How are Fireworks Used Across the World?

Celebrate Good Times

Fireworks #1 (Photo credit: Camera Slayer)

Of course the main purpose of fireworks is as a means of celebration. Whether it be for a birthday party, or a general occasion such as a national holiday, for example, it is very regular to see fireworks used as the central focus of any party.
We looked at how fireworks are used in various countries around the world, and why they are significant.

Bonfire Night

The obvious one is in the United Kingdom, where every year on the 5th of November the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot is celebrated by burning an effigy and lighting fireworks. The burning of an effigy is perhaps a little sinister in the 21st Century, however Bonfire Night is a tradition that is looked forward to and enjoyed by almost everyone, except domestic animals who get very scared and withdrawn when they hear the at times ferocious noises!

United States

Although you might have thought that the biggest and best firework displays are reserved for American 4th of July celebrations, the biggest display in the country actually takes place at the opening of the Kentucky Derby racing festival.
Fireworks have been popular in the United States for many centuries, and their use can be traced back to the earliest settlers arriving in the country.
At Walt Disney resorts across the country, they use innovative fireworks that explode using compressed air rather than gunpowder. This enables them to produce much more spectacular displays and have a greater degree of control over the accuracy and timing of fireworks.

Japanese Festivals

If you love fireworks then I suggest you take a trip to Japan during the summer months. At this time of year fireworks are massively popular and demonstrations are held almost every day. There are over 200 fireworks displayed held in the month of August alone!
These public displays are basically street parties where everyone is invited. Many attract up to one million spectators, and there are many Japanese food stalls and other exciting things set up to enjoy.

Singapore

In Singapore, like in many Far Eastern countries, fireworks are popular the whole year round. However, their widest use is undoubtedly reserved for National Singapore Day, which falls in August of each year. Large public displays attract thousands of spectators and are often accompanied by other entertainment such as musicians, or made into fireworks “competitions” where teams compete to create the most awe inspiring display.

This article is written by Fireworks Crazy, an ecommerce website that supplies the best quality fireworks for that special occasion.

Three Top Island Destinations

Many of us plan all year long for our awaited holidays and for some people, the thought of an island destination is exactly what we want and need. Sun, sea, beach, cocktails and general relaxation in the most beautiful surroundings are all of the ingredients for a perfect holiday. In this interesting travel article we look at three of the most beautiful island holiday destinations. They are all totally unique  in their offering and adventured and are from totally different parts of the world.

Top Island Holiday Destinations in the World

1. Mauritius

Mauritius is a spectacular, tropical island destination that offers all of the luxuries and beauty you would want from a relaxing holiday. It is situated in the amazing waters of the Indian Ocean and has French influences as it was a French colony. It also boasts a diverse culture with different relegions and traditions. It has a warm, topical climate and their white, picturesque beaches are lined with palm trees. This top island destination is known for its azure, clear, warm waters and is a great spot for diving or snorkelling. Mauritius has many incredible resorts and many travel agents offer great packages to this stunning island.

2. Malta

The island nation of Malta is a destination that differs tremendously from Mauritius. Malta is an island holiday destination situated in the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Apart from the aesthetic beauty it boasts, it is immensely rich in culture and history. This island destination offers all of the charm of a European city but has the amazing, azure sea on its doorstep. They have an amazing array of museums, natural tourist sites and architectural wonders. This island destination would be an avid explorer or historian’s dream, as well as someone who just wants to sit back, relax and sip on a cocktail while basking in the beauty.

3. Hawaii

Another one of the best, tropical island, holiday destinations is Hawaii. Hawaii is an island destination that can offers the avid traveller anything their heart desires. From absolutely stunning, vegetation and expansive mountains, to the crystal blue Pacific Ocean, a humbling culture and all the entertainment in the world, Hawaii is an incredible island holiday destination to consider. Hawaii is an American state but still firmly holds onto its traditions and culture. Whether wanting to stay in a 5 star resort or a beach bungalow, this island destination has it covered. The nightlife in Hawaii is teeming and activities are endless.

   

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Jemma Scott is a freelance writer with an avid passion for travel and different destinations around the world. She writes about differing holidays, hotels such as Bugibba hotel in Malta and holiday packages.

Differences in Global Living

Differences in Global Living

Contemporary World Culture

Life Expectancy 2007 Estimates CIA World Factbook (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Globalization is characterized by global technological advancements and the “increasingly interconnected world and economic globalization” (Johnson, p. 10). According to June Johnson, author of Global Issues, Local Arguments, perspectives on globalization are often based on demographics such as where a person is from, where they currently live, their age, race, social class, etc. (p. 10). There are a multitude of differences between those who live in industrialized nations and those who reside in third world countries. Some of those differences are positive while some are negative. Some times the differences are simply differences.
Moving forward in time lives will transform with the environment around us. Some will improve while others have the possibility of remaining the same or degrading on some level. Looking at these differences and understanding them is a better way for everyone to understand global culture and globalization as a whole. There are many examples to chose from. We will discuss the differences between a Chinese farmer, a US software engineer, and an African parent in the year 2006. We will also speculate, with some researched substantiation, what life would be like for each of these individuals in fifty years time in the year 2056.

Globalization and Contemporary World Culture

Contemporary World Culture

Globalization is very controversial. Most recently, President Obama was speaking on the outsourcing of American jobs that are now being held by citizens in India. President Obama stated that they are not harming the American economy by taking jobs, but rather boosting the American economy by helping American producers to thrive. However, there are many who see globalization differently. Generally speaking, demographics tend to guide a person’s outlook on globalization. A person’s country in which they reside, their economic status, race, age, etc. tend to guide how an individual perceive globalization (Johnson).

Those who favor the spread of globalization stand on the idea that the sharing of economic developments, such as technology and modern knowledge, will help make the world a more productive place to live for everyone. By improving the standard of living for all humans the quality of life improves as well as the longevity of each life. Global trade enhances the world as a whole, by sharing products that would not otherwise be available to everyone in the world.

Those who oppose the spread of globalization state that benefits that are reaped from globalization are unevenly spread throughout only the financially superior countries. 

These are typically countries that have helped contribute to the knowledge and technology that is spread across the globe. The countries that are unable to assist with the spread of globalization are not only typically lower in economic status, but also do not benefit from the shared technology. This is not an accurate spread for true globalization because only the wealthy, industrialized countries will benefit. Many are also concerned about the potential for poorer people to be exploited, for example working sweatshops under poor, unsafe conditions, due to the spread of globalization. Also, encouraging consumerism also creates additional waste.

The homogenization of globalization will lower wages and prices to the consumer. However, the lower wages prevent people from being able to live a higher level of life which is often the goal of the “American dream.” Having foreign companies pay their employees cheaper wages saves the company money, thus allowing the company to pass along the savings to the customers. However, the lower wages for the employees prevent the economic and social growth for those individuals.

If companies took the road of keeping industrialization within US borders then the potential for growth for US citizens is increased. The higher wages that would be paid in the US would be provided to American workers. However, the company would be less likely to be able to afford lower prices to pass along to consumers. This would also decrease the growth for the individual company.

Consumerism is essentially the consistent use of products available. The over-consumption of products around the world leads to additional pollution everywhere. Consumerism has the potential to be limited if globalization was restricted. The spread of modern products would not be so widely spread, thus would decrease the amount of byproduct and waste as a result.

Immigration also contributes to the spread of globalization. Not only do the immigrants bring their ideas, products, and labor to other parts of the world, but they are also willing to work any job in order to survive in their new home. By working for lower wages, this directly impacts those who were originally being paid to do comparable work for higher wages. This is an ongoing issue that often comes up when immigrants, legal and illegal, move to the US. The idea of the immigrants taking jobs away from Americans is one that leaves a sour taste in many people’s mouths. This decreases the number of jobs available to American citizens. The same applies in Japan, China, or Germany. If immigrants move to that country and are willing to work for lower wages, this decreases the availability of work for citizens.

Nutrition is an interesting factor when looking at globalization. Many parts of the world are not able to grow foods that are needed for a healthy, balanced diet. Whether it is due to poor crop conditions, unpleasant weather conditions, lack of knowledge for growth, or any other reasoning that is not controllable, permitting globalization nutrition for many is dramatically improved. The spread of fruits that do not grow in the desert or grains that do not grow in colder regions can help drastically improve the quality of life for everyone.

Reference:

Johnson, June. Global Issues, Local Arguments: Readings for Writing. New York:

Custom Publishing, 2007.