I actually managed to lose the little pouch for the battery of my MagicShine, so I've just been carrying the battery in my jacket pocket with the cable sticking out. Less than ideal, I'll admit.

I keep it pointed so that the center of the beam is hitting the road about 20 or 30 feet in front of me. So far no complaints, though I did get one comment that I could "use that to light a prison yard." I do like the idea of putting a little shield on the top, which should be simple and not effect the function. It's probably overkill for the city, but cars (and peds) DO see you coming! Any cyclist looking right into my light is probably on the wrong side of the street.

Most of the other riders I see around here at night either have no light or tiny, barely visible lights.