And the Winner Is...

November 5, 2001 -  Many thanks to everyone who entered our Halloween contest! We had tons of great ideas, and even some creative poets. We appreciate the thought you all put into your submissions. We're sure many an unwary trick-or-treater got a good scare this year! Congratulations go out to our highest vote-getter, Michael Capps!

Michael's entry went like this:

I would setup multiple motion sensors (HawkeyeII) each directed at a different location coming up my driveway. Also, I would setup satellite speakers (little cheap ones) throughout the yard (hidden of course). As the children make it further up the driveway, more creepy things occur. The first motion sensor at the end of the driveway would set off a "rustle in the trees", or a "hooting owl" sound. As they proceed up the driveway, a second motion detector would cause the porch lights to flicker on and off a couple times. If they were brave enough to continue, they would set off the third motion sensor, which would activate the 700-watt fog machine (with attached fog chiller to keep the fog close to the ground instead of rising). In case the children aren't too scared yet and venture on, a fourth motion sensor would cause two 40-watt strobe lights to begin flashing as the porch lights turn off. The fifth and final sensor will be activated once the children step on the porch itself. This will cause the Halloween theme music (that creepy music from the movie) to start and then the door would open revealing me in the Mike Myers Halloween costume with a dripping bloody knife in one hand and their candy in the other. I would also have an XCam2 color camera to take video of them as they accept the candy (if they dare get that close to me). The video would be immediately sent to my computer projector that will project their reaction onto the garage door for them and their parents to see!

And if we may pipe in one last time, please make sure to send us all your great ideas for X10 products. After all, the X10 Community is YOUR community. We can't do it without you!

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