Blink, blink, blink - signs drive some to the brink

Times Square. Las Vegas. Security.

He noted that Lamar agreed to dim the Security billboard at dusk and turn it completely off at 11 p.m. in response to complaints.What do they have in common? High-tech, digital, brilliant LED billboards turning nighttime into day.Stewart said she's glad the light is off at night.LEDs, known for transforming neighborhood Christmas decorations into dazzling displays, are showing up more on billboards.But that use of the ultrabright, long-life, electronic lights isn't exactly neighborhood friendly.Barrett and several allies, including Dave Munger, president of the Council of Neighbors and Organizations, urged the El Paso County Commission on Tuesday to consider rules to prevent future LED billboards from being erected.A neighbor said she thought her cataract surgery had gone poorly when she got up in the middle of the night and saw the bright, flashing light of the sign near Bradley Road."The light shines right in my living-room window," Stewart said. "It blinks, and I see it all the time. Blink. Blink. Blink. Sometimes, it makes me mad."But that's the problem, said Larry Barrett of Scenic Colorado. Barrett is campaigning to get the LEDs banned in El Paso County, as they are in Colorado Springs and Denver.The LED billboards are owned by Lamar Outdoor Advertising, which has a network of hundreds of the digital boards nationwide."If we have our blinds open when it changes, it will make our balcony lighter," said Loyce Hoffman, who lives across the parkway in Sterling Pointe Apartments. "But we close our blinds at night. It doesn't bother me any.""It was a huge concession for us," Ward said.A two-sided LED billboard on Austin Bluffs Parkway, near Barnes Road, blinks every six seconds or so, flashing ads for a savings and loan, hot pizza, a church and new windows."Lamar isn't going to build any more LED signs until we get this straightened out," Ward said."It's an eyesore," said Rose Stewart, whose home in Security, along South Academy Boulevard, is near one of five new LED billboards in El Paso County.Companies are turning to the LED displays - despite huge price tags of $250,000 or so - because of their enhanced visibility and the memorable impact they make on motorists. They are hard to ignore.Most neighbors I talked to were similarly divided over the LED billboards. Some oppose them, while others grudgingly accept them."They were cooperative," she said. But she worries the outage is only temporary to appease neighbors.Read my blog updates?at gazette.com/blogs/sidestreetsAt the meeting, Lamar general manager Hal Ward agreed to discuss limiting future LED billboards.

Read my blog updates?at gazette.com/blogs/sidestreets

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

THEME BUILDING

A veteran of costume contests, attorney Greg Adler outdid himself with the eight-foot costume of Bumblebee from the movie Transformers that he built to win the $7,500 prize in a contest in Las Vegas last Halloween. Adler constructed a wooden skeleton over a hiking backpack frame to support the torso, and used mailing and carpet tubes on wooden frames for the arms. The head rests on a bike helmet that sits on Adler's head. To replicate the cinematic Transformer's blue eyes, he placed the gems from novelty rings and lights wired to a battery pack inside clear spherical Christmas ornaments. Bumblebee's cannon spins and lights up, thanks to a modified drill rigged to an LED array and switches inside the arm.A TRANSFORMERS COSTUME THAT LOOKS LIKE IT JUST WALKED OFF A MOVIE SCREEN

The toughest component was the legs, which needed to be flexible and sturdy enough for Adler to walk safely. He bought drywall stilts on eBay, reinforced them with wood, and placed hinges on the ankles and feet to allow for a range of walking motions. To finish off the look, he hand-cut pieces of the armor plating from foam board, coated some of them in vinyl appliqu�, and painted them. He even added scratches and blemishes to show a Bumblebee hardened by battle.-Andrew Rosenblum

Never Too Early to Start Planning Your Holiday Lighting Display

Even though Christmas is months away, it's never too early to start planning your holiday lighting display. Consider buying decorative lights from Light Energy Designs. Known for some of the most spectacular Christmas LED lighting displays seen at many public venues, Light Energy Designs offers the best LED technology on the market.

To read more on this topic, visit: http://www.lightenergydesigns.com/plan-holiday-display.html .Today, many people are conscientious about the health of the planet, and Light Energy Designs is too. Their LED holiday lights are energy efficient and will, on average, last 12 years and with proper care can last over twenty years. Their high quality lights also save their customers hundreds of dollars a year in electricity bills and replaced bulbs. Most of Light Energy Designs' lights use anywhere from 80% to 98% less electricity than standard bulbs, taking the words "going green" to a whole new level. Getting a head start on planning a holiday lighting display using energy efficient holiday lights from LightEnergyDesigns.com is a no-brainer.Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineContact: Light Energy Designs (303) 995-5704 x5169"It's always fun to decorate the home around the holidays with fancy lighting," said a LightEnergyDesigns.com representative. "That's why I think it's important to start planning for holidays sooner than later so people can find the best bargain. Light Energy Designs always has good deals on decorative lights which makes it that much easier to do some early planning."Offering the best of LED technology lighting on the market, LightEnergyDesigns.com is your one-stop shopping experience for all your LED Christmas and holiday lighting needs. Their lights come in a multitude of shapes, colors, and sizes and are perfect for any occasion including weddings, parties, and parades. With their low prices, high quality, and great warranties, LightEnergyDesigns.com is the only place you need to look for all your decorative lighting needs.For additional information, visit http://www.lightenergydesigns.com/With hundreds of low-priced items, choose Light Energy Designs' LED Christmas lights to brighten up the home for the holidays. They offer a variety of different lights including: decorative lights, Christmas LED lights, novelty lights, LED string lights, and many more. Their vast selection of lights allows people to really impress guests around the holidays.

Contact: Light Energy Designs (303) 995-5704 x5169

LED Christmas Lights From Light Energy Designs Save up to 98 Percent on Energy Bills

Though not yet Halloween, stores all over the country are already putting out their Christmas and holiday wares, which means it's time to start planning your Christmas light display, says Light Energy Designs, a leading retailer of LED Christmas lights .

"We offer only the highest-quality LED Christmas lights, which on average last about 12 years, and with proper care can last more than 20 years," said the Light Energy Designs representative. "This saves our customers hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year in electricity bills and replaced bulbs."For additional information, visit http://www.lightenergydesigns.com/ .To read more on this topic, visit: http://www.lightenergydesigns.com/save98energybills.html .Contact: Light Energy Designs (303) 995-5704LightEnergyDesigns.com is the one-stop shopping experience for all LED Christmas and holiday lighting needs. Their lights come in a multitude of shapes, colors, and sizes and are perfect for any occasion, including weddings, parties, and parades. With their low prices, high quality, and great warranties, LightEnergyDesigns.com brings the latest technology in holiday, seasonal and decorative lighting to business owners, cities, installers and individuals."Many people wait till the very last minute, usually the day after Thanksgiving when holiday decorative lights are at the highest prices, to grab a few boxes of the first lights they see and create a lackluster light display on the side of their store or home," said a LightEnergyDesigns.com representative. "But with some advanced planning and energy-efficient LED Xmas lights from Light Energy Designs, you can have a phenomenal holiday display that conserves energy and saves you up to 98% on your energy bills."In addition to their wide selection of energy-saving LED Christmas lights, LightEnergyDesigns.com also offers a variety of Christmas animations, pre-lit decorations, pre-lit Christmas trees, pre-lit wreaths and light storage accessories, making it truly the one-stop website for any and all Christmas and holiday display needs.About Light Energy Designs:Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine

Contact: Light Energy Designs (303) 995-5704

Santa's going green in Baltimore at Harborplace and The Gallery

The Big Guy in red is back - and he's going green.

Santa's Place will be open through Christmas Eve, and each night at 6 a special light show and holiday carols will swirl the air around the site. Christopher Schardt, senior GM of Harborplace and The Gallery, owned by General Growth Properties, Inc., said Friday's ceremony is a part of the 30th anniversary celebration there."We look forward to welcoming everyone back to shop, eat and take advantage of our wonderful array of holiday shopping opportunities and events," he said.Dancing Santas from the Baltimore School for the Arts will entertain on the Harborplace promenade as the jolly man and his elves arrive (in a hush-hush vehicle - can you say "Grand Prix"?) and Pat Harmony will provide holiday music to get all in the spirit.Santa is scheduled to return to a redecorated, environmentally friendly house at Harborplace and The Gallery at 6 p.m. Friday.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone back to shop, eat and take advantage of our wonderful array of holiday shopping opportunities and events," he said.

iPhone Controlled Color LED Lights From MEA Mobile

Clark Griswald Envious

Also available starting today is a Car Kit which ships with a power inverter to run the iGloLEDset inside your car. “Before today only limited quantities of the iGloLEDset were available. Our production is now in full swing and we anticipate robust holiday sales for Christmas lights applications and more,” said Seymour.Users control a 16’ strip of LED lights by moving the iPhone around in the air, or by touching the screen to paint the lights different colors. “iGloLEDSet is the most physically engaging lighting technology since the on switch,” said Bruce Seymour managing director of MEA Mobile, “Devices controlling other devices is convergence defined. At MEA Mobile, we are excited to be a part of this eruption which is the mobile device space today.”AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- MEA Mobile today announced the official commercial release of iGloLEDset, the first ever available, real-time, iPhone based, controller for color lights. It’s Christmas lights on steroids.Features:For more information visit: www.igloledset.com- 16' Strip of 120 Full Color LED Lights- Free Downloadable Control App- Real-time iPhone Control Of Color LED LightsMEA Mobile develops innovative software and hardware for the Apple iOS and Android platforms. The company offers full service development from concept stage through to post launch support. In addition MEA Mobile offers web backend services, social platform development and cutting edge web design. Their latest in-house offering is the iGloLEDset, a hardware product with accompanying iOS software which allows users real time control of color LED lights. MEA Mobile is a growing organization with representatives in New Haven, CT, and Auckland, New Zealand. www.meamobile.com | www.igloled.comiGloLEDset is the perfect gadget gift for the person in your life who loves tech. As of today the product is shipping worldwide and is now available through Amazon.com or directly at igloledset.com. While hundreds of presets are available, the real fun is programing your own sequences. From subtle and smooth to wild and crazy, you’re in control with iGloLED.

MEA Mobile develops innovative software and hardware for the Apple iOS and Android platforms. The company offers full service development from concept stage through to post launch support. In addition MEA Mobile offers web backend services, social platform development and cutting edge web design. Their latest in-house offering is the iGloLEDset, a hardware product with accompanying iOS software which allows users real time control of color LED lights. MEA Mobile is a growing organization with representatives in New Haven, CT, and Auckland, New Zealand. www.meamobile.com | www.igloled.com

High-Tech Holidays: GE Brand LEDs Light up Tradition and Imagination

CLEVELAND -- Whether trimming the tree or the house, consumers now have more ways to add pizzazz to holiday décor without draining energy, physically or electrically. Santa’s Best Craft, LTD., a GE Lighting licensee, is expanding its line of GE brand holiday lighting with Color Effects™ outdoor color-changing LEDs and adding new Easy Shape Technology™ to its pre-lit indoor Christmas trees. Both are simple to install and operate while producing radiant light that consumers can afford to keep on all season long.

Tis’ the season to be bright.GE – Appliances & Lighting spans the globe as an industry leader in major appliances, lighting, systems and services for commercial, industrial and residential use. Technology innovation and the company's ecomaginationSM initiative enable GE – Appliances & Lighting to aggressively bring to market products and solutions that help customers meet pressing environmental challenges. General Electric (NYSE: GE), imagination at work, sells products under the Monogram®, Profile™, GE®, Hotpoint®, Reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Tetra®, Vio™ and Immersion® commercial brands. For more information, consumers may visit www.ge.com.The G-35 string sets and icicle-style lights are easily operated with a control box and remote control for easy operation that allows the user to choose between 14 color-changing patterns. Available in light counts of 36 and 50 and lengths ranging from 29-40 feet, the LEDs are rigorously tested, built to last, and come with a 3-year limited warranty.New to the line of LED holiday lights is GE brand Color Effects outdoor color-changing string lights, icicles and holiday yard sculptures. These LEDs are Energy Star® qualified, using 20 percent of the energy traditional lights consume and lasting up to 10 times longer to produce eye-catching, energy-conserving results.GE brand Color Effects yard sculptures come in a variety of styles—including snowmen and snowflakes—so consumers are sure to find exactly what they need to enhance holiday traditions. They are available in light counts of 40, 48 and 50 with 8-14 color-changing patterns. The sculptures range in price from $59 to $79 and are available at Lowe’s, Sears, Costco and other retailers nationwide that carry GE brand holiday products.GE brand Easy Shape Technology trees are available in 7.5 foot and 9 foot sizes at Costco Wholesale and range in price from $349 to $499. The Easy Shape Technology is also available in a new line of incandescent trees at Costco with a range in price from $249 to $299.Simplify your holiday decorating with a pre-lit Christmas tree featuring new GE brand Easy Shape Technology. The pre-lit trees are wrapped with Energy Smart® LED light sets that use up to 80 percent less energy and last longer than traditional incandescents. The easy-to-assemble tree goes up in minutes and uses memory steel branches so they spring into shape to maintain a natural, out swept silhouette.About GE – Appliances & LightingGE brand Color Effects(TM) features icicles with 14 color-changing patterns that use 20 percent of the energy traditional lights consume. These, plus other string lights, holiday yard sculptures and more are available at www.santasbestcraft.com. (Photo: General Electric)Don we now our LEDs.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6515174&lang=en

It was a Christmas Miracle!

So there we were, awkwardly staring at one another in utter disbelief that nobody could figure it out. It was a week before Christmas, and all through the house, your narrator was fuming�.I could smash my mouse! We were trying to put up our Christmas tree, and we weren�t having much luck. Bah Humbug!!

My family and I went out early that morning to find the perfect tree. I filled up a thermos with hot apple cider, and got the kids ready to go. The three of them got on our big old sleigh, and my husband and I took turns pulling them through the bush. We live out in the country, and we have this majestic forest on the back of our land. Every year we go out together and find the perfect tree, and the children each have a hand in cutting it down. It has become a wonderful family tradition.I decided to remove the lights from the tree, and swore that I would find the bulb that was causing us so much trouble. I spent the next hour or so changing and replacing each and every bulb on the string. I plugged them back in, and nothing happened. I was fast becoming the Scrooge!By this time my husband was playing on the computer, and the kids were having a snowball fight in the yard. I decided it was time for some Egg Nog. When I returned, my husband was examining each of the bulbs. He told me that the circuit was being broken somehow, and that in time he would figure it out. Five minutes later, the lights were aglow! In his hand, he held one little bulb.Apparently the bulbs that we use today have their standard filament, but they also have a secondary shunt wire that maintains the circuit if the filament burns out. As it turns out, the shunt wire in this one little bulb was defective. A short while later we were all sipping hot cocoa under our beautiful sparkling tree. To me, it was nothing short of a Christmas miracle!

Apparently the bulbs that we use today have their standard filament, but they also have a secondary shunt wire that maintains the circuit if the filament burns out. As it turns out, the shunt wire in this one little bulb was defective. A short while later we were all sipping hot cocoa under our beautiful sparkling tree. To me, it was nothing short of a Christmas miracle!

TV stars join shopping centre's big switch-on

THE festive countdown continued yesterday as more Christmas lights flickered into life.

Village bad boy Cain Dingle and hapless chef Marlon Dingle - played by actors Jeff Hordley and Mark Charnock - hosted the entertainment.Pam and Ian then led a Christmas carol sing-along accompanied by the Newcastle City Temple Band of the Salvation Army.CAPTION(S):SPECIAL GUESTS Pam Royle and Ian Payne with the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk switching on the Christmas lightsNewcastle's Eldon Square shopping centre welcomed ITV Tyne Tees presenters Pam Royle and Ian Payne for its big switch-on.The pair were joined by cast members from the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, which is being staged at the city's Journal Tyne Theatre.

SPECIAL GUESTS Pam Royle and Ian Payne with the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk switching on the Christmas lights

EMLEY

* The Rev Christine Bullimore led the Sunday service at St Michael's Church. The theme was Advent and the first of the five candles in the Advent wreath was lit. The congregation was reminded that God called the patriarchs to live by the light of faith and Come Lord, Soon, was sung - Lord Jesus, light of the world...be born in our hearts at Christmas.

The opening hymn was Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. The Gospel reading from Matthew 24, verses 36-44 advised the congregation on vigilance as the Son of Man would be coming at an unexpected hour. The two associated readings were from Isaiah 2, verses 1-5 and Romans 13, 11-end. Sunday School children Sam, Freddie, Lucy and Oscar showed the congregation the Advent calendars that they had made, featuring nativity scenes behind each of the 24 Advent windows. It being John Ryder's birthday in the coming week, the congregation sang Happy Birthday to him. Notice was given of the church choir Christmas concert at 7.30pm on Thursday December 16, with Sapphire as guests and the festive delights of mince pies and mulled wine on offer. The Advent course continues at 7.45pm on Tuesday evenings December 7, 14 and 21. Tea, coffee and biscuits were served at the close of the service and there was the opportunity to visit the Tradecraft stall to purchase a range of Christmas goodies, as well as the usual groceries and cards.

Smithtown replaces street lamps

While some Long Islanders light menorahs and others prepare to light Christmas trees, the Town of Smithtown is engaged in the biggest lighting project of the season, replacing old fashioned street light fixtures with new technology.

Orth said Los Angeles is replacing 140,000 traditional street light fixtures with LED fixtures, which save energy and are environmentally friendly. Seattle and Mesa, Ariz., are replacing thousands. Anchorage, Alaska also is replacing old-fashioned street lights.Smithtown went ahead with the installation after completing its own test of three lights."They're being used across the country and around the world," Orth said. "There are energy and maintenance savings.""Eventually, I think LED will surpass the incumbent sources of lighting for street lights," Orth said. "The technology continues to improve. You've got an opportunity to reduce your energy costs by 40 to 60 percent.""The white light helps people see better," Orth said. "It renders colors much more true than what you'd see under the orange of high pressure sodium."He said most high pressure sodium light bulbs used for street lighting are rated at 20,000 to 24,000 hours of life, while longer lasting LEDs typically last 100,000 hours.While Smithtown goes ahead with its lighting switch, other municipalities on Long Island are moving ahead more slowly."Street lights out there contain mercury, a hazardous material that has to be disposed of," Orth said of another plus for the new technology.The Town of Oyster Bay is doing a pilot with six LEDs and the Town of Brookhaven is testing five.LED light fixtures over the past few years have started to catch on as the technology reaches the point where the lights are bright enough and cheap enough to attract interest, replacing orange, high pressure sodium fixtures.The Town of Smithtown over the past month has begun replacing 1,110 street lights with energy efficiency light emitting diode or LED fixtures, as it becomes the first area on Long Island to flip the switch on this technology on a large scale.The New York State Department of Transportation, meanwhile, set up six on the Long Island Expressway and New York City is testing six on FDR Drive.The town is replacing orange-tinted, high-pressure sodium street lights with energy-efficient fixtures equipped with light emitting diodes expected to save $75,000 in annual maintenance and $150,000 in energy expenses.High-pressure sodium, which produces illumination by igniting sodium gas, has been the primary source for roadway lighting since the 1960s. While they're more expensive than traditional fixtures, LED lights are being touted as cheaper in the long run due to longer lives and energy efficiency."We see it as the biggest revolution in the lighting industry since the light bulb," said Kevin Orth, vice president of sales for Sturtevant, Wisc.-based Beta LED, which manufactured the fixtures being used by Smithtown. "It's not an evolution. This is truly a revolution in lighting."

"Eventually, I think LED will surpass the incumbent sources of lighting for street lights," Orth said. "The technology continues to improve. You've got an opportunity to reduce your energy costs by 40 to 60 percent."

5 Ways to Decorate with Christmas Lights

When it comes to Christmas lights, the obvious place to use them is on the Christmas tree. Have you considered other ways in which to decorate your home with them however? If you are a little bit creative you can use all sorts of led lights and fairy lights to decorate the house at Christmas time and really bring festivity into your home. Small lights are very atmospheric and are one of the best ways and inexpensive ways to decorate your home. It is always a sad day in January when the lights have to come down, but there is always next year to look forward to!

The idea of framing an entire house is catching on around the world. Every year more and more families are using fairy lights to light up their entire house. If you like this idea but want to tone it down a bit or indeed save on the electricity bill then simply using lights to frame the garden shed or other out building works well. This provides a lovely view from the windows of the house at night and makes a feature out of something that for the rest of the year is not generally acknowledged. You can make it as garish as you like too because it is for your eyes only!BuildingsThere are some great ways to use Christmas lights to decorate the home at Christmas time. With just a bit of creativity you can cheaply turn your home into a beautiful grotto. Coloured lights such as blue Christmas lights work just as well as plain, and with a range of outdoor Christmas lights available, no part of the home or garden need go without!Trees and FlowerbedsFireplacesFraming fireplaces or stoves in the house is another great way to use lights. A fireplace makes the perfect backdrop for strings of lights and one compliments the other beautifully. Because the fireplace is often the centrepiece of the room, having it framed in lights will mean the eye is immediately drawn to it. This is especially worthwhile if you are planning on having a Christmas party as it provides quick and easy decoration in the sitting room where the party is likely to be taking place. To go further with this idea, you can hang stockings up between the lights to add more traditional decoration.BookshelvesWalkways / Hallways / StairsLast but not least, why not line your book shelves in the house. This can really brighten up the room and provide plenty of festive cheer in the home. Plain white lights work well for this purpose as do coloured lights of course. You won't want to take them down in January!Linking the walkways in your home is a great way to make the whole house sparkle. Hallways or stairs are perfect places to run strings of lights. You could weave the lights around banisters or simply line the walls. It provides a "Christmas Grotto" feeling and because the area is likely to be quite small, it is not too much. Your kids will especially love this form of decorating. To make it really fun you should use coloured lights, or to go for a more sophisticated look plain white lights are ideal.

There are some great ways to use Christmas lights to decorate the home at Christmas time. With just a bit of creativity you can cheaply turn your home into a beautiful grotto. Coloured lights such as blue Christmas lights work just as well as plain, and with a range of outdoor Christmas lights available, no part of the home or garden need go without!

Solar Powered Christmas Lights - Indulge In Your Holidays The Green Way

Even inside the chill of winter these types of lights possess the capability to stand out all by way of the night. This could be facilitated merely by positioning the lights in a way that they obtain direct sunlight throughout the day.

You will discover a selection of lights that you'll be able to choose from. In these you will not just obtain the string lights with several coloured bulbs. Moreover you are able to also get a wide plethora of colours from which you can pick the light which suits your style.Now you can find many different solar lighting solutions designed specifically for use at Christmas along with other holiday occasions. Thanks to new technology, miniaturization and also the use of LED lights, you are able to now locate lots of new and innovative models that previously could only dream of.You option from a full diversity of available styles of solar Christmas lights and then carry them on the ground, a roofline or on a fence. The solar board included may perhaps be applied in any of this fields.A typical scenario might be a string of say 60 lights on a tree along the road which are charged by the sun throughout the day and automatically turn on at dusk and run for about eight hours throughout the night with out energy costs for everybody.It is the moment to save lots of dollars. Once you choose solar powered Christmas lights, you will have the ability to save funds no matter what the time of the season. Outside solar lights is one of the most effective paths you may hold on energy cost when selecting to bring lights outside for your house or garden.These solar powered Christmas lights are accessible in designs cast within the forms of Santa Claus, reindeer and angels which light up the region outside your house. Solar powered lights may also be used as alluring Christmas tree lights.A lot of the solar lights possess a reserve battery and so even on a rainy day the backup power of these lights makes certain that your Christmas festivity remains vibrant and exciting. Thus there is no way you'll be disappointed when you use these solar powered Christmas lights.These sorts of Christmas lights are typically used to outline gates and eye-port panes. This is in fact the most successful answer to make use of your lamps since glass flexes aside gentle and provides your solar units an extra improvement in terms of electrical power.Solar powered Christmas lights removes the needless misuse of electrical power. Solar lights choices too provide flexibleness.Really should you embellish your home exterior you'll possibly be envied by all of the neighbors. Even though they are blowing fuses attempting to maintain their yuletide light glowing you will have the ability to show your decorations making use of the reduced power LED lighting with out the fear of triggering any power outages or incredibly expensive energy costs.

Really should you embellish your home exterior you'll possibly be envied by all of the neighbors. Even though they are blowing fuses attempting to maintain their yuletide light glowing you will have the ability to show your decorations making use of the reduced power LED lighting with out the fear of triggering any power outages or incredibly expensive energy costs.

Fairy Lights are not just for Christmas

Nothing signals the arrival of Christmas more than lights being strung up around people�s houses and in the streets. Those twinkling bulbs are wonderful for lighting up the home and bringing Christmas spirit indoors. Lights however are not just for Christmas. There is no reason that lights shouldn�t be used in the home and garden throughout the year as the small twinkling bulbs and illumination they provide makes for a warm and cosy ambience at any time of the year.

In the garden it is important to get special outdoor lights as traditional indoor wiring and rain do not mix well. Small lights can be used in trees to provide illumination against the night sky. They can also be used to highlight certain aspects of the garden such as plants or ornaments. One innovative way to use little lights is by weaving a battery operated selection amongst the branches of some trees to provide a starry canopy underneath which to sit. The next time you are entertaining guests you should seat the dinner table underneath the tree for a romantic and stylish atmosphere.One of the nice things about lights for the home is that they are so variable. There are a whole host of different colours available and plenty of different types of illumination too. Flashing, flickering, pulsing or a mixture of all are just some of the different lighting effects available. Often the surrounding bulbs are different shapes and sizes too. Lights encased in stars or angels or icicles or even fairies themselves are just some of the most popular types of Christmas lights that people choose to display.Small lights for the home have gone through a bit of a dramatic change in recent years. Technology has progressed somewhat and now those fiddly filament bulbs that seemed to break with the slightest touch and trip the electricity as soon as a toaster was used at the same time have been replaced with a funky and efficient variety of light emitting diodes. Not only are these types of lights much more energy efficient saving up to 90% of energy used by the previous filament bulbs, but they last much longer and the glow they give out is much brighter too. They are also able to be handled without the threat of being broken! The way small lights are powered has changed too and nowadays it is possible to buy solar operated lights as well as battery operated packs. Battery powered lights in particular dramatically cut the amount of wires on display and enable the lights to be placed anywhere at all as there is no need for a power supply to be close by.The wonderful effect that fairy lights and LED lights have on the home and garden make them a year round decoration. LED Christmas lights continue to be the most popular type to use, although this is a shame as fairy lights can bring style and elegance into the home and garden all year round at very little cost. Try hanging up one or two sets around the home to see for yourself! There is no way after Christmas you will be wanting to take them home, so instead leave them up and continue to enjoy their sparkle!

The wonderful effect that fairy lights and LED lights have on the home and garden make them a year round decoration. LED Christmas lights continue to be the most popular type to use, although this is a shame as fairy lights can bring style and elegance into the home and garden all year round at very little cost. Try hanging up one or two sets around the home to see for yourself! There is no way after Christmas you will be wanting to take them home, so instead leave them up and continue to enjoy their sparkle!

Best Coloured Xmas Lights

Christmas and lights go together like strawberries and cream. When lights are absent in the home at Christmas time it looks a little bare and can be difficult to create any festive cheer without them. Lights and fairy lights are an inexpensive way to create a grotto effect in the home and with that comes a huge helping of Christmas spirit. Children in particular enjoy the effect that fairy lights can have in the home. They are versatile and fun, and allow you to dress up your home in a way that at any other time of the year might seem a little bit childish. Getting it right though is important. Whether you like lots of colour, just a smattering or completely plain lights you can create a dramatic effect with ease. This article discusses the best colours to use at Christmas for the best possible effect.

Red is probably the most well known Christmas colour. Stemming perhaps from Santa's clothes (which in fact stems from coca cola!) red is one of the most commonly found colours used in lights and other decorations at Christmas time. It needs to be used in combination with other colours as too much red is not ideal and can start to look a little tacky, particularly when it comes to tinsel. When used with white or clear lights a very sophisticated display can be formed, likewise with gold.Coloured xmas lights and other decorations are brilliant for creating a joyful Christmas atmosphere in the home. There are 5 main colours that in particular are used at Christmas time that provide a beautiful overall effect when used creatively. It is important that each colour is used in the Christmas tree lights display or other led Christmas lights used in the home for the best possible effect.Green is the other colour most often associated with Christmas. Perhaps because of the colour of the Christmas tree? Again, used alone this colour doesn't work, and other colours must be woven into it to really make it stand out. Green also works well with plain or white lights, bringing a very sophisticated feel to any room where this combination is displayed. Green is an important part of any multi-coloured display at Christmas and really helps bring the magic of Christmas into the home. Displays of green foliage and holly can help to decorate a room well - you could try adding sprigs of holly behind pictures and mirrors and create a beautiful natural wreath to hang on the front of the door.White is often an accompanying colour at Christmas time. It brings elegance and style to any decorative display. White ribbons are particularly popular decorations and can look wonderful when tied to branches of the Christmas tree or included in table decorations. White or plain lights can dress up the house extremely well at Christmas time. Mirrors and pictures can be framed, mantle pieces and fireplaces can be adorned and outside, trees and flowerbeds can be lit up to highlight them at night time.Silver is the final colour that goes hand in hand with Christmas. Tinsel, table decorations, tree decorations and more all benefit from a hint of silver. This is also a very sophisticated colour when combined with other colours and used in moderation in the home. A great way to use some silver spray paint is to spray pine cones for display around the house. This is a very inexpensive and fun way to decorate the house. Children love doing this and it is a good way of bringing the outside indoors.

Coloured xmas lights and other decorations are brilliant for creating a joyful Christmas atmosphere in the home. There are 5 main colours that in particular are used at Christmas time that provide a beautiful overall effect when used creatively. It is important that each colour is used in the Christmas tree lights display or other led Christmas lights used in the home for the best possible effect.

A "Green" Shift in Holiday Lighting

Many home and business owners are looking for ways to build an eco-conscious lifestyle by using products that have less impact on the environment. According to the holiday lighting experts Christmas Décor, this sustainability movement has been working its way into the holiday season for years through a variety of products. Now, consumers looking for a "greener Christmas" have options in their holiday decorations -- with LED technology.

Christmas Décor, the nation's largest professional holiday decorating network, is spearheading the effort to spread the use of LED lights in the 300 markets that it serves.LED lights derive their name from the fact they utilize "light emitting diodes" to create light. LED Christmas lights are similar to the traditional Christmas incandescent bulbs except that they do not have a filament inside that can burn out and take the entire string of bulbs with it. Instead, they are illuminated by the movement of electrons in a semi-conductor material.The movement of these electrons requires much less electricity to provide that holiday glow. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if consumers replaced their conventional holiday lights with eco-friendly LEDs, at least two billion kilowatt hours of electricity could be saved each month. This energy savings could power 200,000 homes for one year!"While we will still offer incandescent lighting to our clients, the phasing in of LEDs for holiday lighting is heading towards the point where they will soon represent the vast majority of our holiday decorating installations," added Stephens. "Our clients want to avoid the high rates they see on their electric bills after the holidays and they also are becoming more environmentally conscious. That's when the substantial benefits that LEDs offer over incandescent lighting become apparent. LEDs really make good sense. LEDs add not only energy savings of up to 90 percent over incandescent lighting, but their versatility and beauty really add to our service package with their flexibility, durability and convenience."About Christmas Decor Since its inception in 1986, Christmas Decor has risen to become the premier holiday lighting and decorating company in North America. The Texas-based company was founded by Blake Smith as an off-season supplement to his landscape business and as a method to provide year-round work for employees. Christmas Decor quickly emerged as a viable business opportunity and today, operates in more than 350 markets in 48 states and Canada. Plans are underway to open locations in more than 100 new markets through franchise expansion in select communities around the country. Christmas Decor is highly revered in its field and has received consistent recognition for its efforts; some highlights include having been named one of a Top Ten Home Improvement Franchises for 2008 by Entrepreneur Magazine and AOL Small Business. Christmas Decor's parent company, The Decor Group, also offers the Nite Time Decor franchise opportunity, a growing 30-unit concept specializing in architectural and landscape lighting services. For more information, visit www.christmasdecor.net ."The movement we have seen towards LED lighting has been very profound. We are happy to be a part of this movement to help save energy and resources for both the planet and for our clients. We're excited to be offering LED lights to our clients throughout the country," said Brandon Stephens, vice president of marketing for Christmas Decor, Inc.

About Christmas Decor Since its inception in 1986, Christmas Decor has risen to become the premier holiday lighting and decorating company in North America. The Texas-based company was founded by Blake Smith as an off-season supplement to his landscape business and as a method to provide year-round work for employees. Christmas Decor quickly emerged as a viable business opportunity and today, operates in more than 350 markets in 48 states and Canada. Plans are underway to open locations in more than 100 new markets through franchise expansion in select communities around the country. Christmas Decor is highly revered in its field and has received consistent recognition for its efforts; some highlights include having been named one of a Top Ten Home Improvement Franchises for 2008 by Entrepreneur Magazine and AOL Small Business. Christmas Decor's parent company, The Decor Group, also offers the Nite Time Decor franchise opportunity, a growing 30-unit concept specializing in architectural and landscape lighting services. For more information, visit www.christmasdecor.net .

Christmas lights go on in villages across the district

THE official switch-on of the first Holmbridge community Christmas tree took place on Friday last week. A large group of local people gathered outside the Bridge Tavern to enjoy the festivities, with mulled wine, mince pies and assorted treats for the children.

VILLAGERS customised Christmas trees for a Yuletide Festival in Skelmanthorpe. More than 40 trees transformed Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church into a winter wonderland. They were exhibited by local businesses, schools and clubs who got busy decorating them in a theme to reflect their business or group. Children from St Aidan's First School, pictured, adorned their tree with custom made decorations while the local butcher, hairdresser and beauty shops also created bespoke baubles representing their trades.CAPTION(S):Holme Silver Band and Vocal Expressions choir led a traditional and enjoyable outdoor carol service with a sprinkling of snow falling to give the whole event a truly festive and seasonal feel.The lights were switched on by villager Kath Bellamy.Local children adorned the tree with an assortment of lovely hand-made decorations.More than 170 visitors were wowed by the display and many stayed on to enjoy a variety of live music and refreshments. Organists included Christine Senior, Bernard Jaggar and Tony Ward, along with singers and instrumentalists, Stuart and Rose Merry, who sang, played the recorder and the guitar. On Friday morning children from St Aidan's First School performed songs with a seasonal theme. In the afternoon, the choir from Skelmanthorpe First and Nursery School sang Christmas songs, carols and a selection from their forthcoming Christmas production.Thanks also to Holme Valley Parish Council for sponsoring the lights and to the Bridge Tavern for the power to illuminate them and also for making those present so welcome on the night.Most impressive was the village bakery who created a Christmas tree entirely made from buns with a ginger bread house. The festival was sponsored by Solo's and Chi Chini.Many people had been involved in the preparations and thanks go to those who made donations of all kinds to make the event such a success.

TREE-MENDOUS: Skelmanthorpe First School pupils with their trees at the Christmas Tree Festival at Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church - Evie Wojarski, Nathan Moorhouse, Amelia Embury-Walsh, Archie Greaves, McKenna Drake and Ellie Rumney Picture Julian Hughes by ( JH101210Htree-01) LET THERE BE LIGHT: Trevor and Kath Bellamy, left and right, and Bridge Tavern hosts Matthew and Alison, centre, and below the festive scene after the big switch-on

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

Christmas holidays at Mystic Seaport featured its annual Lantern Light Tours which for 70-min took its audiences back to Christmases of another era with the tours made on foot, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Information: The Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101; or, (619) 234-9153, fax (619) 234-8345.The Maritime Museum of San Diego observed Christmas with the Annual Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay, 12 and 19 December where participants enjoyed the spectacular views while they enjoyed a Holiday Buffet on the ferryboat Berkeley. On the 18th, the yacht America cruised to where passengers could view whale watching. On the 30th, the Annual Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade took place.Trudy Herbst, the Museum's Director of Development, noted that "after a hiatus for a number of years, we brought the event back last year and it proved to be a wonderful method of fundraising."Information: Door County Maritime Museum, 120 N. Madison Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; or, (920) 743-5958, fax (920) 9483; or www.dcmm.org.This year's performance, "The Carpenter," took visitors back to the town of Mystic on Christmas Eve 1876. People from far and near traveled to the small village with the townspeople talking of the events that led up to that night; local financier and politician Harold King's referendum which required everyone to vote; the current political and economic hardships; the arrival of three lawyers from Orient Point; the birth of baby John to Elizabeth; and Joseph and Virginia's travails as they arrived in town just in time for the birth of their son.Information: Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355-0990, or, PO Box 6000; or, (860) 572-0711; or, www.mysticseaport.org.

Information: Door County Maritime Museum, 120 N. Madison Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; or, (920) 743-5958, fax (920) 9483; or www.dcmm.org.

Where to Buy Your Xmas Lights

There are a few options when it comes to buying your Xmas lights. Some places are much better than others however. If you want to find out where you should buy your Xmas lights to ensure you get the best choice and the best deals available, you should read on. Learn what to look out for when it comes to buying lights and how to make sure you get just what you need.

There is no doubt that buying your Xmas lights online is the best solution. For greater choice and better value your Christmas tree lights, led Christmas lights or just straight forward fairy lights should always be bought from a reputable and professional online seller. You will then be pleased you don't have to battle the crowds for your lights.The shops are always heaving around Christmas time, so shopping online with delivery to your door saves you time and a lot of stress. There is enough to do at this time of year without fighting the crowds to buy lights. Instead you can order online and have your delivery on your doorstep just a day or two later. Easy, quick and hassle free.When you don't know exactly the type of light you want, an online shop can be much more helpful to gain inspiration and ideas than a high street shop. Each item you look at comes with easy to read and clear information. There are also several pictures to look at too, each one with the lights "in situ" and switched on. This doesn't happen in high street stores and you end up having to scour the small print on the boxes, looking to see what type of batteries you need or whether spare bulbs are included. It is very difficult to gain inspiration in a normal shop where the lights are simply enclosed in boxes, piled high on the stand.The other difficulty with high street shops is that they only have a certain amount of room. This means the stock they can carry is limited. There are no longer many high street shops that just sell lights, so you can be sure that wherever you visit, the choice is going to be limited. This is not so with an online store. There is no problem with carrying stock. You are always going to find more choice when it comes to Xmas lights online as you can buy from shops that specialise in lights. Buying from a virtual shop where they only sell lights, rather than those that also stock lights, means greater choice and more knowledgeable staff too. If you have a very specific or technical question related to lights, you are going to find the staff at a specialist store much more able to help you than a high street store where lights are just one of many things on offer.

There is no doubt that buying your Xmas lights online is the best solution. For greater choice and better value your Christmas tree lights, led Christmas lights or just straight forward fairy lights should always be bought from a reputable and professional online seller. You will then be pleased you don't have to battle the crowds for your lights.

Ideas for Outdoor Christmas Lights

There are some great things you can do with outdoor Christmas lights. From the garish to the subdued you can easily turn your home into an inviting and exciting Christmas wonderland. There are some great ideas contained here in this article so if you really want to make the most out of the festive season then you have found the right article. Read on to find out all the tips and tricks you need to make an outdoor light display that will never be forgotten.

If you would prefer a more subdued approach then there are lots of options available. A very simply lighting effect that creates a beautiful atmosphere can be some lights in one or two trees. White or plain lights in trees can look very stylish indeed, but coloured lights can look just as good. Red, green and blue lights dotted around a few trees can look magical and really help bring that bit of Christmas spirit into the home. Red and green lights are the colours for Christmas and these are set off beautifully next to some blue. You can either create displays such as this at the front of the house so your neighbours and those in the community can see them and enjoy them, or you can place them in trees in the back garden. Having a private grotto outside can be magical around this time of year.Having lights up outside brings the magic of Christmas into the home which is especially important when there are young children around. They will love it and you will ensure your Christmas is not forgotten. You can search online for further lighting ideas or in magazines too where there are always plenty of suggestions in the run up to Christmas. Christmas lighting can be gaudy and fun or it can be soft and subdued. You can use led lights to save on electricity costs and coloured fairy lights can be strung up everywhere. Blue fairy lights, white fairy lights, singing lights even, have some fun with your lighting at Christmas time.There are lots of inventive ways you can create a lovely lighting effect in and around your home during the Christmas holidays. If you decide to put some lights up outside make sure you buy specialist outdoor lights. Indoor lights are not designed to come up against wind and rain so using this outdoors can be dangerous and the lights are likely to break very quickly. It is also advisable to seek the expertise of an electrician when putting up outdoor lighting displays so you can do it safely and so you can ensure there will be no problems with the lights.

Having lights up outside brings the magic of Christmas into the home which is especially important when there are young children around. They will love it and you will ensure your Christmas is not forgotten. You can search online for further lighting ideas or in magazines too where there are always plenty of suggestions in the run up to Christmas. Christmas lighting can be gaudy and fun or it can be soft and subdued. You can use led lights to save on electricity costs and coloured fairy lights can be strung up everywhere. Blue fairy lights, white fairy lights, singing lights even, have some fun with your lighting at Christmas time.

Author: Kathryn Dawson

To the test

Pop-up Christmas Tree, pounds 44.99 (www.lakeland.

co.uk, 01539 488100) AN instant 128cm space-saving tree with 80 LEDs powered by batteries. Lights, baubles and ribbons attached. Easy to put together with two poles which the tree h a n g s f r o m. I t reaches the floor and is bushy with no gaps. 8 10 Traditional Christmas tree, pounds 29.99 (www.focus diy.co.uk, 0800 436 436) EVERYTHING comes in the box except a tree topper. With 60 clear mains lights and 60 red, gold, green decorations you have put on yourself. The 180cm tree looks a bit tatty but the bright green colour gives it a modern look.Sidesmen were Mr David Utasi and Mrs Gwen Lodge.

610

Author: ANGELA MACFARLANE

Joy to the earth: celebrate the holidays in an eco-friendly way with these three tips from the new book by Anna Getty, I'm dreaming of a green Christmas

1 Burn a better fire Java Logs ($32 for 6; amazon .com) are made entirely from coffee grounds (keeping them from filling up landfills) and emit up to 78 percent less global warming-causing carbon monoxide than old-fashioned wood.

2 Switch your lights A strand of LEDs ($25; holidayleds.com) uses 90 percent less electricity than typical twinklers, which means your home can look festive without a sky-high utility bill. Plus, if one bulb goes out, the rest of them stay lit.

3 Buy a potted pine You'll be able to plant it in your yard or donate it to a local park instead of trashing it (as you would with a cut tree). If you can't give up your traditional fir, go to earth911.org at the end of the season to find a recycling program near you that will accept Christmas trees.

Author: Anna Getty

Carols victim of ice and gas; Kirkburton

THE traditional Community Christmas Carol Service planned at All Hallows Church Kirkburton received a double blow this year.

It was announced that during the month of January there will be no evening service in All Hallows.Mr Tibbott again greeted worshippers when they arrived for the service of Sung Eucharist on the First Sunday after Christmas.The service, which was conducted in the chancel of the church, was led by the Rev Graham Whitcroft and reader, Mrs Janet Roberts was preacher.The service had to be cancelled for the first time in many years due to the heavy snowfall and the disruption of traffic in the middle of Kirkburton due to a gas leak.5 10 Plum Pop Up Christmas Tree, pounds 34.98, B&Q (www.diy.com, 0845 850 0175) HAS 60 decorations already attached but 60 lights have to be placed on the 183cm tree after assembly. Push-in stand and poles make the tree hang like a skirt. Long hanging decorations looked a bit silly on such a skinny tree and some came off easily. Spiral branches had a few gaps and there is no tree topper. Lovely colour. 7 10 Pre-lit tree, pounds 52.49 (www.homebase.co.uk, 0845 077 8888) THE 2 0 0 l i g h t s a l r e a d y o n t h i s 180cm tree made it hard to position the branches and stand has to be bolted. Slim bushy tree is good quality and has unusual velvet b o w s glitter presents and felt shapes. 7 10 Inspire pre-lit tree, pounds 119.99 (www.argos. co.uk, 0845 640 2020) EASY push-in stand, 200 untangled, wellplaced lights already on black 195cm tree. Pink, purple and black decorations - some transparent - don't stand out. Some look too big for the tree and the ribbons are a bit useless.3 Buy a potted pine You'll be able to plant it in your yard or donate it to a local park instead of trashing it (as you would with a cut tree). If you can't give up your traditional fir, go to earth911.org at the end of the season to find a recycling program near you that will accept Christmas trees.She took for her theme Christ's Light in the World. Pastoral minister Mrs Betty Cross read the prayers, churchwarden Mr John Keighley gave the reading from St John and Mrs Roberts read from the Gospel according to St John. Mrs Berry and Mrs Roberts assisted at the distribution.

Pastoral minister, Mr Malcolm Tibbott, welcomed worshippers to the service of Sung Eucharist. It was led by the Rev Graham Whitcroft who took for his theme Christ's Moral, Social and Economic Revolution. Prayers were read by Mrs Janet Roberts who also gave the readings from Micah and the Gospel according to St Luke. Mr Tibbott and Mrs Hilary Berry assisted at the distribution. Sidesmen were Mrs Joy Elston and Mrs Pauline Pinder and Mrs Doreen Barraclough was organist. After the service, worshippers were served with coffee by Mrs Margaret Haigh, Mrs Edith Brookes and Mrs Mavis Maloney.

Methodists getting all lit up for Christmas

DESPITE the bad weather and atrocious road conditions there were nearly 100 people at the Christingle Service held at Linthwaite Methodist Church on Christmas Eve.

CANDLELIGHT: With the lights dimmed and the Christingles lit, the whole Linthwaite Methodist Church congregation sang Away in a Manger. (Left) The Sunday School children perform the story of the Nativity (S)"Lamar isn't going to build any more LED signs until we get this straightened out," Ward said.

CANDLELIGHT: With the lights dimmed and the Christingles lit, the whole Linthwaite Methodist Church congregation sang Away in a Manger. (Left) The Sunday School children perform the story of the Nativity (S)