Everyone in attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics received an Audience Kit that contained among other things battery-powered candles and an LED flashlight.  If you watched the Opening Ceremony, you know it was a visual spectacle that highlighted Canada’s distinct culture, music and art.

The use of battery operated candles and flashlights made for a very magical show which included a 20-metre LED light covered bear which dropped out of the sky to the main stage in a cascade of falling stars and the audience who recreated a northern light sky with thousands of LED flashlights.

If you happened to miss it, take a look at some of the highlights of a show that inspired the world!
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I read an article recently that really blew my mind.  It was about wallpaper that can glow with light and bendable flat-panel screens which are all a step closer thanks to research into organic LEDs (OLEDs), which are hailed as the next generation of environmentally friendly lighting technology.

OLEDs use little power to produce light, even compared with modern energy-saving bulbs.

The chemicals they are made from can be painted on to thin, flexible surfaces, potentially allowing traditional light bulbs in homes and offices to be replaced with panels of energy-efficient light built into walls, windows or even furniture. Other uses include flexible display screens, whose low power consumption would mean they could operate without mains power, for example as traffic warning signs powered by small solar panels.

Lomox Limited, a UK Company, has been awarded more than GBP450,000 by the U.K. government-backed Carbon Trust to accelerate the development of its OLED technology.

The company will focus its efforts on getting the first of its OLEDs to market by 2012, mainly for outdoor lighting. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2009
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Christmas is coming and it’s time to think about decorating, both indoors and outdoors.  If you’re lucky enough to live in sunnier climes, not necessarily warmer climes, have you thought about using solar powered lights for your outdoor decorating? 

One can only imagine how much power is consumed each year with the use of the plethora of electrically wired lights and other Christmas paraphernalia.   A great energy efficient, safe and convenient option is either solar powered LED string lights or battery operated LED string lights, the solar powered option being the most energy efficient of all.  

LEDs consume far less energy than a standard incandescent bulb.  For example the amount of electricity consumed by just one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power as many as 140 LEDs, the number of LEDs in two 24-foot strings and if the lights are solar powered, than the only energy needed to power the lights are captured by the sun.  These lights are a great energy saving idea but also a great option if no outdoor power outlet is available.   The convenience of no trailing cords is also a great plus. 

Solar powered LED string lights can be used to decorate the outdoor Christmas tree, garland, Christmas wreath and so on, as long as they’re placed in a sunny location throughout the day to be assured their batteries are properly charged.  A set of fully charged lights should provide lighting from dusk through to early evening and a little beyond; however they do diminish throughout the night.   

If you’re planning on decorating outdoors this year, consider solar powered string lights for a safe, convenient and energy efficient Christmas!
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Reply - Lane 10/29/2009
 
Hi Lane,

Do you have a particular style in mind?  Do you perhaps have a picture of something similar to what you would like and I can help you find what you are after?  Do you have a budget in mind?  Have you looked at the options on my 'Battery Operated Lamps' page: http://www.batteryoperatedindooroutdoorlights.com/battery-operated-lamps.html.

My favourite lamp is the Contemporary The Battery Park Table Lamp, as I love contemporary design.  This one is a little pricey but it's simple and elegant design won't date easily.  If you click on that link on the above page it will take you to a website that has a wide range of similar battery operated lamps.  There is also a huge selection from Amazon in both price and style.  For example, the Table Lamp With Oval Shade is currently on sale for $37.50.

Let me know a style and budget and I'm only too happy to help you!
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Reply - Carissa 09/20/2009
 
Hi Carissa,

Thank you for your comments.  I'll get to lamps this week!  Let me know if there are any particular styles you are after and I'll do my best to find exactly what you're looking for!
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What You Think 09/02/2009
 
I would love to hear what you think about my website, how I can improve it and ideas on what you would like to see.  So please feel free to add a comment.
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