The big bang
by JOSH REICH - NelsonI know this is supposed to be a sports blog, but I thought I'd mix it up for this instalment.
One of my fondest childhood memories is staring out from my bedroom window towards Mt Kaukau in Wellington's northern suburbs in the week leading up to fireworks, looking at the hillside erupt with colour.
Blues, yellows, greens and reds decorated the sky.
The next morning, I would rush to school as early as possible and try and collect as many used sky rockets as possible.
If lucky, I'd find a couple of parachute men as well.
But alas, good things never last, and before I was old enough, the chance to set off a few skyrockets of my own was snatched away when they were banned in 1994.
I know many won't agree, but in my opinion New Zealand has never been the same, and it seems ever since, the powers that be have done everything they can to reduce the fun of Guy Fawkes.
I mean, you can't even buy sparklers by themselves any more for fear someone will stick a sparkler bomb in a letter box (not guilty) or rubbish bin (guilty).
I sympathise with firefighters who no doubt dread November 5 and homeowners who suffer damage from errant fireworks, and wholeheartedly agree anyone who attacks animals with one is scum.
However, there is nothing quite like setting off a few crackers for a bit of a laugh.
I caught up with a friend who has been living in Sydney for the past few years at the weekend, and listened in disbelief as he explained how private sales of fireworks are banned due to the fire risk.
Lucky country my foot.
I flatted with him for a number of years, and always looked forward to his ``fireworks spectacular'' at our annual Guy Fawkes party, which basically involved tying a whole heap of fireworks together and setting them off in the back yard.
The house always smelt like smoke over that period as we couldn't resist setting a few off inside as well.
Stories of people injuring themselves are not uncommon, but we usually sought to minimise the risk:
* If holding on to a firework when lighting it, pull your hand inside your shirt.
* When having a roman candle fight, wear pants.
* And if you’re stupid enough to cause yourself some damage (which thankfully we never did), well, it's your own fault.
I asked my friend for advice when writing this, and it's fair to say most of what he had to say may cause problems with the Press Council, especially with regards to combining fireworks to produce one ``super'' explosion, and ambushing unsuspecting friends.
He did say, however, that ``deconstructing fireworks is a combination of physics and art''.
Somehow he had a never-ending supply of Double Happies and Tom Thumbs, which were particularly effective when inserted into a piece of fruit or set-off in a confined space.
Every year through college someone would head down to Mr Chans greengrocer near the Wellington waterfront, and every year he would yell that no, he did not sell illegal fireworks, forcing prospective buyers to head to The Warehouse instead.
There the latest additions to the range would be examined, and a haul of the best looking single and multi-shots would be brought.
The next couple of nights were spent tearing through various suburbs and the central city with a backpack full of crackers and cheap beer.
While it has been a couple of years since I've indulged in such behaviour, Guy Fawkes always stirs something deep inside me, and many others, including my friend, who summed up our attitude towards fireworks perfectly.
``Guy Fawkes should be a national holiday, it is a day where the people come together and indulge in clean wholesome fun.
``Christmas I know is the holiday most people looked forward to but for me November 5 was like Christmas, birthdays an Easter all rolled into one!''
Is Guy Fawkes and event you enjoy, or are there things you would rather spend your money on?
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Hi Gemma #1 Could you direct me to the site you are reffering to please
no way just google it.
"The powers that be have done everything they can to reduce the fun of Guy Fawkes" Sounds like you've done everything you can to justify the action of those in power. Well done.
Hey Danny boy, I guess it's kill joys like you that forced the hand of those in power. Dissapointing as our children and grandchildren will not get to experience Guy Fawkes as we did
I remember letting off skyrockets from milkbottles as a kid. Does that make me old Josh?
What a bunch of "No Fun Nigels"... Guy Fawkes was really awesome. Booo..urns to all those against having dangerous fun. As for that buddy of yours, I wouldn't listen to much of his advice when having a roman candle fight. I believe the scoreboard reads 2-0, perhaps he played it a little too safe.
I am a victim of a roman candle fight gone wrong. I am also missing a finger from when I held a "Battle of the Heavens" firework in my hand (y'know the one's with report). I wouldnt be the man I am today without fireworks growing up. I am also worried that my son, Randy Jnr, will turn out to be a little different without experiencing a little Guy Fawkes excitement growing up. Let common sense prevail. If some idiot blows up his hand holding a firework - then its at his own risk and peril - let it be.
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I believe there are instructions on how to make bombs on the internet, maybe you could get your kicks that way.