WC Entry: Christiansburg, VA

I'm happy (or embarrassed), to announce that the following entries are houses from my neighborhood.  I even considered entering a picture of my house, but thought it would be an unfair advantage seeing how I actually know the rules and regs of the Woodbine Challenge.  Perhaps having a WC on our own houses is an idea for the future.  Anyhow, my first entry is one on which I can gaze upon at my leisure through the front windows each evening.  Having a facade almost entirely devoid of lights is the perfect way to highlight the fact that you have only one electric figure in your windows.  I do need to give this neighbor credit for creating a little balance with the sprinkling of lights on the front bush.

Lonesome Angel

After I took this first picture and turned to go back home a glowing halo of blue caught my eye, and I was delighted to find my second entry.  This house sports none other (and nothing else), but a neon blue lighted wreath hanging on it's front door.  I have to be honest and say that I almost didn't notice this gem because it's neighboring house is smothered with lights.  Upon further inspection, the decorating of this house is quite ingenious.... the white minivan parked in front of their house does a nice job of reflecting their neighbor's lights!  There's no need for any more lights than a lovely blue wreath.  Let the neighbors pay the electric bill!!

Blue Ingenuity

These may very well be the only entries from my neighborhood seeing how I have a rather hyper-vigilant neighborhood watch.  I suppose running from house to house to keep warm, snapping quick pictures, and then running home might look a little suspicious (but it was fun)!

WC Entry: Alexandria, VA

I returned from my Woodbine Challenge scouting trip to Maine with trepidation, unsure whether I would find any comparable specimens of holiday decorating goodness.  Tonight's trip to the grocery store inspired a quick driving tour of a nearby neighborhood.  I believe that it uncovered worthy contenders for the title of Woodbine Challenge Champion 2012.  Some "gems in the rough," if you will.

Has the phrase "less is more" ever rang less true?

This photo certainly captures how underwhelming these holiday lights are.  Rather than taking the dramatic ridgeline-string-o-lights route, capitalizing on the large front window, or transforming the large front lawn into a winter wonderland, these holiday decorators opted for one string of lights wrapped around the railing by the front door.  It may even be a bit difficult to see in this photo, so don't get distracted by the lights on the neighbor's house.  Just look really closely, squint, and maybe you'll be able to catch a bit of the glow.  But really, the lights themselves were dim (it isn't just my distance from the house or the light), as if these tired old lights need to be retired to the Christmas Tree in the Sky.

Dubbed "Santa We Have Heard on High"

 That's right.  They've stuck a plastic, light-up Santa on a pole in their front yard.  Which begs the questions: where did this pole come from?  Do they store it in their backyard all year long so that their Santa can be a lone, shining beacon of Christmas cheer for the whole neighborhood?  If one can got to the trouble of getting Santa atop his pole and finding a super long extension cord, how is it that they can't do more?   (Disclaimer: as a drove away I saw that there is a second figure of a snowman at the base of the pole.)  There may be some crazy genius in making one sweeping dramatic gesture - any addition might just lessen its impact.

Woodbine Challenge

Chet here reporting from So Cal.  I think we've found a few winners for the Woodbine Challenge.  We stopped to take a few pictures tonight on our way home from caroling and spreading good cheer to the fine old folks at the Golden Living retirement home. 

The extend of this house's/apartment's Christmas decorating was replacing regular white outdoor light bulbs with a green and red bulb.  This place is oozing with holiday cheer.  Notice the empty outdoor chair which are anxiously awaiting a good time.

Nothing shouts Merry Christmas like a lightning bolt!  I think the lightning bolt took out Santa and 11 of the 12 reindeer, as there is only a lone reindeer left on the roof (note how his head hangs in despair because his friends died).  In all fairness to this house, I think that is supposed to be the Charger's (San Diego's Football team) logo, but what do the Chargers have to do with Christmas?  Nothing.

This one may not qualify because there is an inflatable decoration, but it's not on the lawn, it's on the roof of the garage.  Anyhow, we thought the light rope in the bushes was, well, lame-o, especially considering that there are a lot of uncovered bushes in the yard.

 We'll keep an eye out for more "winners".

Over-and-out,

Chet

Announcing the WOODBINE CHALLENGE!!

Chet announces the opening of the 1st Annual Woodbine Challenge.

Calling all Muskies! 

Grab your cameras and "venture" out to collect photos of the lamest half-attempts at Christmas decorating in your neighborhood.

These days, the true spirit of celebrating with poor taste and bad decorating has been lost. For too long, this minimalist approach with cheap decorations, embodied by green celophane-covered doorbells, has been "edged out" by more mainstream factions of lawn and home decorators. We Muskies want to recognize the purveyors of this southwestern Virginia tradition. We'd like to "shed some light" on this vanishing art form.

As always, we have Rules and Regs which must be followed:

1. Decorations may not be tasteful.
1. Tasteful may be acceptable if not fully executed.
2. No large, inflatable decorations may be present.
3. Decoration must have some form of interior or exterior decoration beyond a Christmas tree in the window.
4. Multiple entries are allowed.
5. Photos must be submitted by 12/23/12.
6. A poll will be conducted to determine the "winner" (loser).

Here are a few examples to get those creative juices flowing.

Notice the imbalance of lights. The inability to muster the energy to complete a cohesive holiday decorating scheme has created a masterpiece.

While the large red bow and clean white lights hold the promise of holiday whimsy and charm, this incomplete motif teases the viewer with ultimately unfulfilled expectations.

You've got your challenge, now let's get snappin'!

MAW: Conservation through Education

Let the pictures tell the story!

Dr. Jef Groesbeck on the web

If you are in the Westlake, OH area and in need of medical care then look no further!

See what Mrs. Nitro Paige is saying about her recent visit to the doctor.

AWES Video

In celebration of the new club "Air Kicks" (or just "Kicks" for short), we've prepared a demonstration video with some basic and advanced kicks:

As always, our number #1 rule is "safety first!"