Tuesday, November 27

Musical Lights

This display was the work of Carson Williams, a Mason, Ohio, electrical engineer who spent about three hours sequencing the 88 Light-O-Rama channels that controlled the 16,000 Christmas lights in the 2004 version of his annual holiday lighting spectacular. His 2005 display included over 25,000 lights that he spent nearly two months and $10,000 to hook up. So that the Williams' neighbors wouldn't be disturbed by constant noise, viewers driving by the house were informed by signs to tune in to a signal broadcast over a low-power FM radio station to hear the musical accompaniment.

Carson's Christmas display proved so popular that it was featured in a Miller Lite beer commercial in December 2005. Unfortunately, it also proved so popular that after a 6 December 2005 traffic accident in his neighborhood, Carson Williams agreed to indefinitely discontinue his display because it was causing severe traffic congestion problems.

For 2006, Mr. Williams wanted to exhibit his show somewhere that would make it more accessible to the public, so he arranged a partnership with Festivals of Mason, Inc. to host his "Christmas in Lights" show at Heritage Oak Park on U.S. 42 from December 2 through December 31. This year's entry will present continuous shows using a number of decorated house facades that visitors can view from their cars drive-in-theater style, again using FM radios to listen to the musical accompaniment.

Here's a view of Carson's 2006 light show:



Consar Lights is a custom provider of holiday light animation. The company was formed by Carson and Sherry Williams in 2005. Carson and Sherry Williams' home was made famous in 2005 by the viral video featuring custom animation and light design by Carson and the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra . The Williams' home was also featued on The Today Show, Inside Edition and CBS Evening News. Miller Beer also used the custom animation for a Lite beer commercial.

Monday, November 26

*deep breath* Thanksgiving weekend.

Sorry about that "mind trick" post. I'll try and do a better job of checking my facts before I post. If you want to see the actual facts read the *edit* at the bottom of that post.

Well, the holiday weekend is over. It was a whirlwind for Heidi and me. Thursday we did two family Thanksgivings. One at noon and one at five.

Friday morning we got up, took my car to the repair shop and headed for Kansas. We ate lunch with Caleb and Bethany in Hannibal (we just happened to get there within 10 minutes of each other). Friday night we went to Sabetha's Window Opening. :-) It's such a small town thing. All the shops decorate their stores with a theme (Christmas around the World was this year's), and people just flock to main street to get cider, popcorn, and candy while they browse the shops. The best part about it was that EVERY ONE was there, so I got to see lots of people I haven't seen in a long time.

We spent the weekend at Jill and Larry Meyer's. Jill and my wife Heidi are first cousins. Their daughter loved me (which is nice 'cause some of Heidi's little cousins are...well...not real fond of me).

Saturday we at lunch with Brooke and Vince Francesi (in town for the weekend) at Gus's Grill. I true culinary delight...or small town greasy spoon...whatever.

Saturday night we went to testimonies at church and then with the single group afterwards (is that still legal even after you're married?).

Sunday was baptisms at church then on the road by 4:00pm. We made it home in 6 hours and 15 minutes with one stop. The only bad part of the trip was that I got sick. My throat got really sore and now I'm suffering today. I've got a sore throat, body aches, stuffy head, and the occasional sneeze. Bleh.

Good times.

Wednesday, November 21

Dollars in context.

Click to enlarge

Mind Trick

This is kinda interesting.

At the end of this message, you are asked a question.

Answer it immediately. Don't stop and think about it.

Just say the first thing that pops into your mind.

This is a fun "test"... AND kind of spooky at the same time! Be sure to
leave a comment saying if you are among the 98% or the 2%. You'll
understand what that means after you finish taking the "test."

I was in the 98%. Pretty crazy how it works.

Now - just follow the instructions as quickly as possible.

Do not go to the next calculation before you have finished the
previous one. Keep scrolling down after each answer until further instructions.

You do not ever need to write or remember the answers, just do it
using your mind.

You'll be surprised.


Start:

How much is:
15 + 6



































3 + 56





































89 + 2



































12 + 53















































75 + 26














































25 + 52







































63 + 32










































I know! Calculations are hard work, but it's! nearly over..


Come on, one more! ...





























123 + 5














































































QUICK! THINK ABOUT A COLOR AND A TOOL!










































Scroll further to the bottom....












































A bit more...














































You just thought about a red hammer, didn't you?



If this is not your answer, you are among 2% of people who have a
different, if not abnormal, mind.

98% of the folks would answer a red hammer while doing this exercise.

Crazy huh? Don't forget to leave a comment saying what group you were in. It should be fun to see how many people are in each group. It makes me wonder if the numbers actually influence you, or if people would say red hammer most of the time they were asked for a color and a tool regardless.

*Edit: Ok, so this is mostly a bunch of crap with a little grounding in reality thrown in. For good scientific examination of it, check here. Sorry.

Monday, November 19

Hmm...maybe I should switch... :-)

Best campaign commercial EVER!

Wednesday, November 14

Ron Paul Ad

Here's a draft of a full page ad for USA Today.

Tuesday, November 13

Congrats to Caleb and Bethany!

Caleb Wyss from Goodfield and Bethany Strahm from Washington announced their engagement this past Sunday. I have a ton of respect for both of them, and have no doubt they will make an amazing couple in Christ.

Friday, November 9

Ron Paul on Monetary Policy

Ron Paul continues to amaze me with his intelligent grasp of economic issues.


Ron Paul on Abortion and Stem Cell Research

Thursday, November 8

Ron Paul sticks to his core principles, even when it's "politically incorrect"

Blitzer tries to call Dr. Paul out on some of his lone dissenting votes, but Dr. Paul explains himself beautifully.

Friday, November 2

hmm

If we don't fight hard enough for the things we stand for, at some point we have to recognize that we don't really stand for them.

- Paul Wellstone