Off-Topic Tuesday: The 4th of July

Some random thoughts about the 4th:

- I'm not a big fireworks fan, but I must admit that I'm still amazed that "they" can make fireworks that produce various shapes (hearts, stars, peace signs, etc.). I'm easily amused. I also find it pretty cool that you can feel the vibrations in your chest if you're standing underneath the fireworks' explosion point.

- Isn't it annoying when the 4th falls in the middle of the work week? It's much nicer when it's on a Friday or Monday.

- What's the deal with sparklers? The sparks hurt your skin, they're an eye-poking hazard (not to mention a fire hazard), and yet I continually see 4-year-olds running around with them. I smell a lawsuit (I'm sure one's already been filed). Parents: Just because you can buy a box of 20 for a dollar does not mean that they are a suitable "toy" for your toddler.

- What (or where) is the largest fireworks display in America? New York City claims that they have it, but growing up in Detroit, we were constantly reminded that our "dual celebration" with Canada on the last Wednesday of June was "the largest fireworks display in North America." So who's got the bragging rights nowadays? Whoever it is, I doubt that they've got the world's largest display. Have you ever seen those ridiculous Chinese shows? Even the Australians go nuts with it from time to time. I don't think the U.S. is #1 here.