myriad colours

Last night, i played with fireworks.


not this that we play during Chinese New Year or when we were still in high school.


but THIS.

yea, the sudden explosion that exudes a myriad colours like that of an Aurora. it was indeed a wonderfully rare experience being 'targeted' to help set up fireworks for an event. for almost 20 years, i've always wondered what awesome technology and massive equipments are required to trigger off such a spectacular sight. today i discovered the magic behind the scenes.






now i know why they always say, 'simplicity is the magic behind awe.' (actually i made this up. hah.) believe it or not, but all that is required for a 2 minute long mid-standard fireworks display are:

1. a few tubes of fireworks. (imported from China, Korea, Japan, etc. the professional said the Japanese are best at creating fireworks. f.y.i., the tubes look like toilet rolls, just that they are much longer and of course filled with explosives.)

2. 2 professionals setting up for about an hour, mainly connecting wires.

3. a bucketful of creativity.

4. a few logistic/safety personnel. (also known as free labour, people like me.)

5. a good location without obstruction. ( a mid-range one will shoot up to 60 m)

6. a high premium insurance.( in case the thing blast right into your face when handling them.)

and

7. 'only' about $8,000 to $15,000 for that 2-min of magic.



Viola! you'll get __________'s (place your name here) very own fireworks.


fireworks seem to have this magical ability to cause anyone to stop for that moment and enjoy the sheer beauty, even the rat in the race or the hamster on the wheel. i wonder why? coincidentally, i dropped by Corrinne May's blog and again, she perfectly put that i cannot express into words so apt.






'Yet,what is it about fireworks...
that makes people stop and stare in awe?


I stood transfixed at the kitchen window,
as I watched the black night suddenly
light up in colours of pink, purple, green,
red and orange. Little bulbs, little feather
lights, fairy dandelions, spreading their glow
for a short while and disappearing into the
darkness.'
-www.corrinnemay.blogspot.com





(all photos taken by marcus, me. photo 1 - blue pub. fireworks photos - NDP' 04 & Countdown' 06)
______
speaking of which, i am finally going to
hear Corrinne 'Live' tomorrow at NUS.
i hope she signs her name for me or
smiles for a picture.