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A Light-Centered History of the New Years Eve Ball Drop
Every year, millions of people flock to Time’s Square in New York City to watch the iconic ball drop, a tradition that has become synonymous with ringing in the New Year. So much so, that it's hard to imagine Times Square without its extravagant New Year’s Eve display. But have you ever wondered how it all began? How did this annual tradition evolve from... -
How to Change Out the Tombstones in a T8 Light Fixture
When replacing or upgrading the tombstones (socket components) in a T8 tube light fixture, it’s important to understand how to properly handle the installation and what types of components are available. This guide will take you through the process of changing out the tombstones and explain key differences between shunted and non-shunted tombstones, as well as the different types of bulbs (Type A and... -
Holiday Traditions Explained: Christmas Lights Edition
As Christmas approaches, millions of Americans will partake in the yearly tradition of pulling a tangled mess of lights out of their closets and hanging them over roofs, across walls, and across their front yard. But, as you’re probably aware, massive traditions (be they of the marketing variety or the holiday variety or both) don’t just spring up out of the blue. In fact,... -
The Ultimate Sunco Gift Guide For Lighting Lovers
If you’re anything like me, you don’t just like lighting, you loooooove lighting. And even if you aren’t riding the wave of lighting love, someone in your life must be, right? This gift guide is for those people. If you know someone who thinks every room could use just one more accent lamp, or someone who spends more time adjusting the brightness of their... -
Origins of the Light Switch
The humble light switch—it’s hardly mentioned when we learn about the first practical uses of electricity, even though it plays a crucial role in how modern lighting came about. It’s one of those little inventions that has had a surprisingly big impact on how we live today, making the simple act of turning on a light something worth exploring. Before the Switch The light... -
The Origins of Black Friday
Black Friday—that magical (and chaotic) time of year when we beg our loved ones for their holiday gift lists in advance so that we can buy their presents as affordably as possible. But it hasn’t always been a retail holiday exclusive to deals and sales. A Financial Disaster Many believe that the day after Thanksgiving is called "Black Friday" because it marks when stores...