(from pdphoto.org) According to legend, the Chinese discovered the first form of a firecracker around 200 B.C. To frighten away evil spirits, they fire-roasted bamboo sticks, resulting in explosive sounds. In the 10th century, shortly after the invention of gunpowder, firecrackers evolved, and bam! Fireworks were born. Enter the Renaissance era of the 15th century: Italians turned fireworks into art, creating new designs of aerial displays. Arriving in America around the 1600s, they lit up the first Independence Day celebration in 1777. Today, firework shows explode with vivid colors and innovative shapes, and are often computerized and choreographed to music. Suggested Sites... How Fireworks Work - interesting facts behind the pyrotechnics, from Howstuffworks.com. NOVA: Fireworks! - video clips of firework displays and a test of how well you know your chrysanthemums from your peonies. History of Fireworks - detailed essay, from PyroUniverse.com. 4th of July Fun - directory of major U.S. cities offering special events for the holiday. State Laws for Fireworks - can you buy firecrackers in Florida or sparklers in Spokane? Get the answers from the National Council on Fireworks Safety.

Directory categories: Pyrotechnics, Fireworks Safety, Fourth of July

Archived under: American History, Fireworks, Fourth of July, Holidays, Safety

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(from BTG's Geocaching Page) Right now, dotted about the globe, log books lie hidden away in plastic boxes, old ammo cases, and even tiny mint tins just waiting to be discovered. They are a part of an ever-growing network created by caching enthusiasts bringing to life the thrill of legendary treasure hunts for today's adventurers. Using coordinates or clues, high-tech GPS receivers or traditional topo maps, geocaching and letterboxing offer "treasures" -- beautiful locales and caches of fun trinkets or the mark of a hand carved stamp -- all over the world. If you're interested in fitting an epic quest or two into your life story, then perhaps it's time to join one of the communities of modern-day treasure hunters. Suggested Sites... Geocaching - guide to GPS caches here, there, and everywhere. Letterboxing North America - one part orienteering, one part puzzle, one part stamp art. The Armchair Treasure Hunt Club - search for buried treasure from the comfort of your own home.

Directory categories: Geocaching, Global Positioning System, Letterboxing, Treasure Hunting

Archived under: Games, Hobbies, Regional

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(Photo by Beth Lykins) According to legend, iced tea was invented at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. While that claim has been challenged, there's no argument that pouring tea over ice is an American innovation. In other parts of the world where the ancient beverage is popular, tea is usually served hot, but other preparation and consumption traditions vary widely. Elaborate Asian tea ceremonies, like Japan's chaji, raise tea service to an art. Brits have turned to science to resolve the debate over how to make the perfect cuppa. In Taiwan and India, research led to the development of tea pills. However you take your tea, you're enjoying a drink with a long history. Suggested Sites... Tea FAQ - answering all your questions about the infusion of Camellia sinensis leaves. The Tea Home Page - fun facts about the culture, history, and health benefits of tea. History of Iced Tea and Sweet Tea - timeline for the chilled American beverages. Chai! - the spiced milk tea from India is finding fans around the world. TeaMuse - steep yourself in some lively, opinionated articles as you sip.

Directory categories: Tea, Iced Tea Recipes, Tea Brand Names

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"Hula Hoop Crossing" (Altered sign) We may not always notice them, but we're besieged by signs nearly everywhere we go. Signs help us get our bearings, offer directions, and provide other indispensable information about our surroundings. They tell us what we're allowed to do and what's not permitted. Occasionally they warn us about the dangers of falling cows. Some convey important -- even life-saving -- information, while others have a little less purpose. And their intent can be changed by amateur sign-makers with subtle (or not-so-subtle) modifications that give new meanings to old messages. If you have something to say but no sign of your own, express yourself online with a sign generator. Just remember that someone else may come along and alter it. Suggested Sites... Sign Language - galleries of strange and entertaining road signs from around the world. RoadTrip America: Signs - a collection of amusing signs from across America. Road Signs of the World - compare international versions of warning signs, complete with observations on the hairstyles depicted on children's crossing signs.

Directory categories: Funny Signs, Sign Generators, Traffic Signs and Signals

Archived under: Humor, Transportation, Travel, Words

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(from Kalarippayat.com) Legend says that over 5,000 years ago, the war dance of Lord Shiva evolved into Kalaripayattu, a system of fighting and healing practices. Stories describe Zen Buddhist master Bodhidharma bringing Kalaripayattu breathing and physical exercises to 6th century Chinese monks. Over the years, what they learned became shaolin boxing, which led to many other martial art forms in Asia, including kung fu, t'ai chi, and karate. Practitioners of Kalaripayattu claim that it's one of the most comprehensive forms in the world, with 12 years of prescribed training, covering techniques of hand combat, weaponry, massage, pressure point and healing treatments, Indian Vedic traditions, and yoga. Despite its divine origins, mortals can engage in the ancient practice, though you may need to travel to Kerala to learn how. Suggested Sites... Kalaripayattu.org - highlights the fundamental animal movements and Kalari treatment of the martial art from Kerala. KalariWorld: FAQ - answers common questions about the history and misconceptions of the Kalari system of fighting. Kalarippayat.com: Training - discover unique Indian exercises, weaponry, and treatments that emphasize body control, physical agility, and self-defense. Rediff.com: Jackie Chan and the Art of Kalaripayattu - news article reports that Kalaripayattu will be featured prominently in an upcoming Jackie Chan spectacle.

Directory categories: Kalaripayattu, Bodhidharma, Martial Arts

Archived under: Fitness, History, Martial Arts, Regional, Religion, Spirituality

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