Inventor Thomas Edison is world renowned, not only for the array of inventions which continue to significantly impact the modern world to this day, but also for the positive attitude and relentless approach he took to his endeavors. On this anniversary of Edison’s birthday, February 11, 1847, let us celebrate not only his vast array of contributions, but also the spirit of the man himself.

“I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Though Edison did not invent the first light bulb, as most people believe, he did invent the first incandescent light bulb. Though prior bulbs burned out after only a few minutes, Edison’s incandescents were practical, staying lit for hours and hours, and amazingly are still in use today after over 135 years.

“There are no rules here – we’re trying to accomplish something.”

Thanks to Edison’s dynamo technology, devices similar to generators, which make direct current (DC) electricity with the help of electromagnetism, a complete system was created capable of delivering DC electricity to large areas. In 1882, the formation of the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of New York, constructed the first commercial electricity generation and distribution system. It powered a one-mile square of residences and businesses in Manhattan, offering Americans more affordable, efficient electricity and lighting. The company would later take part in mergers leading to the formation of General Electric in 1892, which would later become innovators in AC electricity, though Edison would not play a starring role.

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

One of Edison’s favorite inventions, the phonograph, revolutionized sound recording. Though devices existed capable of recording sound, none had the capability for playback, as Edison’s 1877 phonograph did. The two needled device – one for recording and one for playback – led to the development of recorded telecommunications, improvements in dictation and letter writing, phonographic books for the blind, music boxes and toys, and music portability.

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.”

After the phonograph and with the help of employee W.K.L. Dickson, Edison spent years inventing the motion picture camera. He wanted to do for the eye what the phonograph did for the ear. Following the invention of the kinetograph (motion picture camera) and kinetoscope (peephole motion picture viewer), he constructed a motion picture production studio for filming. The Boxing Gordon Sisters, fighting cats, and films starring Annie Oakley and Native American Dancers from Buffalo Bill’s “Wild West Show” were some of Edison’s first productions. He would later be beaten by Jenkins and Arnat’s vitascope before creating his own device for displaying movies to large groups, the projectoscope, forerunner to today’s movie projectors.

“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

After thousands of experiments involving metals and other materials in an attempt to create a lighter, reliable, more powerful storage battery for the electric cars of the time, Edison discovered an alkaline solution, which produced a longer lasting battery. Though gasoline powered cars took over the market before the battery's completion thanks to Henry Ford, it was nevertheless hugely successful in industrial applications and one of Edison’s biggest moneymakers in later years.

"The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” 

Thanks, Mr. Edison, for empowering us all, and to everyone else: always remember, we at Mr. Electric® are here to help power your tomorrow, too!

• True to form

• Tailored and elegant

• Clean lines and natural hues

• NEW and Exciting!

A burst of crystal, metallic ribbons, streamers and champagne glasses, if this contemporary winner from Corbett Lighting does not set the scene for a good time, you need to find a new playgroup!  Finished in Modern Silver, “Party All Night” from Corbett Lighting is cutting-edge contemporary with the fun and flair of whimsical style.

“Aleeka” from Kichler Lighting is a swirling mix of concentric circles and shaded orbs.  A fascination of motion with a Classic Pewter finish simply and elegantly defines modern-contemporary style.

“Starfire” from Maxim Lighting takes xenon illumination to the next level. Polished Chrome and Beveled Crystal deliver a sparkling exuberance that is exciting and unique.

“Barclay” from Savoy House exudes strength and an edgy, trend-setting style.  The Gilded Bronze finish, mesh drum shade and cascades of  handcrafted chain brilliantly integrate Mediterranean and industrial characteristics.

“Jennings” from Crystorama showcases classic contemporary in an intricately designed metallic shade.  The Polished Nickel geometric cutout is attractively illuminated around the crisp linen drum shade.

“Pearla” from Eurofase combines LED light sources, a polycarbonate diffuser and a hand-polished chrome finish.  Like a strand of fine pearls,  this contemporary whirl of illumination is substantial and opulent.

“Travis” from Hudson Valley presents an ultra glamorous sophistication reminiscent of the “Golden Age” of cinema and Hollywood Regency style.  Sleek and elegant, prisms of cut glass encase candle holders for a fascinating play of illumination.

“Quill” from Hubbardton Forge is a marvel of rectilinear and planar geometry with branching structures and feather-like plumes in a Vintage Platinum finish.  LEDs and infinitely adjustable horizontal or vertical cable offer a fantastic array of hanging options and lighting effects.

“Corfo” from Eurofase offers a playful visual symposium like a crystalline rainfall embedded in Chrome coils.  Decorative light sources emanate a dazzling illumination within this powerful lighting design.

“Flagship” from Access Lighting makes a show-stopping presentation.  Metal panels, robust peripheral light sources and a powerful downlight offer ideal illumination, handsomely designed with timeless, contemporary grandeur.

The Dallas Market

Professional lighting consultants from Capitol Lighting have meticulously reviewed hundreds of showrooms filled with the latest LED innovations, as well as contemporary dining room fixtures, portable lamps, outdoor lights, ceiling fans and chandeliers from elite lighting manufacturers around the world, including top vendors in the US, Europe and Asia.

Dallas electricians like ElectricMan Inc. can help correct your existing electrical problems or provide assistance with installation.

There are ways to prevent electrical problems in a new home, and the electricians at ElectricMan can help, so consult someone knowledgeable before you begin your home improvement. What are some ways to prevent electric fires in your home?

There are over 53,000 electric fires in the U.S. each year, but these can easily be prevented with the help of a whole house surge protector. Surge protectors prevent the discharge of excess electricity due to lightening storms or blown circuits. If your home is prone to electrical surges, a whole house surge protector may be just what you need to prevent an electrical fire.

A GFCI outlet is a device which increases safety by reducing the risk of electric shocks. Most building codes now require that GFCI outlets be installed in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, laundry rooms, and outdoor areas. GFCI outlets monitor for current imbalances and break the circuit if such an imbalance occurs. They are an important safety measure and should be installed whenever there is water and electricity.

With the beautiful spring weather upon us, it is only natural you would want to head outside and take advantage of the gorgeous weather before it becomes a little too warm to be truly comfortable. Evenings and early mornings are so peaceful. Unwinding after a long day or taking a few minutes in the morning before a busy day kicks off are made a little nicer and safer with the installation of outdoor lighting by an electrician in Los Angeles. You can count on the knowledgeable staff at The Electric Connection to install the lighting in your yard and landscaping.

While twilight or dusk can be rather calming, it isn’t always a good idea to be outdoors when it is so dark you cannot see your surroundings clearly. It isn’t always some predator you have to worry about, but your own clumsiness. Tripping over a stone or some other object in your yard could leave you with a twisted ankle or in some extreme cases, a broken bone. Proper lighting can prevent these kinds of accidents without interrupting the serenity of the scene.

There are two different kinds of outdoor lighting homeowners have to choose from. Solar lighting is fairly quick and simple to install, but does tend to be a little pricier. The other option is electric lighting installed by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners who have a yard that gets plenty of shade or the area is regularly shadowed by their home during the daylight hours may want to consider the electric lights. Because they don’t need the sun’s powerful rays to recharge, they can be placed virtually anywhere. The wires will be buried to ensure they do not pose tripping hazards and will be protected from rain and snow. If you would like to make your early mornings and quiet evenings a little better, give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your outdoor lighting installation.