By Lindsay Bell
What started out hopeful soon turned into a rough week for the good ol’ USA.
Americans are finally beginning to embrace the world’s most beautiful game, football (or soccer, depending on your land of birth!) but despite the newfound enthusiasm, and after a fight to the end against Belgium, the U.S. team was knocked out of the World Cup on Tuesday.
There have definitely been some sad faces around these parts, plus some hilariously creative and heartfelt online tributes to goalie Tim Howard, who played the game of a lifetime.
Fortunately, there's a bright light at the end of this dark week.
More than a bright light, in fact. There's the dazzling spectacle of today's holiday, Independence Day!
So, as we Rewind the Week once again, we’re taking a look at some news related to the Fourth: Some of it sparkly and bright, some mouth-watering yet sad, and some a little sobering.
Let’s get started!
The Science of Fireworks
There's something really appealing about a nerdy approach to a topic as cool as pyrotechnics. How can you go wrong? It's simple math: Chemistry + explosions = awesome.
Laughing Squid shared this video by the American Chemical Society featuring Professor John Conkling of Washington College, in which he explains the chemistry behind fireworks.
I don't know what's better about this video – the music, the demos, the explanation of "energetic chemicals," or Professor Conkling's obvious childlike enthusiasm for the subject. It must be a combination of all of the above.
It's also a great example of the joy you can get from watching someone who clearly loves what they do (something I consider myself lucky enough to identify with).
What Are You Eating This Weekend?
If budget is a concern for your Independence Day weekend festivities, I hope you did some math and menu planning before you went shopping for your holiday barbecue. If you did, it wouldn't be surprising if you decided to serve hot dogs rather than burgers this year.
As reported by NBC news, the average cost of a 4th of July picnic for 10 people went up this year by 5.4 percent, to $58.72. Which doesn’t sound that outrageous, until you remember we’re only talking burgers or dogs and a bag of chips or two!
At issue is the cost of ground beef. It’s up, way up, at record levels actually. And that’s why hot dog lovers have more to celebrate this year: The cost of hot dogs is actually down 2.6 percent! Ketchup lovers can also rejoice: The cost of that condiment fell 12.3 percent.
My advice? If you want to save a few pennies today, be ‘that guy’ this year and break the mold. Serve hot dogs instead of hamburgers. But maybe you could make an effort on a nice dessert.
Combat Veteran Requests Fireworks Courtesy
This week, this photo made waves:
As reported in USA Today, "In less than 24 hours, more than 100,000 people shared the Facebook post, many of them veterans acknowledging the challenges of neighbors shooting off fireworks without thinking of the consequences of those nearby."
Some who shared the post suggested something as simple as knocking on a neighbor's door if you know they served, just to give them a heads up about what you're planning, and when you’re planning it.
The story's a reminder not just of the importance of thinking of your neighbors when you celebrate, but also of the incredible sacrifice those who have served have made for this country.
That’s it for this week. Enjoy your holiday weekend, eat, drink and be merry, but as always, please stay safe! And happy Independence Day!
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