Camera Practice

So, here are some of the photographs I’ve been taking lately (thanks to those that have expressed an interest in seeing them). I’m using a digital camera, a Cannon Powershot SD1000, so nothing fancy, but I’m just learning! I’ve been tryng to figure out how to capture the light (without a flash) at night. I’m learning the trick to evening photography is to adjust the ISO to the lowest setting possible, depending on the light, which requires a very steady hand to capture a crisp image without any blurring. After many botched pictures, I’ve finally figured out how to stabilize my camera just long enough to get a good shot here and there. Here are some of the pictures that have turned out…

Picking my U-lock with a BIC Pen!

After spending the majority of the past few days desperately searching for my bike key, I finally gave up. I’ve since conceded that it is long gone, and I simply don’t have the patience to search anymore. I want to ride my bike! So, moving on, I had to figure out how I was going to get the Kryptonite U-lock off my bike! After searching the Internet, I came across something that seemed too good to be true… I found several videos demonstrating how I could pick the lock with a BIC pen! I was skeptical, and yes, it seemed like a fat chance in hell that it would work, but I figured it was worth a try.

The result? After 30 minutes of sweat and Macgyver-type maneuvering, armed with a rock, a pliers, and several BIC pens, I PICKED MY LOCK! In case you want/need to try this at home, here is how I eventually did it:

1. Remove ink from pen (seems obvious I know, but common sense doesn’t always apply!)
2. Widen the end of the big pen slightly with a key…just enough so that the opening is large enough to slide over the key hole. (Note: I tried several BIC pens, the one that ended up working was the softer plastic material (translucent) pen.)
3. Pound the pen into the key hole with a hammer or a rock.
4. Twist the pen clockwise, until eventually the key rotates half way around, unlocking the U-lock. (Keeping a grip of this is hard… I used a pliers).
5. If this works, Call or Email Kryptonite and demand a replacement! http://www.kryptonitelock.com

I feel like the ultimate BAD-ASS right now. I can’t believe this worked! At the same time I feel RIPPED OFF! I spent like $70 on this lock!

So I’ve written an email to Kryptonite, requesting a new lock in exchange for this faulty piece of craftmanship… we’ll see what happens. But, for any of you out there who cherish your bike’s or rely on it for your daily transportation, you might wanna do a little research on your own locks… just in case! I’ll let you all know what I hear back from Kryptonite!