Smile Politely. Speak Directly. A Champaign-Urbana Culture Blog

Did you know a praying mantis can help keep unwanted insects out of your garden? Our recently hatched garden friend will eat whatever he can get his "hands" on. You can order them online here. They will hatch in two to four weeks. Check out the super creepy but radical video after the jump.

On Friday night, Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips gets wild at the 2008 Summer Camp in Chillicothe, Ill. — followed by the one and only legendary Roots Crew. Check out the photo after the jump to see Questlove's drum solo. And don't miss out on other upcoming summer music festivals around the country.

Woodlawn Cemetery, which shares its land with Busey Woods in Urbana, houses many folks who once walked the streets of our two towns. Illegible tombstones from the pre-Civil War era flock the grounds — but one lesser known fact is that this cemetery has a few sections lovingly referred to as "babyland" by the groundskeepers. Large rows of tiny worn down grave markers, like the ones above from the oldest "babyland," can be found on the southeast side of the cemetery marking the deaths of many children who died from various illnesses in the early 1900s. Another interesting grave marker, for Isham Cook, is one from the first body buried at this cemetery. Although his body is not directly under his tombstone, it is "still around somewhere under the grounds," according to a groundskeeper. Click "Continue Reading" to see Cook's marker.

In the center of Parkland's Staerkel Planetarium is their projector: the Zeiss model M-1015 projects about 7600 simulated stars, the sun, the moon and five planets onto a dome-shaped screen which is fifty feet across. Parkland's projector was the first of this model to be installed in the world.

Visit their website for a listing of events happening in June.

Did you know Americans throw out enough iron and steel to supply all the nation’s automakers on a continuous basis? Here at Mack's Twin City Recycling, you can always find a tire or forty. They have a self-serve auto parts yard on site. And next time you think about throwing away unwanted metal, bring in your scraps and they'll pay you.

Every Wednesday night, for $15 per family or $5 per person, Skateland in Savoy hosts "Family Night." Traditional skates can be rented for an additional $2 or you may opt for speed and inline skates for $4. They also have meal specials available during Family Night at the snack bar. Skating from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will most likely wear your kids out and make them fall asleep like babies again, just make sure the kids don't load up on too many of the sweets they sell. You can thank Skateland later.

Located in unincorporated Rising, Illinois, and on Rising Rd. — the Rising Farmers Grain Company elevator is most impressive considering it's history and place in Illinois' grain processing game. It endures even though it is an old wooden elevator and their man lift still functions by rope. Plus, it's completely farmer owned. The elevator produces 30,000 to 34,000 bushels of grain annually and they are the smallest co-op left in the state, with three locations across Illinois.

The street railways run between Champaign-Urbana and used to connect our two towns. Now many of these trains merely pass through neighboring cities and states transporting goods. Learn more about the history of the trains in Champaign-Urbana at the Illinois Central Historical Society.

Stuck inside and slightly depressed today? Flowers can actually make you happy. How cliché. With the drab weather outdoors, a bright yellow chrysanthemum ($3.50 a stem) could keep you from going stir-crazy. Maybe. Pick one or a couple up from Rick Orr Florist at 122 N. Walnut St. in Champaign.

The landmark we all know and love, Alma Mater, gets giddy over the inclement weather in Champaign-Urbana.

If tonight's your big night out on the town, make sure you know what you're doing, how you'll get around, what you'll wear, where you'll be dining and who you will smooch at the stroke of midnight in Champaign–Urbana.

All the snow has melted. This year, the chance of having a white Christmas is slim to none. We were so close.

Come out today, or even Thursday, for a thinly sliced Italian Beef sandwich (served on bread from Mirabelle) at Caffe Paradiso in Urbana. Order it with all the toppings: melted mozzarella cheese and giardiniera. Mmm delicioso!

An ice storm makes its way through Champaign-Urbana leaving up to a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation. Exercise caution when attempting to climb up a tree.

Once you post signs all around Prospect Avenue on how to avoid traffic, it's not very super secret, now is it? City of Champaign — the sharpest tool in the shed?

Rob Hirschfeld, of Common Loon, performs at Mike 'N Molly's. A must see local band!

Brett Sanderson, Erin Fein & Tristan Wraight (members of Headlights) kick it up a notch for a classy photo shoot.

Fall Has Come To An End. Here's to Next Year's Caramel Apples.

One of Broken Social Scene's main men - Kevin Drew performs at the Canopy Club in Urbana.

Psalm One (Cristalle Bowen) performs at Krannert Art Museum's interactive art event, ARTzilla!

GWAR destroys the Canopy Club in Urbana. What else is there to say?

Kevin Barnes - Of Montreal rock out at the Canopy Club in Urbana.

Yeasayer makes it to this year's Pygmalion Music Festival & Chris Keating gets down at the Canopy Club.

Cotton Candy, Neon Colors and Outdated Rides that Will Make Your Stomach Turn.
Welcome to the Champaign County Fair.