I would also like to thank you i have used the fade function to test RGB leds in my first little project. it picks random amounts for RGB and fades between them at also a random speed, its like a full color candle 
eventually what i want to make is a lamp which changes color according to barometric pressure, average ambient noise level, temperature, and other environmental inputs. so this would be perfect.
I just got the arduino for a particular musical instrument project (but im having way too much fun with it)