[youtube http://www.youtube.com?v=aBhF_qfG4Qc]
Here\’s a great example of how to solve problems through automation….
The problem, living next to a set of train tracks, and the noise that they make…  The solution, automatically close the windows, when a train is passing through…

Using a webcam, open-source motion detection software, and an arduino, I\’ve created an automatic window closer for my bedroom windows. This is a demonstration of how it works.

It\’s a nice rig, custom built, and very functional.  I can see some possible improvements, including sound triggering, or leveraging the web cam to detect the trains from further away…
But, it\’s a great solution.