Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Cast of Characters You Will Meet in the Nightclub


When you head on out to a nightclub, you anticipate that you are going to meet some great new people. While your goal is going to be to have a blast and even meet that person of your dreams, you do have to watch out for the characters that will fill the club.

Take for example, the promoter you end up meeting. This will be the person who gets you in the door, works you a discount of some kind and makes you feel great. Most of the time, this is a person who works for the club in an effort to bring more people in.

As you scan the room, the next person you will inevitably see will be the hard partier. They need music, booze and a night to relax. This individual doesn’t often leave the comfort of the bar, but most everyone in the room knows them.

By this time, you are getting into the music of the DJ and that’s when you meet the next character. This is the woman who loves the performers and she is usually all over them. She can be seen fawning over the entertainment for a chance to catch her own 15 minutes of fame from the relationship.

At this point, you shake your head and make your way to the bar for a quick drink, when you are approached by the next character of the night. It’s the underage drunk who needs you to buy them a beer. They’ll whine about how they can vote and go to war, but they can’t get just one beer. If you indulge them once, they hover around you for the night and increase your chances of going to jail.
Moving past them, you will find your table and sit down. Out on the dance floor, you will see people bopping to the beat and see the next character. They will be the individuals who sweat a lot and dance alone. This is the ecstasy user. They are unable to make it through a night that doesn’t include being high on pills.

Deciding you have had enough, you will head to the door and meet the last of the cast. This is the strange guy who bothers everyone there. Often, this guy who everyone tries to avoid, but will often come and try to cop a feel as you try to duck out of the club.

Clubs certainly have an interesting selection of characters. From the harmless to the eerie, they all part of the patchwork of the night.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Discover the Savings with the New LED Sign Light

Today, it is important to save energy with any type of lighting whether it is residential or commercial. Many residential customers of light bulbs though, are still unsure of LED bulbs being the answer to this issue, because they cost so much money per bulb. However, they are being seen as the answer for commercial applications especially in the area of infrastructure and roadway signage illumination thanks to a new offering from Dialight.

This new offering is the StreetSense LED Roadway Sign Light. The company has brought out two versions of this light to better suit signage needs. The first one is a 70W lamp (produces 6,000 lumen) that is ideal in groups for larger signs above 14 x 14 feet. The second choice is a 40W lamp (produces 4,000 lumen) and is designed for the smaller signs. They use a third less power over previous models according to the research conducted by the company.

The bulbs will last longer according to the company. When tested, they are still putting out as much as 70 percent of lumen after even 60,000 hours of use. This results in the bulbs being changed far less than HID metal halide light sources.

Traditional roadway sign lights are a major cost to operate and take too much maintenance, according to Dialight Group Chief Executive, Roy Burton. He goes onto to talk about all the traffic issues caused by HID lighting fixtures being changed frequently. These problems are all addressed with the StreetSense LED lights. The cost of operating and maintaining roadway signage is reduced drastically by a huge 75 percent when compared to the 100W to 250W HID lights on top of it taking less manpower hours. This means workers are more available for other important tasks.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Make Your Own LED System with This Plug and Play Design


Some people think that choosing LED lighting to light a display or home is a very expensive choice. However, it does not have to be expensive. When you want to light up your home or create a holiday light display, several things need to be considered. First, you need to make it affordable. It’s also important to avoid potential safety hazards while making sure that the lights can be easily seen. LED lighting makes the perfect choice, especially if you know how to build your own quality LED system.

Before you are ready to construct your new plug and play LED system, you’ll need to gather some important supplies. You’ll need to have a 12 volt power supply that is waterproof as well as a computer power supply that has a cord and a switch to turn it off and on. Project boxes, RCA jack boards and an 8-port speaker board will be needed. Some other important supplies to have include a caulk gun, pipe cutter, garden stakes, electrical solder, electrical tape 2-liter bottle caps and much more. The list of supplies is quite extensive, but you’ll need everything to create your own LED system.

The computer power supply with cord will be one of your most important components. However, it’s important to know the rating on the power supply before you use it so you don’t overload the circuit. The connections for the system will have to be wired and then soldered to the power supply, which will take a bit of work on your part. The jack boards also have to be wired, which is a tedious task, although it will definitely pay off in the end. Testing the connections you’ve put together is a good idea as well.

You’ll have to go through quite a few complicated steps to create this system. However, when you plug it in and see how it works, you’ll love it. Suddenly, all that work will be worth it. You can even have fun trying out all the colors with your RGB remote.

Monday, January 21, 2013

A Do-it-yourself Project that is Fun and can Save Money – Fiber Optic Chandelier


If you enjoy making things, this is a project that will not only save you money, but it is fun. There are a great many products being sold today that you can make at home following a few simple steps. The materials are not nearly as expensive as buying the finished product. For example, a fiber optic chandelier that is available in stores could end up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.

The best part is you can make the chandelier with items that are not expensive and they will look like they cost a lot more. The cost – approximately $15 to $20, depending on where you shop – and think of the sense of accomplishment you will have when it is finished. The items needed will include fiber optic cable, a clear, acrylic bowl, a hanging light fixture, the shell from a flood light and various other things such as a light bulb, glue, a drill and bits and epoxy.

The instructions for making a fiber optic chandelier will vary according to the design that you prefer. The basics include cutting the fiber optic cable and removing strands to create the desired length for the light. The smaller the strands of fiber optic cable are the better the quality of the light, although very tiny fibers are dangerous. They can easily puncture skin.

Another variation can be achieved by adding a colored screen at the bottom of the base that will be used. This will make the lights a different color. This fiber optic lighting is used in a variety of places today from homes to businesses, including nightclubs and anywhere else this ambient lighting is needed. They can be made into spiral, doughnut-like and virtually any other shape desired.

Depending on the type of chandelier you are going to make – for a living room, dining room, bedroom or elsewhere – there is a benefit that you likely did not know. The fiber optic cables do not contain heat or electricity so they are safe to use around water and other sensitive items, such as plants. They are energy efficient. With all of these benefits, why not make a fiber optic chandelier for your home?

Saturday, January 19, 2013

The Warped Extension


When it comes to inventions, the imagination plays a huge role in design and function. The extension plug is no exception. Although the current design is pretty functional, a reinvention of this common household item may prove to be even more so. Youngkwang Cho, a designer from California, using a bit of imagination has come up with the Curious Extension Plug.

Aptly named, the Curious Extension Plug is not shaped like your typical rectangular extension cord. This one has three sockets surrounded by a cord that plugs into the wall. This plug, much like the Curious mobile phone lies flat when it is not being used. This was also an invention of Youngkwang Cho. When the extension plug is being used, it twists and turns, changing shape as if it has come to life.

The extension plug, like the Curious phone comes to life when it is being used. When a call comes through the phone it rings and vibrates like a standard phone, but it also changes shape. It becomes more conducive for holding against your ear and returns to the flat shape when it is deactivated. This just requires pushing it against some type of surface, such as a table.

Youngkwang Cho’s inventions also include a snow lamp that was inspired by the ridges made by snow when the wind blows. As previously stated, the imagination is a great inspiration for inventions or reinvention of commonly used objects.

The extension plug may provide another benefit by twisting and turning and seeming to warp as if it is melting. The impression that is given is that caution should be used when touching it, even though it is not hot. The sockets all go in different directions when the plug is in use which can be beneficial for short cords. Although most people try to hide their unsightly extensions behind furniture, they may prefer to show off this unusual plug.

The Curious Extension Plug has been described as “aesthetically unique and pleasing”. This is not the typical description for an extension but they have never been viewed as fun products. They were more for function than appearing pleasing to the eyes.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Enjoy the Beauty of Nature with Your Own Dandelion Lamp


If you’re often inspired by nature, why not bring the beauty of nature into your home? Maybe you love looking at the intricate beauty of dandelions or you’re stunned by the night sky full of shimmering stars. To bring lovely light and natural beauty to your home, making your own fiber optic LED dandelion lamp is a wonderful idea. It looks great whether you have it lit or not. The best part is that you can make this lamp yourself with the right materials and tools.

Of course, you’ll need some specific tools and materials before you get started. You’ll need 0.75 end glow optical fibers as well as a variety of 5mm LEDs in blue, white and pink. You’ll also need some white card board, 9 inch drinking straws and a SPST rocker switch. Other tools and materials to have on hand include a soldering iron with lead free solder, electrical tape, mini glue gun with glue sticks, paper clips, brass fasteners and more.

Once you have the right materials and tools, constructing the fiber optic LED dandelion lamp is fairly simple. The entire structure is inspired by an orange’s structure, which gives you an idea of how the lamp should be constructed. The straws are used to help hold and support the fiber optics and remember, only hot glue will do. With a bit of patience, you can get all the fiber optics in place. Then you’ll be ready to create your circuit, which requires following the directions very specifically. Once you have the circuit built and soldered together, you’ll also need to build an enclosure for the circuit.

While it will take a bit of time and effort to create your lovely fiber optic LED dandelion lamp, the result when you’re done is definitely worth all that effort. You’ll be stunned at how incredible your lamp looks. In fact, once you’re done making the first lamp, you may want to make a couple more. While you enjoy your lamp and all the incredible colors and lights, you can dream about nature, its colors and all the light that nature has to offer.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Coffee or Cocktails?


People often meet over a drink and it seems there are two distinctive types of people / meetings, the coffee drinkers and the cocktail drinkers. Whichever the case of the choice of drink it is true that the setting is definitely a reflection of the personalities. Some may feel more comfortable in one over the other. Some may be definitely opposed to one over the other. Which are you? Here is a look at the two.

Coffee drinkers are more down to earth, wanting to keep their mind sharp while enjoying a beverage that is probably more of a habit than an occasional sip. Avid coffee drinkers will know all the little coffee shops and will have their favorite blends on hand. Chances are they will have the ability to serve it from their home as well. These are the more responsible people who want to be able to drive without giving it a second thought.

Cocktail drinkers are more mellow. These tend to be trendy and fun loving too unless they have an addiction to alcohol; then they are simply getting their fix. But for the more responsible person, cocktails are a great way to relax while enjoying their company. Just remember to act responsibly and not to drink and drive.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Split and Parallel EL PANEL GUIDE

Greetings glow enthusiasts! As of late, people seem to be getting quite confused about the differences between parallel EL panels and split EL tape. We have been getting so many inquiries, I've decided to just create an all inclusive EL PANEL GUIDE! So here we go!

PARALLEL EL PANELS


Parallel EL panels are flattened electrodes sandwiched together, and use a technology very similar to EL Wire. So similar in fact, that you can interchange parallel inverters and EL wire inverters freely, without losing any glow. They are produced using a screen printing process, which is nice because you can add animated effects to the panel, something that you cannot do with Split EL panels. The busbar in parallel panels surrounds the panel, and excites the phosphor causing it to glow. This allows for the animated effects we spoke of earlier, but also means that you cannot cut parallel panels. These panels still work wonderfully for signs though. You can easily create a cheap glowing advertisement using one of our Parallel EL Panels, and vinyl. Cover the panel in vinyl, and cut out the portion that you want to shine through. By creating a vinyl negative, a glowing sign is really quite easy to make. Parallel EL Panels have a lifespan of 5,000-7,000 hours depending on the voltage the panel is run at, the enviroment the panel is placed in and a couple of other factors. As you use your panel the phosphor(the element within the panel that glows) degrades with use, UV exposure, as well as exposure to the elements. The better you care for your sign, the longer it will last. If you are interested in designing your own custom panel, feel free to send us an email at info@ellumiglow.com. Custom animations, multiple colors, and any size or shape you desire can be created by our design team for your business or project.

SPLIT EL TAPE


Split EL Tape has a lower operating frequency than EL wire and Parallel Panels. This means that split tape can run for can from 8,000-10,000 hours, while actually glowing brighter than parallel panels. And while all EL technology is made for indoor use, the thicker  plastic sheathing and aluminum conductive backing make Split EL Tape outdoor friendly. For permanent outdoor installations we suggest adding the outdoor grade UV Inhibitor; this will greatly extend the life of your panel, and allows for applications such like billboards, outdoor architectural lighting, etc. Split EL tape is produced using a roll to roll process rather than screen printing. This leaves a small scribe line running through the center of the panel, that can be thought of like the bus bar. Since the scribe line runs through the center of the panel rather than surrounding it, Split EL tape and panels can be cut into any shapes desired with a regular pair of scissors, so long as you do not cut through the scribe line. If you do, everything after that cut will cease to glow, unless another connection to the power source is made. If you do decide to cut your tape, be sure to seal the edges with clear scotch tape, glue, or anything else that would keep the elements out without inhibiting the glow. Split EL Panels can be used for pretty much anything, so long as the scribe line running through the center of the panel is not cut or crossed.


EL Panels and tape offer a uniform glow across the surface, a long lifespan, and is the worlds least expensive lighting source per square foot.









Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Amazingly Handy Headphone Holder Clip

Normally we write about anything that glows, but we had to write about this... O!Snap!
O!Snap Headphone Holder

This new product has changed my life forever, and our office fell in love with it, simply because it made our lives easier, cleaned up my desk, and solved a big problem I had around the office. For Christmas, my Secret Santa got me an O!Snap Headphone Holder. "A What?" you ask? Or at least I did. Haha.

Basically it's a headphone clip that fits around the collar of your shirt, and holds your headphones in place. It's supposed to be for the running market, however I found it incredibly useful when doing work in the warehouse, or when I wanted to be on a long winded phone call and used my iPhone headphones. The clip more importantly doubles as a handy headphone holder which keeps your headphones all neat and tidy when stored in your desk drawer. Previously I would open up my drawer and find my headphones scattered throughout in a bit nest of cables. Now I just release the magnets and let my headphones fall, and there's no tangles... Brilliant!

Anyway, just wanted to give the guys at O!Snap a shout-out for a cool product that I'm getting a ton of use out of... Sorry I haven't used it for its main purpose yet (I hate running), but it's cleaning up my act for sure.

13 Easy Ways to Conserve Energy While Everyone’s Home

We’re all spending more time at home these days. That means computers, TVs, A/C units, and appliances are running almost constantly – and o...