Fireworks

The Most Dangerous Fireworks Aren't Always the Biggest

The 4th of July is here and that means fun and fireworks. Fireworks shows are notoriously expensive to put on so hosting one in your backyard can be a real treat and a great way to entertain family and guests over the holiday weekend. Unfortunately fireworks can also be quite dangerous, with the potential for accidents and injuries ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to life threatening burns or worse. According to the CDC 7,000 people went to the ER for fireworks related injuries in 2008 over the 4th of July, and 7 people were killed.

So which fireworks are the most dangerous? It's not always the biggest, baddest, and most expensive ones that pose a serious health risk. Here are the top three most dangerous types of fireworks.

#1 Firecrackers (900 injuries in 2008) Potential for them to explode at close range and injure eyes, face, or hands.

#2 Sparklers (800 injuries in 2008) High risk for burning skin or igniting clothing because they're hand held and burn at over 1,000ºF.

#3 Rockets (300 injuries in 2008) Can fly into the eyes and face with great force.

Statistics show that setting up and using fireworks is much more dangerous than being a bystander, and young males under the age of 20 are most likely to get hurt. But there are exceptions to every rule and in reality anyone near the fireworks is at risk. Being careful, cautious, and responsible with fireworks can go a long way towards keeping everybody safe, but according to the CDC the only way to really prevent accidents is to hire trained professionals. And why not? You'll get a bigger, better show with less hassle and no worries about setup, take-down, and what's legal or illegal. Have a safe and happy holiday.

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Tags: 4th of July, entertainment, fireworks, main-pedia, outdoor entertainment, outdoor-entertainment-pedia, pedia-main

World's Most Extravagant Party in Dubai Will be Visible from Space

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Events

Later this month, billionaire tycoon Sol Kerzner will launch his lavish new resort in Dubai with a $25 million party featuring a fireworks display so massive it will be visible from space. The event, for the grand opening of the $1.5 billion Atlantis, The Palm, will have 2,000 guests and last four days capped by a performance by Kylie Minogue (her first in the Middle East), and is being billed as the world's most extravagant party, the London Telegraph reports.

The 1,500 room resort, located on the world's largest manmade island, the Palm Jumeirah, covers several square miles, features 16 restaurants including a branch of Nobu, and is partially bankrolled by the Dubai Royal Family. The fireworks display is being put on by the same pyrotechnics experts who produce the Olympics opening ceremony; however the Atlantis display will be ten times larger than the one in Beijing, making it visible from space.

Gallery: Dubai

Tags: Atlantis, Dubai, Fireworks, kylie minogue, KylieMinogue, Nobu, palm jumeirah, PalmJumeirah, Sol Kerzner, SolKerzner

If You Can Pay For It, Sparks Will Fly

by Anne Metz (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Services

Leave it to the Ritz-Carleton in Battery Park to come up with one of the world's most luxe hotel packages. The Can't Buy Me Love, But You Can Try is a one-night visit that costs you $40,000.

But don't worry, you'll get your money's worth. For the handsome fee, this package includes:

limo service to and from the airport
accommodations in the Presidential Suite.
a personal fireworks show by the famous Grucci family set to the soundtrack of your choice
private helicopter ride over the city
private bath prepared by a personal butler
Dom Perignon and strawberries
candlelight dinner
in-room breakfast

According to the hotel's director of guest relations, not surprisingly, only one person has taken advantage of this high-priced hotel package.

Sure, fireworks are fab as is staying at the Ritz, but if you really want to show your special someone that you are at the same pyrotechnically inspired and frugal, here's a slightly lower-budget version of the package:

One pack of roman candles from a road side stand in South Carolina: $7.50
One romantic Celine Dion album: $15
One bottle of pink Andre's "champagne": $5
One night at a Super 8: $65

And finally: