorcycle into a shady area or your garage. Leaving wax products on your motorcycle and allowing them to dry in the heat and sunlight can cause damage to your chrome and paint in the long-term - the exact result we're looking to avoid in this process! Plus... it's just a lot cooler in the shade, and who can argue with that? Heat stroke and motorcycle detailing do not go together.
Step 3: Wax-On, Wax-OffAfter getting the bugs, dust, and other grit off of your bike, it's time for the detailed work. Youwill want to select a good detail/wax product. Here is the one I used. This product is actually a good, standard, decently-priced wax, and I found that it wiped off fairly easily after application, not leaving an overly-streaky residue like I have run into with other products.
I keep a big pile of clean cloths on-hand for this process. First I spray the wax onto the cloth, then apply to the bike. I let it sit for a little bit - not more than a minute at most - then wipe it off with a separate cloth.
I use a lot of cloths throughout this process but there are those who don't; I just really like to polish for a high shine. Again, the product pictured was good for use on the chrome and the paintjob. The reason I prefer to apply it with a cloth is because you don't want to get this stuff on your brakes - be very careful, otherwise you create a dangerous situation for the next time you are out on the road. Also most of these products are not good for use on leather - check the label of the one you pick and make sure you take off any pieces not recommended for use with that product.
Using circular motions to apply and remove wax isn't just for the karate kid, by the way. You'll find it to be the best way to keep from leaving an icky residue when you are wiping the wax off.
Step 4: Corrosion Protectant
Following your washing and detailing, you will want to do a little something-something for your chrome to prevent long-term pitting or rusting. I recommend getting a good corrosion protectant. The one pictured was OK, but I found it very difficult to wipe off after applied - it left some streaking and was really oily. If anyone has any better luck with another product or any other suggestions for protecting your chrome, please leave some info for us in the comments.

Step 5: Scratch Removal
The next step in our process is to use that elbow grease you've saved up (yeah, right) to try and buff out any scratches you might have on your paint job. Keep in mind the scratch removal polish you can get at the shop will do a pretty good job on smaller stuff, but a fairly deep or large scratch will need buffing. We'll go over that at another time - a professional grade buffer can be a good investment in the right hands; in the wrong hands, it can really damage your fancy paint job. I don't really have any particularly noticeable scratches on my bike at the moment (it's been in the garage for far too long), but use the same circular motion on your scratches that you did for the detail and waxing. The trick for this? Just keep going - your dominant arm should end up pretty sore by the end of this process anyways. If it's just not coming out, again, you should consult a professional about getting it buffed out without damaging your paint job.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Other options are available for getting your bike into pristine condition. Some people swear by tire blackeners (possibly not a good idea if you are zipping around on two wheels, though - for the same reason you shouldn't get wax on your brakes or tires), other people like to spend hours polishing each individual spoke. Some people viciously attack errant bug splatters on their windshields with Windex or other cleaning products. Let us know what else you like to do to make your bike perfect for riding season!

30. Weather forcasts / links for Champaign Urbana

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Well, given the fickle weather of Chambana, it always helps to find out the current weather condition. So, here are some assorted links that will take you right away to the current weather condition of Champaign-Urbana, as listed in various websites.

Bookmark this post ... you never know when you've got to check out the weather!!

Enjoy!!

UIUC Weather

Detailed weather info from UofI CropSci dept.

Weather.com

• Champaign
• Urbana

IlliniWeather.com

• Champaign
• Urbana

National Weather Service

FindLocalweather

• Champaign
• Urbana

Weather Underground

• Champaign
• Urbana

29. Emergency phone numbers in Champaign - Urbana

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If you have an emergency, and need help from Police, Fire or Medical personnel, call 911
From a campus phone, dial 9-911

If you need help, but it's not an emergency, use the following numbers for police

• Champaign Police - 217-351-4545
  
  
• Urbana Police - 217-384-2320
  
  
• University of Illinois Police - 217-333-1216
  
  
• Champaign County Sheriff - 217-333-8911
  
  
• Danville Police - 217-431-2250
  
  
• Vermilion County Sheriff - 217-442-4080
  

27. Asian / Chinese/ Korean ethnic groceries in Champaign Urbana

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Besides the Indian ethnic grocery I mentioned in #20, there are several other Asian grocery stores in Champaign - Urbana. These are mainly Chinese groceries, but also carry other Asian cuisines such as Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino etc.

Following is a list of Asian Grocery stores in Chambana.

• AM-KO Oriental Food : Located at the corner of 1st and Springfield in Champaign, this Korean Grocery store carries a huge collection of Asian grocery items. They have seafood, Kimchi, noodles, Indian spices/groceries, rice, herbs,tea, fresh vegetables etc.
  
  
• Chang's Oriental Mart : This is located between Neil and Randolph, and on Green. Right next to Annapoorna ... and the Champaign Public Library. This family run store has a lot of chinese grocery items. Even better, they have the best Butter fish (my favorite). You also get milk powder, vegetable, and different kinds of fish.
  
  
• Euro Mart : Located at the corner of 1st and Springfield in Champaign (diagonally opposite to Am-Ko), this is more of a Mediterranean grocery, and carries mostly middle eastern items. They do have Halaal/kosher meat, lamb, beef, chicken etc. A huge collection of Cheese, Olives and other such, items.
  
  
• Far East Market : The store doesn't give a good impression from the outside, but the moment you step inside, you'll be surprised. This store has perhaps the largest collection of Asian food items. The aisles are narrow, as they have a lot of different types of spices, canned food, fresh fish, vegetables, pickles, and what not! I especially like their seafood collection, but you've got to go there and see it for yourself.
  
  
• Green Onion : I haven't been there, but they are supposed to have organic and asian food/veggies.
  
  
• Lee's Oriental Foods : This is at the corner of Neil and Kirby (right next to the Walgreens). They carry Korean groceries.
  
  
• Maligaya's Store : I have not been to this store, but it is listed as a Filipino grocery.
  
  
• World Harvest International & Gourmet Foods : Like Euro-Mart, this is a Mediterranean grocery store. They have middle-eastern, arab, European stuff. Lamb/beef/chicken, kosher/halaal. Also a lot of cheese, olives etc. Good collection of exclusive items, chockolates etc. But the prices are a bit high.
  

26. Monsters and the law in Urbana

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While reading about funny laws throughout the world, in particular the "funny Illinois law" section, I suddenly came across this interesting entry:

It is against the law for a monster to enter the corporate limits of Urbana, Illinois.

I felt intrigued and safe ... wow, the city is off limits to monsters!! So if the day comes when Godzilla or Freddy or Chucky or other monsters wander around the cornfields (so typical hang-out place for monsters), all I need to do is to cross Wright street to the East side and enter Urbana. The monsters should obey the law, and stop dead on their tracks ... honest law abiding monsters won't have the "courage" to come after the citizens of Urbana. (How lucky that I've moved from monster friendly Champaign to Urbana a few years ago!!)

But seriously, is it really a law?

After some googling, I came across this page, which gives the following explanation, an act from 1872,

Third. Circuses, menageries, caravans, hippodromes,side-shows and concerts, minstrel or musical entertainments given under a canvas, exhibitions of freaks of nature or monsters, and all exhibitions that may be given in the open air or under a canvas, not herein specifically mentioned, shall be known as entertainments of the third class.

Sec. 2. No person or persons shall give any entertainment mentioned in this chapter, within the corporate limits of the city, for gain, without a license therefor, first had and obtained from the City Clerk, under the corporate seal, under a penalty of not less than ten dollars nor more than
two hundred dollars for each offense.

So, there you go ... its TRUE!!! Monsters can't just walk into Urbana doing their usual Monster stuff ... they need to get a License!! Otherwise, they have to pay a fine between $10 and $200!!

So, next time the Chidlren of the Corn or Godzilla start heading towards Urbana, you can just whip out this statute, and tell them it's illegal for monsters to enter Urbana sans a license ...

[Image: Domo kun , from Commons]

25. Movies and movie theaters in Champaign Urbana

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Champaign Urbana has several movie theaters.

My personal favorite is Boardman's Art Theatre in Downtown Champaign (126 W Church Street, Champaign, IL [Map] [Phone: (217) 355-0068] ). While this is a very small movie theater, it brings many indie films and foreign movies (such as Indian Hindi cinemas) from time to time. You can buy tickets online, or at the movie theater. There is meter parking available on the streers nearby, and also several restaurants.


Next comes Goodrich Savoy 16 . They have $1 movies for kids all summer, and also discount tickets during the afternoons. This is a big movie theater, and regularly brings the latest Hollywood Blockbusters. The theater is located at 232 W. Burwash Savoy, IL 61874 [Map] [Phone: (217) 355-3456 ]

The other big movie theater is Carmike Beverly Cinema 18 in North Prospect, Champaign. It is also a multiplex, and located right next to Meijer. Address: 910 Meijers Drive, Champaign, IL 61821 [Map]. [Phone: (217) 359-5687 ]

There is another small theater catering to the Indie movie circuit. Virginia Theater - Champaign
((217) 356-9053) 203 W Park Ave, Champaign, IL 61820

And there are occasional film screenings in the University too.


Note

If you are a student, be sure to present your student ID when purchasing a ticket. Most movie theaters will give you a discount on ticket prices.

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

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I wanted to find a quick, after-work recipe for dinner, and this stir fry recipe is just that! You can interchange the meat and veggie to whatever you want. BenjiManTV's video explains it very well. I used beef and broccoli, and changed some of the potions.

Tips:
-Buy a wok.
-Prep all ingredients before cooking. Stir frying is fast, high heat.
-Keeping the beef, onion and broccoli around the same size for even cooking.
-Don't use stew meat, it gets chewy. I've learned the hard way.

Ingredients:
1 lb Beef (sliced)
Half a chopped Onion
1.5 c Broccoli
3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
1 Tbsp of Fresh Ginger, chopped
Chili Pepper Flakes (depends how spicy you want it)
1 Tbsp Chili Paste (depends how spicy you want it)
6  Tbsp Vegetable Oil
4 Tbsp Teriyaki Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4 Cup Water

1. Heat oil on low heat, throw in ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 secs and remove the ingredients and 1/2 the oil. Put it to the side.

2. Turn heat on high, add beef, salt and pepper. Cook until about 1/2 way cooked. Remove beef from pan. Put to the side.

3. Add the saved oil (not the garlic/ginger chunks) to the pan, and add the broccoli. Stir, then add the water and cover for 15 secs. This will steam to help soften the veggie.

4. Add the onions (I didn't have any this time) and garlic/ginger/chili flakes. Stir for 15 secs, then add beef, chili paste and teriyaki sauce. Stir until meat is fully cooked.

5. Dinner is served!

Mark's Duck House - Falls Church, VA

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Ah dim sum. I don't get to have it often because the bf doesn't like small dishes...pshhh! Well that's what friends are for! One of my friends took me to Mark's Duck House - her favorite spot for Sunday dim sum. The restaurant has been around for over 20 years serving Hong Kong-style cuisine. As their name suggests, they are known for their Peking Duck. However, we didn't get a chance to try it.
Located in a shopping center, there is plenty of free parking, but it can get crowded.

This place is smaller than other restaurants that offer dim sum, so it was PACKED! We took a number when we got through the crowd waiting by the door.

They offered many of the same dishes I'm used to seeing as well as some different items. Sorry guys, but I don't have prices for any of these items because they were in Chinese. All dishes are between $2.50 - $7.50 though.

1. Pan-Fried Chives Dumpling - Out of all the dumplings, this was my favorite.
2. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling (Shiu Mai)
3. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling
4. Shrimp Dumpling (Har Gao)

5. Fried Taro Dumpling - One of my favorite dishes when I have dim sum.
6. Shrimp Noodle Crepe - Best noodle crepe I've tried.
7. Lemongrass and Ginger Oyster - Oyster by itself was the size of my palm.
8. Stuffed Crab Claw - I broke my chopstick trying to cut this. It was massive!
Service was very fast with the carts, they constantly filled our water glasses, replaced my broken chopstick and reminded me that I forgot my leftovers. I thought they were great! Food was on point. Now I just need more dim sum buddies!

6184 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 532-2125
marksduckhouse.com

Hot N Juicy Crawfish - Woodley Park, DC

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When the weather is cold and rainy, I typically turn to hot, Asian soups to calm my mood, but Hot N Juicy Crawfish provides the same effect. Picking at spicy seafood warms me up and helps me forget that it's gross outside. Thank goodness for my readers because I mentioned wishing the Boiling Crab (San Jose) was closer, and they told me about this place! Living Social offered a deal just in time too.

When it's nice outside, they offer outdoor seating. If you drive, good luck finding street parking. We took the metro because it's literally across the street from the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop on the red line.

I love exposed brick. The place is a decent size with rooms that are slightly sectioned off. Top 40 music was blasting during dinner, and the vibe was DC mixed Louisiana.

As the name suggests, the place is known for their crawfish. You can order other seafood items like crab, shrimp, lobster and clams too. They are all cooked in a plastic bag within your seasoning of choice. Simple concept, huh?

We ordered The Drool (crawfish, shrimp, snowcrab legs, sausage, corn on the cob, and side of fried calamari) for around $30-35. SUCH A DEAL! We also ordered a side of Cajun Fries (less than $5) that were good, crispy and spicier then expected.

Can you see the joy in his face?

They offer 5 seasoning flavors: Louisiana style, Cajun, Garlic Butter, Lemon Pepper and Hot N Spicy Special. Spice levels: Baby Spice, Mild, Medium, Spicy, and Extra Spicy. We ordered the Hot N Spicy Special, Mild. The server warned that they do not play when it comes to spice. Holy crap, the Mild I would consider Medium/Spicy. I would describe the sauce as thin, garlicky and spicy. The calamari was fried to perfection as a tasty side.

I was a crawfish-peeling virgin. They advise that you twist off the head, suck out the juices, then fold the tail in half to crack it, and then peel out the tail meat. Gosh, crawfish are tiny creatures! The shrimp tasted very sweet.

When you walk into the restaurant, they have this huge wall of Polaroids. It didn't say what it was for, so I asked and the server joking said "it's for people I like" and she added our picture =)
The servers are great. Very friendly, helpful and want to hear their customer's opinions. The food is good, however I wish the sauce was thicker/richer because it doesn't adhere to the seafood. Its a low-key place where you can get down and dirty with your food. Check out their Happy Hour of $1 beers all-day Monday through Wednesday! Can't beat that.

2651 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 299-9448
hotnjuicycrawfish.com