THE NEWS
Since one of my goals is to be more aware or current events, I read today's paper and did a bit of online researching. Headliners such as the Israel rejection of the 48 hour truce, and the "Senate seeks to regulate pyrotechnics industry" were two that caught my attention. (I read FOOD magazine for other sorts of news HAHA but more on that later)
Fireworks in the Philippines:
My new year celebration was a solemn one in my home while spying on my neighbor's fireworks. Despite the damp conditions (thanks rain!) my countrymen never failed to deliver sparklies in the sky, or daringly enough, on the wet ground. Fireworks are truly amazing. Kudos to the Chinese for developing exploding things to ward away evil spirits (or was that the sun-eating-dragon in the sky?). And more amazing even are the developments we make out of it. (such as sparklers: utterly delightful wands that emit fairy-like sparks... orr... fireworks that imitate falling stars... fireworks that create images... ETC.)
On the other hand, fireworks freak me out a lot. Half of me enjoys them, while the other half is freaked out at the prospect that it endangers lives (MY life to be precise) , if not executed properly. I'm glad that my neighbors don't really light fireworks because we have a lot of trees and overhead electric wires. Plus, there is limited space thanks to the cars parked along the driveways. So...
Worse case scenarios: (all of which lead to one tragic outcome)
1. firework just so happens to go under the car = car explodes = flora and fauna catch fire = trees catch fire = electric wires catch fire = electric wires at home go haywire = my house is burnt to a toast = am i still alive
2. firework accidentaly flies to the electrical wires = house wires go crazy = no more house = am i still alive
3. firework sets tree on fire = tree sets electrical wires on fire = house wires short/explode = am i still alive
4. i'm standing on the balcony (as we usually do) and a stray bullet either kills me or gives a painful injury
Now the thing about the non-regulation of fireworks in the country is the danger is poses to the lighters, watchers, and innocent unrelated 'civilians.' Anyone can buy or make their own fireworks. And the past few years have resulted in serious injuries, or worse even, death for several (or many). That's just horrible, since Christmas and New Years Eve are supposed to be times or happiness... not times of losing body parts or lives. :c It was reported that a young child of nine who was sleeping innocently in her bed was victimized by a stray bullet. It penetrated their roof, and lodged itself in her cheek, so now she needs to get an operation. The others are people who lost fingers or arms...
It's surreal to just read about this, while one is healthy and safe. But the time to take action is never just when one is victimized, and it's too late. The call to pay more attention and filter out this industry is a wise move, especially since there is no firework extravaganza or no means of celebration so worthy as to lose one's body or life to. After watching London's firework display on the River Thames (it was marvelous!) maybe it would be a good idea to plan out the way the fireworks will happen. It may take more effort, but it just might be worth it. From the BBC video, it seemed like a lot of the community went in front of the Thames to watch the display together. And it's not just random bursts of lights in the sky but a brilliant choreography of light and sound (12 months of planning, exploding in the sky! woohoo! ) to usher in the New Year. From the different (video) shooting angles, it seemed like it was the only place with fireworks (after all, what sensible person would want to fire their own and miss out on this grand presentation?). Maybe the rich London folks had their own private affair, BUT ANYWAY. The only beams of light came seemed to come from the Thames...everything seemed concentrated in that area. In addition, it was planned out well enough so that even though were many MANY people, the presentation was high enough so that everyone could watch it and be happy. ^_^ Now I could be completely wrong in my assumption about pyrotechnics in London BUT my point is that maybe it could be a good idea to pool ideas and resources, choose a venue, and have one ultra excellent firework display that everyone can see where the fireworks are regulated and controlled as opposed to multiple small not-as-nice firework presentations where people have greater chances of meeting accidents.
Of course, we live in an imperfect world. And living in the Philippines makes it a notch more difficult. (Hehehe)
So anyway, it turns out this entry on fireworks came longer than expected. So for my news about the Israel-Hamas conflict, some other day.
In line with my other 2009 goals:
1. I love Champagne. Champagne makes me very happy. I'm not drunk right now just in case you were thinking. But this bubbly, varied, sophisticated drink is how I want to celebrate many good thigns in my life. :) Oh, happiness in a bottle!
2. If there's any way I can pray for you, just let me know!
3. I *still* have homework hanging over my head I DON'T WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL ANYMORE. SIGH!
Closure:
A HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU. Here's to a purposeful, meaningful year ahead of us. :)
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1 comment:
I enjoyed reading your post and smiled at your what-if scenarios. Fireworks are a wonderful sight that brings a lot of people momentary visual pleasure. It can be frightening to some, especially young children and those who had experienced some trauma around fire and explosions. Be in the US around the 4th of July to witness and experience a live fireworks display. It could be an awesome experience. And really, fireworks and all those fancy visual displays like confetti showers are enjoyed best in the company of family and good friends.
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