Giz Service Announcement: Aim Fireworks Into the Air, Not At Your Mom

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]

This 21-Gun Salute To America Blows Fireworks Away

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.

Giz Service Announcement: Fireworks Can Blow Up Your Face

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's Virtual Fireworks Machine Takes the Fun Out of Explosions

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. More »

Explained: Fireworks vs Firecrackers vs Sparklers

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]

10 Gadgety Reasons Why I Love America

With an unpopular war going on, an unpopular president in the White House and an economy in crisis, sometimes we struggle to remember what makes this country great. July 4th should be a time to reflect on the positives—a day to celebrate our independence and recapture our patriotic spirit. For some of us, that may be easier said than done. However, I am confident that the following gadgets will serve as a reminder, to all nerds, why we live in the best country in the world. And if you are still not convinced, just remember—you could be living in Canada. More »

Gizmodo's Ultimate Water Gun Battlemodo Royale

There are few things more enjoyable on a hot summer's day than an epic water gun battle with some friends. In the end, everybody wins, because everybody gets soaked and cools down. But you don't want to be caught with a crappy gun; then you'll just be the guy that everyone else gangs up on. We here at Gizmodo don't want that to happen to our beloved readers, which is why we took on the horrible, difficult task of playing with testing five of this season's hottest water guns under $20 to find out which one is going to give you the most splash for your cash. More »