Tag: fireworks

The Most American Thing Ever

Nothing could go wrong here, right? Wrong.

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Building Roads While the World Wilts

By Doug “Uncola” Lynn via TheBurningPlatform.com

As mentioned in an article last month, I have been helping out friends by driving a 10-speed triaxle dump truck (6AM to 6PM) 2 to 3 days a week this summer.

Using older but well-maintained dump trucks and newer state-of-the-art excavation equipment, six guys working full-time, plus me helping out part-time, are removing the concrete on a stretch of road and several streets in a small town located in an adjacent county. Additionally, we are coordinating with two road engineers, and conferring with local utility employees overseeing the project.  Our crew is handling the overall excavation, installation of underground drainage infrastructure, dumping the old concrete in designated land areas, hauling away dirt to two other locations, and hauling in rock from two separate quarries. All of this is being done in advance of a paving company’s final pouring of the concrete.

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Fireworks Safety Tips

Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means many friends and families are purchasing fireworks to set off in celebration. Here are some tips for preventing painful fireworks-related injuries:

  • Most serious injuries happen on July 4th, so set off your explosives on the day before or the day after.
  • Be sure to set off at least one firework as a tribute to Vulcan, ancient Roman god of fire, or face his wrath.
  • If a firework fails to ignite, there may be something wrong with it. To figure out the problem, examine the firework up close and watch carefully while you try reigniting it.
  • Anyone about to set off a “black snake” should prepare for a major disappointment.
  • Remember that fireworks can’t hurt you when you’re drunk. Nothing can.
  • The most effective treatment for burns is to go around showing people the burn and saying, “Look, I burned myself. Fuckin’ hurts.”
  • Glow sticks are great alternatives to sparklers for children whose parents are no fucking fun.
  • It’s safest to be as far as possible from the site of ignition. Instead of lighting the firework directly, set it off via a trail of gunpowder that’s at least 500 feet long.
  • When buying fireworks, remember: The bigger the firework, the higher it will fly, and the less likely it will be to hurt you.
  • Children should only use fireworks under the strict supervision of an adult or a slightly older cousin.
  • Do not invite stupid people to your fireworks display.

Via The Onion


St. Petersburg (Russia) White Nights Arts Festival

Below video is from the 2013 St. Petersburg White Nights Festival.

I sat on the banks of the Hudson River  to watch the 1976 July 4th extravaganza. It was incredible.  This one seems better.  At least watch the first three minutes in full screen mode.  The fireworks … timed to fabulous music … are simply breathtaking.

This link is a story about this year’s festival:  http://russia-insider.com/en/st-petersburgs-iconic-stars-white-nights-art-festival/ri7983