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NOVA - Fireworks!
A behind the scenes look uncovers the exacting and impressive amount of work that goes into producing major pyrotechnic displays. Launch methods, shell construction, chemical mixtures, and more are here along with the use of computer technology to synchronize displays to music.

 

Sail on board one of the world's top cruise lines. Windstar has the most beautiful ships sailing the seas.

 

 

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are considered among the world's best lines.

Red Firecracker, Green Firecracker
A beautifully rendered movie of the role firecrackers play in the courting sequences of couples in a small Chinese village. It's a slow, but interesting glimpse at a world apart in an ancient culture. Will perhaps interest anyone wanting to learn more about the evolution of fireworks, starting with the Chinese discovery of gunpowder.

Fireworks!

Some years ago, I met a family in San Francisco who had flown in for the Fourth of July celebration along the city's waterfront (it has since scaled down dramatically, but at that time, it was one of the largest Fourth of July displays in the United States). Each year, this family's vacation plans included a trip to one or another of the largest pyrotechnic displays in America. They said the most beautiful they had seen was in Denver, Colorado because there was snow on the ground. All of the bursts were amazingly reflected in the white powder. It sounded like a great thing to do with one's family.

Spectacular pyrotechnic displays can be seen in various places in America on the Fourth of July and, of course, during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong—which are the most impressive I've ever seen. Apparently those shot off around the Kentucky derby are also considered extremely impressive.

However, the most impressive display I've ever seen was in Hong Kong on Chinese New Year just prior to Hong Kong going back to the Chinese. Because I worked on planning The San Francisco Chronicle's annual Fourth of July festivities along Fisherman's Wharf (before they were significantly trimmed back), I was invited as a guest of PyroSpectacular (the pyrotechnicans of that even) to witness $1 million in pyrotechnics begin set off from three barges in the Kowloon Bay.

We arrived late, had an even later dinner, and, being restless and curious, I asked if the ferries across the Bay ran late, and if it might be safe for me to take one of the ferries before turning in. Our host put change in each of my pockets and said, "this will get you over, this will get you back. And, yes, it's safe for a single woman even late at night in Hong Kong.

Well worth it in every respect, and do include a side trip to Macau to see the Blessing of the Fleet, which also takes place during the Chinese New Year Celebration.

More on this. Will dig up images and notes regarding this trip. It was quite amazing, and I learned from the pyrotechnicans that there are international fireworks competitions and people who follow them around the world.