Joe Dirt Fireworks Scene
As we approach Independence Day and prepare for our annual backyard barbecues and “safe” fireworks with the kids, many of us reminisce about the “good old days” when cherry bombs, bottle rockets and Roman candles were as much a part of the holiday as The Star Spangled Banner and Aunt Minnie’s Dutch apple pie. But most states outlawed them years ago to reduce injuries and fires. Replacing them are “snakes and sparklers” and assorted thingies that do little more than whistle and smoke.
Apparently, “real” fireworks are still available in Nevada (if they have whores, they’re bound to have serious fireworks, right?) but our Governor has begged Californians not to buy them this year. No wonder; we already have more than 1200 wildfires burning through our landscape, and firefighters have no idea when they’ll get them under control!
All of which reminded me of a classic scene in the movie Joe Dirt, a conversation between David Spade and Adam Beach…
Now, I’m not telling you what to do or not do, but I’m with Arnold on this, at least this year. How ‘bout forgetting the “real” fireworks? Go to a controlled fireworks show in your area instead. They’re bigger and better anyway, right?
Doug
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Sorry, I'd used a temporary title while writing today's post and forgot to change it before letting it load. My bad.
I thought that was a weird title.
Classic movie scene btw.
Classic Joe Dirt, an American hero.
I heard even some of the public fireworks shows are being canceled this year due to the fire danger. Using fireworks this year would be irresponsible.
Are those real names of fireworks? I remember roman candles, cherry bombs and M-80s but most of the others are foreign to me.
My brother, who lives in North Carolina, also suffers from a ban on good fireworks. But he is able to beat the do-gooders and drive to South Carolina to buy good stuff. But even South Carolina is plagued somewhat, since it no longer allows the sale of bottle rockets, on the belief that Southrons will shoot their eyes out. But South Carolina allows the sale of larger rockets and mortars, so go figure.
Snakes were banned in California for a while too; something about the things being toxic or something when the things burned. I think common sense finally ruled in that one, as all fireworks are pretty toxic when burning.
Here is a recipe that will give you a big boom without using explosives. You need some dry ice, empty half liter water bottles with the cap and water.
Drop a small chunk of dry ice (the size of a dime) into an empty half liter bottle, add an ounce or two of water and screw the cap on tight. Set it on the ground and get about twenty feet away. After about thirty seconds, as the water causes the dry ice to become gas, the bottle will stretch and explode with a very satisfying bang.
"Life is a garden, dig it."
Now THAT is classic film making!
Maybe not one of the better made movies, but it does have more than its share of classic one-liners.
We won't be doing fireworks in the yard on Independence Day because Austin has such a great professional (and free) show and it makes sparklers seem pretty lame.
The main Fourth fireworks event in Austin is the annual concert and fireworks show near Town Lake. If you are in the area, bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy patriotic songs performed by the Austin Symphony like the Stars and Stripes Forever and the 1812 Overture (with the firing of cannons!). Then comes a huge 30-minute professional fireworks show!
If you come, plan on getting there early because traffic can get gnarly. And no booze is allowed. Happy 4th!!