Fireworks Have Been Democratized!

Observations

Fireworks have been democratized! Last night, on account of the lateness of the hour and the tiredness of the little ones, we decided to forego the traditional municipal fireworks and watch our neighbour’s display. Well, as it turned out, we were able to watch the displays of 10 “neighbours.” No, there was not as much spectacle all in one place and right in front of us, but you may say the total spectacle was about equal, just scattered about a few square miles and a major portion of the night.

I heard a statistic; in 1976 (the bicentennial of our independence) we Americans (private citizens, not municipalities) spent $30 millions on fireworks. In 2006, we spent $900 millions. So our affluence even allows us to create our own fireworks shows. I do not think, however, that the democratization of fireworks will put the municipalities out of business. I do think it will force them to make bigger and better shows.

Dickens Dominates

Opuses

I’ve just recently started reading Charles Dickens. I read Oliver Twist, which took me about 4 months, and then read A Christmas Carol in a few days. Both of them are delightful. Interestingly, I read elsewhere today that G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis were also fans of Charles Dickens. I shall try to share more thoughts as they come up.

Also interestingly, over the weekend I stayed at a hotel whose guest list boasts the likes of Charles Dickens, U. S. Grant, and Mark Twain.