Posts Tagged: "fourth of july"

Sixth Annual Firecracker 25: My Best Songs of All Time

I’m honored to participate in IPWatchdog’s annual Fourth of July tradition in which we publish readers’ and staff picks for the “Top 25 songs of all time.”  Previous top 25 lists have been written by Gene Quinn,  Bruce Kisliuk,  Russell Slifer, Kent Richardson, and Eileen McDermott. Initially, I thought this would be a fun and easy task, but I quickly realized that, while fun, it would not be easy. A person’s choice in music is incredibly revealing and gives a unique glimpse into their personality. During my selection process I observed some distinct patterns in my choices of music based on my place in life and current mindset.

My Top 25 Songs of All Time

Frankly, this was a really tough project. My musical tastes range from rock to hip-hop to blues, from Pink to Ottmar Liebert to Kendrik Lamar. The list includes songs from almost five decades, with a significant Canadian component. I like Victor Hugo’s view on the topic, “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” I hope you have a wonderful fourth of July.

Celebrating the Fourth of July with Fireworks Patents

Two patent applications we feature below have some interesting implications to the future of fireworks. One application would protect a kit that allows inexperienced consumers to easily set a fireworks display which is choreographed to music. Another application would provide more information to potential customers who want to view a firework in action before buying one. A number of patents issued recently by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office serve to improve safety and manufacturing efficiency for fireworks. One patent provides a new combustion chamber design for the use of propellant materials that create less smoke, while another patent provides launcher reinforcements to protect spectators if a firework is installed improperly. A final patent we feature here protects a system of manufacturing firework cylinders to prevent inconsistencies in design that occur often with current manufacture processes.

Did You Know… Disney Patented Precision Fireworks Display

It is hardly news to anyone in the United States that fireworks are associated with a proper celebration of July 4th. But why exactly do we use fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July? The reality is that we do it because fireworks are known to be festive in nature and appropriate to celebrate any special occasion, which back in 1777, the first celebration of our Independence, was very special. The young nation didn’t know for several years whether its independence would actually be won, so the fact that it had been a year and the Nation still endured, separated from the British Empire, was worth celebrating for sure.

Declaration of Independence Patents

Today is the day we celebrate our Independence some 233 years ago.  What better time to take a look and see what patents exist with an Independence theme.  It would seem that in preparation for the Centennial celebration there were a number of individuals who were quite interested in obtaining design patents.  The one below caught my eye in particular,…