Interesting how a good idea 200 years ago, is still a good
          idea.
 
          Lightening rods about 25 to 50 meters long with a blunted
          top (dome shaped top) are now commercially available and
          are functioning models of the early concepts that a
          blunt top would scatter a lightening strike.  The rods
          are capable of shielding several hundred square feet of land
          in a circle at their base from lightening strikes.  They are
          used to protect spectators from being hit by lightening at
          outdoor sporting events, like golf.  Some scientists in the
          Department of Energy have patents for systems that are
          designed to discharge electrical energy from clouds in a
          harmless and controlled manner.  Such systems have not been
          put into general usage because they have yet to be built in
          a cost-effective manner.
 
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