Not that you really need another excuse to ride your bike to work or school or play. You know the deal: Biking is fun, it's healthy, it's convenient and — all right — it's cheap.

Of course, bicycling should also be safe, and that's where a half-hour of basic maintenance every month or so can really help.

For a really thorough tune-up and evaluation, you should still make an appointment with a good bike specialty shop, but there's a lot you can do on your own today to keep your bike in top condition.

Here are a few tips from Chris Clark, a bicycle education coordinator and administrative assistant with the Hawaii Bicycling League, and other bicycling resources:

• Start with a routine tire check. Flip your bike over so that it rests securely on its seat and handlebars. Then, under a good light, slowly rotate the tires, checking carefully for punctures, slices, bulges or signs of excessive wear. Look closely at the sidewalls for fraying or wear.

• Check your tire pressure, too. An underinflated tire is more vulnerable to flats and can slow your ride.

• Run your chain to see that it isn't kinked, twisted or otherwise deformed. If the chain is especially dirty or gritty, you might consider buying a chain cleaner with a reservoir that allows you to run the chain through a solvent bath. There are several brands of citrus-based solvents and other cleaning agents that are environmentally friendly. For a quick lube, simply apply a coat of light oil or lubricant to your chain and wipe off the excess.

• If you are familiar with the working parts of your bicycle, you can also check your shifters to make sure they are working properly. Again, you'll want to check the cables for fraying or other signs of wear. Apply some light oil to ensure the cables run smoothly.

"They can get gummed up inside the casing," Clark said. "If it's dirty, it won't shift properly."

• Also check your brake shoes: first, to make sure there is enough padding for proper braking ("metal on metal is not good," Clark said) and, second, that they are aligned properly.

"If they rub against the tire when the brakes aren't (engaged) ... they'll wear away the sidewalls," Clark said.

• Finally, turn your bike back over and check to see that your wheels and handlebars are secure. Make sure your grips are secure, as well, and that the ends of your handlebars are fully plugged.

When you ride, Clark suggests packing a small repair kit with an extra tube, tire-replacement tools, and a pump.

To find a new bicycling route or join one of HBL's free weekend fun rides, check out the HBL site at www.hbl.org.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2461.

Tonight's the night to look at stars and planets

Check out those heavenly bodies with the Hawaii Astronomical Society after dark tonight at Kahala and Waikele community parks.

Look for the telescopes and the people looking skyward. Here's hoping the sky is clear for best viewing. It's free.

The key thing is to get regular mammograms

You, too, can join the volunteers who'll be taking part in a breast-cancer awareness project on Super Craft Day, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. today at all Ben Franklin craft stores in the Islands.

The aim is to assemble 10,000 ipu (gourd) key chains, which will be given away free to remind women to get mammograms.

They'll be given away at the stores and by the American Cancer Society (595-7500).

Nuking water improperly can be dangerous

Microwave ovens are a must today for fast heating and cooking. But there's danger lurking there, too, if you super-heat water for soups and brew.

Have you heard the tale about someone heating water in a microwave and then having it explode, causing severe facial burns and scalding? Well, believe it.

Sometimes water heated in a smooth container does not boil when it hits the proper temperature because the smooth surface keeps bubbles from forming and escaping. The result? The water is heated far beyond its boiling point, and when you place a spoon or powder in the super-heated water, steam escapes in a rush, blasting extremely hot water out, too.

The way to prevent this is to add mixes or tea bags to water first, then microwave it with a stir stick or plastic spoon in it.

Also, never heat liquids for more than two minutes on high.

Sesame Street madness wraps up this weekend

Hey, kids, it's the final weekend of Sesame Street Live's "Out of This World" stage production at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. This is the tale of a couple of Martians who need the help of the Sesame Street gang to get home. Expect to see favorites including Big Bird, Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster and Zoe in the cast.

Showtimes are 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. today and tomorrow.

Tickets are $11, $15 and $19. (877) 750-4400.

Expert advice on remodeling your home

If you're thinking about remodeling your nest, start at the "Remodel it Right" seminar and mini expo, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. today at Mililani Town Center, next to Zippy's.

It's sponsored by the Hawaii Remodelers Council, part of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii, and it's free.

Old T-shirts can get a new lease on life — as pillows

For a personal and cool gift idea, construct a crafty pillow.

You can surprise the recipient by using their worn out T-shirts thereby getting the benefit of recycling. too. Otherwise, you can check out flea markets for novel fabrics and designs.

T-SHIRT PILLOW
• 4 T-shirts
• scissors, pins, needle and thread
• sewing machine
• fiberfill
• button, iron-on letters or appliques

Cut out the front and back panels of the shirts so each measures 12 by 12 inches. You will have eight sections. Choose which ones you want for the front of the pillow and set the others aside. Pin the four panels together to form a square, with the designs arranged how you like them. Sew them in place along a half-inch border. Repeat the process for the remaining back panels. If using iron-on letters or appliques for the front or back panels, apply them now.

Turn both pieces inside out. Sew along three of the sides and half way through the fourth side to create a pillow sleeve. Turn the sleeve right side out. Stuff with the fiberfill and use the needle and thread to sew up the edge. If desired, add a button with the needle and thread through the center of the pillow.

Tips and variations: Instead of using four panels, cut the shirts up into smaller pieces and make a quilted pillow, or use the pieces to make a fabric collage on the front of the pillow. Add piping or trim to the outside.

Use more shirts to make a large floor pillow, or fewer shirts for a bolster pillow. Use the iron-on letters to spell out your pal's name or favorite phrase. Incorporate a picture of you with your intended recipient by using an image transfer on fabric (instead of one of the shirts).

— By Kathy Cano-Murillo, Arizona Republic

Food frenzy continues at annual Taste of Honolulu

If you're into food — and who in Hawai'i isn't? — you'll be at the annual Taste of Honolulu, which continues on the Civic Center grounds today and tomorrow.

Nearly two dozen restaurants are offering sample-sized fare for purchase with scrip sold at the event.

Food isn't the only attraction: Look for wine booths, cookijng demonstrations and kids activities. Entertainment highlights include Maunalua, the Honolulu Jazz Quartet, John Cruz and Chant today, Dita Holifield & The Next Big Thing, Simplisity, 'Ale'a, Ho'onu'a and Kapena tomorrow.