Do you enjoy driving with your windows open enjoying a relaxing breeze and fresh air? Why not get that same feeling while getting some exercise and doing your part for the environment? Madison has been named a Gold Level bike friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. What this means is that there are plenty of bike paths, lanes, and boulevards to get you to and from anywhere in the city. If there was ever a time to ditch your car and start biking, this is it. But if you're new to this whole biking thing, don't' worry, here are some resources to get you pedaling in no time!
Madison B-Cycle: The biggest change to Madison cycling landscape is last year's introduction of the Madison B-Cycle stations. Sponsored by Trek Bicycles headquartered in Waterloo, WI, B-Cycles offer cheap and easy bike rentals for Madison residents, students, and visitors. Simply check out a bike at one station and return to any of the other 20+ locations throughout the city. Bikes are regularly maintained and rotated making sure there is one when you need it. Find a map of B-Stations here.
Red Bike Project: Located just south of campus, Budget Bicycle Center offers a free bicycle rental program for anyone in Madison. In Spring, donated bikes that have been painted red are made available to all to be used throughout the warmer months free of charge (assuming they are returned come winter). Supplies are limited, get yours early. You can follow @RedBikeProject on twitter for updates or get more information on the website.
Bike Madison: The city of Madison's official website offers an array of information and services for cyclists in the city. Register your bike, plan a bike route, and keep up on the latest news.
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin: The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that works with people throughout the state to make bicycling safe, accessible, and fun. They are active in state politics, host cycling events, provide free bike valet, and educate people on the benefits of cycling. Their website offers lots of information and services for all types of cyclists and lists of upcoming events and current campaigns.
Bombay Bicycle Club: The Bombay Bicycle Club is not only an English indie rock band, but also Madison's largest cycling club. They offer planned rides from 25 to 50 miles in and around Madison that are open to anyone.
Freewheel Bikes: Freewheel Bikes is a community bike shop located on S. Park St. that allows anyone to come in, use the tools and parts, build and repair bikes, and share their knowledge and expertise. A great resource for those just starting out to get some hands on experience.
Bicycling is a safe and healthy form of recreation and transportation that many have already embraces. With so many resources, a plethora of bike shops, and a cycling infrastructure second to none, Madison is the perfect place, and now the perfect time to stop burning gas and start burning calories.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of garlic? Most likely tasty meals and bad breath. While garlic is delicious, did you know it has so many uses outside of the kitchen? You can use natural, from the Earth garlic to replace a lot of chemicals used around the house while saving money in the process!
Acne Treatment: Garlic has blood cleansing and antibiotic properties. Try rubbing cloves on your face or extracting juice and applying with a cotton ball.
Mosquito Repellent. It's not clear why, but mosquitos can't stand garlic. Place cloves where you find mosquitos or rub them on your exposed skin. Be warned, however, you may repel more than mosquitos.
Pet Protection. It's not only mosquitos that hate garlic, but fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Give your pet a healthy diet of garlic to keep them free of pests. Some pet foods already contain some garlic for this reason!
Garden Pesticide. A much greener alternative to chemical pesticides. Mix garlic cloves and extracts with some pepper and soap to keep away bugs and sometimes larger animals.
Antibiotics. While garlic shouldn't take the place of traditional antibiotics, in times of need, rub some on a wound to fend off in infection until help arrives.
Glue. If you've ever chopped garlic, you may know the juice can be very sticky. Need some glue in a pinch? Use that juice as a strong adhesive.
Cosmetics. Mix garlic and lemon extracts with water, cider vinegar, and lavender flower to make a face cleanser, or garlic juice with water, vodka, and rosemary for a scalp and hair lotion. Careful though, some people may be allergic.
Cough Syrup. Garlic's antibacterial properties can come to the rescue again. Boil a quarter pound of garlic in water, add sweetener for taste, and drink. It can stop coughs, soothe soar throats, and help you recover faster.
If garlic's delicious taste didn't have you keeping some around before, and it should have been, knowing the other wonderful things it can do will defiantly put it on your next grocery list!
With gas prices nearing record highs and the summer travel season just around the corner, most people could use a hand in getting every mile they can out of their tanks. Not only does this keep you from pulling out the wallet less, but also lets you do your part for the environment. Take these tips and reduce your dependency on the black gold!
Take public transportation. It is estimated that public transportation saves 3.4 billion gallons of oil and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 26 million tons each year. It will cost you roughly the same as driving, but you save wear and tear on your vehicle and reduce those nasty greenhouse gasses.
Drive smarter. Getting regular mechanical checks, accelerating slowly, braking sooner, not speeding, and proper tire inflation and alignment will all go a long way to increase mileage.
Carpool. Fewer cars on the road mean less gas burned. Simple as that.
Trade in your car. This may not be the easiest, but if you can, buying a hybrid or electric vehicle will greatly reduce your gas costs. Hybrids and electric cars can get from 33 to 100mpg compared to conventional cars getting around 25.
Bike or walk. The perfect solution! Biking and walking costs nothing, produces no emissions and gives you exercise!
Use these tips and you'll enjoying all that extra cash while feeling good knowing you're doing your part to save Mother Earth!
Today is World Goth Day, a day to celebrate the post-punk, anti-establishment, dark clothes-wearing subculture.
I'm pretty sure I was a Goth for at least for little while, for two reasons.
1) I almost hardly ever wear pastels.
2) I used to...
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This morning it seemed like just about everyone was in the mood for some Funky Cold Medina...except Kitty. This ridiculous song made it all the way to number 3 in 1989. Jonathan says any song that references advertising dogs from the 80's has got...
Madison's summer music festival season kicks off this weekend with Brat Fest at Willow Island, where there are more bands than you can shake a bratwurst at! Check out the Brat Fest website to plan your itinerary.
Next up is the Marquette...
John Fogerty is making the talk show rounds this week, stopping in to see David Letterman Tuesday and Wednesday, and the ladies of "The View" on Thursday.
He's promoting his new album, "Wrote a Song For Everyone" which comes out next Tuesday...
It's a miracle that both Jonathan and KItty wanted to hear Barry Manilow this morning. They were not alone. Plenty of Fanilow's called in to vote yes. One caller claimed to have seen Manilow in concert 25 times!
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, it is another gorgeous Monday, fit for another great show at the Crystal Corner tonight.
Through locking ourselves in the barn on Irish Lane, tossing some ideas around, as well as a few choice beverages to...
Hey everybody, we were thrown for a loop by the twist this week, but were able to make one of our "oldie but a goldie" songs fit the mold.
We have a few songs that we have played consistently over the years, and we are very happy that we will be...
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Do you enjoy driving with your windows open enjoying a relaxing breeze and fresh air? Why not get that same feeling while getting some exercise and doing your part for the environment? Madison has been named a Gold Level bike friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. What this means is that there are plenty of bike paths, lanes, and boulevards to get you to and from anywhere in the city. If there was ever a time to ditch your car and start biking, this is it. But if you're new to this whole biking thing, don't' worry, here are some resources to get you pedaling in no time!
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of garlic? Most likely tasty meals and bad breath. While garlic is delicious, did you know it has so many uses outside of the kitchen? You can use natural, from the Earth garlic to replace a lot of chemicals used around the house while saving money in the process!
With gas prices nearing record highs and the summer travel season just around the corner, most people could use a hand in getting every mile they can out of their tanks. Not only does this keep you from pulling out the wallet less, but also lets you do your part for the environment. Take these tips and reduce your dependency on the black gold!
