A. A firestorm of fireworks facts
B. Don't get burned by fireworks fun
C. Fun is no insurance against a neighbor's lawsuit
D. Why fireworks arrests are few and far between
E. Science + history = fireworks fun

A. Are we celebrating on the wrong day?
B. Sign here, hang there: the real risks of freedom

A. Roller coast ride for amusement park regulations
B. Grilling the experts on barbecue safety
C. Less stress at family reunions
D. Mosquitoes put the bite on
E. Poison ivy thrives
F. How does your garden grow?

A. One veteran's view
B. The fading impact of Vietnam
C. Keep the patriotic fires burning at the ballot box
D. A musical view of patriotism

The State Fire Marshal's office in Ohio monitors fireworks production and sales and reports it's a "booming business" in the Buckeye State. There are 52 licensed facilities selling fireworks in Ohio and nine facilities that manufacture fireworks. The best known in Greater Cincinnati -- Rozzi's Famous Fireworks in Loveland -- produces more than 100,000 aerial shells each year.

If you buy fireworks larger than the novelty size of sparklers and noisemakers, you must sign an affidavit guaranteeing that you will take the fireworks out-of-state. But that doesn't mean you're home free if you limit your home displays to sparklers. Some communities have local laws which ban all types of fireworks. Secondly, small fireworks can still be extremely dangerous. Sparklers burn at up to 1800 Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold. contact: Ohio State Fire Marshal's office, 614-752-8925

B. DON'T GET BURNED BY FIREWORKS FUN
Patrick Reynolds, assistant professor and director of UC's Fire Science Technology Program and a retired officer with New York City's fire department, emphasizes that all fireworks' use must be supervised by an adult. "Sparklers burn at high temperatures. Firecrackers can cause physical injuries. Bottle or penny rockets can set fires, especially when so many grassy areas are dry due to the drought. I've seen Roman candles throw off their colored projectiles into the open window of homes, igniting the curtains. Never point a firework at anyone!"

Reynolds added that all children should wear sturdy footwear when near a fireworks display. Matches and spent fireworks should be disposed of in a pail of water, and a "charged" garden hose should be in easy reach. "The hose should be ready to operate. Know how far the line will reach. Add this to the reach of the water stream, and you can determine the protected areas. Be ready to quickly extinguish any fire." contact: 556-6583

C. FUN IS NO INSURANCE AGAINST A NEIGHBOR'S LAWSUIT
The national anthem's colorful "bombs bursting in air" will be repeated many times this holiday season. But an expert on product safety warns homeowners to "Think Before You Light" if you're shooting fireworks skyward this summer. The fallout from where they land could spell financial disaster. "What goes up must come down, and if it causes a fire or blinds a child, your insurance company will probably decline coverage," said UC visiting professor of law Jim O'Reilly.

"Neighbors whose property is damaged, or who are injured by the fireworks, can sue for negligence and can also challenge you for conducting an 'ultrahazardous activity' that leaves you liable for major damages." In many towns and cities, firework sizes are restricted by fire codes or local ordinances, so their illegal use or storage increases your risk of a costly lawsuit. "Leave the big shells to the pros," cautions the scholar and Army veteran. "The downside of having a blast may cost you plenty." contact: 513-556-0062

D. WHY FIREWORKS ARRESTS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN
Plenty of people shoot off fireworks at home on the Fourth of July, but aren't those displays against the law? Most often, yes, says Christo Lassiter, a UC law professor. Enforcement of those laws can come down to a question of practicality. "It comes down to a matter of police discretion," says Lassiter. With 5,000 or so laws on the books in Ohio for example, police have to set priorities for enforcement. "Most people who smuggle fireworks are generally decent people," Lassiter says. "If a lot of merchants began losing money due to illegal firework sales, or if large numbers of people began getting hurt suddenly, then you might begin to see a change in the enforcement of those laws."

Changing enforcement patterns on fireworks laws would probably take a mass public movement, along the lines of a "Million Mom March," Lassiter says. "You can probably remember when drunk driving was not seen as the scourge it is viewed as today, or smoking. It would take that kind of effort to change the feeling about fireworks." contact: 513-556-0096

E. SCIENCE + HISTORY = FIREWORKS FUN
Fireworks have been a traditional way to celebrate events and "ignite" the crowds since the days of the ancient Chinese and Romans, according to Professor William Jensen, an expert in the history of chemistry at the University of Cincinnati. Romans used flaming pinwheels and other fiery contraptions to impress the emperors watching death-defying matches in the Coliseum.

However, the real breakthrough came when Marco Polo returned from China with gunpowder during the late Middle Ages. That allowed Italians to fine-tune their fireworks and supercharge them to create high-flying aerial displays. "Just as we think of pasta as quintessentially Italian even though the Chinese actually developed it, Italians also developed the best early fireworks based on Chinese discoveries," said Jensen. The Italian fireworks tradition arrived in this country during the height of immigration, and many top American fireworks firms have their roots in Italian immigrant families.

European chemists played an important role too, purifying and analyzing the elements and compounds which give fireworks their brilliant colors. It turned out that each element gives off a distinct color when burned. Strontium gives off a rousing red. Copper is used to produce a glimmering green or a bedazzling blue, and sodium shines through as a mellow yellow glow. Jensen added that today, scientists use that same colorful knowledge to identify the materials that make up distant planets and stars. contact: 513-556-9308

2. WHAT REALLY HAPPENED ON THE FIRST FOURTH
A. ARE WE CELEBRATING ON THE WRONG DAY?
John K. Alexander, UC professor of history, said that, although we celebrate the birth of our nation on July 4, the actual date when the Continental Congress declared American independence was July 2, 1776. In fact, John Adams a member of the Continental Congress and second president of the United States, predicted in his diary that July 2 would be a day marked with celebration as the nation's birthday.

Alexander added that July 4, 1776, was the day when the Continental Congress approved the actual text of the Declaration of Independence; however, the official document, ceremonially written on parchment, took time to prepare and was not signed until early August. Speaking of the Declaration of Independence, Alexander noted, "It was written as a propaganda piece addressed to the British public, to foreign powers, especially France, that might aid the colonists, and to the American public. A great many Americans did not favor independence."

Alexander said that, during the early days of the nation, the 4th of July was celebrated with public readings of the entire Declaration of Independence. contact: 513-556-2137

B. SIGN HERE, HANG THERE: THE REAL RISKS OF FREEDOM
Five of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independent were captured by the British as traitors, tortured and killed. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured. Nine signers fought and died from wounds or the hardships of the Revolutionary War.

The American Legion, the nation's largest veterans organization with 2.8 million members, sent out a pre-holiday reminder that the document which declared America's independence also spelled death for many patriots. John Hancock's giant signature may be remembered as a bit of bravado today, but it also doubled the reward the British had on his head. "Gallows humor" was only too real to this group. As the stout Benjamin Harrison explained to a skinny colleague, "With me it will all be over in a minute, but you, you will be dancing on air an hour after I am gone." contact: Steve Thomas, American Legion national headquarters, http://www.legion.org

3. MAXIMIZING YOUR HOLIDAY SAFETY AND FUN
A. ROLLER COASTER RIDE ON AMUSEMENT PARK SAFETY REGULATIONS
Amusement parks will be a popular destination for the Fourth of July holiday, and the rides are faster and scarier than ever. Both of Ohio's largest parks -- Kings Island and Cedar Point -- opened huge new roller coasters this season. So, who makes sure you get a safe ride?

UC visiting professor of law Jim O'Reilly says the way in which Congress has dealt with amusement park ride safety has been up and down just like the hilly coasters. A 1981 decision by Congress to eliminate federal safety controls on park rides came after the Texas State Fair was challenged by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) over ride-related injuries. When the fair lost its court battle, the Texas congressional delegation amended the 1981 Consumer Product Safety Act to strip the CPSC of its jurisdiction.

Since that time, each state has had the sole power to inspect rides and study ride-related injuries. Some do this well and others have one or two inspectors statewide, according to O'Reilly. U.S. House Bill 3032 to reinstate federal controls on ride safety was proposed after tragic accidents marred the 1999 summer season. "Most rides are quite safe because insurance carriers for parks insist on safety measures," O'Reilly says. "What we don't know is the dimension of the unreported accident problem, or the degree to which newer designs are causing serious health risks, since parks have no duty to tell the federal safety officials about accidents or complaints." contact: 513-556-0062

B. GRILLING THE EXPERTS ON BARBECUE SAFETY
Patrick Reynolds, director of UC's Fire Science Technology Program and a retired officer with New York City's fire department, suggests that all grills -- whether liquid propane gas (LPG) or charcoal -- stand at a safe distance from the house and at a distance from where children might be at play. He added that all LPG grills should be thoroughly cleaned before use. Make certain that the connections from the LPG gas tank and the regulator are secure. LPG users should be prepared to ignite the gas quickly when ready to fire up the grill. If the propane valve is opened and too much gas is released, that gas -- being more than twice as heavy as air -- could sink and swirl around the user's legs. It's possible, if too much gas is released, that the grill user will be enveloped in flame upon lighting the grill.

When using charcoal and a liquid fire starter, use extreme care. Soak the briquets with the starter. Then, close and remove the container of fluid from the area before returning to light the fire. "If you light the fire while still pouring liquid, the fire may travel 'upstream' to the container, causing a fiery explosion....Before grilling, examine how stable your grill is. The higher the grill, the less stable it is....After grilling, wet down the ashes. Stir. Wet down the ashes again. Make sure all embers are completely extinguished. Never dispose of the ashes in an indoor garbage can." Reynolds also recommends discarding matches used for lighting grills in a pail of water, and keeping a garden hose ready when grilling. contact: 513-556-6583

C. LESS STRESS FOR FAMILY REUNIONS
Family therapist Gerald Bostwick, associate professor of social work who researches family stress and violence, said the 4th of July is generally a "family friendly" holiday. "Christmas and Thanksgiving are loaded with cultural and familial expectations. These expectations, whether they concern gifts or other aspects of those holidays, can lead to discomfort and stress. However, holidays like the 4th, Labor Day or Memorial Day really don't have expectations attached to them other than you'll do 'something' with family and friends." contact: 513-556-4624

D. MOSQUITOES PUT THE BITE ON
Amy Beth Kressel, MD, UC College of Medicine assistant professor of clinical medicine and director of infection control at University Hospital, said, "Worldwide, many diseases are spread through mosquito bites, but for now mosquito-borne illness is rare in the Midwest. Mosquito bites cause local swelling, which can sometimes be extensive. Rubbing the area with ydrocortisone can help. Excessive scratching can lead to a secondary infection."

Eliminating breeding sites is the only long term solution. "Mosquitoes need still, fresh water to breed," Kressel says. "Even seemingly harmless sources of water, such as pet water bowls, bird baths, planters, or old tires can serve as breeding areas. Homeowners should eliminate them."

Other control measures for mosquitoes include: tight-fitting screen doors and windows and installing nesting boxes for bats and birds, which eat mosquitoes. Effective repellents for mosquitoes include: Low doses of DEET, an effective repellent and permethrin, a spray for clothing, tents, screens, or other barriers. The treatment lasts for three months. contact: 513-558-4704

E. POISON IVY THRIVES
Bruce Gebhardt, MD, assistant professor of family medicine in UC's College of Medicine, has simple tips for preventing or soothing poison ivy reaction: Learn to recognize the "leaves of three, and let it be." Avoid river banks, and dense undergrowth where most poison ivy grows. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and long pants when doing yard work or hiking. Carefully place all outer garments in the washer and wash with soap and hot water. Poison ivy resin can cling to clothes for months and can cause an allergic reaction in anyone who touches them.

Wash with warm water and soap immediately after exposure to poison ivy. Watch where your pets go or bathe them regularly with warm water and shampoo. The resin sticks to their coat and can rub off on you when you pet them. To treat poison ivy, ask your pharmacist for over-the-counter medications that provide itch relief. A poison ivy outbreak usually lasts 14 to 21 days. For severe outbreaks, see your doctor. They may prescribe steroids creams, and antihistamines such as Benadryl to reduce the itch and speed the healing process. Bathe in cool water with oatmeal powder and apply cool compresses to the blisters. Try not to scratch. It can lead to a bacterial infection. contact: 513-558-4066

F. HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
Tom Smith, coordinator of the UC's horticulture program, says there is a ring of truth to the adage about the corn crop, "knee high by the fourth of July." "By then we hope to have good germination from early May along with some good rains. Without the rain, it's not going to be knee high and without additional rain in the hot summer months, we won't see the corn reach maturity."

Smith says the rain shortage is currently a big problem for the big corn growers out West. "The corn is ankle high in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska and without more rain, the farmers aren't going to see their yield." The old knee high standard doesn't always apply with the new strains of corn, continues Smith. Newer varieties have a shorter growing cycle -- some can even be planted in July.

Another garden gauge was to see a ripe tomato in the garden by July 4th. "That was another trademark guideline in gardening circles, but again it depends on the type of tomato and when it was planted. So many people use the old favorites, the indeterminate tomatoes that just keep growing and growing. Other breeds have shorter cycles and may produce a tomato by the 4th, but the tomatoes will remain relatively small in size." contact: 513-853-6821

4. PATRIOTISM THEN AND NOW
A. ONE VETERAN'S VIEW
UC military historian George F. Hofmann suggests Americans review the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the Gettysburg Address to renew their sense of patriotism. "There are so many people who have given so much. I am always supporting veterans and being a veteran and someone who lost friends in Vietnam, I think there are many veterans who have given so much and received so little."

Hofmann served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1963. As a little boy in grade school, he remembers a country riding high on patriotism at the end of World War II, and he remembers as a young man being spit on by mobs of anti-war protesters. "That was painful...being called names while my buddies were being killed in Vietnam. We were patriotic and served for that reason. When we were called, we never thought about dodging the draft."

Hofmann says the wave of patriotism that followed the Persian Gulf War was a result of the war's support from the people, the military and the government, unlike Vietnam, when there was objection by the people and the government. Presently, Hofmann says there are mixed feelings over the government's peacekeeping missions overseas. "Is it really patriotic to get involved in those conflicts and if you feel it is, what conflict are you going to select? The conflict in Serbia has existed for at least a thousand years. By sending troops, can the United States go in there and solve those ingrained differences?"

B. THE FADING IMPACT OF VIETNAM
Bishop David Brown, national chaplain for the American Legion, says America is finally learning the forget the bitterness of Vietnam and take closer note of the accomplishments of its veterans. "First of all, we have a generation of Americans who do not remember Vietnam, everyone under 30 years old. Meanwhile, the older Americans have finally come to the point of distinguishing between the soldier and the government; the government got America involved in Vietnam and the soldier just carries out orders. At the end of Vietnam, the American people were not [making this distinction]. Generally, Americans do indeed appreciate the veterans from all the wars."

Brown also said the high-tech, Star Wars glitzed hyped so heavily by the media during the Persian Gulf has played little role in reviving support for the American military. "In the last 10 years, America has been involved in numerous minor wars around the globe, such as in Bosnia and Kosovo. The troops are very visible in the skirmishes. They are there to maintain the peace. The bravery of the troops is still apparent." The high-tech weaponry would be used if we had to go to a major war. contact: via Steve Thomas, American Legion, http://www.legion.org

C. KEEP THE FIRES OF PATRIOTISM BURNING ON ELECTION DAY
"Freedom is so much a part of our everyday lives that it could be easy to forget how it was obtained. We must not take it for granted. We must continue to remember the sacrifices made by those who went before us. We must remember them every day, not just on patriotic holidays. We must remember them at the polls, by exercising one of the greatest rights and responsibilities the founding fathers provided us. Voting!" The national office of the American Legion is celebrating this Independence Day with a simple message: Get out and vote. "Our freedom to vote in the general election in November flows from the colonists' courage and unprecedented achievement. They gave us the right to choose our government leaders. We owe a debt to them." contact: Steve Thomas, American Legion national headquarters, or http://www.legion.org

D. A MUSICAL VIEW OF PATRIOTISM
The United States has a rich musical history woven with patriotism. Music historian Simon V. Anderson, professor in UC's College-Conservatory of Music, has researched the musical roots of America dating back to George Washington's Revolutionary Army, when notes and rhythms from fifes and drums (played by teenagers) provided military signals to soldiers.

"These ragged groups were a sad lot, indeed, compared to the brilliant bands of the British and German forces -- complete with flashy uniforms, flags, fine instruments, banners and all," says Anderson. "Not to be outdone, Washington's staff of generals and colonels (all wealthy colonial aristocrats) almost immediately organized, at their own expense, small 'Bands of Musick' for the American regiments." The bands performed at patriotic celebrations, parties, weddings and funerals. Anderson's research notes the musicians are not credited on any U.S. Army document, nor were they funded by the taxpayers. contact: 513-556-9498





Click here to view previous UC e-briefings.

E-mail reillymb@email.uc.edu if you would like to become a regular recipient of UC's e-briefings. Please provide your name, media affiliation, snail-mail address, e-mail address, phone and fax number.