Fourth Of July Holiday—Some Trivia And A Fireworks Safety Quiz

July 4, Independence Day—on this date in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. The U.S. Constitution, the document that emerged from the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, is the oldest national constitution in the world.

This most American of holidays is normally marked by fireworks, parades, and backyard barbecues. Last year's celebration was definitely subdued by the coronavirus pandemic. This summer, things are beginning to move back to a more normal situation.

Fireworks displays are common throughout the world and are the focal point of many cultural and religious celebrations. Fireworks were invented in ancient China to scare away evil spirits, as a natural extension of the Chinese invention of gunpowder.

With 4^th of July fireworks comes the concern for safety. A reality for the holiday is that fireworks cause thousands of injuries, and even some deaths, in addition to enough fires to make July 4 the day with the most reported fires across the United States according to the National Fire Protection Association.

So…how much do you know about fireworks safety? Here's a 9 question quiz to test your knowledge. Correct answers are at the end.

1)  How hot does a sparkler burn?

            a:  212 degrees

            b:  600 degrees

            c:  950 degrees

            d:  1200 degrees

2)  What portion of 4^th of July fires are caused by fireworks?

            a:  10 percent

            b:  35 percent

            c:  50 percent

            d:  90 percent

3)  Which age group has the most injuries reported from fireworks?

            a:  under 20

            b:  20 – 40

            c:  40 – 60

            d:  60+

4)  You should skip buying fireworks in brown paper packaging as that could be a sign that they're made for professionals, not consumers.

            a:  true

            b:  false

5)  If a pack of fireworks has not fully functioned, you should cautiously relight it.

            a:  true

            b:  false

6)  What's the best way to dispose of used fireworks?

            a:  throw in trash

            b:  use hose or bucket of water to soak them then throw away

            c:  bury them

7)  What are the most common fireworks injury?

            a:  fractures and sprains

            b:  contusions and lacerations

            c:  ear injuries

            d:  burns

            e:  eye injuries

8)  According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission investigation, which of these were common reasons for fireworks injuries?

            a:  holding fireworks in the hand

            b:  mischief

            c:  debris or smoke from a malfunction

            d:  errant flight path from a malfunction

            e:  early or late ignition from a malfunction

            f:   all of the above

9)  Never light more than how many fireworks at a time?

            a:  1

            b:  2

            c:  3

And now, for those of you who want to see how well you did on the quiz—

1)         the correct answer is d…1200 degrees F, hot enough to burn certain metals and ignite clothing.

2)         the correct answer is c…50 percent, when shooting fireworks keep a bucket of water or sand available.

3)         the correct answer is a…under 20, children 10 – 14 are more than twice as much at risk for fireworks injuries.

4)         the correct answer is a…true.

5)         the correct answer is b…false, any malfunctioning fireworks should be soaked in water and then thrown away

6)         the correct answer is b…use hose or bucket of water to soak them and then throw them away

7)         the correct answer is d…burns

8)         the correct answer is f…all of the above

9)         the correct answer is a…light just 1 at a time.

Happy…and safe…holiday to everyone.

7 Foods That Shouldn't Be Cooked While Naked

I'm going to go out on a limb here and make the assumption that most of us don't cook while in the nude...in the buff...as naked as the proverbial jaybird.  Now, I'm referring to actually standing at the stove and cooking rather than simply popping something into a microwave.

But (that's with only one T rather than a naked two Ts), that doesn't mean cooking in the nude is a bad thing.  There are, however, certain foods and situations that would be better if the preparer were to wear something even if only a full chef's apron.

And why have I brought up this unlikely topic?  Well...I came across an article recently that talked about 7 foods that shouldn't be cooked while the preparer is au naturel.  So, without further fanfare, I present to you that list of 7 foods.

BACON

So obvious that it almost doesn't require a mention.  Bacon sizzling in the skillet—it smells oh so good regardless of what you are pairing it with for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  But as we all know, bacon creates its own grease and all the sizzle is really popping hot grease projectiles.  Definitely requires something to cover that bare skin.

JALAPEÑOS OR OTHER HOT PEPPERS

Burning hot (spicy) seeds...unprotected body parts...need I say more?  Well, yes—I probably do need to say more.  If you are making guacamole while in the nude, you might want to rethink things.  If you insist on squishing those avocados through your fingers as a sensual experience while in the nude, you might want to consider leaving out those hot spicy seeds.

SEARING MEAT

Just as the word bacon conjures up an image, so does the word searing.  Yes, we again picture the popping of the fat that's part of the meat.  And we picture that hot grease landing on our bare skin in the most inappropriate places.

POTATO LATKES

Once again we're talking hot oil.  It's tough to get that nice crispy exterior without it.  Better do this one with that aforementioned full chef's apron.

DEEP FRIED TURKEY

A recent trend for Thanksgiving is to deep fry that turkey rather than putting it in the oven.  As this is basically an outdoor activity, same as grilling those summer hamburgers, it's more common in warmer climates. Being outdoors in the nude at Thanksgiving is not a cold weather activity.  But for those of you who do live in the warmer climes...there's that popping hot oil again.

WASABI

The concept of working with brown rice and raw fish might seem like a healthy endeavor.  But, that super hot mustard is hot to more than the taste buds.  There's the possibility of having it on your hands and then needing to scratch one of those unclothed places...

HOME MADE CARAMEL

You have a choice of sweet seduction or hot, smooth sexy.  Either way, you risk physical damage when cooking with sugar while in the nude.  We're talking serious spattering.  Something that should not be exposed to your exposed places.

There are, of course, other foods that should also be kept at more than arm's length if cooking in the nude.  These 7 seemed like the most interesting.

11 SIGNS YOU MAY BE DATING A SOCIOPATH

Through the indoctrination of television and movies, we've come to generally associate the word sociopath with criminal.  In some instances, we've even come to equate it with psychopath as if the two terms were interchangeable…and to some degree that's true.

The dictionary defines sociopath as one who is affected with a personality disorder marked by aggressive, antisocial behavior.  That same dictionary defines psychopath as a person with an antisocial personality, especially one manifested in aggressive, perverted, criminal, or amoral behavior.

Some similarities, but not the same thing.  Even though not all sociopaths are dangerous criminals, they can certainly make your life difficult since the defining characteristic is antisocial behavior.

Approximately 1 in 25 Americans could be classified as a sociopath.  That means there is a good chance of you being directly associated with a sociopath—working for or with a sociopath, having 1 or more as part of your social circle and by that I mean in-person people you interact with rather than social media (you could have hundreds and even thousands of friends as part of your social media you do not know face-to-face personally, making that number quite significant), or a relative.

Or…perhaps someone you are currently dating?

An article I read talked about 11 red flags to look for that could indicate that the person in question is a sociopath.  That certainly does NOT mean that someone demonstrating 1 or 2 of these traits is a sociopath.  However, interesting traits for a writer to use when creating a villainous character.

1)         Oversized Ego

Sociopaths have an inflated sense of self.  They are narcissists to the extreme who have a huge sense of entitlement and tend to blame other people for their failures.

2)         Lying And Exhibiting Manipulative Behavior

Sociopaths regularly use deceit and manipulation.  They often lie merely for the sake of lying—telling lies to see if they can trick someone, then telling larger lies for larger effects.

3)         Exhibiting A Lack Of Empathy

I think this is what I most associate with a sociopath.  They don't have the capability to feel or even imagine the emotional realities of other people.  You are devastated when you see your beloved pet run over by a car, but they can't relate to the concept of your emotional response.

4)         Showing A Lack Of Remorse Or Shame

I closely associate this with number 3.  Sociopaths lack remorse, guilt, or shame.

5)         Staying Eerily Calm In Scary Or Dangerous Situations

For example, following involvement in a car accident or being shown disturbing images, sociopaths have no anxiety or fear.  The lack of emotional connection in number 3.

6)         Behaving Irresponsibly Or With Extreme Impulsivity

Sociopaths jump from goal to goal and act on the spur of the moment.  They can be very irresponsible when it comes to finances and obligations to others.

7)         Having Few Friends

Sociopaths tend not to have real friends. All their friends are superficial (friends by association) or are friends because the sociopath needs them for the time being.

8)         Being Charming, But Only Superficially

Sociopaths have the ability to be very charismatic and friendly because they know it will get them what they want.  They are expert con artists and usually have a secret agenda.  They are masters at blending in by the use of an outer personality.

9)         Living By The Pleasure Principle

This can be described as: If it feels good and they are able to avoid consequences, they will do it!  They live their lives in the extreme fast lane, constantly seeking stimulation, excitement and pleasure.

10)       Showing Disregard For Societal Norms

They break laws and rules without concern because they believe these laws and rules don't apply to them.

11)       Having Intense Eyes

When I read this, I immediately visualized the pictures I've seen of Rasputin looking as if he was staring into someone's soul.  Sociopaths have no problem maintaining uninterrupted eye contact.  A failure to politely look away is sometimes perceived as being aggressive. 

Travel Trivia: 10 Miscellaneous Facts From Around The World

Now that people are starting to travel again, last week I blogged about quirky questions tourists ask.  This week I have some travel trivia for you. I came across an article that listed bits of trivia about various travel destinations.  Little snippets of miscellaneous information usually not included in travel guides.  Things I found interesting.  I hope you find them interesting, too.

1)  Mt. Everest

It's a commonly known fact that Mt. Everest, on the Nepal–Tibet border, is the highest point on earth.  You'd think that would be enough, wouldn't you?  Well, apparently it isn't.  The precise height of Mt. Everest is somewhat disputed.  It's generally thought to be 29,029ft (8848m) above sea level.  And that interesting little fact?  It's still growing!  Mt. Everest is pushing upward at a rate estimated to be 4mm a year thanks to the clash between two tectonic plates.

2)  Mexico City

While Mt. Everest is growing, the interesting little fact about Mexico City is that it's sinking at an average rate of 10cm a year which is 10 times faster than the sinking rate of Venice, Italy.  And the reason for this?  Mexico City was built on a soft lake bed and subterranean water reserves have subsequently been pumped out from beneath the city.  The result?  The city is sinking.  In fact, I saw a news story a few days ago about a large new sinkhole that just appeared in central Mexico and is growing.

3)  Vatican City

The world's smallest independent state, 44 hectares (110 acres) is totally encircled by Rome.  The Vatican's Swiss Guard still wears the uniform inspired by Renaissance painter Raphael.  Its population is 800 with only 450 of those being citizens.  It even has its own coins which are legal tender throughout Italy and the EU.

4)  El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles

What is all that?  In English it's Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels.  It's the shortened version that's better known today—the city of Los Angeles in the U.S. state of California.  The town came into being in 1781 and today, in an area of downtown Los Angeles referred to as Olvera Street, there is a cluster of museums, ancient plazas and lively markets providing a taste of life in 1800s Los Angeles.

5)  Nuestra Senora Santa Maria del Buen Aire

What is all that?  In English it's Our Lady St. Mary of the Good Air, better known today as the city of Buenos Aires in Argentina.  It's the best spot to savor the tango.  Don't take the tango lightly in Buenos Aires.  It's serious business.

6)  London Underground

London's Metropolitan Railway was the world's first subway, opened in 1863.  The first section ran between Paddington and Farringdon and was a hit in spite of the steam engines filling stations and tunnels with dense smoke.  Today, if you ride the Circle Line between Paddington and Covent Garden, you'll travel part of that original route.

 7)  Venice, Italy

As mentioned earlier, Venice is sinking.  But in the interim…one of the things immediately associated with Venice are the gondolas on the canals, especially the Grand Canal.  Each gondola is made from 280 pieces of 8 different types of wood.  The left side is larger than the right side by 24cm.  The parts of a gondola represent bits of the city—the front echoes its 6 districts, the back is Giudecca Island, and the lunette is the Rialto Bridge.

8)  Great Wall of China

Most everyone knows this is the largest military construction on earth.  However the part about it being the only man-made structure able to be seen from space is an urban myth.  The sections were built by independent kingdoms between the 7^th and 4^th centuries BC, then unified under China's first Emperor Qin Shi Huang around 210 BC.  A not well known fact is that the sections near Beijing which are most visited by tourists are reconstructions done in the 14^th to 17^th centuries AD.

9)  Table Mountain, South Africa

This large plateau of sandstone looms over Cape Town.  But this huge table has its own table cloth.  The plateau's cloud cover gathers across the flat top and spills over the sides when the wind whips up from the southeast.  You can reach the top by hiking trails or cable car.

10)  Uluru, Australia

This is probably the world's largest monolith, rising from the Australian desert.  More commonly known for years as Ayers Rock, it is now referred to by the Aboriginal name of Uluru.  The rock glows a fiery orange-red color, especially at sunset.  Where does its red color come from?  It's made from arkosic sandstone which contains iron.  When exposed to oxidation, the iron rusts thus providing the red color.