I remember as a kid how fun it was on the 4th of July to light my own fireworks at home.  A bunch of families on the block would get together, have a BBQ, and enjoy the fireworks.

Later, the city I lived in banned them … I had a few choice words for them!

It sure does seem that fun past is just a memory now.  Not so!  There still are areas in California, and for us LA and Orange County, that you can still enjoy buying and lighting your own fireworks.  Check out this nifty listing at The California Fireworks Newswire.

Each city/county has their own rules, so you should consult their web sites or give them a call.  Most sales start at noon on June 28th.

Hey, someone should make an app for this!  Any takers?

Have fun and be safe!  And if you work/live at a city that still has fireworks, tell your leadership thanks for keeping the tradition alive!  I’ll spend my money in your city!  -mike

Stumbled upon the Weird California site.  Check out the interesting things in and around LA County.

Totally non-GIS related! Today is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s from noon to 8 pm!

In the tradition of Valentine’s Day, a heart map:

Map by Ernest Dudley Chase, 1943.  You can view online at the Harvard Map Collection Digital Maps.

Yes, I think it’s really like this!

If you like nautical charts, then you will like these wooden creations by Below The Boat.