WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2004
SELF IMPROVEMENT
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
.
19
HOW TO... BE A FIREWORKS EXPERT
It isn't rocket science It's just fireworks
Just imagine you're at that Fourth of July barbecue enjoying a hot dog when that special someone you've been eyeing crosses the patio and decides to talk to you. You start talking and you're having a really good time until that person says the one thing you're not ready for.
"I love Glitter Palm shells so much more than Dahlias. So what's you're favorite type of firework?"
Of course you don't know anything about the different types of fireworks you can barely tell the difference between a firecracker and a snake. But knowing the ins and outs of fireworks can be a handy way to impress that special someone this Fourth of July weekend.
So sit back and enjoy The Kansan's easy reference guide to fireworks.
History
As anyone who has seen Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III knows, fireworks have been around for thousands of years. While fireworks were used as weapons and slapstick set-ups in that movie, they have been used for a wide variety of purposes over the years, but most importantly for celebration. Fireworks have been used as entertainment at festivals and events for nearly as long as they have been in existence. But where did fireworks come from?
Legend says that an ancient Chinese cook mixed together three common ingredients; saltpeter, sulphur and charcoal and discovered that it burned differently than wood, resulting in colorful flames.
While this may or may not be true, fireworks did originate in China. Used to celebrate weddings and exorcise demons, fireworks eventually came
to be used as weapons. Just like in Disney's Mulan, fireworks were used against the Mongols.
The Italian explorer Marco Polo is credited with taking fireworks to Italy. The use of fireworks was spread across the world during Polo's travels, taking fireworks to the Arab world, where
fireworks were called Chinese arrows.
Fireworks came to the United States with settlers and were supposedly fired when the U.S. declared independence from England in 1776.
Common Types of Fireworks Firecracker
One of the most common fireworks in the United States, a firecracker is a string of small, cylindrically-shaped explosives that explode in a series of sharp bangs. It is often thrown on the ground.
Shell
Cherry Bomb
A shell is a canister that is fired out of a mortar that usually explodes in flowery star bursts. There are a variety of patterns available, often named for the shape that the flare resembles.
True cherry bombs are illegal in the United States. They are powerful, round red firecrackers.
Rocket
A rocket is a cone-shaped cylinder attached to a long stick that soars high into the air when lifted.
Roman Candle
Supposedly used by ancient Romans, the Roman candle is a tube that is stuck into the ground. When it is lit, the candle sends out a stream of sparks.
Sparkler
Most often seen in the hands of children or decorating novelty cakes, a sparkler is a handheld firework that burns slowly while emitting colorful flames and sparks. Sparklers are responsible for most legal fireworks accidents because parents give em to young children.
Snakes
A snake is a legal firework that creates a stream of ash resembling a snake when lit.
— Compiled by Donovan Atkinson, edited by Marc Ingber.
MONDAY
S2 Big Beers & Dble Well Drinks
S1 14oz Draws
TUESDAY
$1.75 Domestic Beers
$1.50 Smirnoff & Bacardi Drinks
WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY
S1 14oz Draws
S1.50 Walls & Cells
S2 Jager Bombs
THURSDAY
S3 Triple Wells
S1 14oz Draws
S3 House Martinis
FRIDAY
S3 Dble Bacardi Drinks
S2.25 Domestic Bottles
S2.50 Corona & Pacific Beers
SATURDAY S3 Dble Captain, Jack Daniels & Skyy Drinks S2 Big Beers
THE HAWK
1340 Ohio
www.jayhawkcafe.com
Parking available behind the Wheel Pizza Co. University will not tow during summer.
SPECIALS!
$400 Deposit
$100 Cash back w/ lease
Quail Creek Apartments
2111 KASOLD DR.
Large Floor Plans
Studios, 1, 2, & 3 BR
Exercise Facility / Pool
W/D Hook-ups and onsite Laundry
Water Paid
Eddingham Place
24th & NAISMITH Large 2 BR $550-560 Exercise Facility / Pool Onsite Laundry Cable Paid
Call George Waters Mgmt
841-5533
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN The student voice.Every day It's a part of student life.