All Charged Up

Pop quiz, hot shot! What happens when you leave your vehicle's ignition key in the accessories position all night long?

Yeah, that's right. You end up with a completely dead battery.

Question #2: How quickly can a tow truck jump start your vehicle (the one having a completely dead battery)?

Yep. Instantly.

So now you know. And knowing is half the battle.

On Turning 40

I turned 40 yesterday.

Wow. Just yesterday, I felt like I was only 40. Oh, wait, that was my birthday yesterday. Nevermind.

Wow. Just a few days ago, I felt... well... so much younger.

But, enough about me.

Though yesterday was my actual birthday, we ended up observing it on the day before, Friday 12/14. Kind of like how Washington has two birthdays, the real birthday and then the observed version so people can have a three-day weekend. And since I'd taken the day off from work, I had a three-day weekend, just like a presidential birthday, observed. Does that make me like a U.S. President?

That day went well. Slept in... always nice. Later in the morning, I accompanied my wife to our church to assist with preparations for the upcoming children's Christmas program. After that, she and I were supposed to go out to a restaurant for lunch. We stopped at my parents house to, supposedly, pick up some items for the Christmas program. But it turned out she and my parents had planned a surprise birthday party. I was genuinely surprised! And we had one of my favorite meals... lasagna. Mmmm... lasaaaaaagnaaaaaaa...

Wizards in Winter videos

And now, for your viewing pleasure, we present "Wizards in Winter" from The Lost Christmas Eve by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Be videos below feature the song providing the soundtrack to a synchronized Christmas light display.

The original and most-famous one, designed by Carson Williams, then an electrical engineer, at his home for Christmas, 2004.



Another one, from Frisco, Texas, from Christmas, 2005.



Merry Christmas, everyone!

NORAD Tracks Santa in 3D

Once again, NORAD will be tracking Santa Claus' annual trip around the world beginning on Christmas Eve, using their high-tech Santa tracking system. Thanks to modern technology, using Google Earth you will be able to receive real-time updates, in 3D, of Santa's progress around the world, including pictures from NORAD's Santa Cam. Be sure to visit NORAD's Santa tracking web site on Christmas Eve!

Day of the Ninja

Today, December 5th, marks the international celebration known as the Day of the Ninja. Annually, since way back in 2003, people around the world use this day to celebrate ninja culture and discuss why ninjas are better than pirates.

How will you celebrate the Day of the Ninja?

I will celebrate by remember someone who, for me, was the ninja. That's right, Lee Van Cleef from the 80's classic, The Master. Don't remember The Master? Well, we here at Spike the Wave do. And as long as we live, he will not be forgotten! Arrrrrrgh!