Happy July the 4th WAWA faithful!
There are 4 things every American, and/or Japanese-American must do on this the most patriotic of holidays:
1) Be with family and friends
2) BBQ
3) Have a beer
4) Blow things up with firecrackers!!!
So for this week's WAWA, we will looking at precautions to take so that you don't blow off something that you or your children might later need (this is all in the best interest of the WAWA, we need all of the readers that we can get, and need you to return safely next week LOL). For the family/friends, BBQ and beer, you're on your own.
Mr. Dante has always been familiar with firecracker and fireworks safety. Growing up, Mama Dante told stories of how Uncle Dante nearly blew away his fingers with a firecracker in the 1940's. When Mr. Dante was a child, I would immediately get ear aches from firework shows, an odd combination or ear infections and loud booms. I'd recommend all parents keep an eye on their children of all ages to make sure that they are comfortable at firework shows in public, or smaller firecracker exhibitions at home.
This week, the US government released a fireworks safety video that is both effective and truly terrifying (comically). The Consumer Product Safety Commission would like to remind you to stay safe, and have destroyed some mannequins to illustrate just how dangerous fireworks can be. The video, which you can see below, shows a series of circumstances you don’t want to be in. Don’t shoot bottle rockets at each other’s eyes or hold exploding M-80s, kids. Here's the video:
Fireworks and firecrackers are not native to the United States, but rather have been around for thousands of years. The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th century China, where they were invented. The fireworks were used to accompany many festivities. It is a part of the culture of China and had its origin there; eventually it spread to other cultures and societies. Important events and festivities such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival were and still are times when fireworks are guaranteed sights. China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world.
Since then, fireworks have been used in celebration all over the world. Japan has become the leader in winning fireworks competitions with some seriously mind-blowing displays. Here are some amazing fireworks in Japan from 2013 at the Edogawa Fireworks Festival:
ere are some more amazing Japanese fireworks at the Akagawa Fireworks Festival in Japan:
In the US, some weekend warriors take the lights display into their own hands...and yards. Delight in the stupidity below known as "Disturbing the Peace 8000 Firecracker!":
Here are some pics of Wile Coyote, the genius that I always think of when playing with firecrackers.
Keep it safe, AND FUN out there!!
Till next time MAMA NATION. – Mr. Dante