Here’s another clip from the Consumer Product Safety Commission that proves, once and for all, that it is not okay to point fireworks at family members. Happy July 4th everybody! [ CPSC ]

You want fireworks for the Fourth? Oh, I’ve got some fireworks for you—21 crazy boomsticks, in fact. All in honor of our nation’s 233 birthday. Get fired up A note about your second amendment rights [ Busted Tees ] Superweapons Metal Storm takes you down in a hail of gunfire [ Link ] The Navy’s Railgun fires a projectile at 5,640 mph—one-third of its potential power. [ Link ] The Cornershot does exactly what you think it does

Hey everyone, just checking in to make sure your holiday is kicking off with a bang. But that you haven’t blown your face off with some giant aerial fireworks. Happy July 4th everybody! [ CPSC ]

Sega Toys is coming out with the Uchiage Hanabi , essentially a limited-function projector that shows fake fireworks on your ceilings or walls, complete with sound. You’ll be able to create your own “shows” with 55 different explosions which you can then take anywhere, as the device is designed to be portable—it takes AAA batteries for power and looks fairly diminutive. It’ll retail for around $160 when it’s released, but that release isn’t until August 1st. Releasing a fireworks machine, virtual or no, four weeks after both July 4th and Canada Day is like investing in pumpkins in mid-winter. [ Sega via OhGizmo ]

While prepping for our nation’s independence, we came across this excellent explanation as to how most basic fireworks function. The clip takes about a minute of your time and will imbue you with impressive knowledge for this July 4th . [ HowStuffWorks ]