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
IlliniWeather.com
National Weather Service
FindLocalweather
Weather Underground
Sunday, August 24, 2008
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
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
Saturday, August 23, 2008
28. Newspapers in Champaign - Urbana
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If you are looking for a local newspaper in Champaign Urbana, you have two options :
Where can you get it? Most campus buildings have a newsstand where you can pick one up. Also, there are boxes around the campus, for example, near the bus stop at the Illini Union, where you can get a copy. Besides campus news, it has national and International coverage, as well as a good classified ads section.
The News-Gazette: This is the regular newspaper of Champaign-Urbana-Danville area. This is a pretty old one ... tracing its origins to the 1850 "Urbana Union". After a series of mergers, the current incarnation of the paper started under its current name in 1919.
If you are looking for a regular print news paper, this might be the best option for you. Weekday issues cost 50 cents, while the sunday edition is $1.50. But, you get a lot of store coupons with the sunday edition. Besides the regular subscription, you can get a weekend subscription only too.
- The Daily Illini
- The News-Gazette
Where can you get it? Most campus buildings have a newsstand where you can pick one up. Also, there are boxes around the campus, for example, near the bus stop at the Illini Union, where you can get a copy. Besides campus news, it has national and International coverage, as well as a good classified ads section.
- Website: http://www.dailyillini.com/
The News-Gazette: This is the regular newspaper of Champaign-Urbana-Danville area. This is a pretty old one ... tracing its origins to the 1850 "Urbana Union". After a series of mergers, the current incarnation of the paper started under its current name in 1919.
If you are looking for a regular print news paper, this might be the best option for you. Weekday issues cost 50 cents, while the sunday edition is $1.50. But, you get a lot of store coupons with the sunday edition. Besides the regular subscription, you can get a weekend subscription only too.
- Website: http://www.news-gazette.com/
Monday, August 18, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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]
Saturday, August 9, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, August 4, 2008
24. Busey Bank locations and hours in Champaign Urbana
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Busey Bank is one of the many banks of Champaign Urbana, but the main distinction is that this is a local bank, and one of the oldest in the area. It was established in 1868 by Dr. W. R. Earhart and the Busey brothers - Simeon Busey and Colonel Samuel T. Busey of Urbana.
Through various mergers and acquisitions, the bank has grown a lot. Most recently, in 2007, it merged with Main Street Bank and Trust.
This was my first bank in Champaign-Urbana area. The advantages are clear: the locations are quite convenient ... there is a branch right at the center of U of I campus (6th and Green), and also many other locations around the area. They also have a lot of ATMs, and so you don't have to pay any ATM fees when you use their ATMs. You get a Mastercard check/debit card which doubles as the ATM card.
The bank also has a nice rewards program, and you get points for referring new customers as well as making purchases on debit cards. I received an Ipod Shuffle recently after cashing in my 800 points.
Following are the locations of the bank branches, and the hours. A more updated list can be found at the Bank's site.
Champaign
Urbana
Other cities
Through various mergers and acquisitions, the bank has grown a lot. Most recently, in 2007, it merged with Main Street Bank and Trust.
This was my first bank in Champaign-Urbana area. The advantages are clear: the locations are quite convenient ... there is a branch right at the center of U of I campus (6th and Green), and also many other locations around the area. They also have a lot of ATMs, and so you don't have to pay any ATM fees when you use their ATMs. You get a Mastercard check/debit card which doubles as the ATM card.
The bank also has a nice rewards program, and you get points for referring new customers as well as making purchases on debit cards. I received an Ipod Shuffle recently after cashing in my 800 points.
Following are the locations of the bank branches, and the hours. A more updated list can be found at the Bank's site.
Champaign
- Busey Bank, Champaign 217-384-3400
909 W Kirby, Champaign, IL 61820 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 8:30am to 5pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7am to 7pm | Sat - 7am to 4pm - Busey Bank, Champaign - Campus 217-365-4552
614 S Sixth St, Champaign, IL 61820 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Fri� 9am to 5pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm - Busey Bank, Champaign - North 217-355-1580
907 N Marketview, Champaign, IL 61822 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Thur - 9am to 5:30pm | Fri - 9am to 6pm | Sat - 9am to 1pm - Busey Bank, Springfield & Country Fair 217-351-2854
2011 W Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61821 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 9am to 5pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7am to 7pm | Sat - 7am to 7pm - Busey Bank, Springfield & Randolph 217-351-2700
314 S Randolph, Champaign, IL 61820 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 9am to 5pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7am to 7pm | Sat - 7am to 7pm - Busey Bank, University & Randolph 217-351-6500
100 W University, Champaign, IL 61820
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 9am to 4pm - Busey Bank, Windsor & Duncan 217-351-2820
3002 W Windsor, Champaign, IL 61821 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 9am to 5pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7am to 7pm | Sat - 8am to 12pm
Urbana
- Busey Bank, Urbana 217-365-4500
201 W Main, Urbana, IL 61801 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 9am to 4pm
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7:30am to 6pm
Mini Bank: Mon - Fri - 7:30am to 6pm | Sat - 8am to 1pm - Busey Bank, Urbana - Sunnycrest 217-367-6633
1717 Philo Rd, Urbana, IL 61801 24-Hour ATM Available
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 8am to 4pm | Sat - 8am to 1pm
Walk Up: Mon - Fri - 8am to 4pm | Sat - 8am to 1pm - Busey Bank, Urbana - The Pines 217-365-4930
2710 S Philo Rd, Urbana, IL 61802 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 9am to 5pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7:30am to 6:30pm | Sat - 7:30am to 1pm\
Other cities
- Busey Bank, Mahomet 217-586-4981
312 E Main, Mahomet, IL 61853
Lobby: Mon - Thur - 9am to 4pm | Fri - 9am to 5pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7am to 6pm | Sat - 7am to 1pm - Busey Bank, Rantoul 217-892-2181
200 E Sangamon, Rantoul, IL 61866
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 9am to 4pm - Busey Bank, Rantoul 217-892-4121
1231 E Grove, Rantoul, IL 61866 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 9am to 5:30pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7:30am to 6pm | Sat - 7:30am to 12pm - Busey Bank, Savoy 217-384-3424
108 Arbours, Savoy, IL 61874 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Thur �8am to 5pm | Fri �8am to 5:30pm | Sat �8am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Thur �7:30am to 6pm | Fri �7:30am to 7pm | Sat �7:30am to 1pm - Busey Bank, St. Joseph 217-469-7631
104 N Main, St. Joseph, IL 61873 24-Hour ATM Available
Lobby: Mon - Fri - 9am to 4pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7:30am to 6pm | Sat - 7:30am to 12pm - Busey Bank, Thomasboro 217-643-7836
101 Main St, Thomasboro, IL 61878
Drive Up: Mon - Fri - 7:30am to 6pm | Sat - 7:30am to 12pm - Busey Bank, Tolono 217-485-6021
128 E Holden, Tolono, IL 61880
Lobby: Mon - Thur - 9am to 4pm | Fri - 9am to 5pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Drive Up: Mon - Thur - 9am to 5:30pm | Fri - 9am to 6pm | Sat - 9am to 12pm
Walk Up: Mon - Thur - 4pm to 5:30pm | Fri - 5pm to 6pm
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